Google

Choosing The Best Credit Card To Apply For


Always shop around to get the best deal when choosing which credit card to apply for. If you don't do your due diligence you could end up with a card that has too high of an interest rate, that has an unnecessarily high annual membership fee, etc. Here are some things to look for when checking out the different credit card offers you may receive in the mail.

1. Credit Card Terms:

When using a credit card you are in effect borrowing money from the credit card company. The terms and conditions of credit that you agree to when you apply for the credit card will affect your overall cost. Compare terms and fees before you apply.

2. Annual Percentage Rate:

The APR is the yearly rate that is charged for money borrowed on the card. It must be shown on the application and on billing statements. Some plans are "variable rate" programs. They can change with interest rates or other economic indicators. Some cards also have a short term low interest rate fee that rises 3, 6, or 12 months after you have had the card. Does the card you are looking at getting have this and if so what will you be being charged(APR) after the rate goes up.

3. Free Period:

Do you start getting charged interest from the moment you use the card or is there a "grace period," a free period that lets you avoid finance charges by paying your balance in full before the due date. A credit card can be a real nice way of getting "free" money. You do have to watch out though for the cards that don't offer the "grace period." If your card includes a 'grace period', the issuer must mail your bill at least 14 days before the due date so you'll have enough time to pay.

4. Annual Fees:

What annual membership or participation fees do you have to pay. Most cards have these fees.

5. Transaction Fees and Other Charges:

Many other fees can also be added onto the card and knowing these can make the difference in having a card you want and one you could quite easily live without. For example: some issuers charge a fee for a cash advance, if you make a late payment, or exceed your credit limit. Some charge a monthly fee whether or not you use the card.

6. Other considerations:

How high is the credit limit?
How widely is the card accepted?

All these tips can help you get the best deal when shopping for a credit card. Just remember to look at the fine print on anything that you sign. This is the easiest way to come out the winner and getting the card you truly want is what it's all about...Because Money Matters

James Mercer runs the Because Money Matters blog, http://www.becausemoneymatters.blogspot.com. It is updated each day Monday-Friday giving advice on financial matters that are important to everyone. From credit cards, home loans, stocks, commodities, to scams and scammers that are trying to rip you off. Come on in and check out the advice that could make your life much richer.

MORE RESOURCES:

RELATED ARTICLES

Credit Card Debt: How To Control It
A lot of people spend more money than they can afford to repay toward their credit card debts. To regain control over your finances and to manage your debt, here are some solutions you can try.
7 Consumer Credit Laws You Should Know if You are Trying to Repair Your Credit
There are seven consumer credit laws you should be aware when dealing with your credit.1.
The Exact Action To Take When You Find Errors In Your Credit Report
There are times when you may be turned down for credit and you do not understand why.According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report if you have been denied credit because of negative items on your credit report within 60 days of the request for credit, if you are unemployed but looking for work, are on state benefits, or believe that your credit report is incorrect because of fraud.
Always Avoid Payment Holidays
Once you've been paying off a credit card for a while, you might be offered a 'payment holiday'. You'll get a letter, saying that since the company knows it's difficult for some families around Christmas (or whatever other excuse they think up), they're offering you a month off from paying, as a 'special present'.
How You Can Help Prevent Identity Theft
How can I prevent Identity theft from happening to me? Never leave your receipt or slip in the ATM or gas pump. Pay attention to your habits, lock up or organize and file your bills, and bank statements.
How You Can Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Identity Theft
To reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud, there are some basic steps you can take.The most important one is to ask periodically for a copy of your credit report.
Some Truth About Credit
Credit is currently and has been historically an integral component of our economy. Credit contribute a person's net worth, and financial power.
Maximizing Credit Card Rewards
We spend money every single day on many different types of products and services and the banks' newest offer is that of saving when spending if you use their services; that is if you pay for your expenditures with special credit cards. These credit cards are part of a wide offer and the best thing to do is read as many bank-offers as possible before choosing a particular card.
Tips For Getting Your First Credit Card
Most of us get a credit card on our name when we go to college or when we are in our senior years of high school and all of us stumble into the same types of difficulties when it comes to finding an issuer and managing the credit card. Most banks ask for a prior type of credit history that most of the time lacks and for some type of warranty that we will be good payers.
Common Credit Score Myths
A lot of credit score myths about fico score ratings get spread around and some of them are just outdated information. Sometimes even lenders can give you the wrong advice and it can get confusing.
Credit Score - Reporting Your Financial Health
Credit score is one of the most basic, determining factor while loan borrowing. Credit score is the criterion for the creditor to ascertain whether to give you credit or not.
Tips for Choosing a Credit Card Company
Credit Cards are essential for any consumer today. However, when choosing a new credit card company, many people do not know what to look for.
Have You Ever Opened a Checking Account?
Maybe some of you are saving it in your trusty piggy bank, under your mattress or way back in a sock drawer. Although I'm glad that you are saving, your money is not doing anything for you locked up in your house.
Restore Your Credit Rating And Reduce Your Debts
Your credit rating affects many areas of your life. Opening new credit accounts, buying a home or car, getting a new job, and receiving discounts on insurance rates are just a few of the things that are impacted by your credit score.
Good Credit is King, When Qualifying for Mortgage Programs
If you want to purchase a new home or refinance your current mortgage, be sure to check out the wide array of loan programs available. If you have less than excellent or even poor credit, you can still qualify for a loan.
What You Need to Know About Credit Reports
You hear people talk about credit reports all the time but do you know what they are really all about? Well, if you have ever been turned down when applying for a credit card or a loan it is high time you learned all about your credit report and how you can get it working for you instead of against you.Let's start off by explaining what your credit report actually is.
When You Are Eligible For A Free Credit Report
By Federal law, you are entitled to one free credit report per year directly from a credit-reporting agency only if you certify that:1. You are unemployed and seeking employment in the next 60 days.
How Healthy Is Your Credit
There's only one way to discover the "health" of your credit. You need to examine your credit report.
Credit Problems? Heres How to Manage Your Creditors
If you find that creditors are calling you almost daily or that one of more of your bills has been turned over to a collection agency, you should know how to manage your debts.First, prioritize then or rank them in terms of the ones that can give you the most trouble the soonest.
Is Plastic Making You Happier?
If you're like most people, you probably own at least one.And like most people, you've maybe never thought what it's really costing you?At a recent conference held by the Fabian Society at London's Imperial college, one of the issues discussed was happiness, and, more specifically, why it seems to elude so many of us.