| Anywhere you go online nowadays, you will see a | | | | rewards use of the card with frequent flyer miles |
| multitude of ads for credit cards. Some offer low | | | | to use towards free flights and other guest |
| interest rate for an introductory period, or bonus | | | | services, or maybe a student might want a credit |
| frequent flyer miles while others offer real | | | | card that offers free school merchandise and |
| discounts on new vehicles and equipment. Trying | | | | athletic gear. |
| to find one that suits your needs and lifestyle can | | | | 4. Can I reduce any debts with my new credit |
| be a little overwhelming. | | | | card? |
| Before you dive on in, ask yourself some key | | | | Many credit cards offer great balance transfer |
| questions about your needs: | | | | benefits that allow you to bring most balances |
| 1. What is my credit history situation? | | | | over and pay a fixed, low APR until the balance is |
| The first and foremost question when applying | | | | paid off. These are great because you can |
| for a credit card is going to be your credit rating. | | | | consolidate most bills into one payment, saving |
| Have you had credit opportunities in the past, and | | | | you alot of money in interest fees. |
| if so, how have you handled them? Did you pay | | | | 5. Should I get a copy of my credit report, and if |
| off the balances with timely payments, or did you | | | | so, should I be paying for it? |
| fall behind? These are situations that your rating | | | | This is a big issue going on in the news today. |
| will be based on, so plan ahead and you'll be able | | | | Identity theft and inaccurate credit reporting is a |
| to get the best credit card offer that you | | | | hot button that is circulating around the media and |
| deserve. | | | | today's society. Keeping tabs and consistently |
| 2. What are my plans for the credit card? | | | | monitoring your credit report is a smart idea in |
| If you plan to use your new credit card instead | | | | preventing fraud. |
| of cash (which is possible in todays world), you | | | | There are many offers on the web to get a |
| might want to look for one with a low ongoing | | | | copy of your credit report for free. It's important |
| interest rate (APR). This way, in case you don't | | | | to read all the information before signing up for |
| pay off the balance within the interest free grace | | | | anything and make certain to check the company |
| period, you aren't taxed too heavily with interest | | | | that is issuing the offer. There are only 3 credit |
| fees on the balance. | | | | reporting agencies in the United States; Experian, |
| Or, maybe you only want to use the card in | | | | Equifax and TransUnion. You can contact and |
| emergencies or special situations. In this case, look | | | | order your credit report from each one individually |
| for a credit offer without an annual fee or | | | | ($), or go with a reputable company that will get |
| membership dues. This way, you can stash the | | | | all 3 for you in one report. |
| credit card away and not have to worry about | | | | In conclusion, remember that part of finding the |
| missing any recurring 'administrative' fees. | | | | right credit card for you is analyzing the situation |
| 3. Can my lifestyle or hobbies benefit my credit | | | | you're currently in. With so many credit offers out |
| card search? | | | | there, you're sure to find one that can improve |
| There are many credit card issuers teaming up | | | | your lifestyle or benefit you in other ways. |
| with retailers and other businesses in the service | | | | Always read all the information involved and make |
| industry. The benefit to you is that you earn | | | | sure that the website you're exchanging private |
| rebates and discounts towards merchandise, | | | | information with has a secure certificate (the gold |
| products and services with each use of these | | | | lock) located on the bottom of your browser |
| "rewards" type credit cards. | | | | window. |
| For instance, travelers and vacationers might | | | | Good luck finding the best credit card deal. |
| want to get an airline reward credit card that | | | | |