Choosing a Credit Card

1. Shop around for the plan that best fits your needs. Consider the APR (interest rates, grace periods, and other fees).

2. Make sure you understand a plan's terms before you accept the card. (See definitions of credit card terms below)

3. Hold on to receipts to reconcile charges when your bill arrives. (Helps prevent credit card fraud and identity theft)

4. Protect your cards and account numbers to prevent unauthorized use.

5. Draw a line through blank spaces on charge slips so the amount cannot be changed and tear up carbons.

6. Keep a record-in a safe place separate from your cards-of your account numbers, expiration dates, and the phone numbers of each issuer to report a loss quickly.

7. Carry only the cards you think you will use.