FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Battle of the Cards: What to Look for When Applying For a Credit Card

By Mike Ziegler

Getting a credit card nowadays has definitely become a necessity. With today's fast-paced life, shopping convenience is the ultimate time saver in everybody’s hectic schedule.

With credit cards, you can many times go shopping without having to leave the comforts of your home. No wonder many people are trying to grab the opportunity of experiencing online shopping.

The concept of using credit cards is so simple. It works with a swipe and the item is delivered to your door. Now people can buy anything they want without having to carry lots of cash.

However, the problem lies in the way you choose your credit card. It does not matter whether you get a gold, platinum, or basic. It does not matter whether it has your picture embedded within the plastic. It doesn't even matter if it has your favorite NFL team logo on it.

What matters most are the features that go with the card. Making wise decisions in choosing these features is vital to your credit rating and FICO score. As they say, a good credit card with reliable features will definitely work for you.

Applying for a new credit card benefits you most when you consider the benefits of every feature in the fine print.

What people do not know is that debt problems are often associated not in the on-going transactions that an individual has on his card, but with the terms of the offer written in the fine print.

Not understanding the terms of the offer is the most common mistake people make when they apply for the credit card. They do not read the fine print. They think it is to time consuming or boring. They don't want to appear foolish because they do not understand the terms. They just automatically sign up, thinking that their future will improve by the way they use their credit cards.

In order to know more on how to apply for the best credit card, here are some things that you have to do first:

1. Do your homework

Never be blinded by the credit card offers that come your way. It is business and money talks. So credit card manufacturers have to incorporate enticing credit card offers just to gain new customers.

Without proper research, you will be easily seduced with such attractive offers. But the question remains whether these offers are founded on truth and established on reliable terms and conditions. Pay particular attention to the annual percentage rate (APR), penalty percentage rate if any, and late or annual fees. Make sure you understand when the credit card company considers a payment late.

Doing your homework will not just make it appear all better. It is the one non-negotiable step in applying for a credit card.

2. Evaluate your financial status

Do you really need credit? In the United States, getting credit is vital. Your insurance rates, mortgage rates, car purchases, and even house rentals are dependent on your credit standing.

Of course you need credit! But you should consider all financial options before you try to get a credit card. The problem with most people is that they thought that applying for a credit card would create an extension of their financial resources. What they do not realize is that credit is credit, and they need to have the money to pay for it.

It is best if you build your credit standing systematically, based on your ability to pay the debts and on the necessity of the items you have purchased. Are they really that important? Keep in mind that when purchasing items on credit, it is better to buy the most needed items first.

When applying for a credit card, do not be in a rush. Keep in mind that what you ultimately want here is not the card itself, but the credit history you are building. Hence, it is best if you take your time and study each credit card offer thoroughly. Then compare several of the better offers, and go for the best!

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