How to Apply for Credit Cards
This article contains some helpful tips on how to apply for credit cards, but it also contains some tips on what not to do. Many consumers do not realize that there are some actions that they may take that can actually hurt their chances of being approved for credit cards. Avoiding the pitfalls while maximizing the positive actions will result in the best success rate.
This first tip is one that many consumers are not aware of but should be. Above all else, you do not want to apply for several credit cards at the same time. Many people believe in the shotgun principle that if they put out enough applications one or two will be approved. That may have worked in the past, but not anymore.
Lenders of all types, but especially credit card companies, are suspicious of multiple credit card application submissions. How do they know you are submitting several applications? The credit reporting agencies tell them. Every application that you submit results in an inquiry into your credit reports. When too many of these inquiries come in within a short period of time, lenders often think the worse of it. It is a red flag of sorts and can result in your being denied credit. To make it even worse, multiple inquires can also result in a lower credit score. It is a lose-lose situation, so avoid it.
This also brings up the issue of credit reports. When was the last time that you reviewed yours? Have you ever reviewed them? Of all the financial documents that you have on yourself, your credit reports are probably the most important. These are the reports that lenders look at to determine if you are worthy of credit. They need to be accurate and the only way to ensure that they are is for you to go over them and make corrections when needed. You can order a copy of each of three major reports online.
By law, you are entitled to one free copy each year. It is wise to get your free copies and careful go over each one, making sure that there are no mistakes or omissions. If you find mistakes or omissions, you should follow the instructions for that particular reporting agency.
This next how-to apply for credit card tip is important and should not ignored during the process. Applying for a credit card should not be a hit or miss adventure. This means that you should be proactive and search out the best interest rates and the best deals to suit your needs. Rather than simply waiting for an application to arrive in the mailbox, go online and begin searching for the credit cards with the lowest rates or search for those that offer the types of rewards that you desire most.
Online searching for credit cards is easy, and it can save you a lot of time and frustration. Most credit card companies have an online presence these days and you can learn a lot by visiting their websites. Many of these will also allow you to apply online if you choose to do so. But remember the caution about applying for too many at once. This rule holds true for online applications as well as paper applications.