Credit card companies spend quite a bit of money on marketing to attract new customers-and it's always cheaper to keep customers they have rather than trying to find new customers.

That offer to transfer your credit card balances sounds like a pretty good deal, doesn't it? And it is, until you take out your magnifying glass and start reading all the fine print that goes along with the offer. What a lot of people don't realize is that the lender making such an unbelievable offer wouldn't be doing so if there wasn't some way to benefit financially.

Are you staring at that attractive advertisement for switching credit card companies by transferring your balance from one card to another? While many of these offers are truly great deals, balance transfers and card-switching is not something to jump into, eager as you may be.

With U.S. credit card debt at an all time high, many savvy consumers and investors are renewing their commitments to rid themselves of this burdensome and in most cases, unnecessary debt. In doing so they are constantly searching for the next best credit card with higher credit limits, lower annual percentage rates (APRs), and zero balance transfer offers.

Credit card consolidation is a popular solution for those with significant credit card debt, usually distributed on three or four different cards. Basically, this means putting all your debts together on a single card, like transferring it all to one loan.

Many credit card companies that offer business credit cards also offer reports of your account. These reports may come monthly, quarterly, or annually. In some cases, it is generated for you and in others you have to request the reports.

Choosing the right type of credit card is vital for the success of a small business. Even if you don't have access to a corporate credit card, a small business card can be a major tool on the path to success.

If you have a sound business plan the ability to manage your finances wisely, you may be able to use your credit card to finance a business without risking your credit score and your financial future. Just as with all debts, it is important to pay as much of your balance as possible each month and never make late payments.

Choosing the best business credit card takes a little more research than finding one for your personal use, but the time spent educating yourself on credit limits, interest rates and repayment options will pay off in the long run.

One of the many difficulties of starting a small business is gaining access to capital during the startup phase. With the large growth in small specialty businesses across the country, credit card companies are beginning to design special programs to help this new breed of business achieve success.