1.  Even if you don't think you need a credit card, it's good to have one for emergencies.

2.  Establishing a credit history early in life will help you later when purchasing big dollar items like cars and houses.

3.  Even if you have pleny of cash, keeping a balance on a credit card and making the monthly minimal will build credit.

4.  When filling out applications, remember the amount of money you make vs. how much you spend each month comes into play. So if you make very little and spend alot, the companies are less likely to give you a big credit limit, but if you make alot and spend a little, they will give you a bigger credit limit.

5.  Making 2 small payments each month instead of one big payment will help boost your credit score, and it decreases the amount of intrest you pay.

6.  When shopping for a credit card, look for the APR (Annual Percentage Rate). This is the bottom line. Many cards offer 0% APR for 6 month and then they have a high normal APR. If this is your first credit card, an APR of 14% - 18% is reasonable. Stay away from anything higher.

7.  Auto Pay! Auto Pay! Auto Pay! With the success of the internet today, there is no reason to miss a payment. Nearly all major credit card companies offer a way to pay your bills automatically online. Missing just one payment or being 60 days late can dramatically raise your APR. So make sure you stay on top of things.

8.  Having 2 or more credit cards is not always a bad idea. Sometimes things can happen when you need to spend alot of money. Typically credit card companies put a daily limit on what you can purchase. If you tap one out on a certian day, it's good to have a backup.

9.  If you have missed payments on an existing credit card, your APR is probably higher than you'd like it to be. To get your APR back down to a reasonable rate, Apply for a new credit card, and do a balance transfer on the existing credit card. This will lock your old debt into a very low intrest rate, and your new card will be at a normal APR. Then cut up the old one or keep it for a spare.

10. Becides the APR, another thing you want to look at is if the card has a Annual Fee. You shouldn't have to pay to use a credit card. There are many options out there that do not require an Annual Fee. Look for rewards cards or something that has your interest. This will help get you some free stuff.