I was a bank manager for 8 years, and in pulling credit reports, I can tell you that credit cards get more people in credit trouble than any other thing on earth. Be very cautious with whatever card you get. But USE it. Use it every month if you can, for small purchases that you can pay back as soon as you get the bill, and never charge more than 35% of the total credit line if you can help it. This type of usage makes your credit score go up up up!
Make sure you find the best card for YOU. You are on the right track: low interest, no annual fee, and probably Visa is the best logo to have. There are many many MANY vendors out there, so shop around. Start with your local bank, and see what they have to offer. Watch out for hidden charges that must be disclosed in the paperwork they give you, and read everything before using the card. Also, NEVER charge more than your credit limit, and NEVER EVER go 30 days late on a payment. Ask your friends what kind of cards they have, what their interest rates are, and how they like the service. People who work really hard to get the best cards are proud of the outcome and very willing to talk about it.
Good luck!
