What are the six steps to credit card success? The six things that can mean the difference between a great credit history and healthy credit card use or almost certain financial disaster? They may be simple steps - but they're critical ones - and if you have any hope of a happy financial future, you'd best commit them to memory.

Step 1: Realize That Loyalty Is A Bygone

Let's get something clear right off the bat... There is no room for loyalty or chivalry in the credit card world. If you have a credit card that's charging you 9.9 percent interest and you get an offer for a credit card with a 4.9 interest rate, switch credit cards no matter how nice you think your current credit card company is.

You may be afraid of change, you may think it's a hassle, but a lower interest rate can save you hundreds of dollars. Trust me, if you want to know how loyal your credit card company is, consider what happens if you make a couple of late payments and see how well they treat you. That should clear things up right quick. (I obviously don't recommend making late payments.)

Step 2: Understand A Credit Card Is Cash, Not Plastic

For some reason, many consumers don't realize they are spending cash when they make a credit card purchase. Because of this, it's easier to spend more money than you should when paying with a credit card.

If you want to maintain great credit card health, you absolutely must start looking at credit card purchases as if you were taking out a cash loan to pay for your purchase. While that $450 leather jacket may seem really nice, you'll probably think twice about charging it if you view your credit card as a cash loan.

Step 3: Be Neurotic

Yes, it sounds odd. Why in the world would someone want to be neurotic? Well, if you're not neurotic about paying your credit card bills on time, it will cost you hundreds of dollars.

Most credit cards increase your interest rate the minute you make your first late payment. Then, thanks to something called a Universal Default Agreement, all of your other credit card companies can follow suit and raise the interest rate you pay them too. Depending on how much credit card debt you carry, that can add up to quite the pretty penny over time.

Step 4: Get Plugged In

Grace periods are getting shorter, late payment penalties are getting harsher and the postal service is as unreliable as ever.

What does this mean to you? It means you need to get your credit card statement online.

By having your credit card statement emailed to you the same day it is generated, you can make your payment online that very same day, ensuring that your credit card payments are never late and your credit card company has no reason to play their "penalty" game with you.

Step 5: Learn What Credit Card Works Best For You

The credit card that's perfect for your friend may not be the same credit card that's perfect for you. For instance, someone who pays their credit card balance in full each month will benefit from a rewards card, but because rewards cards come with higher interest rates, someone who carries a balance on their card would be better served by a low-interest credit card.

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