You have a lot of different options available to you when it comes to choosing a credit card — and I don’t just mean Card A versus Card B. You need to start by choosing the type of credit card you want to apply for. Rewards credit cards are one of those options that can help you narrow down your credit card search, and today we’re going to explore some of their benefits over other types of credit cards.

Here are three benefits of rewards credit cards that you should consider before deciding whether or not rewards cards are the best option for you.

1. Rewards credit cards let you earn rewards for purchases you’d make anyway.

If you’re applying for a credit card, it’s a pretty sure bet that you plan to use it to pay for purchases (unless your only reasoning is to transfer a balance). Normally you just make your purchases and then you pay off the balance, plus any accumulated interest. Rewards cards are a little different.

With rewards credit cards you’ll generally earn rewards points based on how much you charge to your card. Your rewards point balance grows as you continue to spend. Eventually you’re able to redeem those points for things like cash back or products or frequent flyer points. It’s like getting something for nothing since you would have spent the money on your credit card anyway!

2. Rewards credit cards don’t mean giving up other card features and benefits.

While rewards credit cards are a group all their own, there can be overlap with other types of credit cards. For example, you don’t have to choose between a rewards card and a no annual fee credit card. One card can offer both benefits. The American Express Gold Ascent card is one example.

That’s true for more than no annual fee cards. You can also get low interest credit cards with rewards programmes, and many rewards credit cards have special introductory balance transfer offers too.

3. Rewards credit cards often come with extra perks.

Many rewards credit cards give you more than a chance to earn rewards points; they offer other perks as well. For example, it’s common to get free international travel insurance with a rewards credit card. Other perks might include extended warranties, purchase protection insurance, and domestic travel insurance. While you might be able to get some of these perks with other types of cards, they tend to be most common with rewards credit cards.

Don’t forget that these benefits are generalisations. Perks and other terms will vary from one rewards card to the text, so always read the fine print before applying for any kind of new credit card.