All credit card offers in this post have expired, but they might come back. If they do they will appear --> Click here for the top current credit card sign up bonuses.

Today I was with my friend as she applied for two credit cards. Her knowledge of miles and points is average for an American, which is to say, it's almost non-existent.

The questions she asked me while we talked about which cards she should get were illuminating. They reminded me of a few facts that I'd like to drill into beginners' heads.