Most personal finance advice sites and debt organisations are in agreement that credit cards are the most expensive form of debt but with careful money management many consumers use credit card introductory deals as key part of their financial planning. There are even those who manage to use the almost mythical technique of credit card offsetting (where you make all your normal purchases on a credit card and then use the money saved to invest in a high interest bank account), although this requires an enormous amount of self-discipline to avoid credit card charges, let alone to make a profit. Before signing up for your credit card it pays to be aware of how to use introductory offers sensibly - here's our guide to the four most important factors to bear in mind.

Even limited research on credit cards will enable you to discover that they are one of the most expensive forms of debt, far more expensive than a personal loan, for example, and if you choose to pay only the minimum amount every month you could be paying a great deal of money to borrow a small amount. However, it is possible to use credit card introductory offers to your advantage, although the process of "credit card offsetting" has become more difficult in recent years as lenders get wise to serial card applicants. The good news is that you don't need to be a financial whiz kid to save money with your credit card - the following tips can help you get the best out of credit card introductory offers.

Firstly the idea that you can constantly switch between credit cards to take advantage of 0% balance transfers that are part of most credit card introductory offers is a myth. Lenders are taking measures to prevent and even penalise those who try to do this from implementing balance transfer charges to simply turning down applications from those who have applied too frequently. It pays to be wary of this as having an application for a credit card turned down can negatively impact on your credit rating.

Use 0% on purchases wisely. Many credit card companies offer 0% on any purchase for a limited period - MBNA Platinum, for example, are offering 0% purchases until March 2008 while Barclaycard Premium are offering a 3 month period with 0% interest on purchases. Careful spending and again, restraint, can enable you to make big savings here - especially if you are planning to make any large purchases within the contracted period. Be aware though that this many not include cash back - so use your credit card for purchases and then withdraw cash on your debit card if you want to avoid charges.

On top of the 0% balance transfer and 0% purchases, there are a host of other "sweeteners" available as credit card introductory offers and again, it pays to cast a wary eye over these. The Virgin Credit Card, for example, offers discount at Virgin Megastore & Virgin Holidays, while Egg offers up to 10% discount at selected retailers. Both offers are excellent - if you already spend lots of money with their selected retailers. Other credit cards offer an extension of your lifestyle - the new Barclaycard OnePulse, for example, allies your Oyster travel card with your credit card while the MBNA WWF card guarantees a contribution to the World Wildlife Fund for every card. In both cases you're making a lifestyle choice, without necessarily saving money.

Finally, the bottom line for most people should be the APR - that's the amount of interest you have to pay on the money you borrow. Rates are currently around 15% but some cards such as the Capital One Platinum card are offering rates as low as 9.9%. Whichever card you use the biggest money saving advice is: pay off your outstanding balance every month. By following this simple strategy you'll take advantage of the juicy incentives offered by lenders without having to pay them a penny.