In our recent series, we’ve talked about how to compare different types of credit cards such as balance transfer cards, rewards cards, no fee credit cards, and low rate credit cards. One important factor crosses into several of those credit card categories though — introductory offers.

Introductory credit card offers are designed to grab your attention and paint a credit card offer with a rosy glow to convince you to apply. Does that mean introductory offers are bad? Absolutely not. It does mean that they deserve some scrutiny.

Whether you’re considering credit cards with introductory offers for low interest rates, low balance transfer rates, reward point bonuses, no annual fee for a while, or any other temporary terms, you should compare them side by side. Here are some of the things you should look at when reviewing and comparing credit card introductory offers:

1.    What the offer includes — The most common introductory offer examples were listed above. Consider which is most important to you, and look for credit cards that offer that. Better yet, do any of the credit cards you’re considering offer more than one introductory offer? For example, the St. George Vertigo MasterCard offers both a special balance transfer rate and a very low interest rate on purchases for six months.

2.    How long the introductory offer lasts — The 0% balance transfer rate on the Citibank Clear Visa might sound better than the 1.99% balance transfer introductory offer on the Westpac Low Rate credit card on the surface. But look deeper.

You’ll find that the Westpac card’s introductory offer lasts for nine months while the Citibank card’s offer only lasts for six months. If you know for a fact that you can pay off your balance transfer in six months, by all means go for the lower rate. If you think you’ll need more time, then the longer offer might be a better deal. When looking at balance transfer introductory offers, also look at which rate it reverts to when the offer expires — the purchase rate or the cash advance rate. The 1.99% offer might work out better for you in the long run.

3.    The resulting dollar value — Forget about interest rates and bonus rewards points for a minute. Compare the actual dollar value of the introductory offer — either based on what you’ll earn or what you’ll save. Who cares if you get a 0% interest rate offer instead of more rewards points if you never carry a balance and pay interest anyway? And why would you want bonus rewards points redeemable for $100 worth of rewards if a similar rewards card would let you save $125 off of your first year’s annual fee?

When it comes to comparing introductory offers, it’s all relative. You have to look at how you’ll actually use the new credit card so you can find an offer tailored to your needs. If a special introductory offer won’t really amount to much, you’re probably better off finding a card with great regular terms you’ll be happy with for the long haul.