How to compare and apply for your first credit card

Posted: Mar 10, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

If you've yet to acquire your first credit card, maybe it's time to think about getting one.

Credit cards aren't necessarily for everyone, but using a credit card responsibly is one of the best ways to strengthen your credit score. A few purchases even require the use of a credit card, such as booking a hotel room or hiring a car. While some establishments will take debit cards, others require that you use a credit card.

When you begin comparing credit cards, look for ones that offer perks like an introductory 0% purchase period. If you start out with the discipline of paying off your balance every month, you'll build your credit history, avoid paying interest and benefit from shopping conveniently and securely. And if you continue paying off your balance in full each month after the 0% interest period ends, you'll never pay interest charges but will still benefit from the perks.


Also consider cards with perks such as cash back on purchases. Again, these only benefit you if you pay off your balance each month otherwise interest charges will quickly dwarf any cashback you might earn.

But, be realistic.

If you believe that you will end up carrying a balance from month to month, start out by taking steps that will help keep you from falling into a downward spiral of debt. Find a card with a low interest rate, and get one with a low credit limit, to minimise your temptation to spend.

Another problem to be aware of is repeatedly applying for credit after being rejected. Should you apply for a card from a leading lender and be rejected, if you keep on applying to others, and keep on getting rejected, you will harm your credit history (if you have one) because it will look like you are desperate for credit. If this is the case for you, consider speaking with the bank where you have a current account to see what your chances are of successfully applying for a credit card from them. If you have a good history with your bank, your chances may be better.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/how-to-compare-and-apply-for-your-first-credit-card-4382772.html

    Article Tags:

    credit cards

    ,

    credit card

    ,

    purchase credit cards

    ,

    cashback credit card

    ,

    reward credit cards

    ,

    first credit card

    ,

    credit card security

    ,

    compare credit cards

    ,

    credit card comparison

    ,

    personal finance

    Registering a company is no longer a time-consuming and tedious business. With the new online company formation services available you will be able to register your new company in just a few clicks of a button.

    By: Adam Nicolsonl Finance> Creditl Jun 02, 2012

    Establishing large credit card debts in college develops poor money management skills. Also, high interest rates keep students in debt well after school.

    By: Roshanl Finance> Creditl May 30, 2012

    "In full swing, there is news in the industry every day." A third-party payments industry veteran, told us. Third-party payment industry is in the most rapid period of development of this industry.

    By: annegyl Finance> Creditl May 29, 2012

    Typically, small company proprietors rely on financial loans to invest in their companies. But when you're a small company, remember to think about other kinds of economic financing like a business credit line.

    By: Irish B. Taylorl Finance> Creditl May 29, 2012

    If you're planning a holiday with your family, don't forget to include your credit score with you. Monitoring your credit score while you're away can be a big help. If the thought of thieves running up a huge debt on your credit card scares you, then online monitoring is what you need. Read article to know more.

    By: joymalil Finance> Creditl May 29, 2012

    We all know that credit cards are good for day-to-day purchases, especially if there are some rewards or cash back to be earned in the process. However, I have found some rather strange things you could buy with your credit card, including uranium and a tiki hut...

    By: Simon Potterl Finance> Personal Financel Feb 22, 2011

    Looking through credit card statements isn't exactly the most fun thing to do in the world. However, it's very important to do so, especially if your card is being used fraudulently for criminal activity. Here's five reasons you should check your statements each month.

    By: Simon Potterl Finance> Creditl Feb 02, 2011

    I explain how UK consumers can find poor credit loans that aren't payday loans. I also describe what the interest rates are like for bad credit loans and explain how they compare to those offered on payday loans.

    By: Simon Potterl Finance> Creditl Jan 27, 2011

    I give the UK consumer 5 reasons why they should use their credit cards more. However, this piece isn't intended to come from the angle of persuading people who cannot afford to repay the debt to use their cards more. This piece is aimed at people who have the discipline to pay their credit card balance off before the interest they will be charged outweighs the benefits of using the credit card in the first place.

    By: Simon Potterl Finance> Creditl Jan 12, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast