We talk about credit cards as if they are a threat to security, but, in truth, a credit card is simply a piece of plastic. The credit card is not the problem but rather the way we use them, what we choose to think about them, and of course, the details contained in the small print.

If you look around you will see, even with a recession drawing nearer and the credit crunch backlash, there are plenty of great credit card offers available. These offers are aimed at attracting new users or  encouraging existing ones to transfer their debt to a new lender.

Now is a good time for you to review your current credit card arrangements. Before you start looking for deals, get clear about your purchasing and payment habits. Think carefully about your reasons for wanting a new card, this will help you to choose wisely.

Do you pay off the full amount owed each month? If you do, then a card that offers rewards or cashback is likely to suit you.

When your credit card bill arrives, do you pay interest each month? A card that offers you a good deal on purchases is likely to be right for you.

Do you want to reduce existing card debt? A card that offers you the lowest deal on balance transfers for a number of months could be just what you need.

Once you are clear about which of the broad categories you fit into, you can look around for a deal that is right for you.

A friend of mine, recently received an anniversary 0% APR offer on a credit card. She used the offer to clear her bank overdraft. This gave her a year to pay off an overdraft with a high rate of interest, now paying no interest at all. Her bank is pleased, she has put cash into her account. It didn’t matter that it took the form of a balance transfer.

A word of caution

I learned the hard way about balance transfers. If you are transferring a balance, do not use the card under any circumstances to make purchases. Ever! Purchases attract a different interest rate and will cost you dearly.

If you balance transfer, the lender decides which part of your debt will be paid first. You can be sure, the decision will be the interest-free debt first.

There is no reason you should be paying interest on credit card debt. There are many places you can go to get free, impartial information about the latest and best deals. Don’t delay, go find yourself a deal that’s right for you - get your cards changed now.