Here are some tips for shopping for a credit card or evaluating the cards you already have.

1. Make a list of features that best fit your needs, and rank them according to how you plan to use the card.
2. Call the issuers of the cards that seem to match your needs to verify the publicized information. Ask if they have any other plans available.
3. If you are currently a cardholder and have a good credit rating, ask the issuer of your card to lower your current rate or to reduce or waive your annual fee