Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Time To Apply For A Credit Card

Now, you can get an interest free loan until the next monthly billing cycle. Also, you can buy now and pay later - when you are positioned financially to do so. That in itself is a great reason to apply for a credit card. Added to that, some merchants offer interest-free installment payment plans, making it easier for you to make a big purchase today and pay for it in monthly installments. So, as you can see, credit cards work as an instant long term loan as well and not only as a monthly loan. Other reasons to apply for a credit card include free rewards and shopping discounts for using your credit card. This is made possible by the relationship between credit card companies and merchants. For certain, credit cards offer many benefits.

You will have to admit, if you think about it, there are a lot of benefits associated with credit cards. Seemingly, the most important benefit a credit card offers is convenience. For most people, convenience is the primary reason they apply for a credit card. Two decades, or more ago, when not many merchants accepted credit cards, that was not true. Today, it is hard to find a merchant who does not accept credit cards. Now, instead of carrying cash on you - which is neither convenient or safe - you may carry a small piece of financially, high powered, plastic instead.

There are a few ways to apply for a credit card. You may choose to apply for a credit card in person, on the internet or, by phone. Often enough, you will, as such, be approached by sales representatives, whom will ask you to apply for a credit card with their organization. In applying for a credit card, you must fill-in a credit card application form (which is easy to fill-in). When you apply for a credit card and fill-in an application form, you are entering into a formal agreement with the credit card issuer, basically stating you will uphold you side of the agreement, which is to pay your monthly credit card bill, on time. After you have submitted your application, the credit card company makes credibility checks into your financial background and if everything is fine, you receive a credit card.

The process of applying for a credit card is easy, however, you may or may not desire a credit card, it is a matter of personal choice. Still, for most people who do not have a credit card yet, the recommendation is, for greater financial power, apply for a credit card, today.

Art Taylor has been a successful internet marketer for 10 years. He publishes articles about credit cards and other internet marketplace products and services.

To gather more information or apply for credit cards visit his website at: Ecreditcardworld

Thursday, July 12, 2007

8 Tips for College Students Wanting to Apply for a Credit Card

High school life is over. You’ve moved away from home and you’re starting a brand new chapter in your life with college. Independence feels great, but it’s sure to feel greater if you’ve got your own credit card, don’t you think?

8 Tips for College Students Wanting to Apply for a Credit Card Here’s what you can do to make the credit card application process as hassle-free as possible.

Tip #1 Prepare proof of identification. Have your photos ready as well as all your valid IDs. Credit card companies will always have to verify that you are indeed who you say you are before you can proceed any further. IDs where your age is stated are also preferred because you have to prove you’re at least 18 years old as well. If you have any bills under your name, take them with you as well because they can serve as proof of residence.

Tip #2 Prepare proof of schooling. Credit card companies generally prefer to issue credit cards to students who belong to accredited colleges and universities. If you belong to such a school then you’re in luck. If not, you can compensate it by showing your previous records – if they’re excellent, that is. Just like when you’re applying for a driver’s license, credit card issuers also take academic and extra-curricular excellence as a sign of maturity and trustworthiness in your part.

Tip #3 Prepare proof of financial assets. Student credit cards tend to charge higher rates than usual, but you might be qualified for lower rates if you’re already working or you have money and a bank account in your name. Either way, make sure you can submit documentary proof of your work or assets.

Tip #4 Speaking of interest rates, the first thing you should look for in a credit card is the lowest possible interest rates. This might mean not being able to enjoy a reward-based credit card, but at your age, you might not yet afford the higher rates charged by credit cards offering reward points. If you see a 0% APR credit card, make sure to check how long the offer would last and what the standard APR is afterwards.

Tip #5 A number of credit cards allows you to apply even without a cosigner, but some of them tend to have stricter application requirements. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of submitting additional requirements, simply ask your parent or legal guardian to act as your guarantor when you apply for a credit card.

Tip #6 Always look for a credit card that allows you to manage your account online. This will allow you to check your account balance regularly and know when and how much you have to pay for your credit card every month.

Tip #7 There are a few additional perks that you might deem necessary. If you are fond of shopping online, look for a credit card that offers you fraud liability guarantee at no extra cost. Other credit cards offer you “thank you” points for being a prompt payer.

Tip #8 Now that you know what you need from a credit card, find one that matches your preferences and then submit your application. Remember to be courteous and answer all their questions honestly. You’re sure to have your application approved in no time. Have fun with responsible swiping!

Mario Churchill is a professional analyst of the credit card industry and writes articles related to credit card applications and credit cards in general.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

A Credit Card for the Honeymoon Couple

I am sure that you would agree that newly married couples are very easy to spot. Even the ones that do not walk around like Siamese twins have a twinkle in their eyes and a glow on their faces that exposes them to us. Of course, once the honeymoon period is over, the issues of daily life have to be looked after. Long hours at the office. Coming home to wash dirty utensils or cooking. Paying for the monthly bills. Marriage is not like permanently being on cloud number nine! Both ups and downs compete for space in married life.

So if you are a newly married couple looking forward to sharing wedded bliss together, you should ensure that you learn the best ways to manage the potential thorns in your relationship. And finances are one of those thorns.

If both of you are working, get ready to have the inevitable question of who will be paying which bill. Be prepared for long-winded arguments over the size of the phone and electric bills. It is astounding how many arguments begin and end over monetary issues. How do you minimize the occurrence of such arguments? Perhaps you should contemplate about mechanisms such as that of the joint credit card.

How do you get hold of a joint credit card? It really is quite facile. You could put in an application for a joint credit card. Alternatively, you would have to present your spouse's details to the credit card company asking them to add him/her to current credit card account.

Sounds a lot like the joint bank account doesn't it? However, despite the similar nomenclature, joint credit cards are quite a bit distinct from joint bank accounts. Whereas in the case of the joint bank account, both signatories are held accountable for the debts that are incurred, in the case of a joint credit card, the original signatory is said to be legally responsible.

This is a great way to go for those who are in a completely stable marriage. However, if you are the type that marries fifty or more times, it would be preferable that you steer clear from such an account. If you take the risk of irritating your spouse too much, you might just end up penniless, thanks to a revengeful shopping spree on his/her part.

As with everything, even a joint credit card has its own set of negatives. Moreover, it is a big step to take. Do you think you are stable enough to take on such a commitment? Sharing a credit card with someone else is a huge bug deal. See to it that you do not take such a major check unless you are totally ready.

Ajeet Khurana recommends that you read: credit card comparison, best credit cards, and interest free credit cards.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ajeet_Khurana