 TITLE: How to Get Your First Credit Card CONTENT: Using Your Credit Cards Responsibly\n-----------------------------------\nNo matter what type of first credit card you get, it is important to use it responsibly in order to build a strong credit history and stay out of debt. Follow these tips to ensure your credit card usage helps your credit history and scores in the long run\"\n*   Pay your bills on time each month, as payment history is one of the most important factors in calculating your credit score. Consider setting up automatic payments so you're never late.\n*   Keep your credit utilization ratio or the amount of credit you use compared with the amount of credit you have available to you, below 30%. Utilization is based only on your revolving credit lines—like credit cards—and is the second most important factor in calculating your credit score.\n*   Take advantage of all the rewards and benefits your card offers to maximize the card's value.\n*   Practice responsible spending and don't spend more than you can afford to pay off at the end of every month. Using a budget is a helpful way to make sure you don't overextend yourself while using credit. END