How to spot a credit-card rip-off

Look next for rates on cash advances and balance transfers if you'll use those features. The average APR on cash advances is 21.65%; expect a fee of 2% to 4% too (these charges usually appear in or under the box).

If you're transferring a balance, look for a card that has a 0% APR for at least a year. And ask to have any fee waived (43% of issuers will do this for new customers, reports education and advocacy group Consumer Action).

NEXT: Forgiving penalty terms