Review Your Interest Rate

• Some consumers never review their credit card interest rates. However, the interest that you pay on the account affects monthly payments, and higher rates make it more challenging to reduce the debt. Pull out your newest credit card statements to assess how much you're paying, and then call up your creditors to negotiate your rate. An excellent payment record, with no late payments, can persuade card companies to bring down your rate.
  
  

Rewards Credit Card

• Credit cards with rewards programs offer an easy way to travel or acquire other items free or at a discounted price. There are rewards programs for airlines, hotels, car rentals and cash. You receive points each time you make an eligible purchase with your credit card; as points accumulate, you can redeem them for gift cards, cash, account credits and more.
  
  

Avoiding Consumer Debt

• Reduce the risk of accumulating excessive credit card balances by resolving to pay off your monthly balance in full. Let's say you use the card and charge $75 for the month. Instead of sending in a minimum $10 payment, pay off the account to keep your balance low and your credit score high. MyFICO.com says the amounts you owe to creditors make up 30 percent of your credit score.
  
  

Review Statements

• Another person can gain access to your credit card number and use the card fraudulently. Card companies are excellent about detecting fraudulent activity early, but if activity goes unnoticed, it's your responsibility to check each statement carefully and make sure your receipts match the amount charged to your account. Report unknown credit card activity and alert your card company if you don't receive a statement in the mail.
  
  

Timely Payment

• Improve your credit score and maintain the best score possible with timely payments to your credit card company. MyFICO.com reports that payment record accounts for 35 percent of your credit score. Missing a payment or frequently mailing in late payments can greatly influence your score and lower your personal rating. Methods to avoid lateness include paying online a day or two before the due date or setting up automated payments with your bank to have the necessary funds withdrawn on the due date.