Before choosing a card, know your credit card personality

By Erin Peterson

Knowing your credit card personality can help you choose wisely from the vast array of credit cards.

If you're searching for a new credit card, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Zero percent introductory rates, no annual fees, cash back, airline miles, merchandise and low interest rates all have their benefits. Still, the best perks are the ones that you'll actually use. "You'll want to choose something you can optimize," says Brette Sember, author of "The Complete Credit Repair Kit." "For example, it's not going to do you any good to earn airline miles if you don't travel."

To choose the best card, you'll want to consider your credit card personality. Understanding how you spend will help narrow your choices and give you a good place to start. Just because a card offer lands in your mailbox doesn't mean it's your best bet.

Use this list as a guide for the cards you should -- and shouldn't -- consider.

CREDIT CARD PERSONALITIES Before choosing a credit card, know yours.
The Diva	The Futurist	The Newbie
The Better Man	The Veteran	The Avoider