Your very first credit card lays the foundation for the relationships you’ll build with banks over at least the next 10 years. However, most starter cards come with few perks, higher-than-average annual percentage rates, and relatively low credit limits. Although checking your free credit score can indicate whether you’re eligible to apply for a stronger credit card, these five signs can help you understand whether you’re really ready to make the leap.

1. You’ve got more than six months with your existing card.

Most lenders want to see you wait at least half a year before you start applying for new credit cards. That’s just long enough to see if you’ve established solid patterns for paying your bills on time and staying within your credit limit. Some credit card issuers will automatically grant you a credit line increase or invite you to accept a second card after you’ve met their eligibility criteria. Applying for too many cards within too short a time frame can wreck your credit score.

2. You’ve stabilized your budget.

Setting yourself up for long-term success with credit cards means getting your finances in order. If you struggle to make enough cash to cover your monthly expenses, getting another credit card isn’t the right solution right now. On the other hand, if you’re able to live comfortably within your current income, you can confidently pursue adding a rewards credit card to your wallet.

3. Your emergency fund can help you resist temptation.

Even with a strong monthly budget, an open line of credit can tempt you to spend beyond your means. While it’s nice to have an unused credit card to absorb the blow of an unexpected expense, it’s even better to draw from an emergency fund in a high-interest online savings account. Although you may have started your search for a new credit card because you want to tap an extra line of credit, you’ll discover that stashing extra cash gives you the flexibility to switch banks when the offer’s right.

4. You’ve consolidated your purchasing patterns.

Maximizing your credit card rewards means pushing as many transactions as possible through a single account. That means you’ll need to learn how to manage both your monthly expenses and your day-to-day purchases using plastic instead of cash. Some folks find this to be the most challenging part of embracing credit cards as a budgeting tool. However, many credit card issuers now offer tracking and budgeting tools as part of their online banking services. If you notice that you tend to spend a lot in a particular category, look for rewards credit cards that offer higher rebate percentages or seasonal bonuses for those kinds of purchasers.

5. You’ve got goals for savings, travel or something bigger.

The market’s best credit cards include valuable rewards that you can trade for free airfare, complimentary hotel nights, or even cash. Most consumers prefer the flexibility of earning cash rebates they can use for statement credits or retail gift cards. However, if you travel, you might get even more value from a card that offers bonus rewards tied to a particular brand. Doing the math can help uncover the best credit card for your personal goals.

Getting the most value from your credit cards means leveraging their security features and loyalty benefits, not getting trapped in a cycle of paying finance charges. As you watch your credit score grow, you’ll qualify for better and better rewards from both your existing banks and their competitors.