If you have never had a credit card and are now thinking about applying for one, you are probably more than a little nervous. You keep thinking about the possibility of being rejected. Here are suggestions for things you can do to make sure your application sails through:
Choose the right card. There are two types:
Low interest credit cards and
Reward based credit cards.
If you want a credit card only for emergency use, choose the low interest card.
If you want a credit card for shopping then choose the reward based credit card.
Prepare everything you need for the application, including photos, Social Security number, valid IDs, proof of income and billing. Check your credit ranking. If it's below 620, you must carry out repairs to your credit score. If you are a student, prepare proof that you are studying.
When you have done all this apply online for a credit card. The first section will ask you to provide your contact details. Remember to give a landline number so they can contact you if they want to invite you to an interview.
The next section will be about your employment status and history. They basically want to know if you're currently employed and how long you've been with your current employer. This allows them to judge whether you are a responsible and reliable person. Of course the longer you've been with your employer the better.
You will have to divulge your earnings. They will ask for your gross income, the amount you earn. This allows them to determine how high your credit card limit should be. If you plan giving an extension or supplementary card to someone else, you could also choose the limit on his or her card.
You will have to give details of your checking or savings accounts. If you don't have one of these it's not a problem. On the other hand, having one will help the credit card company evaluate your application.
When you have completed the application form, submit it. You will soon know the results. You may receive a call asking for additional information. Answer all the questions.
If you are rejected, keep calm. Ask the reasons for your rejection and then decide what to do next. Perhaps you could ask your employer or a relative with a good credit score to serve as your guarantor when you next apply.