When you are choosing a credit card, there are more things to consider besides whether you get a free t-shirt or slinky when you sign up. These decsisions could also have a long lasting impact on your future and the future of your credit history, which will last much longer than any free t-shirt you could get.

The two most important factors in choosing credit cards wisely are your knowledge of the terms upon which any card is offered to you and your knowledge of your own habits and patterns of use. With these factors, you can also use the following questions to see if it's really the card for you:

• Do I typically carry a balance or do I pay my bills in full each month?
• Do I use my credit cards only every once in a while, regularly but sparingly, or frequently--even for small purchases--instead of carrying cash or checks?
• Do I need a separate card for business expenses?
• Which of the various features and benefits different cards offer are most important to me?
• Is there a charity or institution I would like to support through my choice of credit cards?
• Is there a rebate or miles program that would be of particular benefit for me?

If you need help repairing your credit history because you signed up for the wrong card in the first place, please enter your information in the form below to get started with your Free Credit Consultation.