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How to Apply for a Credit Card

1) Find out information about credit card plans, rates and terms on the Internet, in personal finance magazines and in newspapers.

2) Fill out the paper application for a credit card of your choice, if you do not want to apply online. Ensure that the application is endorsed by the credit card company and is an original document, not photocopied.

3) Apply on phone, by calling up the toll free (800) number of the credit card company of your choice. This number can be found online, through yellow pages, newspapers or magazines. Follow the automatic instructions that you hear when you call the number.

4) Apply online, which is usually the easiest, fastest and most preferred method of credit card application. Go online and search for the different credit card options offered by different banks, financial institutions and stores.

5) Compare the different features as regards the fixed or fluctuating interest rates, APR, credit limits, interest-free days, penalties, grace periods, schemes for cash advances and balance transfers, attractive offers and other implied costs.

6) Choose one to suit your requirements and search for applying options online.

7) Check for the preconditions of applying, such as a driving license number, social security number, date of birth and address proof. Usually, there is no need to have a bank account in a specific bank, nor do you need to maintain a minimum bank balance.

8) Fill in the details, double check the information included, read the privacy statement and click on "Apply."

9) Apply for multiple credit cards if you choose. However, the authority to issue of all these cards simultaneously rests with the issuer, who will first ensure whether you have a reliable financial background.

How to Get the Best Credit Card Deals

 1) In order to get the best credit card deals you need to have, and you need to maintain great credit. This is the best way to get a great credit card APR (annual percentage rate). If your credit is bad, you're going to pay for it in your interest charges. The lower your credit card APR, the better.

2) Obtain a copy of your credit report each year. All 3 of the major credit bureaus are required by law to give you 1 free credit report per year, you just need to visit their respective websites.

3)To get the best credit card deals, do your research! Don't just fill out the pre-approved ones that come in the mail. Do some research online to get a real feel for the best credit card deals that are out there for you.

How to Use Credit Cards Effectively

Credit cards are a great way for people to buy things. The problem that most credit card users have is spending too much. The power of a credit card can be too much for many people. There are ways to effectively use a credit card. When a person puts these practices to use, it can be easier for them to live without the fear of credit card debt.

1) Choose your card wisely. It can be tempting to just accept whatever credit card offer you get in the mail. It's easier and more convenient, but do a little research. Check out the options that you have. Many factors should be taken into consideration like the interest rates, credit card fees and incentive features.

2) Limit the amount of cards that you are using. While many people really only need one card, it is acceptable to have a backup card for emergencies. Having more than two cards is hazardous to your credit.

3) Allow only select people the ability to use your account. You may have a card made up for someone with his or her name on it, but you should think twice before giving it to that person. Make sure the person is trustworthy and knows when he or she can use that card. A spouse is a reasonable person to add to your account, but anybody else can be damaging.

4) Know your credit limit, and never go over it. Do not max out your cards, because you will be faced with many different fees if you do.

5) Pay off the balance right away. This is the best way to pay back your credit cards. If you pay back your balance as soon as you can, you will have nothing to worry about later. If you cannot afford to pay off your balance right away, pay off as much as you can. Remember, it is better to pay off the minimum balance than nothing at all.

6) Check your credit card bill each month. If you do not recognize a payment, you need to take action. Maybe it is something that you forgot about, but it might be something you never purchased. You will have to take care of it yourself. Many credit card companies have different ways of processing these claims, and you should be aware of yours.

7) Evaluate your credit card usage after a year of using your cards. Be aware of how you use the cards and all activity that is being done to your account. Close down the accounts of any cards that you are not using. You may find that after a year, you are not using a card. Cut up that card and close the account.

8) Be cautious when using your credit card online. Even if a website is secure with "https://" in the URL, you should still be a little wary of your online activity. PayPal is an example of a good alternative website known for its security. Do not be fooled by emails stating that they are from your credit card company. It is best to log into the account to see if those claims are reals. If you must do this, do not click on any links from the email.

Basic Credit Card Safety Tips

Step 1 -- Keep a Secret

It may sound like overkill, but you need to treat your credit card number as if it were a precious secret. Only tell it to those who really need to know and don’t say it or lay it where others can find it out. Before entering your credit card number into any website or giving it to anyone over the phone, make sure you know exactly who you’re dealing with and that their reasons for needing your credit card number are legitimate.

Step 2 -- Lock it Up

There is absolutely no reason to carry every single credit card you own around with you. Not only can that lead to frivolous spending, it can lead to serious credit card safety mishaps. Only carry the credit cards that you absolutely need and keep your other credit cards locked up in a personal safe.

Step 3 -- Read Every Line

Each month when your credit card statement comes in, don’t automatically assume everything on it is accurate. Read every line item on your credit card statement and make sure each and every charge is legitimate. If there’s a charge you don’t recognize, don’t assume it’s just something you forgot about. Get down to the bottom of the charge and make sure it’s not fraudulent. A $10 charge may not see like a lot, but if it’s being charged fraudulently each and every month, it will sure add up over time.

Step 4 -- Be Careful with Your Mail

If you have a street-side mailbox, don’t leave your credit card payments in there for the postal carrier to pick up and make sure you pick up your mail each and every day. If you’re not careful with your mail, thieves may dig through it to get your credit card information.

Step 5 -- Get Credit Monitoring Service

With the above four steps, you’ll be able to ensure no one uses the credit cards you have for fraudulent purposes. But what if someone opens up a credit card in your name and you don’t even know it exists? If you want to make sure no one is using your good credit to run up a huge bill, you’re going to want to sign up for credit monitoring service so you can check your credit report frequently and be notified if anyone opens up an unauthorized account.
By following the above five steps, you can rest assured that you’ll be well on your way to credit card safety.

How to Protect Yourself Against Credit Card Fraud
 
1.Shop with Secure Online Merchants

Only shop online with websites that have SSL certificates, which indicates they offer secure encryption of your credit card number and other personal information during an online transaction. Look for the padlock icon or "https" in the address bar, both which demonstrate the site is secure.

2. Be Cautious when Traveling

When traveling abroad and making purchases with an international credit card, make sure you are charged the correct amount and sign the receipt and fill in any blanks as necessary (such as the tip line). Also, keep your credit card in a safe, secure place on you other than your wallet, especially if you are traveling in an area where pick-pocketing is common.

3. Know the Privacy Policy

Most major online retailers online have a comprehensive privacy policy and terms and conditions which disclose how they use your personal information and whether or not they give access to a third party (e.g. give out your email address to marketers). Most websites will detail explicitly how safe your credit card information is and be aware that most major retailers have ironclad privacy policies that will keep all your information safe and confidential.

4.Review your Statement

Review your credit card statement every single month, more if you need to. Most credit card companies post your statements online so you can simply login and check whenever you want. Make sure you can account for each purchase and notify the company if there are any suspicious or unauthorized charges.

5. Always Use Common Sense

This is generally the best rule of thumb. If you get an email asking for credit card information, don't send it. Or if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank, politely ask for their name and call the bank back to verify they are from the bank. Never write down your PIN (which is needed to get cash advances) and keep it somewhere in close proximity to your card (e.g. your wallet).
 

Source : ehow.com

Disclaimer: Read this article carefully –  The article is for the matter of general interest and information.