If you've decided to get a new credit card – or maybe your very first card – it's easy to feel overwhelmed. There are so many choices and so many different categories to choose from. But if you make the right choice and use the card responsibly, you can actually benefit from a credit card.

Here are two questions you need to answer before you start comparing cards:

1. What's your credit score? Only apply for credit cards that fit within your credit score range. Knowing your credit score will help you avoid applying for a credit card that you can't get approved for. If you don't know, click the "Not Sure" tab in the box above to calculate your score and see credit cards that match your standing.

2. What's your objective? Decide what type of card meets your needs. For instance, if you suspect you'll occasionally revolve a balance, you'll want to find the best low-interest credit card that you can qualify for. If you're looking for a rewards card, you need to decide what type of rewards (e.g., airline miles, gas) fits in with your lifestyle.

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Okay, now you're ready to compare credit cards. At Credit.com, one of our goals is to make this as easy as possible for you. Here are some things to keep in mind as you start researching credit cards:

Sort and compare credit cards

At this point, you know your credit score, right? You have to know your credit score so you know if your credit qualifies as excellent, good, fair, poor, or bad. For instance, if you unfortunately have a bad FICO score (below 599), then you can do a search for credit cards that are designed for people with bad credit.

Or if you've decided that a cash back card is what you need, you can sort credit cards by that category. You can also sort by credit card issuer, such as Capital One, American Express or Chase. After you have a list of credit cards to review, check to see what type of credit is needed. Only consider cards that fall within your credit range.

Read the fine print

It's tempting to skip this part because it sure can be tedious. But this is where you find the true value of the credit card. Read the terms and conditions, the cardholder agreement and any other disclosures you find on a card's website. When you think you've found the best credit card based on the advertised features, look in the fine print and you will find more detailed information about the rewards program, the APR, fees associated with the card, and more.

Make the best credit card choice

Once you've narrowed down your choices, read the fine print again and compare any rewards and benefits with the costs of each credit card. Take your time and think about which credit card best meets your particular needs. With this approach, you're more likely to end up with a card that's a good match for you.