How to Apply for a Credit Card

You don’t have to own a credit card to live, but it sure makes life easier. Credit cards afford you the privileges of shopping online, reserving a hotel room, renting a car, or weathering a financial emergency. The good news is that applying for a credit card is a very simple process; probably much easier than you think. Here’s how to do it.

Gather the information needed for your credit card application. No doubt you’ve discovered many credit card offers online or in the mail. You should compare each offer to determine the best interest rates, fees, and rewards programs you are likely to quality for; then you’re ready to begin your application. The personal information you’ll need to apply for a credit card includes:

driver’s license number
social security number
date of birth
proof of address
employment information

Choose your application mode

There are several ways you can complete and submit your application Here’s a rundown of the options available to you:

Paper application. Complete and mail a credit card application you have received in the mail. It’s important to fill out and submit the paperwork that came with the credit card offer, as most credit card companies won’t accept a copy (as a preventative measure against identity theft.

Phone application. Apply directly over the phone by calling the credit card company’s toll free number. You can find this number online, in the yellow pages, or in newspaper and magazine ads. A voice prompt will take you through a series of automatic instructions to begin your application.

Online application. Completing the online application forms you can find at credit card company website will not only save you time but, in most cases, you’ll receive notice within minutes as to whether or not your application has been approved.

Time period to be notified of approval

After you complete the application form, the credit card company will examine your credit, make a decision, and notify you of your acceptance status. While you can receive results in just a few minutes when you apply online, the process can take a few days or a few weeks depending on which other application method you choose.