Crystal Tears asked:


I was denied a credit card from the bank because I didn’t have enough credit history. Now I’m getting credit card offers from Capitol One and American Express almost every week. Does this mean I might be able to obtain a credit card from a different company? Just the bank wasn’t okay with the amount of history but other credit card providers don’t have an issue with this? My credit score is good, the amount is time though is only a year with one credit card.

Ron

Morgan Hamilton asked:




When it comes to credit card applications there are quite a few factors to consider. To me, I immediately think of the paper applications that the credit card companies send through the mail in their solicitations. They still do it, just not nearly as much as they used to.

The preferred method now is to apply online. The Internet has security features built into it that allow for personal information to be transferred safely. It is known as encryption technology and is very, very difficult for hackers and would be identity thieves to decipher.

Once more, it allows for the application to be sent instantaneously to the issuer. Some credit card companies including Discover and American Express even offer instant approval on some of their cards. In truth it is not instant approval but rather takes about 60 seconds.

60 seconds isn’t bad though is it? What happens is that the computer crunches the information that you provide and searches through several databases. It bases its decision on whether or not to approve your application on your credit history.

If you have a strong credit rating you should have no problems being approved. You may want to take a look at your credit score prior to submitting an application. A score of 720 or better is considered to be excellent. Consumers with a high credit rating qualify for the lowest interest rates.

I personally recommend finding a reputable credit card comparison website and applying online. The fact of the matter is that the paper applications that travel through the mail are not at all secure. I mean how hard is it to rip open a paper envelope? It happens, more than we would like to think.

Another advantage when we compare offers online is that we can go right to the specific categories of the types of cards that we are interested in. For example, if it’s business credit cards then there should be a category devoted specifically to them. Likewise for low interest, rewards cards and so forth.

Always be sure to read the terms and conditions in the disclosure statement before submitting credit card applications. Too often people will get caught up with the features and benefits and ignore the important financing details that they must be aware of.

The information I speak of includes such things as the annual percentage rate, otherwise known as APR, length of billing cycle, fees including annual fees and penalty fees, grace periods and information about how interest rates are calculated.

Bernice

Morgan Hamilton asked:




Filling out a 0% interest credit card application is a wonderful way to save money. It most especially makes sense if the 0% APR is also good on balance transfers. Of course, whenever you see a zero percent offer you must realize that it is an introductory rate.

Credit card companies are not in the habit of lending money for free. The introductory rate for most charge card offers lasts between 6 to 12 months, although I have seen some that are good for 15 months. The Advanta Platinum business card comes to mind.

The reason that most people seek a zero percent card is that they are trying to consolidate debt on one or more credit cards that they are currently paying high interest rates on. And why not? It’s the smart the thing to do. If this is your motivation then please take the time to look over the terms of service and payment policy outlined by the bank or issuer.

In some cases the 0% interest credit card application will stipulate that the offer is only good for new purchases and not credit card balance transfers. If you are planning on making a sizable purchase and would like some time to pay it off then this type of deal is an excellent option to consider.

As long as you pay off the entire amount in full before the introductory period lapses, well then you just had the benefit of a free loan. Pretty smart way to go. You must have a solid credit history to qualify for theses types of cards. If you do have a good credit rating then there are no shortages of offers to choose from.

All of the major credit card issuers offer 0 APR deals. No matter if you prefer Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover Card, they all have many charge cards that come with zero interest rates. You will want to pay attention to fees charged. If the issuer wants to charge you an annual fee then just move on to the next one.

There is no way you should have to pay annual fees on a credit card, unless it is accompanied by some other extraordinary benefits and rewards. The vast majority do not. Be sure that the 0% interest credit card application that fits your financial needs does not have any hidden terms or conditions that may prove expensive down the road.

Monica

Raul T. Cruz asked:




I can still remember seven years ago when I applied for an American Express card online. It took more than one month for me to get approved. Nowadays it’s a lot different. With instant approval, you usually receive notice via email of your acceptance within seconds of completing an online card application. If you have a good to excellent credit record you can even get an easy approval credit card with guaranteed 10,000 limit or an easy instant approval student card, but what happens if have a bad credit score? Are you doomed to pay all your purchases in cash? Certainly not so don’t despair.

The first alternative for people with bad credit score is to get a “secure card.” There are some major card issuers which requires applicants to make a deposit or what we call “secure cards.” If you have a bad paying history, the most logical thing to do is save a little money to be used later on to “pre pay” a card. A secure card is a no credit card because the amount you can charge against the card is determined by the amount of your deposit. If you deposit, for example, $5,000, then you can charge up to $5,000 only. Hence, there is no actual “credit” being extended. Typically, these cards are marketed as no credit credit cards because of the fast, easy instant card approval.

The second alternative is to search for a “bad credit credit plastic” and find an easy approval unsecured credit, but they should try to resolve their bad credit issues and prevent further damage to their credit score.

