Its important to read the fine print with just about everythingespecially credit cards.

Credit card companies use some pretty sneaky tactics to get you to sign up.

Heres what to watch out for, specifically, when you apply for a new credit card.

When your time runs out, the remaining balance is charged at the cards regular interest rate going forward.

Its pretty cut and dry.

Lets say you have a 0% for 6 months deferred interest credit card.

You usually see deferred interest promos associated with store credit cards.

Most people arent, which is why credit card companies offer this promotion in the first place.

Do they waive the interest or just defer it?

For example, some of them waive the promo if youre already signed up for a similar program.

When I received the card, I was refused the credit and the bonus mileage, she says.

She already had another Delta American Express card, and the offer was limited to first-time applicants.

Im canceling the card, she says.

Still, fuel surcharges can add up to hundreds of dollars.

However, there are a few caveats to this rule, and credit card companies take full advantage.

When that time is up, they can hike up your rate.

If you want, you could even refuse it during this period.

When the debt is paid off, or when the card expires, the credit card will be closed.

Of course, your best bet is to get out of debt andstop paying interest entirely.

Wed be remiss if we didnt remind you its like throwing money down the toilet.

If you make timely payments, you might be able tohaggle a lower rate with your credit card company.

There are a lot of less obvious fees credit cards charge, though.

Some cards also charge an annual fee, especially if its a rewards credit card.

Of course, some rewards credit cards make it worthwhile.

Itseasy enough to find a cardthat doesnt charge this fee, though.

Do not stop making payments after the account is canceled.

Hamouly says AmEx mails confirmation letters at their card members request within 10-12 days of the closure date.

Thanks to a little regulation, credit cards arent nearly as sneaky as they used to be.

Ultimately, its up to you to protect yourself, and that means understanding the fine print.

Knowing what to look out for, specifically, can help you do just that.

Illustration by: Sam Woolley