 TITLE: How to Choose and Use Your First Credit Card CONTENT: Compare Rates, Fees and Benefits\n--------------------------------\nOnce you narrow in on the type of card you want, you can compare the cards within that category to figure out which one is best for you. Generally, you'll be comparing the fees, interest rates and cardholder benefits:\n*   **Credit card fees**: Some cards have an annual fee (a few even have monthly fees) you'll need to pay to open and keep the card. Additionally, there may be fees for certain actions, such as a foreign transaction fee if you use your card to make a purchase in a foreign currency, or a late fee that's charged if you don't make at least your minimum payment by the bill's due date. Look for cards with few and low fees to save money and get the most benefit out of your card.\n*   **Interest rates**: Credit cards display their interest rates as annual percentage rates (APRs). The higher the APR, the more interest you'll have to pay when you carry a balance from one month to the next. With most cards, you can avoid paying any interest by paying your balance in full every month. However, if you use the card for a cash advance, you'll almost always start to accrue interest immediately.\n*   **Rewards**: Some cards offer an intro bonus to new cardholders who meet the requirements, such as an extra $100 cash back after making $500 worth of purchases. These promotions aren't common on student and secured cards, but you can find cards with ongoing rewards, such as cash back on your purchases. Different cards may offer various intro bonus and ongoing rewards rates. END