Anyone thinking of applying for a credit card for the first time and looking to avoid slipping into credit card debt, should read the Independent's beginner's guide to spending on plastic.
The report includes information on how to apply for a credit card, how to work out which one is best for you and some of the sneaky tricks that providers will try and pull to make you spend more.
The Credit Crunch and recent problems with the UK economy has made applying for a credit card a much tougher proposition, with providers only looking to approve applicants with good financial backgrounds.