Top 4 Things to Know When Applying for New Credit Cards, According to Creditnet.com
New York, NY (PRWEB) January 30, 2014 -- Applying for a new credit card involves preparation and thought. There are a multitude of credit cards to choose from, and it can be very overwhelming to choose the right one to fit each consumer’s individual needs. While many of these credit cards are valuable, it is important to do some research before applying.
According to experts at Creditnet.com, a leading website on credit and credit cards, here are the top 4 things consumers should do before applying for credit cards:
1. Know your credit score.
The most important thing to do before applying for a new credit card is to check your score. Credit card companies look at your credit score to determine whether you are eligible for that card, and they will deny your application if you do not meet their minimum credit standards. Furthermore, when lenders check your credit score to determine whether you are eligible, your credit score drops a little. Without checking, you may harm your credit score and get denied from a credit card. It is important to know what your score is beforehand so you can apply for cards you will be approved for.
2. Look for low interest rates.
If you are constantly carrying a balance on your credit card, you may want to look into a credit card that has a low or 0% intro APR on purchases or balance transfers. There are many great options to consolidate your debt and save money. For example, the Discover it- 18 Month Balance Transfer card has 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, giving you a long time to pay 0% interest. Know your balances and spending habits, so you can search for the interest rates that will be best for you.
3. Know the fees.
A credit card may seem simple enough, but you should know the card’s terms before you sign up. Cards can have annual fees, balance transfer fees, late payment fees, foreign transaction fees, etc… So, if you don’t want to get surprised when you see an extra fee on your statement, read the fine print before you sign up. When you are searching for the right credit card for you, factor these fees into your decision. For example, if you are going out of the country, search for a card that has no foreign transaction fees.
4. Check out the right rewards for you.
Overall, your credit card should help you save money. What credit card will save you the most differs from person to person. There are many different types of rewards programs: cash back, free flights, hotel rooms, consumer electronics, entertainment…Do your research and search the right rewards that will benefit you. So, if you have a big family and do a lot of grocery shopping, you may want to invest in a card that will get you cash back on groceries and gas. But if you travel all the time, you may want to get a card with mileage. There are many options that all seem great, but choose your rewards program wisely to get the most out of it.
By following these 4 tips, you will get the best card available for you. For more information on credit cards and reviews, access Creditnet here: http://www.creditnet.com/.
About Creditnet:
Creditnet is an authority credit card comparison site that offers innovative comparison tools to help users find the best credit card for their needs. In addition, the Creditnet Credit Talk Forum is a community of over 100,000 members that discuss credit cards, credit, debt, and credit repair daily.
Alice Bryant, Creditnet, http://www.creditnet.com, +1 800-450-7805 Ext: 10803, [email protected]
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