"Credit cards are wonderful tools when used responsibly. The challenge is to remember the 'pay later' part of your credit card agreement. The Better Business Bureau encourages consumers to carefully review credit card options, in order to avoid a post-holiday credit 'hangover," said Steve Cole, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

This is particularly important if you are considering applying for a new credit card. US households receive an average of six card solicitations per month, which can be tempting this time of year, the BBB advised.

"Our new BBBTips™ on Credit Cards, released today, is designed to help guide consumers to make credit card decisions that are right for their particular financial circumstances," said Cole.

The BBB system's new educational resource is available online at www.bbb.org/tips/clearpoint. BBBTips™ on Credit Cards is intended to assist experienced cardholders as well as those seeking to qualify for their first credit card. Topics include:

• Various types of credit cards, reward programs and other enhancements;
• The pros and cons of credit cards;
• Credit terms and definitions;
• Understanding credit card solicitations and applications;
• Deciding which credit card is right for your situation;
• Evaluating balance transfer offers; and,
• Steps to take if you cannot make a payment.

BBBTips on Credit Cards is sponsored by ClearPoint Financial Solutions, Inc.™, a System-wide member of the Better Business Bureau. This is the newest release in a series of BBBTips™ resources on credit and debt issues.

"Consumers need to carefully examine all credit card offers before deciding what suits their budget and spending patterns. We join with the BBB to provide practical information about credit cards to help consumers be credit 'wise' and creditworthy," said Dan Oelrich, President and CEO of ClearPoint.

The BBBTips™ program supplements other helpful information provided by Better Business Bureaus to promote an ethical marketplace. In 2005, BBBs in the United States and Canada provided nearly 90 million instances of service to consumers and businesses."

Copyright 2006. CBBB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the expressed written consent of the author.