With all the different kinds of credit features and benefits out there, choosing the right card for your needs can be time-consuming. Knowing and understanding the difference between these cards can help you make the right decision and get the most out of the card you choose.

• Affinity Card -- A credit card that is associated with an organization, such as a university or professional association. In some cases, when you make charges on an affinity card, part of the service fee goes to the support of the associated organization.

Benefits: You can support your favorite organizations just by using your card.

• Debit Card -- Not a credit card at all, this card allows you automatic access to funds in your bank or credit union account. A debit transaction directly subtracts from the money you have. It is different from a credit card in that it is not a loan or advance, but a deduction.

• On-line Debit Card -- commonly known as an ATM card. Transactions made with an on-line card are posted and withdrawn from your bank account immediately or within the same day. Your PIN number is required to authorize an on-line purchase.

• Off-line Debit Card -- referred to as a "check" card. Transactions made with an off-line card take one to three days to be posted and for funds to be withdrawn. Your signature is required on the printed receipt every time you perform an off-line debit transaction.

Benefits: Debit cards offer the convenience of plastic without a bill to pay at the end of the month or the possibility of interest charges.

• Rebate Card -- A "give back" or "incentive" card. A rebate card offers bonuses, such as airline mileage, cash rebates, or purchase rebates, to cardholders, often for the dollar amount charged on the card.

Benefits: You can capitalize on rebate offers and earn some serious savings if you pay off your rebate card balance regularly.

• Secured Card -- applicants are required to deposit a collateral fund into an account before a secured card can be issued. The fund will be accessed if the credit card account is seriously defaulted.

Benefits: Obtaining a secured card is a good way to establish credit.

• Smart Card -- The latest in credit card technology, a smart card stores information on an integrated microprocessor chip rather than on the magnetic strip of a regular credit card. Although not yet widely available in the United States, these cards are thought by many to be the card of the future.

Benefits: The information stored on a smart card is more secured due to the embedded chip technology.

• Supplementary Card -- given to an "authorized-user" for a credit card account. A supplementary card gives your family members access to use your credit account. Despite their usage, you are still solely responsible for the account.

Benefits: You can extend the convenience of credit to family members who need a credit card by giving them a supplementary card.

Provided by ConsumerInfo.com