Be honest with yourself - You know your financial needs better than anyone
Don't let the credit card companies fool you into applying for a card you don't need, paying fees for services you don't want, or suffering with higher interest rates for rewards you can't use. Before you apply, figure out your actual financial habits and credit needs. How do you plan to pay your bills? If you plan to carry a balance every month, you'll probably want different features than if you pay your balance in full. Other features, such as the credit limit, rewards programs, and card member benefits also require thoughtful consideration. Don't pay extra for features you can't use, and be careful not to over-extend yourself financially - it will only lead to problems later on.

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