Don't Let Your Credit Card Choose You

If you have an address, you probably get credit card offers in the mail. If you haven't added your number to the national do-not-call registry, you might even get phone solicitations for credit cards.

At first, being offered a credit card makes you feel like you've just been admitted to an elite group of consumers. I know that's how I felt when I got my first credit card offer by phone 3 months after my 18th birthday. The customer service rep asked if I wanted a credit card and I didn't hesitate to say yes.

I didn't know the first thing about choosing a credit card, nor did I know that I shouldn't take the first credit card that comes along. Looking back, it was a good credit card for someone just starting out with credit. I guess I just lucked up. Others might not be so lucky.

Before you apply for a credit card, whether it's by phone, mail, or internet, make sure you ask a few key questions about the interest rate and fees to make an informed decision. You should choose your credit card. Your credit card shouldn't choose you.