Using credit cards has become a way of life, and despite the doomsayers who tell us that we are becoming a nation of debtors, reports from various government offices say otherwise. In fact, most people who use them, use credit cards responsibly, and by making the effort to compare credit cards, actually profit from their choice to use credit. We're living in a ‘buy it now’ culture. A credit card means that you can buy whatever you want, whenever you want. So what is the best credit card to use? That depends on you. There are many different kinds of credit cards available to US consumers, and the best credit card for one is not always the best credit card for another. A person who tends to frequently charge small things at the corner shop and pay off the account each month will actually save money if they're using a cash back credit card that pays back .5% to 1% in every purchase. The person who uses a credit card to pay for an emergency purchase and will be carrying the balance on account may be better served with a low interest credit card. Still another looking to reduce their debt may find that the best credit card for their use is a 0% balance transfer credit card. There are even bad credit cards that will help you recover from a difficult spot in your credit record.

Credit card companies are very proficient at marketing their credit cards. They know how to appeal to people on an emotional level. They do this by joining up with non profit organizations and taking up good causes under their wings.

As a consumer your credit card selection should be based purely on a financial criteria.