Planning on getting a credit card for the first time. Need help.?

Question

I've finally decided to get a credit card for emergency use, not everyday purchases. The trouble is, I know absolutely nothing about credit cards or how to look for the best one. Is there a web site I could look where they have the most basic and thorough information about applying and credit card usage? Thanks :)

Answer 1

I got my first one at my bank. You can try your bank or if you get offers in the mail call the one that has the lowest APR. Make sure to use it for emergencies only....that's what I said 1.5 years ago and I have so much debt =(

Answer 2

Finding the perfect credit card is might be difficult for some, that why it is important to limit your search by entering in your search the best credit cards, there are many sites available that offer assistance for locating the perfect card. Many of these sites display their own top ten choices. Listing the best credit card and describing the best offers included with each card. Even though their top choices for the best credit cards show many listings, does not mean that you are required to agree with their top choices. However these sites are most helpful for narrow down the search, as well as help searchers get familiarized with the different card programs. Many sites display the APR, and the credit cards monthly service place. Each site gives a description about the card and the cards link, for customers to apply. The nice thing about these credit card websites is that you do not have to search for hours on the web looking at one credit card Company at a time. They offer customize searches that help searchers locate the plan they need or fits them best. They highlight the cards rating so searchers and applicants know that what they are choosing.
Basically there are only two ways of applying for a credit card. You can sit at your desk and fill out the mail in application, put it into the postage paid by addressee envelope, drive it to the post office, mail it, wait three weeks, get a letter saying that you forgot to put the check with the application fee, and repeat the whole process again.
Applying for a credit card on-line could hardly be easier. As an additionally bonus applying on-line for a credit card is free. Credit companies normally waive the application fee for online applications.

The simplest way is to go to the company website. Go to the company website and click the apply now link. This should take you to the application. You can get all information about credit card at: http://www.credit-card-gallery.com/article/9,Methods_To_Arrange_The_Best_Credit_Card_Deals
and apply online for a best credit card according your credit and get instance approval.

Answer 3

A credit card is a system of payment named after the small plastic card issued to users of the system. A credit card is different from a debit card in that it does not remove money from the user's account after every transaction. In the case of credit cards, the issuer lends money to the consumer (or the user). It is also different from a charge card (though this name is sometimes used by the public to describe credit cards), which requires the balance to be paid in full each month. In contrast, a credit card allows the consumer to 'revolve' their balance, at the cost of having interest charged. Most credit cards are the same shape and size, as specified by the ISO 7810 standard.

Good luck.

Answer 4

There are many sources for credit cards on the web, however, to answer your question in finding the best one depends upon your financial situation. You need to talk with someone who you trust ans is experienced with credit. I have found this site helpful www.genesiscreditgroup.com. They may be able to help you.

Answer 5

Here's what you need to know about credit cards...

THEY'RE THE DEVIL!!!!! I'm just joking...

But seriously, the important things you have to look for is what kind of fees that each card has and the interest.

Some cards have an annual fee that's charged every year for using the card, some as low as $19 all the way up to $99. Other cards have what's called participation fees in which they charge you a fee that's spread out over the course of the year for even using the card. STAY AWAY from those.

The next thing you would need to look for is the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR. Basically, this is the interest that the credit card charges you when you when you keep a balance on the card after the billing cycle. The perfect advice would be to make small purchases that can be paid off in full on time every month. Try to stay away from cards that offer high APRs (23%+).

Whatever you do, DON'T MAX OUT THE CARD. Credit card companines love people like this becuase they can get you so many ways by hiking the interest to an outrageous number and overlimit fees.

Another thing don't pay more than the minimum. When you do that, all you're really doing is paying the interest. At that rate, you'll end up dipping into your social security to pay it off if you're in enough debt.

The easiest credit card to get is a secured credit card. The biggest drawback is that you have to put a deposit upfront to secure the same amount in a line of credit. But the advantage is this, depending on the amount you deposit, YOU determine your credit line, not the credit card company, and it forces you into the habit of saving money. Becuase the deposit would be in a savings account gaining interest while you're proving that you're credit worthy for an unsecured card. As long as you would make small purchases that you can pay off in full on time every month. Also if you can increase your credit line by adding to the deposit every 2 months or so. Usually after about a year of perfect payment history, you get that deposit back with a little interest and the card becomes secure with a credit line that would be higher than any credit card you would have if you would've applied for it out right.

So to recap:

If used responsibly, it's a great way to start building a lengthy and solid history. The trick is to not get in over your head. A credit card should be used for emergency purposes, or if you're able to pay off small purchases. If you're not able to pay it on time, or at all, then it's not a good idea. The benefits like being able to rent a car, make hotel reservations, establish credit in general may not compare to the disadvantages of harassing calls of collectors when you don't pay on time, not to mention hurting your chances of being able to get bigger things like, buying a car, a house, or even a job. Normally when you use a credit card, you have x amount of days before they start charging more money, or interest to what you already charged. That's called a grace period. After a certain date, you'll receive an itemized statement in the mail detailing what you charged, how much you owe, and how much additional money (finance charges) were added on. The key to using a credit card is to not to max it out, or charge it to the limit. That's where they'll get you. It's bad enough to borrow money that you can't pay all at once, but it's even worse when more money is added on every month for borrowing it in the first place!. Like I mentioned earlier, use the card for emergencies, charge only what you know that you can pay off every month. I'll even go as far to say that if you have the money to pay for something in cash and you use the card, put that cash that you would've used to buy it in a jar, cigar box, it doesn't matter, put it and use that money to pay the bill when the statement comes in. Another thing. Don't charge a lot to fast food. It's a common trap that me myself fall victim to from time to time. That Big Mac or Whopper or whatever your favorite burger is wouldn't taste so good when you're paying daily interest on it when you charge it. Keep that in mind. I would probably get one more and that's it. 1 in 7 Americans carry up to 10 credit cards, and the average American has 4. Me, myself I have 3 which I keep low balances and I pay off on-time, if not early every month

Answer 6

Credit Cards are the biggest shysters on the planet. Essentially they charge you to use their money. But if you don't make the payment on time--watch out! They can charge you a late fee. Get enough of those and you'll get on overage fee. All the while they are charging you interest on these new fees-money you never spent or used. They are a scam. Get a debit card. That way you are buying things with YOUR money, not their money.

Answer 7

Oh! The rocky road to ruin!

Have you considered a pre-pay card?

Answer 8

GO TO MYFICO.COM AMD IT WILL ASK FOR YOUR CREDIT SCORE. pUT YOUR SCORE IN AND IT WILL GIVE CARDS THAT FIT YOUR SCORE.. AND TRY TO GET A CARD WITH LOW APR LIKE ANYTHING 9.0 AND UNDER