Avoiding the traps in first-time credit use

By Angela Spires

"Charge it."

It's a great feeling, but let's face it: When you get out on your own for the first time, the credit card temptation can be overwhelming. Once you receive your first card, you may find yourself searching for reasons to use it -- reasons to spend that you never had before.

I know I did. Instead of forming a budget, I would just charge the items I couldn't pay for immediately. But that led to a mountain of debt that took me much longer to pay off than I had planned ...

By Doresa Banning

Editor's Note: Thank you for your interest, this offer expired and is no longer available.

The American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card could be an ideal fit for consumers who have excellent credit, pay their balances in full each month and enjoy earning ample rewards and perks.

By Ana Gonzalez Ribeiro

Credit card issuers know that the college years are a good time to get young people into the credit habit, which is why new college students often find themselves bombarded by new card offers. But despite all the doom-and-gloom scenarios out there about credit cards and their perils, it's not a bad thing to use a credit card. In fact, regular use of a card is an excellent way to build your credit history.

The key to having a positive relationship with your credit card is to use it selectively. But before you can begin using credit responsibly, it's necessary to choose the right card for your needs ...

By Marc Pearlman

If you leaped to click on this article when you read the headline, chances are good you've endured a few financial boo-boos. The good news is that you are not alone if your credit is a bit bruised. The truth is, debt happens. Haven't I seen a shirt with a similar slogan before? Anyway, back to why you're here.

Credit is an important part of a person's financial picture, but you aren't doomed to a life of purgatory if you have made a few borrowing missteps. However, you will have to prove yourself worthy of obtaining credit again in order to work with most lenders ...

By Doresa Banning

Account Type: Credit Card

Category: Low APR

The Simmons First Visa Platinum Rewards is a low APR credit card for people with excellent credit who can use its attractive travel rewards and benefits, including one point per $1 spent and travel and car rental coverage.

Features:

• 9.25 percent variable APR
• 1 point per $1 spent
• Global card acceptance
• Travel insurance
• Emergency cash and credit card replacement
• Car rental loss/damage waiver

Fees:

• No annual fee
• No balance transfer fee
• See card offer for full terms and conditions

Simmons First Visa Platinum Rewards

By Doresa Banning

Account Type: Credit Card

Category: 0 Percent Introductory Purchase APR

Editor's Note: Thank you for your interest, this offer expired and is no longer available.

With the Citi® Dividend® Card for College Students, you can get a 0 percent introductory interest period for seven months* for new purchases and the ability to earn cash back, including bonus cash back on select purchases that change each quarter.

Features:

You can build credit while earning cash back. Earn 5% cash back every quarter in changing categories like department stores, travel and more, enrollment is quick and easy. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. You can also choose your payment due date and manage your account online, on your tablet or on your Smartphone. There is no annual fee.

See Citi online application card offer for full terms and conditions.

Citi® Dividend® Card for College Students