Perhaps more than any other time of the year, it's helpful to have at least one major credit card in time for the holidays. It's not only a great convenience when shopping, it's also a necessity if you want to buy airline tickets or rent a car. But what should you look for when choosing a credit card? And once you have one, how do you establish and maintain a good credit score?

Here's advice on these and other questions to help you manage credit wisely, especially during the holidays, when spending tends to increase dramatically.

Tips for building a good credit score
"If used properly, a credit card can be one of the greatest tools in building a good credit score, says a financial center manager at Fifth Third Bank. A credit score is a tool lenders use to determine credit worthiness.

If you're new to using credit, you need to be very careful. "As you're swiping that card, it may not always seem like you're spending real money, but you are. So keep track of what you're buying and make sure you can afford it," a Fifth Third Bank financial center manager says.

"To build a good credit score, it's important to make timely payments and stay within your credit limits," explains a Fifth Third Bank financial center manager. "Even if you can't pay off your entire balance, be sure to pay at least the minimum amount. Late fees not only increase your balance, they also negatively impact your credit score."

Some people unknowingly exceed their credit limits and incur penalty fees as a result. "This, too, can negatively impact credit scores," a Fifth Third Bank financial center manager adds.

For people who are having trouble living within their means, a Fifth Third Bank financial center manager encourages them to ask their bank for advice. "We can help you develop a plan for paying off your balances as quickly as possible, and many times we can pinpoint expenses that you can cut, giving you more money to put toward debt."

Choose a card that meets your individual needs
When choosing a credit card, you need to consider three things: its annual fee, whether it offers rewards and its interest rate. As for cards that charge an annual fee, a Fifth Third Bank financial center manager says to avoid them: "Cards with no annual fees are easy to find, and you can usually get them through your bank."

When it comes to choosing between rewards and interest, a Fifth Third Bank financial center manager advises you to choose the benefit that works best for you. "In addition to rewards, cards often have the option of a low fixed interest rate or no interest for an introductory period. It's important to know beforehand how you'll be using your card - and then choose accordingly."

Advantages of rewards: "Cards that offer rewards are very popular," a Fifth Third Bank financial center manager explains. "You earn reward points with every dollar spent on credit. Depending on the card, you can redeem your rewards for such things as airline tickets, cars, hotels or cash. I think cash rewards are best because they offer the greatest flexibility."

A Fifth Third Bank financial center manager says some people try to rack up as many rewards as possible by using their cards for nearly every purchase and even for some monthly bills, such as utilities and membership dues. "I think this is a great idea - but only if you can pay off your entire balance every month," he says. "If you carry a balance, your interest may negate your reward benefits."

Benefits of low fixed interest: If you plan on carrying a balance from month to month, a Fifth Third Bank financial center manager recommends finding a card that offers a low fixed interest rate. "You want to pay as little interest as possible."

Advantages of no interest for an introductory period: Some cards come with a no-interest introductory rate, which lasts for about 6 months to about a year before jumping to a higher fixed rate. "This type of card is beneficial around the holidays when balances become higher than usual or when buying big-ticket items that require a longer time to pay off."

You can also transfer balances from high interest cards to one with a no-interest introductory rate, allowing your entire payment to go toward reducing your balance. However, a Fifth Third Bank financial center manager encourages you to be fully informed of what happens once the introductory period expires. "You don't want to be caught paying a high interest rate on your remaining balance, especially if it's a significant amount." If you have concerns deciding which option is best for you, he suggests discussing them with someone at your bank.

Other benefits of credit cards
Credit card statements can also be convenient record-keeping tools. "It's much easier to reconcile one credit card statement with your bank statement than it is to reconcile lots of checks and debit receipts from many small purchases," says a Fifth Third Bank financial center manager.

"Also, if you suspect your credit card has been used fraudulently, it's usually a simple process to fix. We can usually resolve things over the phone - and you don't lose out on that money." He also adds that banks have many procedures in place to help detect fraudulent use.

Be sure to ask questions
If you have any questions when choosing a credit card or devising a payment plan, a Fifth Third Bank financial center manager encourages you to call or visit your bank. "Anyone at the bank can help. But for more in-depth advice, I recommend asking for a customer service manager or a relationship manager - no appointments are necessary."

To learn more about credit card options and benefits from Fifth Third Bank, call (866) 475-4201.