The Credit Card Application Process
by: Tom Tessin

When applying for your first credit card, it will be like anything, you will be completely new to the situation. A credit card’s process is actually fairly simple and if you apply for a credit card that is focused on our website, you shouldn’t have a problem being approved if you wait and follow these directions.

1. Know what kind of credit card you want

All credit cards today offer some sort of reward. It varies from points to gas credits to just about anything. Try and apply for a card that will benefit you. If you never drive, don’t apply for the gas credit card. I think you get the idea. Once you find a credit card that fits your needs both reward wise and terms wise, go ahead and click the apply button.

2. Read the terms and services

All credit cards have a terms and services, it’s the law. Make sure that you carefully browse through this to find out exactly what your card is going to charge for every fee. The most important thing is to make sure you check out your default APR rate. Most credit card companies will offer a 0% introductory rate but that rate will soon change after the 6 months or whatever the duration may be.

3. Fill out the information and submit

If you fill out the information from our website, you can be assured that you will go to the credit card companies actual website. If you do by chance apply for a credit card from another website, make sure that the application page is SSL secured. This ensures that your personal and private information isn’t stolen.

4. Either follow up or wait

Once you apply for the credit card, you can either wait a few days and call up the credit card company or wait for a response via e-mail or the mail. This letter will usually state if you were approved or declined. If you do by chance become approved, it will state your credit card limit on this letter. It’s best to save this letter so that if anything does happen where you don’t receive the card, you can call up customer service and reference it.

5. Receive your card.

If you get approved, that’s great. Just wait for the card to come in the mail. When that card comes in the mail, there will be a sticker on the front of the card with a toll-free number. Call that number to activate you card. If you by chance get declined, don’t be discouraged. You can apply for another card and keep trying. If it’s your first credit card, it shouldn’t be a problem to get approved if you’re going to be a student.

The application process is actually a very simple procedure. Some credit cards may be more technical than some but when it comes down to student credit cards, it’s a fairly simple process. Once you do get your first credit card, be sure to read all of the other articles on our website on how to be responsible with your card!