Knowing how and where to apply is just as important as having the proper credit history and income. For those who apply for a credit card online, there are dozens of websites dedicated to helping them find the right card. What most websites don’t do, however, is help users figure out what needs to be done before applying, or even which cards are best for first time credit card applicants. There are a few things to know before you ever apply for a credit card, regardless of whether it’s your first or your tenth.
Never Overspend
Movies and television ads often make credit card companies out to be the bad guys. Raising interest rates and charging ridiculous fees are just a few of the ways that credit card companies are said to fleece the common consumer. Of course, what the consumers champions don’t say is that credit card companies seldom do these things to good customers. A good customer is someone who pays their bill on time, pays more than the minimum payment, and doesn’t spend more than their credit limit allows; so only spend what you can afford to pay back. Credit cards aren’t a license to spend; in fact, they’re excellent ways to train yourself to be responsible. Always keep track of what you’ve spent, and never spend more than you can pay back at the end of each month, at least when getting your first card.
Pay The Bill Promptly
It may seem like common sense, but consumers often use their credit cards for things they couldn’t otherwise afford. This makes the minimum payment increase dramatically, and puts consumers at risk of exceeding their credit limit because of late fees and interest. It’s important when you apply for a credit card that you know that you absolutely must pay your bill on time. Even if the entire balance isn’t paid, at least the minimum must be paid monthly in order to keep your credit report clean and to fulfill your responsibility to the issuing company. Failing to keep up with the minimum payments on the card balance will put a huge dent in your credit report, harming your chances of getting a future loan or credit card.
Keep Your Card Close
It’s not uncommon, especially for college students getting their first credit card, to hand it off to someone so they can pay the bill. Never hand your card to anyone you don’t trust implicitly, and even then, don’t do it. Keep your card where you know it will be safe and only used by you. Even if you don’t want to keep your card on you at all times because you’re afraid you’ll overspend, lock it up tight in a drawer or other safe place. While you may not be responsible for the entire bill if your card is used without your permission, it can still severely hurt your credit and your credibility with your lender.
Secure Your Card
This is different than actual physical security of your card. For those trying to apply for a credit card in person or even to apply for a credit card online, a secured credit card may be the only option. Secured credit cards are those that require the applicant to put a sum of money in an account, and the card issuer grants them a credit line that is equal to or slightly above that amount. That way, if the user is irresponsible with their card, the money in the account can be used to offset the user’s malfeasance. A secured credit card is an excellent way to apply for a credit card because the card company knows that the user is serious about showing fiscal responsibility.
Advantage For Students
Card companies often offer college students special low-limit credit cards that are unsecured. These cards are used to build credit slowly, over time, and can come in handy for purchasing books and other necessities. Credit card companies generally make these cards easy to get, so students can begin building a credit history. Also, by showing a student the respect by allowing them a credit card, the company hopes to build brand loyalty among the up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
Be Selective
Don’t apply for every credit card under the sun. Pick a specific credit card or two and apply for those. Consider going to your own bank or credit union to apply, since they’ll be able to access your banking information to use as a bargaining chip when negotiating rates with the card companies. Each time a person applies for a credit card, their credit score can actually drop a small amount. That’s because credit card companies and other lenders want to keep on the lookout for “machine gun borrowers,” or those who throw their credit history at the wall just to see what sticks. These people tend to be the sort who run up credit card bills, then try to surf the balances to other cards repeatedly, a practice upon which card companies and other lenders frown.
Match Card To Lifestyle
A credit card should be a reflection of whom you are. With so many different types of cards on the market, it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. If you are the type who likes to travel, consider a card that offers travel rewards. If you’re an infrequent user of credit cards, or you’re just getting your first one, try a card with a low limit and flexible terms. Your card should be able to mold itself to your lifestyle, not the other way around.
Never Assume You’re Safe
Credit card companies are out to make money, and while they’re not the evil entities that some would have consumers believe, their business practices are geared toward actually profiting from their business. It’s important to read all cardholder agreements fully and ensure that you always meet the terms set forth therein; otherwise, the company is perfectly justified in raising rates or canceling accounts, often with little or no notice.
Take Time
There’s no real hurry to get a credit card. Taking an extra few weeks to get all the facts is vitally important, since it will allow those who want to apply for a credit card to apply for credit card services that meet their needs and provide the best value. Discuss it with parents or even a local bank branch when you apply for a first time credit card, and they’ll be able to advise on what your options are.
Take Advice
Consider using Internet forums to research credit card companies and the options they offer. Often, for those who want to apply for a first time credit card, having the input of someone who has dealt with the company on an ongoing basis is the best way to determine compatibility.
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First Time Credit Cards 
