Do you know the costs associated with your credit card? Do your really know? Many people assume they do but aren’t aware of the hidden fees that many credit card companies are charging you month after month. In fact, if you don’t keep a close eye on your credit card, you may end up paying hundreds of extra dollars per year—without ever knowing it! And if you’re trying to budget your money, those hidden fees can add up!

Let’s take a look at some of the most common credit card fees, and then talk about how you can avoid them.

Credit card debt is way too easy to get into these days. It seems like every time I check my mail there is at least one or two pre-approved credit card applications. It doesn’t matter if you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit; they still send bushels of these offers everyday. You’re in college and you have expenses and no money so you grab one and sign up. It’s easy and only takes a few short minutes and you’re approved but little do you know you just picked up a loaded gun!

It’s shiny, small, and so accessible when money is tight. So much so that we don’t feel like we are spending real money until the bill comes, and then it’s too late.

When applying for loans, credit cards, or even trying to lease a new apartment your credit score is the major determinant of how well you will fair. Ironically very few people know what their credit score is and are not aware of the fact that they may be doing various things to hurt their credit score. If a high credit score is important to you, and it should be, beware of the following things to keep your credit score in check.