Understand clearly your rights as a cardholder and what sort of protection or liability waivers the issuing bank may provide.

Ask questions such as:

•  What is the procedure for increasing or    reducing my card's credit limit?
•  What happens if my card is lost or stolen and    unauthorized transactions are made?
•  What protection do I have if the goods or    services I paid for with my card are defective?
•  Does my card provide any extra or emergency    services when I am traveling overseas?
•  Does my card offer me insurance coverage    when I travel?