subject: How To Get A Credit Card [print this page] How To Get A Credit Card How To Get A Credit Card
You can acquire a credit card if you've got a great credit score. All you've got to do is complete an application, and then wait for approval. You can also call the lending company directly, or complete an online application. Many websites allow you to complete a secure application online. The entire process usually takes about two weeks when denied, and three or four weeks when approved. In several weeks the credit card will arrive with a welcome letter as well as the terms and conditions associated with the agreement. These terms typically include interest rates, fees, and liabilities. An activation number is often attached to the new credit card, and for security purposes banks usually require new costumers to activate their credit card.
Gainful permanent employment is often necessary to get a credit card, although some banks market directly to students who don't have jobs. Banks use your income and employment history in determining your credit limit. They are primarily interested in your previous credit history, how long you've been at your job, as well as your current salary.
You'll need to complete an application in order to get a credit card. Often it's a good idea to get a department store credit card for your first time, as credit agancies like to see a track record. Keeping up with payments for six months will usually provide you with the history most banks look for. When you believe you've got a good track record with your department store credit, you can proceed and apply for a card from a major bank. The banks often give better terms, so credit will cost less in fees and interest.
Another possibility would be a gas card as they are just as practical, and have a low entry barrier. Many gas stations are sponsored by Visa or Mastercard. Generally, a consumer without any kind of credit or bad credit would have much difficulty attaining this type for starters. However, there have been cases where the vendor is much more relaxed and will provide a small credit limit to start.
If the consumer has maintained a positive payment history for six months, there is a good chance that a major credit card merchant such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express will approve you. This will take a little work but very worthwhile for the consumer trying to build their credit. Be careful not to overextend the credit limit as this is an indicator that you might not have a good hold of their funds.
If the consumer has an established relationship with their bank, such as a checking or savings account, your bank might be a better place to start. If the choice were to bypass department or gas credit cards, this might increase the consumer's chances of being approved. A majority of banks like to give special attention to their existing customers as this brings in repeated business. Students and recently bankrupt applicants often can be given a first or second chance to succeed in the credit world.
An almost sure-fire way to get a credit card would be to apply for a prepaid visa card. This type of secured card is backed up by funds you supply to the bank. These funds are deposited into a savings account earning interest and a secured prepaid credit card would be issued with a credit limit of up to the amount deposited. This service will be reported to the major credit Agencies, and the individual will have started gaining a good credit score.
Another option would be to have a person with a positive credit history be your co-signer. Get a credit card with a credit line that will be manageable for you, so you don't over-extend yourself. This way you can almost be certain that your application will be approved.
