1. Make Sure Each Credit Card Application You Do Counts. If you just start
applying for any credit card offer you come across you run the risk of your
application being declined. This can happen if you apply more than 3 times in a
30 day period. If you get the card you want then this in no big deal. Often
times though, you will find an even better card afterwords. Therefore, do some
planning before choosing your credit card.
2. Consider Market Competitiveness. The most common junk mail I receive in my
physical mail box is credit card offers. What about you? The reason for this is
quite simple. Credit card mailers have a higher than average conversion rate and
there is big money in credit cards. Recipients of letters from credit card
companies are easily enticed by the offers and it does not cost anything to
apply. Knowing this tells us that the market is highly competitive and
competition breads good deals for you and I.
3. Does The Card Have An Annual Fee? When I apply for a credit card one of
the first places I look is the annual fee box in the terms and condition area.
If you are like me I usually skip over this area but not with a credit card
application. Try to find a card with no annual fees.
4. Interest Rate. This is usually the first place you look and for good
reason. In many cases though, the interest rate is not important if you are
going to be paying the full balance each month. Also read the terms and
conditions regarding late payment interest rates.
5. Consider Offers. What offers does the credit card make? Many times you can
get a credit card offering 0% interest for 6 to 15 months. There are also cash
back rewards programs. Some programs let you share Karma Points with friends or
give them to support causes.
6. What Will You Use The Card For? If it is for your business, make sure you
only use it for business transactions so the IRS will not deny your deductions
for finance charges. If you have a card that gives you cash back for gas
purchases and auto repairs then make sure you use that card and not another one
for your auto expenses.
7. Online Payments. Make sure the card accepts online payments. This feature
has saved me $100's in interest and late charges. When the payment is made
online it takes one business day to register on your account. However, if you
mail the payment it can take as long as 10 to 15 days depending on where the
credit card company is located.
8. How Do You Apply For A Credit Card? You can apply through the mail but if
you are like me you want to know right away if you have been approved. A phone
or an online application will let you know your approval status within 1 or 2
minutes. After you receive your new credit card in the mail it is a good idea to
sign it right away. I also try to always know where my credit cards are at all
times. Write down the number to customer service and keep it in a convenient
place in case you lose the credit card. This way you can quickly cancel the card
if it is lost or stolen.

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