The typical prompt from a magician is to "Pick a card, any card." This is followed by a mystical slight of hand, in which you wind up fooled and, hopefully, entertained.

You're probably wary of the same thing happening when you search for a new credit card. There are multitudes of companies asking you to "pick a card, any card." And with so many cards boasting terrific rewards programs or great rates, it's natural to hesitate out of fear that the wrong choice will leave you fooled, and the consequences, not so entertained.

To help make your perfect card magically appear, here are a few simple guidelines:

Find the best rates. If you carry a balance on your card and don't plan on consolidating it through a home equity loan, you'll want to find the card with the lowest interest rates. Check out a card's APR (annual percentage rate) and its rate for balance transfers. The less interest you pay, the faster the debt goes away.

Reap the rewards. If you don't carry a balance on your credit cards, pick the card with the best rewards program. Frequent travelers should choose a card that offers points for miles traveled. You can redeem these points for airlines tickets, but be sure to keep an eye on the card's travel restrictions before you pick a program.

Shop 'til you drop. If you don't travel much but love to shop, consider the frequent buyer cards. Many credit cards reward you with bonus points with every purchase. These points can be put toward the purchase of an item featured in the card's rewards program, or even redeemed for cash.

When you're searching for the right piece of plastic, remember not to "Pick a card, any card." Instead, pick a card that aligns best with your financial needs and goals. Make your selection based on the criteria above, and presto, the results will be magical.