It is but normal that you start scouting around for your own honest to goodness credit card once you have steady employment (or are more financially secure). With steady employment, there is a higher likelihood that your application will be approved and you are more confident in using the card for your day-to-day transactions.

If you believe that it is time for you to get a credit card of your own, don’t just apply haphazardly. Take a moment to compare the rates and terms of each credit card and more importantly what they can offer you in terms of benefits and additional services.

First, look at the standard services each card offers. Determine how long their billing statements are, their payment terms (see how flexible these are) and how much they charge in terms of fees (annual fee, finance charge, late charges, etc). If you could make a table and write down the basic services side by side, do it so you could compare each card, “apples to apples”.

Afterwards, review the incentives these cards offer new applicants. These are normally listed on credit card brochures or information flyers. Standard come-ons or promotions include 0% interest on balance transfer, regular rebates or cash back programs, waived application and annual fees (for the first year), waived fees for your extension or supplementary cards, and they may even throw in a gift certificate or a gift voucher.

In addition to these, you may want to consider applying for what could be called a special credit card. These are credit cards that have official tie-ups or are affiliated with other commercial entities, such as airlines, car companies, stores, or gasoline stations. These so-called special cards provide cardholders with very specific rewards. The benefits they give range from mileage points, rewards pints that can be applied to car maintenance and repairs, discounts on in-store items, or rebates on your gasoline purchases. It is impractical to have one of each so it’s best if you could determine which of these special cards would be most beneficial for you.

Even if you have all the information you think need, it is still best if you made calls. Contact the customer service representatives of the cards you feel would best suit your lifestyle and ask questions. If you want to clarify anything, now is the best time to bring these issues up. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask if they have any special promotions apart from the ones that are advertised. Sometimes, credit card companies have these and an additional freebie or gift would never hurt, right?

When you have received your credit card, you are now free to use it and accrue as much points as you can afford to pay. Don’t let the prospect of earning bonus points make you blow your budget. Remember that the bonus points are just that, bonuses. You did not get the credit card for these freebies; you applied for a card for the purchasing convenience it brings. These rewards are gifts are just sweeteners: a way for credit card companies to give something back to their clients.