Article Surfing Archive

Monday through Saturday your mailbox is flooded with ads and sales pitches that are simply overwhelming. And where do they end up? Ripped in half and in the trash. Why leave the choice of your new credit card to some random mailing list with some over hyped hooks and misleading offers' Go after exactly what you want and need ' apply for a credit card online.

The advantages of applying online will quickly become visible. It's easier to make head-to-head comparisons and normally the application consists of checking boxes and providing address information. Don't worry about correctly fitting your name in those little boxes and writing longhand ' just have your mouse and keyboard ready.

Here are a few tips for hunting down the credit card that is right for you on the Internet:

1. Reflect and consider what do you need to use the card for? How many credit cards do you already own? Where are you going to use it? When are you going to use it? Will you pay it off every month, or carry a balance?

2. Be computer and Internet savvy. There are some websites that do all of the work for you by providing side-by-side comparisons of available credit cards. But be weary that the source is impartial and not simply trying to lure you in with clever mudslinging. To avoid this, simply take the information right from each individual source. Open two Internet browsers or three or four' bring each credit card's website up and compare.

3. Be careful. Fine print is very, very important. This is the most important step in choosing the best credit card and ultimately will be the deciding factor. Think back and consult with whether or not you will pay off the card every month or carry a balance. If you are going to pay off the balance every month go with a rewards card. Since interest won't matter rewards may be cash back, air miles, hotel nights or merchandise. If you plan on carrying a balance make sure that the APR is low. 0% introductory rates are nice, but make sure they don't jump up too high after the introductory period is over. Good credit card deals usually carry annual percentage rates under 10%. Also make sure if the card requires an annual fee.

4. Once you have found the right credit card, before you fill out the online application make sure that the information you are giving is secure and private. If secure and private, the website you have chosen will let you know by providing the details of their encryption methods and even the companies that provide that service for them.

The competition among credit card companies to gain you as a cardholder may sometimes seem overbearing, and often this why you rip those letters up when they arrive in the mail. Put the power in your hands. Pull up a chair and open your favorite web browser, the right credit card for you is waiting.