Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, May 16, 1994                   TAG: 9405170043
SECTION: MONEY                    PAGE: 6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MONEY IN BRIEF

The key to selecting the right credit card is knowing how you'll use it.

Gerri Detweiler, executive director of Va.-based BankCard Holders of America, suggested the following questions, that he said consumers should ask when shopping for a credit card:

Do you spend a lot with credit cards?

The average consumer charges about $2,200 each year, said Detweiler.

Do you pay off your credit card balances each month?

Do you only carry a balance for a month or two each year?

If you consistently carry a large card balance, Detweiler advises you carry a low-rate credit card.

If you pay off your balance each month or most months, you might want to consider a no-fee card or a card with a decent rebate program.

Detweiler said those who spend large amounts on their credit cards can often get good benefits with a rebate card.

If you don't charge a lot each year, go with a no-fee card, he advised.

- The New York Daily News