Netbrian:
I also suggest checking out msn.com for their articles on managing debt, how a credit rating is determined, how to read your credit report, the difference between the 3 credit bureaus, and your FICO score. It sounds like you want to do this credit thing intelligently, and so you need to research not only the costs of a credit card (annual fee, apr), but also the costs of how you manage your credit history.
There are also websites out there (can’t remember their names… must. eat. lunch.) that will quickly compare different credit card offers. Oh, wait! www.bankrate.com that’s the one…
Take some time and make this decision wisely.
And my most important tip from years of working for a credit card issuer: NEVER NEVER NEVER let them raise your credit automatically. They don’t do that cuz they like you. They do it cuz they think you’re a sucker. Please read about how credit limits affect your FICO score, and you’ll understand.
Good luck! And good financial health!