Pay your bills on time.

Pay at least the required minimum monthly payment shown on your statement.

Contact your creditors if you're having trouble making payments.

Shop around for credit.

Read your statements and other mailings from your credit card company carefully -- this way you'll always be up to date about any fee increases or rule changes.

Read the cardholder agreement carefully.

Make yourself aware of the penalties for missed payments.

Request your credit file from the credit bureau at least once a year and make sure it is accurate.

Deal with companies you know and trust.

Use a credit calculator to figure out total price when paying with credit.

Buy on installment without having evaluated all other possibilities.

Give personal information or your credit card account number over the phone or the Internet unless you're dealing with a company you trust.

Be misled into thinking small payments will be easy.

Accept or use any form of credit until you understand and are comfortable with its terms and conditions.

Wait to report unauthorized transactions on your account.

Exceed the credit limit on your credit card

Lend your card to anyone.