Apply Online Credit Card - FAQ

Whether you are applying for a credit card for the first time, or a pro ready to switch to a new low interest rate credit card, Apply Online Credit Card will find you the best online credit card deal to suit your personal needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply Online Credit Cards - FAQ

Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions about credit cards and credit in general.

Note: These answers are for general information only. Please consult a financial expert with specific and complex questions. These answers should only be used as part of a full research process.

:: Question List

·	What is an introductory (or intro) APR?
·	What is a balance transfer and/or balance transfer rate?
·	What is a balance transfer fee?
·	What is a fixed APR credit card?
·	What is an instant approval or instant decision credit card?
·	What is a "rewards" credit card?
·	What is a "cash back" credit card?
·	I am a student - Which credit cards can I apply for?
·	I have bad credit - Which credit cards can I apply for?
·	What is a "secured" credit card?
·	What is an "unsecured" credit card?
·	What is a prepaid card?

What is an introductory (or intro) APR?

An introductory annual percentage rate (APR) is a temporary APR that typically changes to a higher rate after the intro period (typically 3-12 months). Many people make use of these promotions to make a large purchase (or purchases), which they can then pay off in a series of months.

Some credit cards have an intro APR attached to only purchases, some have an intro APR attached to only balance transfers and some have an intro APR attached to both balance transfers and purchases.

Every credit card is a bit different and promotional offers often change, so be sure to thoroughly look over the terms and conditions for each specific card before applying.

· Compare low interest rate credit cards

^ Back to the Question List


What is a balance transfer and/or balance transfer rate?

In the most basic terms, a balance transfer is a way of moving a debt from one credit card to another credit card. This is often done to save money, as the new credit card may have a lower finance rate (APR) than the old credit card. Occasionally, credit cards have promotional balance transfer rates that typically last from 3-12 months.

Every credit card is a bit different and promotional offers often change, so be sure to thoroughly look over the terms and conditions for each specific card before applying.

· Compare balance transfer credit cards

^ Back to the Question List


What is a balance transfer fee?

A fee charged by a credit card company to transfer a balance from another account to that particular credit card. It is generally 1% to 5% of the transferred balance (sometimes up to a certain dollar value). For example, a balance transfer fee could be 3% of the transferred balance up to a maximum of $50. Not all credit cards charge this fee.

· Compare balance transfer credit cards

^ Back to the Question List


What is a fixed APR credit card?

Fixed APR credit cards carry a fixed (stable) interest rate that typically lasts for as long as you use the card. For example, if you transfer a balance to a credit card with a fixed APR of 9.9%, the APR for this balance will typically stay at this 9.9% level until the balance is paid in full.

Some credit cards offer a fixed APR on only purchases, some offer a fixed APR on only balance transfers and some offer a fixed APR on both purchases and balance transfers. Many people choose a fixed APR card to ease the burden of constantly switching balances from one card to another once low intro APRs disappear and higher APRs take over.

Every credit card is a bit different and promotional offers often change, so be sure to thoroughly look over the terms and conditions for each specific card before applying.

· Compare fixed APR credit cards

^ Back to the Question List


What is an instant approval or instant decision credit card?

Certain credit cards offer instant response (or instant decision), otherwise known as instant approval, to people applying for the card. With these credit card offers, you should be able to find out if you have been approved for that particular credit card or not in a matter of minutes.

However, certain circumstances do occasionally arise in which the credit card issuer will need more time to determine if you are approved for the specific credit card or not.

It is not guaranteed that you will receive an instant decision with these credit cards. However, these credit cards do offer this feature in most cases.

· Compare instant approval credit cards

^ Back to the Question List


What is a "rewards" credit card?

Rewards credit cards give various rewards to cardholders for making purchases with the card. A cardholder accumulates rewards based on the dollar amount of his/her purchases with that particular credit card over a period of time.

Currently, you can find rewards credit cards that give:
- Free airline tickets
- Other travel rebates
- Automotive rebates
- Gasoline rebates
- Entertainment rewards
- And more ...

Because some rewards programs can be costly for credit card companies, some rewards credit cards come with an annual fee. Every credit card is a bit different and promotional offers often change, so be sure to thoroughly look over the terms and conditions for each specific card before applying.

· Compare credit cards that give rewards

^ Back to the Question List


What is a "cash back" credit card?

Cash Back credit cards give cash rewards to cardholders for making purchases with the card. A cardholder accumulates cash rewards based on the dollar amount of his/her purchases with that particular credit card over a period of time

A typical cash back rate hovers around 1%. However, some cards offer a higher cash back percentage with increased usage and some offer a higher cash back percentage at select merchants. Many cash back cards offer cash back on purchases but do not offer cash rewards on balance transfers or cash advances.

Each cash back credit card is a bit different, so be sure to read the terms and conditions to find out what cash back percentage you can expect, whether there is a limit on how much can be accumulated in a year, etc. Be sure to thoroughly look over the terms and conditions for each specific card.

· Compare credit cards that give cash back

^ Back to the Question List


I am a student - Which credit cards can I apply for?

Students generally have little or no credit history. Because of this, students may often find it difficult to get approved for a credit card. Luckily, student credit cards do exist. This type of credit card is set up to help students build up the credit history that most don't already have.

Student credit cards are often scaled-back in terms of rewards, features and other benefits, but can still be a valuable commodity. If used wisely, a student can take the first step towards building a solid credit history.

Every credit card is a bit different and promotional offers often change, so be sure to thoroughly look over the terms and conditions for each specific card before applying.

