Is transferring a balance from one credit card to another worth it? The short answer is “maybe”. Whether or not a balance transfer is a good idea depends largely on the fine print on the offer; some terms are more consumer friendly than others. Reviewing the entire offer before making credit balance transfers is the best way for consumers to protect themselves from excess penalties and fees. Without a careful review of terms, that tempting offer could quickly become a costly nightmare.

New rules now apply to the credit card industry. These new regulations fall under the credit CARD Act. This new credit card law is meant to reduce the risks to consumers. The CARD Act is now law. It mainly impacts the way that credit card companies can work with you and does not limit your usage of credit for the most part. This law has numerous elements that you should know about if you own credit cards or if you plan to do so in the near future.

Which credit card is right for me? It is a common question because there are so many credit card offers to select from in today's marketplace. It can become overwhelming quickly. You could look for the best credit cards of 2012, but that would not offer enough specialized information for your particular needs. Every consumer's needs are different. Consider each of the following things before selecting any credit card.

How many credit cards do you own? According to recent data, the more Americans have more than ten credit cards in his or her name than at any point in the past. That is an increase from 2004, when only 10 percent of Americans had more than ten cards. However, what is the right number to have? Individuals must make this decision on their own. How much you use your credit and how much you can afford to use them will play the biggest role in this process.

Is paying the monthly bill on my credit card a smart choice to building rewards points? The question here is not whether or not to pay your bill. You should always pay your credit card bill on time. Doing so keeps your costs low and ensures your lender is willing to keep offering you rewards points. Rather, the question is how to maximize the use of a reward card. Most consumers will find that this is one of the best ways for you to maximize your ability to get cash back or free airline tickets.

Should you use a credit card or a debit card for your transactions? What is a debit card? Many consumers are considering what the right decision is in this regard. The good news is that both of these cards have the benefits and drawbacks. It is up to you to make the decision that is right for your particular needs. Consider both. Determine if a credit or debit card is the right one for the type of transaction that you plan to make. In some cases, either one could be the best choice.