While there are plenty of bad credit credit plastic choices available, they can do more harm than good if not used wisely. This is one way for a consumer to repair his damaged reputation by making up to date payments on his bad card and eventually upgrading to the real credit card in the future. And also a bad card charges a higher interest rate because of the increased risk to the issuer.

The third option is to apply for a debit card. Debit cards are cards that can be used depending on how much money the user transfers to the specific card. Consequently, the risk of running up credit card debt is nil. There are also no finance charges to contend with, only minimal fees for application, start-up and ATM card.

Credit cards for bad credit score were designed to rebuild credit that had been damaged. For those with no credit or poor credit there are secured credit cards, bad credit credit cards and debit cards but there are also unsecured cards that can be used for this purpose. These cards generally come with low credit lines (around $300) and additional fees. This kind of card will not allow you to on shopping sprees but it will certainly help you restore your damaged credit history. If you’re disciplined and pay all your bills on time you can ask for a credit increase after a while with an end goal of upgrading to an easy approval credit card with guaranteed 10,000 limit. Isn’t that wonderful? But in the meantime let’s concern ourselves with finding easy approval credit card applications with bad credit score.

Christine

Max Anderson asked:




Not all banks who offer secured credit cards advertise the fact. Because of this, you may find yourself applying for numerous unsecured credit cards before you come across a secured credit card application.

This can result in numerous inquiries on your credit report and a decrease in your credit rating (which is part of what got you here in the first place)!

If you want to find the banks who offer secured credit cards without going through all of the hassle normally associated with doing so, follow these seven tips:

1. Be Realistic

The first thing you need to do when looking for banks who offer secured credit cards is be realistic about what you’re going to qualify for.

Don’t apply for an American Express or a Diner’s Club card thinking they’ll offer you a secured credit card if you don’t qualify. As a rule, upper-crust credit card companies do not offer secured credit cards.

2. Utilize the Web

When it comes to searching for banks who offer secured credit cards, the Web is your very best friend. There are informational websites that offer a wealth of knowledge on secured credit cards and they can even direct you to sites that allow you to apply for secured credit cards online.

3. Target Your Search

Rather than haphazardly filling out credit card applications hoping to run into a secured credit card opportunity, look specifically for secured credit card applications to fill out.

The banks who offer secured credit cards do want your business and they aren’t really hiding from you. Search for secured credit card applications and you’re likely to find just that.

4. If It Sounds Too Good To Be True…

As with any credit card offer, if you run into a secured credit card offer that sounds too good to be true, proceed with caution.

Some of the banks who offer secured credit cards really don’t have your best interests in mind. That is why it is important to deal only with reputable credit card companies.

5. Understand the Differences

When looking for banks who offer secured credit cards, make sure you understand that not all of them are created equal. Some will charge higher fees, while others will charge higher interest rates.

Before applying for any single secured credit card, evaluate the costs of that card and make sure it’s the card that will best meet your personal needs.

6. Don’t Pay Anything Up Front

Never, ever deal with the credit card companies that ask you to send them cash up front. Nine and a half times out of ten they are a scam.

A legitimate secured credit card company will charge any applicable fees to your new credit card account, allowing you to pay them off after the card is in your hands — not before.

7. Easy Does It

Keep in mind the golden rule — less is definitely more. Too many credit card applications equals too many credit inquires. Just because you find ten banks who offer secured credit cards, it doesn’t mean you have to apply for all ten of them.

By following these seven steps, not only will you be able to find the banks who offer secured credit cards, but you’ll be able to tell the good from the bad in seconds flat.

Francisco

M Rasing asked:




A number of people are afraid of credit cards. They feel that they will only ruin their financial discipline. They are afraid that they will be buried in debt. Their credit rating might be compromised and they will not be able to apply for personal loans and line of credit in the future.

To these people, I say, you only need discipline! All it takes is discipline. If you are an impulsive shopper or buyer, better leave your card at home whenever you go to malls or stores unplanned.

In any case, it is easy to have your application. You just conduct a credit card review and assess your own capacity to pay and your discipline and I don’t think it will be a big problem. What you need to do is to scout for several banks who offer these products.

Once you’ve identified these banks, go to their websites and check out their offer. Take a look at the interest rates, the annual fee, the financial charges and the other benefits that you could get from them.

Mastercard or Visa? If you ask me, it does not really matter. Both mastercard and Visa are accepted worldwide and both are careful in providing security for their cards. Some other platforms are JCB and American Express. There might be more but these are the most popular. It does not really matter which of these cards you choose as long as they can be used by most merchants and that you have the capacity to pay. If you don’t these banks are going to crucify you and hound you till they put a noose on you for not being able to pay.

Your application can be an easy thing to go through. But remember, using a credit card requires discipline on your part.

