Very often you can hear the statement that applying online for a credit card is safe and fast. At the same time, it is common knowledge that cases of online identity theft are frequent enough to make people be afraid of it. Is it really dangerous to order plastics via Internet? Let us see how matters stand.
There are a wide range of web-sources where consumers can make an online credit card application: Credit-Land.com, RequestCredit.com and many other sites are known to provide assistance in credit card selection and quick redirection to the bank's official site. Credit card companies spend a lot of money on products promotion as well as providing credit card application security. Banks want to make people order cards via Internet. The reason is that it minimizes the cost of application processing: there are no extra personnel needed, as well as no expenditures on paper application forms. The information you submit goes straight to the bank's database; that is why both the applicant and the creditor save a good deal of time.
To protect the personal and financial information you enter on the application page, SSL (secure sockets layer) protocol is used. It implies that the information is twice encrypted: when being submitted in the sending computer and being accepted by the receiving computer. This encryption method guarantees that your information will never be stolen if you submit it through the SSL protected web sites.
However, not every site is supplied with SSL protocol. There are some details to consider if you want to make a really secure online application.
1) The web page is stated to be secure or there is a name of SSL Certificate provider (Verisign, for example)
2) URL of a protected web-page usually begins with https:// (regular pages start with http://)
3) You can see a small lock in the right bottom corner of the screen
4) They ask you to register on a secure site
If you notice some or all of these features on a web site, you can be 100% your information is protected. So, you can choose the bank product for your credit situation and needs and indicate your personal information like address, annual income, social security number etc in the application form provided.
In case you do not see any of the above mentioned signs of security, or the site just seems shady, leave it and go to a reliable web source. One should also be careful with credit card offers coming by e-mail. E-mail is very vulnerable, and there is a great possibility that you will receive malicious mail (become a victim of phishing). Plus, it is required that you should have your computer protected with anti-virus programs.
Latest Credit Articles
Fraud Alerts and Identity Theft: is This Enough?
By: Bernard Pragides | 06/09/2008
Fraud alerts are one weapon in your arsenal that can be a part of your overall effort at responding to and preventing identity theft.
Business Credit Cards – the Perks and Bonuses of a Business Credit Card Holder
By: Klye Anderson | 06/09/2008
Running a business or a company is challenging as it is. Imagine now how relieved business owners and entrepreneurs are that business credit cards are around to assist them in tight cash flow situations.
Bad Credit Warning
By: S. Lieberman | 05/09/2008
If your credit is damaged, don't fall victim to a company that promises to be able to repair your credit for you. Everyday, companies nationwide appeal to consumers with poor credit histories. They promise, for a fee, to clean up your credit report so you can get a car loan, a home mortgage, insurance, or even a job. The truth is, they can't deliver. After you pay them hundreds or thousands of dollars in up-front fees, these companies do nothing to improve your credit report; many simply vanish with your money.
Information About SimplyCash By American Express And Other American Express Cards
By: Kristi Ambrose | 05/09/2008
SimplyCash is also a part of another network called Open Network which allows you to get additional savings from specific companies such as Hertz car rental, Jet Blue Airlines, Fed Ex deliveries, Delta Airlines and Gateway electronic products. This seems like it would be a really good card for a business or a person that travels a lot.
Ways to Repair Bad Credit
By: lily005 | 05/09/2008
Your credit rating determines whether or not you will be able to get a loan in the future. A bad credit report might mean that you will not be able to get a car loan, mortgage, or debt consolidation loan. You should take measures to repair the bad credit.
Help You Repair Credit
By: lily005 | 05/09/2008
There are some steps you can take to help repair your credit and gain a better chance at receiving these rates. Here are tips on how to do this.
Get Home Loan With Bad Credit
By: lily005 | 05/09/2008
Home mortgage loan refers to the loan lent to someone who buys a house from a developer, makes the initial payment and lets the bank to pay the rest in installments. He will use the house as collateral and pay the principle and interest on time. With flexible payments and terms, today,mortgage lenders offer a wide variety of loan products.
Ways to Fix Credit
By: Elisa002 | 05/09/2008
Many people are wondering how to repair their bad credit. It's not easy for them to handle that problem. Your first instinct might be to file for bankruptcy when you're in over your head. It's not always the best solution. Really, it's the solution of last resort. Here are some tips for credit repairing, when you're done and the last derogatory marks have been amended or removed, the feeling of relief is one of the best feelings in the world. You should try it on your own. The feeling of having
More from Anne
Online Banking: Consumers Choose Security
By: Anne | 24/12/2007 | Credit
Today banks promote online banking as the safest and quickest way of servicing customers. What do people take into account when signing up for online banking? The brief coverage of pros and cons follows.
Hot Credit Card Applications for the Holidays
By: Anne | 11/12/2007 | Credit
What presents have banks prepared for their customers this holiday season? And how to get the most gain from the teaser credit card applications?
Finance 
