Understanding Credit Cards

Getting your first credit card.

Most people get their first credit card in college, when it seems you can’t cross campus without being bombarded with offers. But think carefully before you sign up. Would a debit card be a better option? Debit cards are tied to your bank account, so you’re spending money you already have instead of borrowing.

Choose the right card for you.

Assuming you (and, if you’re still in college, your parents) have decided it’s time for a credit card, you want to be sure to choose the one that works with your lifestyle. You’ll want a low annual percentage rate, low or no fees, and a credit limit that won’t get you in trouble.

We’ve outlined the different types of credit cards in the pages that follow. To make it even easier, we’ve included a section of Tools You Can Use. You might also consider signing up for Mint.com, which can study your spending patterns and recommend the right credit card for you.

Track your spending.

The last thing you want is a big surprise at the end of the month. To see where your money is going, sign up for Mint.com and add your credit and debit cards. We’ll automatically download and categorize your transactions for you every night. And you can track your spending trends to see where you can improve. If you’re paying off your account monthly and not spending more than you afford, you’ll soon start building up that all important credit score.

Tracking your credit card spending is easier with Mint.com

Mint pulls together all of your spending into one place, with automatic categorization and helpful charts. And our budgeting tools make budget planning a snap.
Sign up now or learn more

Want to learn more? See our pages on How Mint Helps With Credit Cards, Types of Credit Cards, and Tools You Can Use.