Low Annual Interest Rate - Planning to carry a balance on your card? A low APR is a must-have! Planning to pay off your balance monthly? It's still a good idea to aim for a low interest rate, just in case you run into problems or want to make a large purchase and pay over time. Currently, a 9.9% APR is considered a good rate for a person with an above-average credit history. If you've got exceptional credit or are willing to pay an annual fee, even lower rates may be available. Credit card APRs may range anywhere from short-term 0% introductory rates to 20+% for student and new/damaged credit cards, and are based largely on your credit qualifications.

Credit Limit - Because they are based largely on your personal credit history and credit rating, credit limits may vary widely.) For a person with a good credit history, the average credit limit is around $2,500. Business and platinum cards may have much larger limits (some with no pre-set credit limit at all), while student or new/damaged credit cards can have much smaller limits (sometimes starting as low as a couple of hundred dollars). Many credit cards will periodically review your credit and increase your credit limit as your credit history improves.

Reward Programs - Reward and rebate programs are swiftly gaining popularity as the credit card market grows more competitive, and cardholders come to expect more from their credit card programs. For people who typically pay off their card balance every month, these cards can be a steal! Reward and rebate credit cards may offer anything from redeemable points earned on purchases, airline miles earned on purchases, travel discounts, or even cash rebates based on a percentage of your card purchases. Some credit cards charge a fee to participate in their rewards program, but it shouldn't be difficult for you to find a solid, free reward or rebate program. Higher interest rates or annual fees may apply. Make sure the benefits of your rewards card outweigh any additional costs, and don't bother signing up for rewards you don't need or can't use.

Customer Service - Don't settle for anything less than 24-hour customer support. You never know when you're going to need help, and fast! The best way to test out a card's customer support line is to give it a try. Call their 800-number to see how friendly the service personnel are, how long the wait time runs, etc.

Online Account - Along with the rest of the business world, credit card companies are rapidly building their online presence. Customers are demanding online account access, online bill pay, and similar features from their credit card companies, and you shouldn't settle for anything less. Your card should offer free, 24/7 online account access.