How to Choose Your First Credit Card

Although credit is not something that many people want to have, it's necessary to obtain it at some point in your life. Credit checks are even required when you go to rent an apartment. If you have not yet made the adult step of getting your first credit card, here are a few helpful tips to make the process less agonizing. Having no credit is worse in the eyes of many lenders that having bad credit, they want to be able to see how you handle having credit, and paying bills on time.

The key to finding the correct credit card for you is to asking yourself a few questions like how much you make, how good you are at getting things done on time, and what you want the card for. If you are afraid that you will get out of hand with the card, you should probably consider a card that will require you to pay your balance in full, like a version of an AmEx.

Make sure to compare APRs, because that is where a lot of people get hurt the most, and as boring and tedious as it may be, read ALL of the fine print, this is where you will find information on annual costs, and any information hidden costs. It should be a mature decision to get a credit card, so don't get one and take advantage of it.

The key is to keeping the best possible credit for as long as possible. In addition, you should be sure to keep all customer service numbers handy for your credit card company in the event of a loss or theft. Just remember how easy it is to let your credit get out of hand, be an adult and handle it wisely.

Contributing National Payday Staff Writer

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