· Compare credit cards for students

^ Back to the Question List


I have bad credit - Which credit cards can I apply for?

Credit can go from good to bad to poor for a number of reasons, including missed payments, late payments, etc. On the other hand, bad credit can improve to good credit, too. But this takes a little bit of work.

Depending on your situation, debt consolidation and/or credit repair may be the route to take. Also, certain credit cards are made to help "rebuild" credit histories. Secured credit cards are for people with no credit or poor credit who are trying to build or rebuild credit history. But some unsecured credit cards can also serve similar purposes.

Often with cards that help to rebuild credit, low credit lines are given ($250 or so) and additional fees may apply (application fees, etc.). Be sure to read over any terms and conditions for any of these services before applying. Be certain of any fees that you may incur before proceeding. But if you use the card responsibly and pay all of your bills on time, you can ask for a credit increase down the road. The extra fees and low credit lines will be worth it if it helps get your overall credit back on track.

· Compare credit cards for those with bad credit

^ Back to the Question List


What is a "secured" credit card?

Secured credit cards require collateral for approval. With secured credit cards, a security deposit is needed to secure the credit card. The amount of the security deposit usually equals the credit limit for that particular credit card. Generally, secured credit cards are for people with no credit or poor credit who are trying to build or rebuild credit history.

· Compare secured credit cards for those with bad credit

^ Back to the Question List


What is an "unsecured" credit card?

Unsecured credit cards are not secured by collateral. Customers qualify based on credit history, financial strength and earnings potential.

· Compare credit cards for those with bad credit

^ Back to the Question List


What is a prepaid card?

Prepaid cards are, in fact, not credit cards. Prepaid cards act like credit cards but, in reality, are more like debit cards. These types of cards have many benefits, including: No finance charges, easy budgeting, avoiding debt, etc.

With prepaid cards, the cardholder determines the credit line. Generally speaking, a cardholder's credit line depends on how much money he/she transfers to the card. Therefore, there is little risk of running up credit card debt, while budgeting is made easier.

Although most prepaid cards do not charge finance fees, other fees may apply, including: monthly fees, startup or application fees, overlimit fees, ATM fees and more. Be sure to thoroughly look over the terms and conditions for each specific card before applying.

· Compare prepaid cards

^ Back to the Question List

End Of Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply Online for a Credit Card

Credit cards are simple rectangular plastic cards that are becoming one of the basic necessities to people nowadays. That is because the wonderful card is making it possible for people to purchase items and services even without outright cash at hand.

Thus, people would never worry of being robbed while on the way to the department store. They would not incur headaches from counting coins and money during and after purchase transactions.

If people do not have enough cash to buy an item, they could rely on the credit card. Thus, they could opt to repay the amount in full or in installment, so the purchase would not hurt the budget that much. So who would not want to own a credit card nowadays?

Thus, credit card issuers are among the most profitable companies currently. It is also no wonder that because almost all people are rushing to get their own credit card accounts, there are more and more companies that aim to cash in on these developments.

However, even though there are numerous credit card issuers around, some people still find it hard to apply for a credit card. It may be surprising, but sometimes, credit card firms are asking so man documents and requirements from potential clients.

Online Applications For Credit Cards

Credit card applications can now be coursed online. Many people prefer such processes for convenience. You would also be surprised that online credit card applications are easier and faster to accomplish than the traditional process.

If you are aiming to open a credit card account online, you must be aware of several simple guidelines. Take note that online credit card applications can be easy if you would only maintain presence of mind and sheer determination to own the card.

The first step would be to find the credit card issuer that would surely accommodate your application. Not all the major credit card firms are offering online opening of credit card accounts. But you do not need to open an account with the major issuers.

Sometimes, the minor credit card companies are also offering competitive rates and services. Usually, the smaller players are also those that are aggressively rolling out online offerings and services.

After deciding on which credit card issuer you would do business with, it is advisable that you get in touch with the company. You could send an email or call the hotline phone number. It is also imperative that you check out the company's Web site so you would be oriented with the services and products.

Do a little research on the specific credit card products and decide which one specifically suits your need and lifestyle. For example, if you are into traveling, you could opt for a credit card that has flyer points rewards system, that could ultimately earn you points that could be converted into discounts or subsidies for air travel tickets.

There are also cards specifically offered for cash advance transactions, while others are for payment installment terms. However, one setback for these credit card products is that they are incurring higher annual percentage rates, meaning the interest rates are higher compared to the normal credit cards.

Such special purpose cards are also coming up with additional charges like annual fees and special transaction charges. On the contrary, regular credit cards are usually coming with waived annual fees.

Filling Out Forms

After you have decided on which credit card product to take, you would be asked to fill out an online application form. Of course, you would be required to disclose the basic personal information like your name, your address, your contact details and references.

Be prepared for a credit card investigation on you. The credit card company would need to conduct a research to find out if you have existing liabilities or if you have bad records. Thus, people with bad credit histories can be traced and could be prevented from securing specific credit card products.

If you have a bad credit score, do not despair. You could still apply online for a credit card. However, cards for bad history individuals can be different. Usually, companies would only offer secured credit card products for people with problematic credit history.

Secured credit cards would require you to deposit certain amounts of money as a security in case problems occur involving your credit card. If you religiously pay credit card bills on time, eventually, you could be elevated into the regular credit card products.

See, online application for credit cards would need not be real hassles.

Mario Churchill is the owner of a credit card website with links where you can apply for a credit card which best suits your needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_A._Churchill
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Apply-Online-for-a-Credit-Card&id=460669