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Of course, everyone has to go through the application process in order to get a card, and each credit card company has different criteria for gauging a customer’s credit worthiness. The top credit card companies have similar criteria, and these companies offer incentives to both attract and retain customers. There are hundreds of websites online that offer popular credit card options without the hassle of applying in person, but these websites typically offer much the same when it comes to their selection. Of course, not all websites have such a “cookie cutter” mentality, and some offer less well-known credit cards for consumers that prefer them. Regardless of the websites involved, however, users will usually get a better deal online than in person or through the mail.
What To Look For
Of course, when applying for a credit card, there are a number of factors to consider. The most obvious of these is the interest rate. While many credit cards advertise extremely low introductory rates, often the interest rates on these cards jump to astronomical levels after only a few months. With that in mind, it’s important to know the exact length of the credit card’s low introductory rate, that way consumers won’t be surprised when the bills come in. Many consumers take advantage of a credit card company’s balance transfer options. That means that if they have a credit card on which they’re paying a high interest rate, they’ll transfer that balance to a new card with a much lower rate. The amount of money saved on interest payments can amount to hundreds of dollars annually on even a modest balance. For those who apply for credit card options online, or apply for a credit card to transfer balances, it’s easy to find out the information about a credit card before the consumer decides to apply. To apply for credit card options online, consumers will need their personal information such as income statistics, social security number, and residency information.
Types Of Cards
There are dozens of types of credit cards available, and every facet of society can find a card for their specific interests or tastes.
Citi Platinum Select Card
The Citi Platinum Select Card is an ideal card for those credit card customers who like the idea of getting additional discounts on certain expenses. Purchases of gift cards, travel costs, clothing, and even meals at some restaurants qualify the holders of a Citi Platinum Select Card for discounts of up to 5 percent. Consumers must have a good credit history, and the introductory interest rate on the Citi Platinum Select Card is 0 percent on all purchases. For balance transfers, there is also a 0 percent interest rate. After the introductory period, which may be as long as 12 months, the interest rate increases based upon the customer’s credit rating, and may be as low as 11.99 percent. There is no annual fee for owning the card, and the card comes with Citi Identity Theft Solutions, a program that helps protect consumers against identity theft.
Discover More Card
The Discover More Card is one of the latest offerings from Discover Card. Customers can earn cash back rewards for certain purchases. The 5 percent cash back bonus awards are offered for purchases that fall into the travel, home improvement, fuel, food, and entertainment categories, to name just a few. All other purchases are eligible for a 1 percent cash back bonus award, and the card has no annual fee for its use. Customers qualify for a 0 percent introductory interest rate for the first 6 months, as well as 0 percent on balance transfers. Customers with good credit can get interest rates as low as 11.99 percent on their purchases.
Capital One No Hassle Miles Rewards
The Capital One No Hassle Miles Rewards card rewards its users with points that can be used for a huge number of incentives. The incentives range from free airline tickets to car discounts, and the card offers customers 1 mile for every dollar spent up to $1,000 dollars monthly. For every dollar above $2,000, two miles are rewarded. The miles never expire, and there is no limit on how many miles can be obtained before use. The card has no annual fee, and a 0 percent annual percentage rate on purchases until May of 2010. After the introductory rate expires, users who have excellent credit can qualify for interest rates beginning at 13.9 percent.
Citi Forward Card
The Citi Forward Card is the card that rewards its users who act responsibly. For example, if users stay under their credit line and pay their bill on time for 3 months, they can qualify for a 2 percent reduction in their interest rate. The card offers 6,000 bonus points after the customer spends 50 dollars in the first three months, and 5,000 points if users sign up for paperless billing. For every dollar spent on dining out, books, and movies, card users can get 5 reward points. There is a 0 percent interest for the first 6 months for those who apply for credit card service online and have good credit, and those with good credit who apply for a credit card or even apply for a first time credit card can get interest rates that start at 14.24 percent.
Because of the massive reduction in costs associated with online transactions, customers who apply for credit cards online will typically get a better deal than those who apply for a credit card in person or at a bank. Those who apply for a credit card unsecure without having to put up collateral must have good credit and the ability to routinely pay their bills on time; otherwise, they may find themselves with a much higher interest rate than anticipated.
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