By David Riewe

Since you are the customer, there must be a glut of credit card agents constantly hounding you day-in, day-out. They may try to cram all their pitches in hour long phone call marathons or minute long infomercials and may run the gamut of personalities from friendly to annoying, smart to eccentric. But how do you choose the right credit agent?

Credit card agents are not just supposed to hawk credits cards. They are supposed to act as the middle persons between you and the bank. In effect, they should extend the services and care of the bank itself. You can tell if you credit card agent is good if he exhibits the following characteristics.

1. Agent Has Intimate Knowledge of the Card Company - Your credit card agent should know the ins and outs of the company he or she is promoting. Agents who are only looking for a quick commission won’t help you much when you have inquiries about their cards. If your agent has an intimate knowledge of the company, you can rest easier since he or she is in a good position to guide you in your decisions.

2. Honesty – After talking with your agent, investigate the veracity of his claims. There are some agents who will lie and fib just to get a sale. If you catch one of your agents giving you the glib tongue, drop communications with him or her immediately.

3. Has Much Experience - Established credit card agents have a better chance of helping you with your particular needs. They have had extensive experience in dealing with their clients and are in a better position to help you out. You should not dismiss agents who are new to the business, though. Just make sure they are sensitive to your needs.

4. Tells Pros and Cons- Find an agent who tells you like it is. They usually find a way to tell you the advantages and disadvantages of their product without diminishing your enthusiasm for their card. These people will give you more information on which to base your decisions. Thoughtful clients will want to stick to this kind of agent.

5. Does Not Force – Have you ever had a pushy agent hound you all day long. This is the mark of one whose only concern is his or her commission per card. If these individuals do not look after your interests, how can you trust them to help facilitate a good relationship with the company? If you are really interested in their company, you may want to have that company send a different agent.

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