Annual fees: Be aware of high annual fees. There are plenty of offers around and you should be able to find a card with either no annual fee or a small one.
Interest rate: If you expect to carry a balance on the card, get the lowest rate you can find. This does not mean just the introductory rate, which is only temporary. Look at the card offer under 'terms and conditions' and search for the true rate after the introductory one is over.
Perks: It is a common tactic these days for credit card companies to introduce perks and rewards to attract customers. Do not sign up for a card just to get medical coverage, frequent-flyer miles or a stereo. However, if you are in need of a card and satisfied with other terms the card is offering, the reward may be a plus.
Card details: Rule number one when using credit cards is do not give out card information to vendors that you do not trust. Protect the information the same way as you would cash and personal assets.
Spend sensibly: Do not treat your credit card as a revenue stream but rather a debt that needs to be paid back with accrued high-interest costs.
Department cards: These cards usually carry very high interest, sometimes higher than 20 per cent annually. If you are a spender, especially when it comes to clothes, it will be easy to rack up charges on these cards.