(Editor’s Note: This post is part two of a three-part series about credit cards (for part one, click here ). Given the topic of these posts, I want to offer a disclaimer: I am not a financial expert. I am simply sharing what has worked with us. If you’re looking for actual advice on credit cards – or anything financial – I recommend speaking to an expert. Personal finance is personal, meaning what works for us might not work for you. Now, on to today’s post)

I didn’t put a lot of thought into choosing my first credit card. In fact, I didn’t put any thought into it at all.

Instead, I did what I am sure many 19 year olds do: filled out the first and only form the teller at the bank gave me and lied when I checked off the box stating I had read the terms and conditions.

I didn’t shop around for better rates, I didn’t take any time to consider the perks associated with the card and I sure didn’t ask any questions.

Writing that makes me cringe now but…I was 19, you know? Thankfully, I have learned a lot over the last 10 years.

In fall 2018, I started thinking about finding a card that could offer better perks. My trusty VISA had served me well over a decade of use, but I wondered if there might be a card out there that would offer a little more in terms of tangible benefits.

After spending some time thinking about what I wanted in a credit card, I started shopping around. Here are some of the things I kept in mind when trying to find the best credit card for my current lifestyle.