It may be very challenging to sort through all of the credit card offers you get in the mail each day. Some are easy to get, some have good rewards, and others give low interest rates. So what should you do? The following advice will tell you what you should know about credit cards.

Do not close credit card accounts until you know the full effect it could have on your credit score. There’s times when you close a card that can have negative affects on your next credit report. It is also best to keep your oldest cards open as they show that you have a long credit history.

You want to try and avoid the fee for going over your limit just as much as late fees. These fees cost you both money and points on your credit score. Keep an eye on your finances, and don’t go over your limits.

Don’t consider opening a store credit card unless you plan to make purchases at the store on a regular basis. Even applying for a card with the store will reflect badly on your credit score if you’re not accepted, and there’s no sense in applying if you’re not a regular shopper. If you have too many credit inquiries, your credit score may take a hit.

A co-signer may be an option to consider if you have no established credit. A co-signer might be a friend, parent or sibling who has credit already. This person needs to be willing to agree to paying the balance if you don’t make the payments. This is one of the best ways to land your first card and start building a good credit score.

Understand the credit card agreement before you use that card. The first time you use your card is often considered to denote acceptance of the agreement terms. It seems tedious to read all that fine print full of legal terms, but do not skip this vital task.

Make sure that you sign your card as soon as it arrives in the mail. It is easy to forget to do, but if your card is stolen, there is no signature for cashiers to compare. Many merchants require the cashier to verify the signature matches so that you can keep your card safer.

Paying annual fees on a credit card can be a mistake; make sure to understand if your card requires these. Premium credit cards can have annual fees anywhere from the $100’s to the $1000’s. If you will not use the benefits of an “exclusive” card, the fee is not worth it.

Consumers are constantly inundated with credit card offers, and it can become tough to sort through and find the good ones. It is not so difficult to understand charge cards, and choose the right one, when you have the right information. Some sound advice is necessary to make wise decisions, and this article will offer just that.