With a rapidly changing marketplace, as well as the ever-looming danger of getting robbed, it has become more and more fashionable to carry a credit card instead of cash. Credit cards are difficult to use once they are stolen. They can also offer the consumer freedom to spend more without carrying large bundles of cash.

So should you apply for a credit card? If you are interested in doing so, consider the following questions:

Are you financially secure? Once a credit card is swiped, money is placed into a credit account, which you have to pay after a certain amount of time. You may have the power to spend, but credit cards demand that you also have the power to pay your dues when the time comes.

Do you have full control over your spending habits? Credit cards can often lead to unnecessary spending, since they give the illusion that no money is leaving your wallet. If you can control your spending habits and know when to stop before going overboard with the swiping, then you can apply for that credit card.

Are you aware of the risks, and do you have methods to curb them? There are many risks associated with applying for and using credit cards, and you should be aware of them and know how to secure yourself and your savings.

Although credit cards can make your wallet temporarily secure from robbers, their use is also fraught with risk. What are the risks associated with credit cards, and how can you avoid them?

Credit card applications can often pass from one company to the other, and your personal information can be used to market more credit cards to you. Although there is no way you can stop this, you can certainly curb the temptation to accept more credit cards when they are offered to you.

If you decide to reject credit cards that come in the mail, they can be taken by credit card thieves, and you can be charged with their spending. To avoid this, destroy all your credit cards, as well as the ones sent to you that you don't want to use. For added protection, call the bank to cancel the credit cards and ensure that no one uses them.

If you lose your credit card, someone could copy your signature and you could be billed for their spending. Keep your credit card close at all times, and call the bank immediately if you lose it.

If you intend to use your credit card online, your credit card numbers could be stolen. To avoid this, make sure that you log on to a secure server, and that the online merchant can promise to keep your records and information confidential.

Some credit cards will have rewards programs, but these may actually lead you to spend more money. Read between the lines of the dossier that comes with your credit cards so you can know exactly what you can get, and you might spend for. Take note of any additional fees and taxes that are added to you bill, or that may be associated with your payments.

If you do not pay your full credit amount on time, banks charge high interest rates on your remaining balance, and you will have to pay more next time. Control your spending habits so that this does not occur.

Credit cards can offer you spending power, and keep you from losing your hard-earned cash. If you control your spending and keep your information safe and secure, then you can get the greatest advantage from your credit card.