There are so many different types of charge and credit cards, how you find the card that is right for you? Begin by thinking about how you are likely to use credit and then comparing the types of charge cards and credit cards available. Some of them offer excellent value, while others may cost more to use but provide special services you may find helpful. The best approach is to carefully research card rates, fees and benefits—perhaps even creating a chart for easy comparison.

Charge cards provide you with the convenience of purchasing power based on your agreement to pay the full amount of the charges due each month, so there is no finance charge. The American Express Card for Students (the green Card) is an example of a charge card.

Credit cards
provide you with a revolving loan—or credit limit—based on your agreement to pay at least the minimum amount due on the amount of credit you use by the payment date. A finance charge is applied to the outstanding balance—the amount you do not pay by the due date. For example, if you purchase $200 in one month and you pay the minimum amount due of $15, you will pay a finance charge on the outstanding balance the next month. The American Express Credit Card for Students (the blue Card) is an example of a credit card.

You can avoid paying finance charges by paying your balance in full—that is, paying off the outstanding revolving loan balance. However, revolving credit cards give you the flexibility of making minimum payments when that is most convenient for you. The cost of this convenience is the finance charge.

Typically, credit cards have a revolving credit limit. That means that as soon as you pay for credit you have used, it becomes available again. For example, if you had a credit limit of $500, then spent $100, your available credit would be $400 until you repaid the outstanding $100, when your available credit would be $500 again.

General-purpose credit cards
are credit cards that can be used to pay for just about anything, anywhere—from clothes at department stores to meals at restaurants—as well as to get cash advances. American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards are examples. Many people prefer a general-purpose card because they can use it in many different establishments. Another advantage of using this type of card is that it combines many different types of expenses in a single bill, making payment easier.

Single or limited-purpose credit cards
Credit cards that can be used only in a specific store or group of stores, or for a specific purpose. The JCPenney Regular Charge Card and the Radio Shack Answer Plus are examples. Some people prefer to have separate credit accounts, such as a gasoline credit card, a credit card at a chain or specialty store, plus other cards.

Premium cards
Such as Platinum or Gold Cards are charge or credit cards that offer additional benefits such as travel upgrades, special insurance or exclusive seating for concerts. Generally, premium cards require a substantial income and an excellent credit history, offer a higher credit limit, and may charge higher fees. To find out if you qualify for one of these cards, call the company's toll-free number to learn about application requirements and costs. Apply only if you fulfill the application requirements, and if the card provides you with benefits and services you believe to be worthwhile.

Affinity credit cards
are associated with specific organizations and offered to people affiliated with those organizations. Generally, an affinity credit card is co-sponsored by the organization it is associated with, and the organization receives a percentage of the sales or profits generated by the card. The Penn State MBNA Visa Card is an example. Rates, fees and benefits of affinity cards vary widely, and may make these cards more expensive to use than similar, non-affiliated cards. People who use them generally do so to help support an organization or cause they care about.

Co-branded credit cards
are co-sponsored by two companies and have benefits and rewards designed specifically for their joint customers. For example, the American Express Delta SkyMiles Card is a co-branded credit card for people who travel frequently on Delta Airlines that offers Cardmembers exclusive travel discounts and other benefits. Other popular co-branded cards are available to owners or prospective owners of automobiles, investors in mutual funds and credit union members.

Secured cards
are credit cards guaranteed by a bank account or deposit made by the applicant. The credit limit is based on the amount of deposit and may be the same amount or larger. Secured credit cards are useful to establish or improve a credit record, particularly if someone has never had credit or has a poor credit history. The APR on a secured credit card is usually higher than on an unsecured credit card. Application and processing fees may also be required. Interest may or may not be paid on your deposit.

Stored-value or "smart" cards
look like credit cards but are actually prepaid cards. A stored-value card has a set value which decreases as the card is used. For example, a $10 phone card is programmed to provide $10 worth of service. When the card value is depleted, you buy another card.

Smart cards
are more flexible because they contain an integrated microship that can be programmed to provide information codes as well as financial information. The prepaid value of a smart card decreases as you use the card but can be increased by paying for additional value. Many colleges issue smart cards that give students access to food services, vending, photocopying, laundry, telephone and other purchases as well as access to the library, laboratories and other secured areas on campus.

Debit cards
look like credit cards and can be used in many places where a credit card is used. The difference between a credit card and a debit card is that a debit card accesses the money in your bank or investment account to pay for purchases. The payment amount is transferred from your account to the merchant's account the same day—you do not have a "float" of a few days between the time of purchase and payment collection. An advantage of a debit card is that you can't spend money you don't have—you don't create debt—because you aren't buying on credit; you are paying with funds in your bank or investment account. A disadvantage is that debit cards are not subject to many of the consumer legal rights that apply to credit cards regarding returns, resolution of errors, fraud or other issues.

ATM cards
are used to get cash and complete other transactions at a bank machine or automatic teller machine (ATM). Many ATM cards can be used in selected computer networks, such as Cirrus, HONOR, NYCE and STAR. For example, your ATM may work in any bank, supermarket or other store that is part of the Cirrus network. ATM cards are increasingly being used as debit cards as well. Like all debit cards, the money for these purchases is transferred out of your account within that day's business cycle. If you aren't sure if your ATM card is also a debit card, you can call the Customer Service number on the back of your card and ask the representative.