The idea of getting your first credit card can be a little bit exciting, and a little bit scary. The choice you make in a first credit card is an important one. It can affect your credit history for years to come and be the start of a long-term banking relationship.

Your first card might be a student credit card or simply a traditional credit card tailored to new cardholders (like the ANZ First Visa). Either way, keep the following considerations in mind when choosing your first credit card:

1. Your first credit card sets the tone of your credit file.

When you apply for your first credit card, and get approved, that application will remain on your credit file for five years. More importantly, your first credit card is your first chance to get into credit trouble. If you don’t use that card responsibly, your first credit card could end up your last (at least for a while). While you have to pay your credit card bill on time every month regardless of whether or not it’s your first card, your first credit card will likely be your only credit card early on. That means you won’t have any previous positive credit history to fall back on.

2. Your first credit card company may be around for a long time.

Many people stick with their original credit card company for years after obtaining their first credit card. It’s also possible that you’ll turn to that lending institution (possibly your existing bank) when you want a loan in the future, such as a mortgage. Therefore, how you treat your first credit card can influence your relationship with the issuing bank. They’ll have records of your payment history that extend further back than your credit file reports. If you may want to rely on that relationship for a larger loan (or credit card upgrade) you’ll need to be especially cautious in how you use and pay off your card balance. For example, if you generally maintain a high balance, it won’t look good when you ask them for additional financing.

3. Your first credit card can cost you more than you think.

Because your first credit card is likely to be your first experience in paying interest, an interest rate of 17-19% may not seem that bad initially. You may figure that you’ll simply pay off your balance in full every month (which is a smart plan). However, many young people get sucked in by the ease of using credit cards. If you happen to be one of them, you may rack up more debt than you can pay off in a month, instead using your credit card for longer-term financing. That means paying interest–and lots of it. If you’re eligible for a low rate credit card, like the Aussie MasterCard, consider that option before turning to cards targeting first-time cardholders. You may get a better deal.

What you do with your first credit card can benefit (or haunt) you for years. Building a solid credit history can mean qualifying for lower interest rates later on an auto loan or home mortgage. Bad credit due to late payments on that first credit card may make you ineligible for those loans altogether, or you’ll find yourself paying much higher interest rates. First credit cards can encourage responsible spending habits, but they can also lead to large amounts of credit card debt. Most people will have to get a first credit card at some point. Just choose one with terms you can live with, and then live within those terms.