Tuesday, January 6, 2009

How Do I Apply For a Credit Card? Should I Apply For One?

Credit Card

Are you wondering whether or not you should apply for a low interest credit card? For almost everyone, the answer is yes. They are almost a requirement nowadays and one could certainly look at them as having completely changed the way business and commerce are done. There are ads everywhere you turn urging you to go ahead and apply for a one. In fact, almost everyone has at least one these days. Everybody, at least it seems like everybody, applies to get one. So what about you? Why should you take the plunge and apply for one?


Credit cards offer a lot of benefits for cardholders. Foremost among them is convenience, which is the main reason for many to apply for one. It seems not so long ago that very few businesses accepted cards, preferring personal checks and cash - all that has changed, however, with most merchants accepting them as a form of payment. This means instead of taking the risk of carrying around a lot of cash, you can simply carry this one small card.


They offer you what is essentially interest free credit, provided they are paid off before the due date. This allows you to buy now and pay later, which is certainly the most attractive convenience offered by having one. You can also take advantage of interest free installment payment plans offered by some merchants if you put the purchase on your card. As you can see,it can also act as a source of long term credit, not only monthly loans. Discounts offered by some merchants as part of cross promotional efforts with issuing companies are another good incentive to apply and get one.


You can apply for  a credit card in many different ways; in person at a bank or other financial institution, by phone (by making an appointment with a representative), even over the internet! A lot of sales reps may approach you in an effort to get you to apply for the card offered by their company. You will need to fill out an application form to apply for one and the representative can assist you with this. An application basically entails entering into an arrangement with the provider of of the card. Once you have filled out the application, the company will conduct a few checks on the information you have provided; if it checks out OK, they will send your card in the mail.

It is easy to apply for one - whether or not to apply for one and get it, is entirely up to you to decide. Most people who don't already have one will however choose to apply for one.

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