Not all credit cards are the same. While many credit cards are designed for consumer use, issuers also offer plastic for business purposes.

Moreover, interest rates and fee structures can vary from one issuer to another.

Therefore a consumer or a business owner should shop carefully before applying for a credit card — especially a first-time credit card.

A number of websites focus on how to choose and use a credit card. Here’s just a few:

Bankrate.com: Spotlights choosing a cashback credit card. http://seati.ms/13cXKnT

CreditCards.com: Covers six topics a consumer should consider when choosing a credit card. http://seati.ms/VuM27Q

Federal Reserve: Provides an array of facts about credit cards, including understanding a credit-card offer, your statement, interest rates and more. http://seati.ms/133cOIX

National Fraud Information Center: Offers five items to help educate consumers about finding a new credit card. www.fraud.org

U.S. Small Business Administration: Discusses six considerations for a small business looking to obtain a business credit card. http://seati.ms/13cX4Pc