When I was still working for IBM, I applied for a credit card. But before doing so, I conducted a credit card review to know which banks are offering the best deals. This way, I can protect myself from high interest rates. I wouldn’t want to pay more than what I use.

During my credit card review, I took brochures from Citibank, HSBC, Metrobank, and other banks in the metro. I was still working for a multinational back then, so I figured that I could get approved easily.

In conducting my credit card review, I compared interest rates, credit limit offers and of course, I asked my friends and colleagues what they thought about the offers.

I ended up signing up with the credit card of Bank of the Philippine Islands. The credit limit isn’t very high. I have no doubt that they also conducted a credit card review of my application and took into account my income, my number of years in the company and my overall ability to pay. I did not want a very high credit limit since I might be tempted to spend, spend and spend my way to bankruptcy. Hahah. The credit card review was very important in arriving at my decision.

Thankfully, my application was approved and now, I’m enjoying the benefits of having a credit card. Before you go and sign up for your own credit card, I have to issue a warning. A credit card is an amazing tool for shopping goods online and offline. But I’m telling you, you have to be a disciplined consumer and payer. Otherwise, you might end up mired in debt.

Before you sign up with any bank, conduct your own credit card review. I don’t want to name drop the banks that I dislike, but you would have to come up with your own list of preferences when you conduct your review.