Credit card tricks and traps to avoid

Some of the “tricks and traps” in AFFIL’s Common Credit Cards Tricks and Traps (PDF link) are impossible to avoid. Or nearly so at least. I can’t think of a credit card agreement that does not include a mandatory binding arbitration clause, for example.

But some cards are better than others. When you are looking for a card, pay special attention to the fees and to tricks that credit card companies use to trick you into paying late (so they can collect those fees).

Not specifically mentioned by AFFIL, but equally important, watch out for “features” that are really excuses for the credit card company to charge you more money. Like credit protection, cash advances, and similar “benefits.”