Mitchell

jesterx626 asked:


I was looking at airline miles credit cards, and this one has no annual fee. It says the card and the rewards program is fee-free. From their main website: “0.00% Introductory APR (0.0000% DPR) for Purchases for your first 6 months of Cardmembership. Then, a variable APR of 13.24% (0.0363% DPR);15.24% (0.0418% DPR); or 18.24% (0.0500% DPR), depending on our review of your application and credit history.”

Unlimited Travel Choices, Zero Travel Restrictions, Any airline, No blackout dates, Any hotel, No seat restrictions, Any cruise, No Saturday overnight stay requirements, Any car rental, No advance purchase requirements, Any travel package.

How good does this card sound as a airline miles credit card? Any reviews on this card? Basically I just like the idea of spending money on the expenses I usually buy while earning points towards a airplane ticket.
Reply: Hm, how much credit would I need to get that card? So far I went through 3 billing cycles with capital one and paid them all in full each time, and I plan to pay it all off in full for every cycle and any credit card.

Erik

k c asked:


In jan of 2007, when I was 17 years old, I had lied on my age on a credit application to American Express for a credit card. A few days later It came in the mail with a $2000 Limit. I had regretfully used it.

In Feburary, American Express had sent me another CC and I did not use that one nor applied. Also in Feb applied for Chase credit card and also lied on the app about my age. I Recieved it in the mail with a 2K limit. Desprate for rent, I had applied for 3 more credit cards all supplied from chase and had recieved them all with another 3K limit, 5K limit and 2800 limit. And also regretfully used it all.
In the same month I applied for Target (never used but got), Sears (used 250) Imagine(used 300) Credit one(used 300), home depot (used 500) another Imagine(Used 300). I regretfully used them all.
I am scared… Im not sure what to do. Now there in collections. In july I turned 18, and they call looking for the money.
Am I responsible for the debt? What can I do?

Frank

ricky_72749 asked:


Someone referred me to “OPEN Business Network” by American Express, where I wanted to apply for my first business credit card.
The Application was successful, but now in the mail when I got the Gold card, it does not have any ‘spending limit’ and it turned out to be a Charge card and if I decide to activate, I have to pay US$125 per year. Amex Rep says that I can use the card for even 10,000 purchase, but I have to pay the FULL amount back within month.
Which means, I cannot pay minimum etc, like traditional credit cards. My question is that how does this kind of charge cards helps small businesses and for what reason one will go for a charge card with no spending limit, but yet so many restrictions.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks,

Ricky

Norma

Dave Nichols asked:


If you are about to make a prepaid credit card application it’s likely you will have a number of questions. This short article will answer your main concerns.

What are Prepaid Credit Cards?

Prepaid credit cards are not a credit card as such, as no credit is offered by the card issuer. Money is placed, or “topped-up” on the card first and you can only spend what is available on the card at any one time. But, they carry a credit card brand (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover) and can be used in the same convenient way as a normal credit card.

Who Are Prepaid Credit Cards For?

The short answer is anyone can apply for and use a prepaid credit card. There are no credit checks so, they are particularly useful for young people, teenagers or students, who have not yet built up a credit rating, or people with a poor credit history. But they can also be ideal for people who simply don’t want to run the risk of running up a large outstanding credit balance. They can be used for learning budgeting skills and can even be given as gifts.

Are There Any Charges On Prepaid Credit Cards?

Yes, of course, but as you can only spend what is already available on the card you will not incur any debit interest charges. Charges are typically for: the initial issue of the card; an annual or monthly fee; transactional charges. In nearly all cases the charges are small and dependant on how you want to use the card. For example, some cards have a monthly fee but with minimum transaction charges. Other cards are ‘pay as you go’ in which case there may not be a monthly or annual fee but you will be charged per transaction. You should, therefore, carefully consider how you will be using the card and then shop around for the best deal for you. You may also be charged if you make any transactions with the card that subsequently fail for some reason.

What Can I Use Prepaid Credit Cards For?

Pretty much anything that you would with a normal credit card (provided sufficient funds are already stored on the card.) You can shop on or offline, book travel and hotels, etc. even pay certain bills on some cards. Indeed, some cards act more like bank accounts. You can have your salary / wages paid into the card account and also set-up direct debits, etc. They are very flexible but remember there will likely be a charge for such transactions dependant on the card conditions.

Are Prepaid Credit Cards Safe?

Yes, in fact, in many ways they are even safer than normal credit cards. The amount available on the card at any one time is limited to the balance stored on the card and not a (likely to be) much larger credit card limit. Also many cards allow you to store your money off the card in a related Eaccount. In this way you can ensure that the card is only charged up with what you need on a day to day basis.

So, if you on the point of making a prepaid credit application I would certainly recommend them. They are safe and convenient and a great way to manage your budget.



Clyde