Apply For Credit Cards Online

I Want A Credit Card - And I Want It Now!

I want A Credit Card Now!

I want a credit card yes, but I want it immediately! Wouldn't it be brilliant if it were that simple? For the larger percentage of us, when we have determined to find a credit card that is suitable for our needs, we just want the approval process to happen immediately.. And there are hundreds of credit card web sites offering instant card approval, but does it really happen immediately? I think not! So I decided I'd put my theory to the test, and discover just what period of time it takes from telling yourself "I want a credit card", to actually receiving the card and being in a postion to use it.

I began by obtaining a copy of my credit report, which I knew I would need in order to find out exactly which cards I would qualify for. That took two days although I did go down the 'free credit report' route and maybe if I had paid I would have received it sooner. I did not have perfect credit but was in good shape and my score was above average, so I was confident that I would have a reasonable choice of cards available to me. That evening I spent time on my laptop perusing the plethora of credit card portals and in particular, those that offered the opportunity to make comparisons of cards from different issuers. I was now 3 days from my ' I want a credit card ' moment and felt that I was now ready to make my online application.

I actually submitted my application on a web site offering instant credit card decisions, at about 8.45pm, one Thursday evening and checked my email inbox the following evening. The only emails message from the card issuing company was an automated reply confirming that they had received my application. I had no further response from the card issuing company until the following Monday evening at which time I was 7 days from when I originally told myself, "I want a credit card". A financial representative from the card issuing company called me on my cell just to verify a few answers to questions on my application. Having made clear those points I was told that I would get an answer from them, by email, 'within a day or so'.

It was 34 hours later when I got the email response I was wanting, confirming that my application had been approved and that I could expect to have my new card 'within a matter of days'. It was exactly ten days later that my new card was delivered (7 business days), and my calculations showed that from deciding, 'I want a credit card' to holding the new credit card in my hand was 19 days.. Not too good for an instant credit card application! Not! Baring in mind that my application went smoothly with no delays for further checks into my credit history to be made, I am now of the opinion that there is no such thing as an instant credit card. You might be wise to consider my experience the next time you tell yourself "I want a credit card and I want it instantly"!

Trevor Taylor

Apply For Credit Cards Online - 5 Useful Tips

Apply For Credit Cards Online - 5 Useful Tips

Whether you have been the owner of credit cards in the past or setting out to find your very first card, there are ways to apply for credit cards online that will make the process quick and efficient and help you to avoid making the mistake of ending up with a card that is not only way too expensive, but does not suit your personal needs. Here are a few pointers to help you make the right decisions.

1. Before you apply for credit cards online, you should always be aware of your personal credit score. Obtain a copy of your credit report which contains the information about your credit history. This is the same information that will be read by any of the credit card companies where you make an application for a new credit card.

2. Read through your credit report thoroughly, paying particular attention to any negative elements, for example, reference to late or missed payments, ongoing debts or even mistakes that should not be there. When you apply for credit cards online you are effectively applying for a loan facility and the card issuer will take account of your ability to repay debt and note how you handle your financial responsibilities. If there are any negative aspects within your credit report, consider how you can rectify those entities, have mistakes removed and pay off any outstanding debts. This will greatly improve your credit score and give you maximum advantage when you apply for credit cards online.

3. Finding the right card that will suit your personal requirements is easier said than done but if you are prepared to invest a little time in perusing as many offers as possible and comparing the different rates, fees, rewards etc. you will be able to quickly build a short list of possibilities. Also, when you apply for credit cards online, make sure you read the small print connected to each deal on your short list. When you accept any offer you should be very aware of your responsibilities pertaining to that contract.

4. Keep in mind your credit report status when you apply for credit cards online, and only make an application for cards you are confident you will qualify for. As a rule, if your credit score is 720 or above, you can expect to be offered any card, and with a low interest rate. 630-680 is average, and if you are sitting below 600 you would be advised to do a little credit repair before making your application.

5. One last point when you apply for credit cards online is don't apply for more than 2 credit cards simultaneously. Each time you make an application, your report is investigated and a note is made on your report. Credit investigators consider many applications as a sign that you are incapable of paying your debts.

Trevor Taylor