If you're going to use credit cards, and especially if you're going to run a balance (that is, if you're not going to pay the entire bill every month), you'll want to only use credit cards with a low apr. Many companies may offer you credit cards with low, or even zero, introductory rates. But be careful. Be sure to read the fine print. These introductory rates are only good for a specified period of time, usually three to twelve months. After the introductory period, the rate goes up.

So you need to be sure that the rate that becomes effective after the introductory period has these two characteristics: it should be a low rate (below 10% is best), and it should be a fixed rate (so it won't fluctuate when the prime rate changes).

Once you've found, applied for, and been approved for a credit card with a low APR, you want to be sure that you keep that low APR. Again, read the fine print. Credit card companies reserve the right to raise your rate under various circumstances, including late payment, over credit limit, or the moon is in the wrong phase. Ok, maybe not that last one. But the point is, even when you have a credit card with a low fixed APR, the bank or credit issuer can (and will) raise your rate if you break any rules at all. So know the rules and don't break them.