Today, the bank card is the number one payment method in France. But to choose the right card, it is necessary to take into account several criteria such as price, associated services (insurance, guarantees ...), ceilings and the moment of the debt. Here are 5 tips to find the best card for your needs and the use you will make of it.
1.Do not confuse the different types of cards
To choose your credit card , start by asking your bank about the various credit cards it offers.
In fact, the following types of cards should not be confused :
A withdrawal card allows you to withdraw money from ATMs and ATMs, sometimes only in your banking network and sometimes on your bank account. national or foreign banking networks. This card also allows certain operations like the consultation of your account, but it does not make it possible to pay purchases.
Note: This type of card can be useful for a young person who wants to learn how to manage his budget.
credit card or debit card allows both cash withdrawals from ATMs / ATMs and purchases from merchants or online. This map is generally international.
In addition, a payment card can be systematically authorized. This means that the balance of the account is verified at each transaction (cash withdrawal or payment) and the debt is authorized only if the balance of the account is sufficient.
Finally, this type of card can be contactless. It allows you to pay for purchases of up to 20 euros by simply putting the card on the player, without having to dial your PIN.
a credit and debit card or debit/credit card allows you to withdraw money on ATMs / ATMs and pay at merchants or remotely. Unlike a simple payment card, it has a revolving credit function. The cardholder can, therefore, choose to pay cash or credit for purchases and withdrawals.
2.Compare the authorization ceilings
You should know that the amounts of withdrawals and payments that you can make with your card are limited to varying ceilings depending on the bank and the type of credit card chosen. Even if your account has sufficient funds, a card payment or withdrawal may be denied if you exceed the authorization limit.
For payments, the cumulative ceiling of expenditure is generally set between 1500 and 3000 euros over a rolling thirty-day period (ie consecutive).
For cash withdrawals made in France, on ATMs of another bank network than yours, the interbank withdrawal limit is generally 300 euros per seven-day period (consecutive). If you use ATMs from your own bank, the cash withdrawal limit is often higher.
As a general rule, prestige or high-end cards offer higher authorization limits. But, even without opting for a more prestigious and therefore more expensive card, you can negotiate these caps with your bank.
In anticipation of a trip or an exceptional expense, you can ask your bank to increase these ceilings punctually. Conversely, you can ask to reduce them if you make few withdrawals or expenses and you want to limit the risks in case of loss or theft of your credit card.
3.Compare related services
Another difference between a basic card and a high-end card is associated services, including insurance and travel assistance services.
If you choose a national bank card, you generally benefit from a death-disability insurance (travel accident) in France and abroad. On the other hand, you do not benefit from repatriation assistance.
That is why, if you travel often abroad, it is better to opt for an international card which entitles you to more extensive services. Naturally, the more upscale the card, the more services it offers (repatriation assistance, plane and luggage insurance, etc.
To choose your card with full knowledge of the facts, ask your banker about the guarantees and services offered by each card. Read carefully and keep the information note on the general conditions of insurance and assistance related to your card.
Note: some co-branded or co-branded cards are linked to signs and loyalty programs. They allow you to accumulate loyalty points and benefit from certain offers (benefits, coupons.
4.Compare prices
Another important criterion for choosing a bank card is its cost. The fee you have to pay varies from one bank to another and depends on the type of card chosen.
So do not hesitate to consult the bank price lists (available online) and to play the competition!
High-end cards are logically more expensive than basic cards but the rise of online banks has changed the game. Now, several online banks include in their offer a free high-end bank card for life, when opening a current account or a savings account.
5.Adapt your card to your needs
As you can see, there are bank cards for all uses and all profiles.
To choose your credit card, take stock of your consumption habits: do you make a lot of online purchases and/or trips abroad? Do you have cash needs?
If you are a spender or head-on-the-air, choose a payment card with systematic authorization! It will allow you to avoid overdrafts by checking the balance of your account with each transaction.
This solution is also practical for young people: thus, they can not make any expenditure beyond the available balance on their account.
Finally, check the insurance you already have(home insurance, car insurance. Often, your different insurances already protect you and you do not need to choose an expensive card to benefit from the best guarantees!