Applying for your first credit card can be exciting, but also a little bit scary (with that first card comes new responsibilities). Many people keep their very first credit card for a long time (making the customer relationship very important), and a first card has the potential to lead to long-term credit trouble. Instead of applying for the first credit card available to you, it’s important to compare them carefully.

Here are some things you may want to look for in your first credit card:

1. Low Income Requirements

Chances are good that you won’t be earning an immense income when you apply for your first credit card. You may increase your chances of being approved if you choose a credit card with a low minimum income requirement.

2. Interest Free Days

Because your first credit card is likely your first experience dealing with interest payments on a debt, it gives you a good opportunity to get in the habit of paying off that debt regularly. When you choose a credit card with interest free days (like the ANZ First Visa credit card which offers 44 interest free days), you have a grace period during which you can pay off your balance without accruing any interest.

3. Low (or no) Annual Fees

The credit limit you’re offered will generally depend on your income level. Therefore, if your income is relatively low when you apply for your first credit card, it’s reasonable to assume your credit limit won’t be very high either. Annual fees are added to your outstanding balance each year for the privilege of using the credit card. Those annual fees may use a significant portion of your available balance if your first credit card has a low limit to begin with. To avoid that, try to find cards offering low regular annual fees or no annual fee (which is sometimes during the first year only as a special introductory offer, such as with the Woolworth’s Everyday Money card).

4. Low Interest Rates

While ideally you’ll get into the habit of paying off your credit card each month, it never hurts to look for a credit card with a low annual percentage rate (APR). This way, should something happen to stop you from paying your balance off in full at some point in time, you won’t be charged a lot of interest.

5. Rewards Points

It’s always a bonus if your credit card offers rewards points (such as cash back, gift cards, or frequent flyer points like those offered by the American Express Blue Sky card). This way you’ll get something back every time you use your card for routine purchases, and pay it off.

When applying for your first credit card, you may not be able to get approved for a card with all of the above benefits. Choose the two or three most important factors to you, and then you’ll be able to compare the terms of various credit cards side-by-side, choosing a first credit card that will stay in your wallet for years to come.