Credit-Card Caution

Tired of the deluge of credit-card solicitations that you get in the mail and on the phone? It's not likely to stop anytime soon. With growth in the small-business sector, credit-card marketers are shifting their focus to entrepreneurs, according to a USA Today article. Several of the big credit-card companies have new programs aimed specifically at small-business owners, so how do you find the best deal? The article suggests a few things to look for:

•Since you may need to carry a high balance on your card when expenses rise and revenue slumps, look for a card with a fixed rate. Make sure that the rate is guaranteed for at least a year; don't be lured by a low teaser rate that could jump sky-high in a matter of months.

•Read the fine print on rebate offers. If you carry a high balance, they may not save you much.

•If you order products from other countries, pay attention to foreign exchange rates.

•Make sure that your card doesn't have a universal default that can raise your interest rate by as much as 30 percent when you make late payments to other creditors.