Frequently Asked Questions -- FAQs
Online Credit Card Application Questions and Answers
The Secure Online Credit Card Application Process
Is my application submitted to you or am I applying to the issuing bank?
What information will I need to provide in the application process?
Will my personal information be secure, protected and safe if I apply online?
What are the costs for applying for a credit card?
How can I have someone else's name put on my credit card account?
Is there an age requirement to receive a credit card?
What Happens Once I Receive Approval for a Credit Card?
What happens after my application is completed online?
Can I increase my credit limit?
How can the lender help me build my credit rating?
Where can I use my Credit Card?
What do I do when I decide to close the account?
Is it possible to get a cash advance from my credit card?
Secure online access to my account is important to me.
How will I keep track of my spending?
What if I can't afford my monthly payments?
What should I do if I think I have been a victim of fraud?
Questions about the Credit Card Application Process
After you have selected the right credit card for your needs, apply by filling out the secure online credit card application form. This form can be found by selecting the "apply now" button next to the photo of the credit card you have selected.
Is my application submitted to you or am I applying to the issuing bank?
You are applying directly to the bank or issuing institution offering the credit card via a link from our website. Once you press the "apply now" button then the issuing bank or lending institution will provide you with a secure online application. At this point you have been switched from our site to the website of the lending bank.
What information will I need to provide in the application process?
You will need to pull together some personal information, including: your Social Security number, checking account number, savings account number and your gross annual household income. When transferring old credit card balances to your new credit card, you'll need the old credit card payee names and account numbers of those accounts. If you are currently enrolled in an airline frequent flyer program and are now applying for an airlines rewards credit card from that airline then you will need your airline rewards number. You may also be asked questions about your current financial situation and requirements, for example, your mortgage, assets, debts, and desired credit limit.
Will my personal information be secure, protected and safe if I apply online?
Confidentiality is important to you, it is important to us and it is of utmost importance to the banks and lending institutions we partner with. All the credit card applications in this site are provided by banks and lenders who are using only the latest, most secure software technology to transmit your data. Only the lenders and authorized agents within the bank will see your personal information in order to approve your loan (or as required by a court order). We do not see any of your personal information. Your application is handled directly by the bank and your security is their first priority. For more information about our security program please review our privacy policy located at the top of our home page.
When you apply online you should quickly hear from the lender with a timeline of when your card will arrive to you in the mail. It will generally take between 10-14 days. Make sure your application contains the most complete information. Delays are often the result of having to return to the applicant with a request for more information.
What are the costs for applying for a credit card?
Most all the credits card we offer do not require an application fee. There are a few secured credit cards which ask for a small fee.
How can I have someone else's name put on my credit card account?
You will have the option to add other names to your account during the application process. At the time of application you can provide the names of those you would like to add to your account. Once your application is approved the credit card company will send you additional cards with the names on them.
I am not a US citizen or permanent resident. Will I still be able to get an account with a US credit card company?
Credit Card approval for non-US citizens can be difficult. Reports on your credit are costly to pull and they will require close to a perfect credit record. Even if you are a newly-established resident in the US, banks will define you as an applicant with no credit history. It may be best for you to apply for a prepaid credit card or for a secured credit card.
Is there an age requirement to receive a credit card?
You must be at least 18 years of age to receive a credit card (US Law). However, there are two options to provide you with the convenience of making payments with a credit card. One is the prepaid or secure credit card where you pay money up front into your own account and draw from it with your card. The second is to apply for a card with your parents or legal guardians as co-signers on the card. They are added to the account and will be held responsible to pay off the balance if you are delinquent. Both of these options will help you to build good credit history over time.
What Happens Once I Receive Approval for a Credit Card?
What happens after my application is completed online?
You can expect an email, letter or phone call to let you know if you have been approved or declined. The approval notice will indicate your credit limit and the card delivery date. The lender will send the card to your home address or post office box. You'll need to call the toll free number on the card to activate your account as soon as you receive it.
Your credit limit is based on your credit history and requirements. If your account is well managed over time then your credit limit will be adjusted to meet your growing needs.
Can I increase my credit limit?
The lender will regularly review your account, and if you have made your payments on time and have stayed within your credit limit then you will be considered for an increased credit limit. It is prudent that you do the same on all other credit agreements as this activity will be evident in your credit report and may also affect the lender's decision.
How can the lender help me build my credit rating?
Making your monthly payments on time builds a strong credit rating, and the longer you do this, the better your rating will be.
Where can I use my credit card?
Credit cards are widely accepted across the world and online. Although some retailers are not set up to accept cards for payment so be sure to ask before making your purchase.
I have not been successful applying for a credit card in the past, will that affect the lender's decision if I try to apply again?
The services we offer on this web site will help your chances for successful approval. It is prudent to find the card that is the best match for your credit history and your financial situation at this time. Each credit card company will review your credit history and make decisions based on their own criteria. Approvals for credit are considered on merit and each company has their own evaluation process.
What do I do when I decide to close the account?
The purpose of this web site is to provide you with helpful information for selecting the best credit card to meet your needs, and then provide you with a secure online credit card application. In order to cancel your card, you will need to contact the bank that issued you that card. The contact information for the card issuer is provided on the back of your credit card, on the statement or on the contact us page of our web site.
Do you receive a higher credit limit when you make minimum monthly payments or when you pay the balance on the card in full?
Your credit limit is adjusted based on several factors. As long as you make your payments (minimum monthly or full) on time, your credit will not suffer. If you pay the balance in full you pay less interest on the balance overall.
Is it possible to get a cash advance from my credit card?
Cash advances are available from using your card at automatic cash teller machines (ATMs), from the teller at the bank, or by writing a convenience check supplied by the lender. Cash advance fees are usually based on the percentage of the amount requested. Average Percentage Rates (APR) vary according to the lender's terms.
Secure online access to my account is important to me.
Once you have applied and your account has been activated visit the lender's web site to set up your secure online personal account information (online banking). Once the lender has your information on file you will be able to log in and manage your account (pay your bill, request a money transfer, etc.) seven days a week.
How will I keep track of my spending?
The lender will send you a monthly statement (unless you request paperless statements) listing the date and place of each purchase you've made, cash you've withdrawn, and the payments they received from you. Secure online information about your account is available if you set up an online banking account. Then you will be able to check on your purchases and payment due dates anytime day or night.
What if I can't afford my monthly payments?
If you ever find it difficult to make a payment call and speak to the lender's customer service specialist. These specialists are trained to provide you with payoff options or will direct you to the appropriate services to help you pay off your debt over time.
What should I do if I think I have been a victim of fraud?
Do not wait if you believe someone has used your personal information to obtain credit. Take the prudent measures below to make sure your credit history will not be impaired.
- Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax 1-800-685-1111, Experian 1-800-301-7195 and Trans Union 1-281-874-0169.
- Identity theft crimes should be reported to the law enforcement agency in your area.
- Put a fraud alert on your credit file.
- Report the possible theft to all credit card lenders.
- Cancel all your current cards.
- Notify your bank of the theft and request new account and ATM numbers.
- You might want to also consider changing your driver's license number