What are some things to look for when applying for a credit card?

Answer 1

1. No Annual Fee
2. Low interest rates (APR)
3. Fixed interest rates that won't escalate
4. Offers where if you use your card, you can earn
flight miles or bonus points or cash.

There are websites where you can compare credit cards.

Here you can check those in the U.S. and U.K.:

http://www.creditcardscompare.com


Here you can check some best deals, even for students:

http://www.lowcards.com

Just google "compare credit cards".

Answer 2

Annual fees and rates.

Do not go with any card that charges you an annual fee - they are already charging interest, so why pay a fee on top of that? Look for good rates - under 10%. Another fun thing - when the rates gets jacked up after six months, do a balance transsfer to a lower rate card...and keep doing this, cancelling the higher rate cards as you transfer the balance out.

One other thing - credit scores are based on the length of your open accounts - try to pay off your oldest acct and keep it open. If you close it, you will "lose" all that credit...

Answer 3

Purchase APR, annual fee, intro APR, intro period, whether the cards offer cash back or reward points...

First find out what you need out of the credit card and how you will be using it. If you are looking for a low-rate card offer, you should avoid those with an annual fee. But if you travel frequently, the rewards from using an airline-mile credit card may outweigh the annual fee.
http://www.iapplyforcreditcards.com/travel-reward-credit-card.php


Do you carry a balance? If you do, you need to find a credit card that offers the lowest APR possible. Many cards offer 0% or a very low introductory APR for balance transfers or purchases. You should be aware of how long these rates last and make sure you will be able to pay off the balance before the rates expire.
http://www.iapplyforcreditcards.com/0-low-apr-credit-card.php

Do you want to earn rewards on your everyday purchases? You will be able to earn points or cash for everything purchased using a reward credit card. However, there are certain restrictions on how much you can earn and what qualify as eligible purchases
http://www.iapplyforcreditcards.com/cash-back-credit-card.php

Good luck.

Answer 4

Rates, Fees, Annual costs, and their policy on late payments. For example, some cards give you a 5 or 10 day grace period. Other cards charge as much as $35 even if you are late by an hour. Not that you should plan on being late, but a mistake can happen to everyone. Also, look to see what additional services they have, so you are getting the most of it.

Answer 5

Fair interest rates, annual fees, processing fees, and their policy on late payments. Several of them offer great rates but if you are late more than 3 times (doesn't have to be consecutively either!) they will hike your rate to 29.99%. Then, even if you keep your balance in the good for 6 months-they're misleading statements makes you think it'll go back down to the original rate-NOT SO! It says 'could/can'. Most likely, it gets down to 17-22%. Never back down super low.

Also-look for hidden fees for establishing the account, calling customer service, online bill paying, ATM Transaction fees, cash advance etc.... Some will hit you with fees for customization of your card andother fees that you could have to pay every year instead of one time.

If you get something that sounds like a good offer-read the little chart on the back of the letter and compare with other offers you've received, being sure to also notate the annual charge-it can get higher every year and their disclaimer says they can do so without prior notice to you.

Also-try to start with a lower balance on the card. Charge it up and pay it off for several months before you go with a higher amount-you'll keep yourself out of trouble and be able to manage your spending better. (Trust me-too much credit can get you in big trouble if you're not super careful.) Never charge more than you can pay back within two payments and don't make additional purchases until the previous one is paid in full.

Best Wishes.

Answer 6

If there is an annual fee, percent interest, and check to see if the interest goes up after a certain time period. Also check to see what penalties are for late payments.

Answer 7

if you are considering a credit card make sure it has some type of reward proram like points for hotel stays or points for Airlines.

Answer 8

Low, long lasting interest, and no fees. Be careful, they're pretty sneaky about fees and raising the interest once they have you in hand. Read the fine print.

Answer 9

Somebody looking over your shoulder while you're filling out the application and getting your personal info....

Answer 10

percentage rates!!! on all facets purchase, cash advanced, etc sometimes they may say that balance transfer and purchases 12.99% until March 2006 and cash advanced 24.99% from the get go.