Some consumers approach their first credit card as something to be taken lightly. They might apply for several in the hopes of landing one for example. Or they might just apply for the first credit card offer that comes along.

Both of those approaches would be mistakes. Why? Because choosing your first credit card isn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s an important decision and one that might stay with you for years to come.

Today let’s take a look at why your first credit card is your most important credit card, and why you shouldn’t apply for many cards up front just hoping to be approved for something.

Too Many Credit Card Applications Make You Look Like a Bigger Credit Risk

If you were to apply for five credit cards in quick succession, you might cause some early damage to your credit file. Yes, there’s a chance you’ll be approved for one (or even more than one) credit card this way. But that’s not all you’ll get.

Every time you apply for a new credit card, an enquiry goes into your credit file. It shows other lenders that you’re looking for credit. And when your enquiries show many credit card applications around the same time, it can make you look like you’re desperate for credit as though you need quick access to money you don’t have. And that can make you look risky from a lender’s perspective. Those enquiries don’t disappear quickly either. They can stay on your credit file for several years.

First Credit Cards Leave a Lasting Impression

Avoiding excessive enquiries on your credit file isn’t the only reason to carefully choose the best first credit card offer possible. You should also keep in mind that any new credit card — especially your first — has the potential to lead to a long-term relationship with the credit card company.

That means the terms of your first credit card are terms you will likely have to live with for quite some time. Make sure they’ll truly work for you.

Speaking of finding credit cards that “work for you,” you should also understand that your first credit card will help you figure out what that really means. It might be your first time buying anything on credit, and your behaviour with your first credit card can set the tone for your future spending and potential for getting into credit card debt.

There are credit cards specifically designed to be used as a first credit card — like the ANZ First Visa. These are generally low or no frills credit cards, saving you money up front even if they don’t offer many perks. They’ll also have lower qualification requirements as far as annual incomes go, making them ideal for students or recent graduates looking for their first credit card.