How to pick the right card.(credit cards)(Brief article)

If you pay off your card each month, look for one with no annual fee. The interest rate will be of less concern.

If you often run a balance, make getting a low interest rate your top priority. The first three issuers in our Ratings would all qualify.

If you want to get something back, opt for a reward card, but only if you don't expect to carry a balance. Reward cards often have annual fees and tend to charge interest rates 1 to 2 percentage points higher than other cards, which can quickly negate any rewards. Before you sign up, make sure the card matches your purchasing patterns. For example, some cards don't pay points for purchases at certain retailers, such as warehouse clubs. The most flexible reward cards let you choose your prize: cash back, air miles, or gift certificates. You can find a list at www.bankrate.com.

If you want to switch your balance, search for a new card with a "zero percent" introductory rate on balance transfers. But switch only if you can pay off the balance during the intro period. Zero percent rates used to last for a year or more, but now ...