2007/08/02

Filling Out a Credit Card Application

By: Bobbie McKee

Probably on most days when you check your mail, your box is overrun with offers and applications for credit cards. Right? How do you know which companies are offering you a good deal, and won't take over your checkbook with exorbitant finance charges and hidden fees in the future? Credit card applications may come to you via email or telephone also.

If you fill out an offer online, make sure the site is secure to protect your information. This is the fastest way to be approved and you usually have an answer within a few hours. When completing a credit card application over the phone, do not give out any personal information to anyone that you did not request information from first.

If you receive a pre-approved offer, your response is required simply to make sure that you are the person that the offer was sent to, and not someone that happened to see it in your garbage. Identity theft is a real concern and any offer you receive that you choose not to respond to should be shredded before disposal just to be on the safe side.

These pre-approved applications are usually very short and take a minimum amount of time to complete. You can either verify online, via phone, or return the application by mail. Offers are made to be extremely trouble-free and convenient, which is part of the reason why so many people are over extended with debt.

Many credit card companies have very good offers, such as 0% or very low interest for a restricted period of time, such as six, twelve, or eighteen months. This is where reading the small print comes in.

All applications contain disclosures regarding what interest rates will be after the early promotional period is done, how it is figured, what fees if any are charged, late fees, and grace periods. Many of these deals are great, and if you don't have a huge amount of credit card debt, this could be a great way for you to pay off your existing cards.

Other limitations also apply, regarding balance transfers, cash advances, and offer expiration dates. Be sure to compare offers, read all of the fine print, and choose the best one.

If you are trying to rebuild your credit, you will need to shell out more interest, but as your credit gets better, the interest rates will diminish. Shop around to make an educated judgment, and stay away from bad credit card companies. You will end up paying more, which defeats the purpose of why you applied for the card in the first place!

Probably on most days when you check your mail, your box is overrun with offers and applications for credit cards. Right? How do you know which companies are offering you a good deal, and won't take over your checkbook with exorbitant finance charges and hidden fees in the future? Credit card applications may come to you via email or telephone also.

ApplyCreditCardNow.org provides a compelete list of the latest credit card offers. Explore over 100 Credit Cards For First Timecredit Card Holders.


Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

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