How to Obtain a Credit Card

Applying for a credit card initially may seem like a daunting task. The information needed when applying is often information that you already know and do not need to spend a lot of time trying to gather. The process for applying for credit has never been simpler. It's time to throw out the pens and paper applications; the Internet is the fastest and easiest way to obtain your new credit card. This article will explain exactly how to apply for that credit card and what information you will need to do so.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet connection
• Computer
• Personal information
• Employer information
• Salary information
• Housing costs
• Bank information
• Balance transfer information, if applicable
• Other credit account information, if applicable

1. Enter your personal and identifying information. You will need to supply your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and your home phone number. You may also need to supply any aliases, such as a maiden name, if applicable.

2. Enter your employment information. This will include your employer's name and phone number as well as sometimes the physical address of the division you work at.

3. Enter your salary information. This is typically a yearly salary with additional optional fields for household total income and income from other sources. You may also be asked to supply the information related to where the other income is coming from.

4. Enter your housing information. This will include whether you rent or own your home and the monthly payment, if any. Typically you will also enter the amount of time you have resided at your current address; if under two to three years, you will need to enter your previous address information.

5. Enter your bank information. The credit card company will want to know if you have a checking and/or savings account and with what bank. Additionally, you may need to supply the bank's name, address and phone number for verification.

6. Enter the financial intuition name, address, phone number, account number and balance information of any balance transfers you would like placed on this card at the time of issuance. Not all credit card issuing institutions will offer this option.

7. Enter your other credit account information. This may included the name of the issuer, type of account and the balance. This information is not asked for very often. Most who request the information will be those who typically offer high-credit-limit cards to those who are approved.

8. Submitting this information will typically take you to a verification page. Verify that you have entered all your information correctly before pressing the final submit button.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to read the terms and conditions prior to clicking submit. You can also apply via telephone using the same information.
• Prior to filling in sensitive information to be sent over the Internet, be sure you are on a secure connection. You can do this by looking toward the bottom of your browser. Place your mouse over the lock icon and it will inform you if the connection is secure. If there is no visible lock icon in the bottom task bar, the connection is not secure.

Resources

• MyFico