The credit card industry has changed significantly over the last few years, primarily as a result of the 2008 financial crisis, 2009 legislative reform and a general move away from credit cards as a preferred payment option. On the whole, people are using debit cards and other payment options in place of credit cards as part of the effort to avoid accumulating more personal debt.

This changing marketplace has led to new trends in the offers put out by credit card companies.

Here is a brief overview of five trends you should be aware of as you compare credit cards:

1. Dodgy Mileage Offers
Consumers love earning miles when they use credit cards to make purchases. This is so engrained in the consumer culture that many consumers largely take this perk for granted and do not always read the fine print on offers for mileage cards. What you need to watch out for are cards that are not associated with a specific airline, such as the Discover Miles card or Capital One Venture Rewards card. When card companies do not have an agreement with a specific carrier but want to offer a card with miles, it often ends up being that each so-called mile is good for one cent towards your travel costs. Be sure to read the fine print and know what you are signing up for to avoid disappointment.

2. New Non-Mileage Perks
Many companies are now offering perks that go beyond miles as a way to outdo the competition. These perks could include access to airline lounges, baggage fee waivers and priority boarding.

3. Annual Fees v. Rewards
Pay close attention to both the annual fees and bonuses offered as you compare credit cards. While some may have significantly higher annual fees, they might offer bonuses that actually make their card a better deal overall. For example, the premier version of the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards card annual fee is higher than the non-premier option; however, the renewal bonus is well worth this added expense.

4. Better Sign-On Bonuses
Some cards have been offering impressive bonuses to new members over the last few years, such as free airline tickets, statement credits and notable amounts of miles. Be patient and keep an eye out for these great deals when choosing your next credit card.

5. Interest Rate Changes
Interest rates are often an important component when you compare credit cards, particularly for those who generally carry a balance. The most common way that interest rates are determined is by offering an APR that is a particular percentage over the prime rate. The percentage over prime is often based on a consumer’s credit score, which is not necessarily an unfair practice. The problem is that some companies are now including interest rate ranges in their offers, which can be misleading. For example, the company can say that they offer an exceptionally low APR, but it could turn out that this APR is only for consumers with ideal credit scores.

Whether you choose an Aussie credit card, Capital One card, Discover card or other credit card, the choice will depend largely on what will work best for your personal situation. Keep in mind that changes in the credit card industry and credit card legislation has created an environment where consumers who stay informed about new trends are most likely to enjoy the best benefits from their credit cards, while those who do not could find themselves falling victim to new tricks devised by credit card issuers.