“[If you carry a balance, you should by all means use this low-rate environment to lower your finance charges and trim your debt. But rather than blindly shop for the lowest rates, consider your credit history and search accordingly.] You have to be realistic about your credit, ... If your credit is spotty, don't waste your time applying for a 9 percent rate.”
“Making the minimum payment ... is probably one of the biggest expenses any consumer can make, ... You can end up paying for this Christmas for years to come.”
“There's a lot of unbelievable offers out there that sound too good to be true. A lot of consumers sign up for these deals and don't even realize when they get something different.”
“Don't be swayed by bells and whistles, like reward programs or miles. A lot of consumers are drawn to these, but if you carry a balance, the interest rate may not be worth it.”
“Creditors get nervous if they see a lot of inquiries in your credit history, ... They may think you're ready to leave the country or something if you just applied for 40 cards.”
