When you have kids, you might find yourself spending money in ways you never imagined.
Instead of drinks and at-a-whim getaways, it’s diapers, school supplies and family road trips. If your credit cards are leftovers from your single days, it might be time to look at more family-friendly cards.
How we picked these cards
When picking the best credit cards for families, we focused on what families value most — maximum savings with minimal hassle. Managing a family can be stressful enough, so we considered user-friendly card features to be a big plus.
It was also important to note where and how parents shop, and what they need at each stage of parenting. For example, new and seasoned parents alike might appreciate a one-stop-shop like Amazon, while parents looking toward their children’s future might like the simplicity of a card that allows for straightforward college savings.
How to make the most of credit cards for families
Parenthood can be overwhelming in so many ways, so you may find it helpful to choose a credit card that will do most of the work for you. Before making any choices, you should consider your lifestyle when you’re analyzing the value of a credit card.
For instance, if you were a frequent traveler before kids but are less certain about travel now that you’re a parent, a cash back card might be a better fit. Or, as your kids get older, you might find you can take advantage of more travel rewards features. Continue to think about your family’s growing needs and look for a card that works with those needs.
Once you decide on the kind of card that’s best for you, it might be easier to settle on a specific choice. If you spend a lot at certain places like grocery stores or gas stations, then a cash back or travel card with a high rewards-earning rate in those areas might be your best choice. Similarly, if your priority is simple rewards or a way to save for your kids’ college, then more straightforward cards might be better.
*Approval Odds are not a guarantee of approval. Credit Karma determines Approval Odds by comparing your credit profile to other Credit Karma members who were approved for the card shown, or whether you meet certain criteria determined by the lender. Of course, there’s no such thing as a sure thing, but knowing your Approval Odds may help you narrow down your choices. For example, you may not be approved because you don’t meet the lender’s “ability to pay standard” after they verify your income and employment; or, you already have the maximum number of accounts with that specific lender.