Mistake No. 1: Not choosing your credit card(s) carefully
Credit cards are not all alike, so don’t just keep and mainly use that card you signed up for in order to get 10% off a washing machine you were buying or the card you got through your college alumni association — unless they’re actually serving you better than other cards might.
Choose the card(s) that best fit your needs and spending habits. For example, if you charge a lot on credit cards at many different places, you might opt for a general-use cash-back card. (Some cards offer 2% cash back on all spending.) If you spend alot at supermarkets, you would be well served by a card that offers generous cash back on such spending. (Some cards these days offer 3% to 6% back on supermarket spending.) Meanwhile, anyone struggling with credit card debt could be well served by a card with low interest rates.