Final answer:
Effective credit card use involves selecting cards with lower costs, paying balances in full, and avoiding behaviors that lead to high interest and fees. Spreading balances across multiple cards is not advised.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strategies for using credit cards effectively include choosing cards with no annual fees and lower interest rates, paying off the full balance due each month, and avoiding cash advances. Using several credit cards to spread around unpaid balances is not an effective strategy, as it can lead to higher interest payments and increased debt. Credit card users can improve their credit by paying all bills on time and not exceeding their credit limit. It's essential to understand that carrying a balance leads to interest charges, which can accumulate significantly over time.