Use Credit Smartly.

General tips by various "experts" regarding the use of credit (credit cards in particular) suggest the following:

• Understand and select the card that is best for you.  Look at the fees, rewards (if any) and interest rate and terms of these rates.
• Terms and Conditions.  What are the penalties if you do not abide by the terms and conditions of card.
• Pay your bills on time.  Pay late and you will pay penalties.  Pay late and you will may have to pay higher interest rates.  Again see the terms and conditions of the cards.
• Save time and some money.  Pay electronically.  The money saved is of course for the stamp but you can also save money by keeping your funds in an interest bearing account until the last minute when you will have to transfer funds to an account for electronic payment.
• If you can pay more than the minimum amount.  It is enticing to pay as little as possible on credit cards but in order to reduce the principal one has to take steps to add more to the minimum payment.  When you do make sure that the extra amount is noted as payment towards the principal.  Put a note in with your payment if needed to make certain that the extra money is being directed towards the principal.
• Know your credit limits.  Over-limit fees and default-tier interest rates will add to the total credit card amounts very quickly.
• Make sure that you check your monthly statement and challenge items that you do not recognize.