A key thing to worry about on these cards is the expiration of the rebate. It can expire if you don't ask for it on some of the cards. So, that can be within even as short a time as six months.

I came face to face with 'usual and customary,'

These plans can be a hassle to use. You have to dial seven digits before the number you wish to call for a total of 18 numbers.

They'll let you know if somebody opens credit, so you can go out, backtrack, alert law enforcement authorities...

They can be tempting but they have very, very high interest rates, ... you pay as you go.

It's very tough if you have no English or very limited English to get through that Web site.

You don't want to be lackadaisical about checking your bill.

They may have a great price for Mexico, but a terrible rate for someplace else.

They might also give you your credit score. They'll give you free copies of your credit report every year, and they also offer insurance against identity theft.

They know the parents will bail out the kids if they get in trouble.