When you’re applying for a credit card, it’s easy to focus on flashy rewards or sign-up bonuses. Websites and tools that compare cards typically dazzle you with cashback, points, and introductory offers so you’re not focused on fees and interest rates (if they display those costs at all). So, here’s the real question you should ask yourself: What’s the true cost of using a particular card? The answer lies in your spending and payment habits. Whether you pay in full, carry a balance occasionally, or fall in between, the smartest card is one that maximizes your Total Card Value – calculated as rewards minus interest and fees.
Let’s bring this idea to life by meeting four fictional Chartway members and seeing how their habits helped them pick the right credit card with help from CardFit. Their free tool simplifies the decision-making process by comparing cards and giving you a comprehensive range of options that includes credit unions in addition to banks. For our example and to illustrate “fit,” our members will be given the Chartway credit card best suited to their personal situation.
Member 1: Olivia, the Occasional Revolver
Olivia is juggling a busy household, covering groceries, tuition for her kids, and surprise vet bills for her aging golden retriever. Though she usually pays off her card, occasional emergencies like a semester tuition hiccup or holiday shopping spree means she carries a balance for a few months each year.
Spending Habits:
- Monthly spend: $2,000
- Carries a balance: 3–4 months a year
- Credit Score: Good
Best Fit: Chartway’s Visa Preferred Rate Credit Card
- 2.99% APR on balance transfers for 12 months, with no transfer fees
- Variable APR up to 17.89% (currently around 12.24%)
- No annual fee, contactless payments, fraud protection, and global ATM access
Total Card Value Insight: Olivia’s choice helps her avoid costly interest charges when life gets in the way and provides financial flexibility. In her case, even modest interest savings far outweigh reward points. A lower rate wins.
Member 2: Marcus, the Points Pro
Marcus treats his credit card like a financial tool and never carries a balance. He puts everything on his card – groceries, travel, streaming subscriptions – and pays it off like clockwork. For him, points are everything.
Spending Habits:
- Monthly spend: $3,000
- Always pays in full
- Credit Score: Excellent
Best Fit: Chartway’s Visa Signature Rewards Credit Card
- 20,000 bonus point offer (equal to $200 in redemption value)
- 1.5 points for every dollar spent
- Introductory APR of 2.99% on balance transfers for 12 months
- No annual fee
- Extras like free concierge service, travel protection, and purchase security
Total Card Value Insight: Because Marcus avoids interest entirely, rewards become the deciding factor. Marcus has even redeemed his points for a weekend getaway and new headphones without paying a penny in interest. A high-earning card makes sense for him.
Member 3: Tanya, Rebuilding After Divorce
Tanya recently finalized a divorce and is focused on regaining financial stability. She’s managing household expenses on a single income and working to rebuild her credit. She often carries a balance month to month while paying down old debts.
Spending Habits:
- Monthly spend: $1,500
- Carries a balance: Most months
- Credit Score: Fair
Best Fit: Chartway’s Visa Preferred Rate Credit Card
- 2.99% APR on balance transfers for 12 months, with no transfer fees
- Variable APR up to 17.89% (currently around 12.24%)
- No annual fee, contactless payments, fraud protection, and global ATM access
Total Card Value Insight:
With her focus on minimizing costs while rebuilding credit, Tanya benefits more from a low-rate card than a rewards program. Her choice helps her avoid excessive interest charges and creates space to move forward with less financial pressure.
Member 4: Daniel, the Ambitious Young Professional
Daniel is fresh out of college and settling into his first full-time job. He’s building his credit from scratch and wants a card that’s safe, simple, and can grow with him as his financial habits mature.
Spending Habits:
- Monthly spend: $1,800
- Carries a balance: Occasionally
- Credit Score: Limited history
Best Fit: Start with Chartway’s Visa Preferred Rate Credit Card, later upgrade to the Visa Signature Rewards Credit Card
- Preferred Rate Card: Low interest rate, no annual fee, and supportive of first-time credit users
- Signature Rewards Card: 1.5 points per dollar, 20,000 bonus points, no annual fee
- Both cards offer 2.99% APR on balance transfers for 12 months, with no transfer fees
Total Card Value Insight:
Daniel started with a card that helped him build credit while minimizing risk. Once he established strong habits and a good score, CardFit recommended an upgrade to a rewards card that aligned with his growth. His story shows how the best card today may not be the best card tomorrow.
Why Total Card Value Matters
Most credit card comparison sites spotlight rewards but gloss over the real cost: interest. Given 60% of U.S. cardholders carry a balance, that cost matters more than ever. The average American owes $6,455 on credit cards and with APRs averaging more than 23%, rewards you earn can easily be wiped away.
For those who carry a balance, a lower APR often outweighs rewards. For those who don’t, a strong points program may be the smarter choice. Either way, it pays to look beyond the surface. A one-size-fits-all approach just won’t cut it. So, what should matter most to you is finding a card that fits your financial behavior.
If calculating your Total Card Value sounds complicated, don’t worry – our partner, CardFit, makes it easy. Math skills aren’t required. Just plug in your average balance, estimated credit score, and monthly spend, and the tool does the rest. You’ll see side-by-side comparisons of cards that match your habits.
Whether you’re earning points or reducing debt, knowing your Total Card Value will give you the power to make smart, informed decisions. And with the right tool and card by your side, you’ll keep more money in your pocket and your goals in reach.
Learn more about Chartway credit cards’ features and benefits.