But Pushpendra Mehta, consultant, Credit Card and Management Consultancy (India's first card consultancy firm), says that customers must systematically choose the card that best suits them. So, here's a dossier for busy executives on how to choose a credit card that works best for you:Mehta says that a senior or middle level executive who has to travel often must first of all look at the acceptability factor. By acceptability, Mehta means the number of merchant establishments where a certain card is accepted. Also important is to find out about access to branches and ATM networks. The greater the access, the better for the travelling executive.

The second thing worth looking at is the credit limit. With a sizeable credit limit, yourfreedom to pay increases manifold, while on the move. But there are times when the credit limit is high, and the cash advance limit is considerably lower. So, Mehta says that one must look for a card with a significant cash advance limit, which is usually a certain percentage of the credit limit.

Since he travels so much, the executive may not remember the details of his purchases and withdrawals. Mehta says that such a customer must make sure that the card issuing company gives him a detailed account of his spending, summarising expenses by category. Add-ons such as tie-ups with travel related company/services for facilities such as ticketing, car rentals, hotel reservations, are important too. Among the other things to look for are discounts on hotel and allied services; emergency card replacement services; insurance amounts; temporary credit limit increase facilities; emergency/ medical/ legal services; tie-up with airlines (including discounts on tickets).

Adds Mehta: ``These aspects are ofconsiderable import to a frequent traveller, where a credit card aims to substantially limit use of cash and traveller's cheques (convenience) and serve as a one-stop instrument/medium of exchange, for varied needs.''

Next, Mehta talks about some do's and don't's for executive travellers with multiple cards. Says he: ``If a frequent traveller, an individual should possess multiple cards, but use them with prudence.'' Also, a cardholder who visits the smaller Indian cities/towns often, may prefer to carry an Indian bank credit card with him.

For those who don't travel much, the criteria for selection of cards are quite different. First, look at the interest rate on outstandings. The second most important thing is the fee structure. Then comes acceptability, followed by appropriate borrowing limit, cash advance limits, access to ATMs, emergency/ medical services, payment of utilities--telephone, electricity and water bills and purchase protection insurance.

Mehta adds that a potential customer must alsoconsider the card issuing bank's turnaround time. That is, the time taken from the point an application is submitted to point of approval and issuance. Plus, it's good if he can speak to a few existing cardholders about their experiences with a particular issuer before enrolling.

Talking of experiences, Mehta makes a significant observation. He points out that there are gender differences in opting for a credit card. He says: ``While opting for credit cards, women are more conscious of interest rates, fee structure, and deals/discounts being offered on their purchases. On the other hand, men accord more importance to credit line and acceptability.''

Profession too plays a significant role in going for a particular card. Says Mehta: ``Profession is important, if choosing a card where occupation of the cardholder is similar to (or has the same interests as) the affinity partner of the card issuing organisation/bank.'' For instance, Citi Card has a tie-up with WWF, Stanchart Card with HelpAge,etc.

Whatever be the profession, one should opt for a premium/gold card only if you require such a card for high-ticket use (provided you have the repayment capacity).

Finally, Mehta takes up the issue of the right mix of credit card, charge card and debit card. Elaborating on which card is meant for whom, he says: ``The charge card is for settlement of business-related expenses, credit card for high-value purchases, and debit card for small-ticket items. This would be the right way to balance plastic money spending.''

On the basic difference between entrepreneurs and executives in choosing a card, Mehta says: ``We have seen that entrepreneurs are more particular about higher credit limits because they like to use a card for different purposes.'' For example, entrepreneurs have to meet working capital requirements and pay salaries to staff, among others. An executive, on the other hand, is more focussed on the add-ons and freebies offered with the card, and keeps this in mind while selecting a card.