Unfortunately, not all is sweetness and light in the world of the credit card. Credit cards are more than just a convenient way to pay for things. If you've budgeted for it, credit cards are a good way to enjoy the fruits of your labor while you're paying for it. For small purchases that you'll pay off when the account comes due, use a card that offers rewards - and remember to pay it off when the account comes due.

If money is the root to all evil, say many financial experts, then credit cards are the demon's spawn. If you run into a chance to replace that old computer at an incredible price, you can take advantage of the savings with a credit card and pay it off over time. Experts offer the following bits of advice to help you avoid credit card debt: - Don't apply for any card you're offered. Just pick up the telephone and place an order for them, and pay with your credit card. For evidence, they point to spiraling  debt and bulkhead light the dire reports that the UK has become a nation of debtors who live by the principle of instant gratification. But the prophets of doom neglect the other side of the statistics that suggest things aren't as bad as they seem - particularly not where credit cards are concerned. Be responsible in your spending, and you'll find that their evil side is one you never see. If your cash is lost or stolen, you can just kiss it goodbye.

 - Ease of record-keeping When you pay by credit card, you've got a handy recollection of all your purchases when you receive your account statement. - Cashless purchases and transactions Do your regular - or extraordinary - shopping without having to carry wads of cash with you. Take the time to compare all the options at a UK comparison website, where you can lay out the benefits and terms of each option side by side and choose the one that's right for you. . - Instant gratification It's not all a bad thing. If, on the other hand, you allow the easy availability of credit to seduce you into overspending, you can find yourself deep in financial hot water. When used responsibly, they can offer many benefits: - Protection in an emergency Need emergency motor repairs? Have to pay for a broken window? The roof spring a leak unexpectedly? A credit card can cover unexpected, necessary expenses without having to be approved by a bank for a loan. It's an easy way to track your spending, especially if you use a credit card for your day to day expenses. Credit cards make it easy to purchase over the telephone, online or by mail. 

 The most important thing to remember is that credit cards are a tool, and like any tool, can be used for better - or worse. UK consumers have racked up over 56bn in debt - up from 14bn just ten years ago. And because of the way that interest builds on an unpaid balance, what started out as just a little indulgence can become a lifelong burden. - Convenience for purchases No need to stand in a queue for concert or movie tickets. Dubbed 'your flexible friend' in an early 1970s advert campaign, they've more than proved that they are indeed flexible, and they are certainly friendly - if you pay attention to how you use them. For those who use cards to live beyond their means, those shiny bits of plastic can be a powerful temptation to spend what they can't repay. Credit cards are safer to carry than cash. If your credit cards are lost or stolen, the law places strict limits on how much you're liable for in terms of loss. - Use the right credit card for the situation. For bigger purchases that you'll carry on your account balance, use a card with a low APR to keep your interest rates as low as possible.