If you’re looking for a new credit card, you’ve probably read the small print on so many credit card offers that your eyes are tired. Trying to compare credit cards can be maddening because there’s so much information available, and it’s particularly difficult when you are in urgent need of a new account.

Fortunately, there are some easy things to look for that should give you a good sense for how the different credit cards you’re considering stack up against on another. Keep track of the items below using a piece of paper or a spreadsheet, and you should have the information you need select one card from all the credit card offers in front of you.

Check Out the Interest Rate

If you plan to carry a balance over from month to month, the single most important aspect of a credit card is the interest rate you will pay. When you compare credit cards, make sure you find this number in the material. Usually it is easy to find, because it is highlighted in some way to advertise the card.

When you compare credit card offers, also check the interest rate for any other balances that you would like to transfer to the card. Sometimes, this is different from the interest rate on new purchases. Transfer an existing balance to a new card with a lower rate can help you pay off your existing debt so you can live debt-free.

Look Out for the Annual Fee

A second number to check when you’re examining credit card offers is the annual fee. This is an amount that the credit card company charges you simply to have an active account with them. Usually, it’s easy to find a good credit card without an annual fee, as long as your credit is good.

If you are carrying debt or have other credit problems, look through your credit card offers for the ones with the lowest annual fees. Make sure, however, that each card you consider also has a relatively low interest rate. It won’t help you to choose a card with a low interest rate and a high annual fee, or vice versa.

Consider Bonus Offers

Once you’ve eliminated any credit card offers with high interest rates and/or high annual fees, consider the bonus offers that come with each cards. Some will offer you 0% interest on any balance transfers for a limited period of time. Others might offer you a $0 liability on any charges you don’t authorize.

You won’t only want to consider which cards have the most offers, but which of these offers will aid you the most. Compare credit card offers to see who has the best bonuses for you. For instance, if you’re looking to transfer a balance and pay it off relatively quickly, a card with an offer of 0% interest on those transfers for the period of a year might be just what you’re looking for. This same offer would not help someone who is not looking to transfer a balance.

Think About Rewards

Along similar lines, when you compare credit card offers, think about choosing a card with the best rewards for you. Look into stores you like to shop at that might sponsor a major credit card that gives you money back towards purchases at that store, or get a card that will let you earn miles towards free flights on your favorite airline.

Keep in mind that even the best rewards do not make up for a credit card that offers high interest, a high annual fee, or bonus offers that do not help you. While earning extras as you spend is nice, these are not the only reason to choose one card over the other. Compare credit cards to see if there might be another card with similar offers that fits your needs better.

Choose Your Card

Compare credit cards, then choose the card that’s best for you. The various aspects of each card will differ in their importance to you depending on your particular needs, so make sure you prioritize them before you make any decisions. Then, look at the information you’ve gathered and make your choice.

Once you know which credit card offers you want to respond to, fill out the applications neatly and make sure you fill in every blank. Send in your application, and wait several weeks for a response from the company. When you get your card in the mail, you’ll know that all the effort you put into comparing credit card offers has paid off, and you have the best card for you.