New credit cards are readily available to most people, and in most cases, you can probably get one. Getting a credit card that will do you some real good, however, is another matter. Finding one with real benefits will take time and research. If you want one in a real hurry, though, and if you are not too particular about what you get, here are some quick tips to help ensure that you get a lousy credit card.

If you have been living at the same place for a while, then you have probably received solicitations in the mail for various credit cards. If you want one in a hurry, simply fill out the next one that comes along and take that one. Why bother to be selective and look for really good deals? After all, credit cards are just like cars - one is just as good as another - or are they?

Everyone has a primary use for a credit card. If you drive a lot and buy tons of gas each month, doesn't it just make sense to get a credit card that will enable you to get rebates or discounts on your gas purchases? Besides this, though, you can get points that you can use toward hotels, restaurants, and possibly even cruises. Some driver's credit cards will even enable you to use those points towards a new car purchase.

Since you do not seem to be too selective about your purchases, or how to save money, you probably already have some existing credit card debt. With a balance transfer option, however, you can put your existing credit card balances on this new card and pay 0% APR interest for possibly up to 15 months. This would enable you to consolidate your debt, reduce your overall indebtedness quicker, and could even help you to get a better credit score.

With a good introductory offer, why pay any attention to the interest rate? The truth is, that while you may start out with 0% APR on your new purchases, it will not end up that way. If you max out your credit card during the special offer period, remember that you will be paying a lot of interest and have much larger payments later - when the interest rate kicks in. The high interest rate, however, could be avoided if you pay the bill in full each month.

There could be many fees attached to any credit card. Most of them will not be listed on the front page of the ad in large print. You will need to read the small print in order to find out about all of the fees. Look for balance transfer fees, late fees, exceeding the credit limit fees, activation fees, and more.

Credit cards come designed for many types of users. Many different types of rewards are available, so the credit card companies can provide something for everyone. This means some of them will not do you much good. If you fly a lot - get an air miles card - one that will also enable you to use your points toward hotel stays, restaurants, car rentals, and related expenses. You also want to get one that gives the largest number of points for the airlines that you use the most.

On the other hand, though, if it is the only credit card you have, and you are going to put other non-business related purchases on it, you may also want a credit card that will give you the most points for all your other purchases, too. Also, look for a credit card that gives you the highest percentage in reward points - for the longest time.

This is the big one - the mistake you definitely do not want to make. Even if you did read the front side of the ad only, and focused on the benefits of the introductory offer, this is one mistake you need to avoid. A number of credit card companies will instantly take away your introductory offer and stick you into a high interest category if you send even just one payment in late.

Are there more ways your lousy credit card could rob you of privileges that other credit cards might offer? Yes, definitely. The important thing, though, is not to find out about them until after you get the card. By carefully learning what credit cards offer and comparing them with each other, you can come away later feeling good about the new plastic.