What is involved in applying for a credit card?

I am a 55 year old female that never had a credit card. I've been put off by so many horror stories involving cards. Several business associates are incredulous at this and have been urging me to apply for one. I can see their point. I'm finding it more difficult all the time to deal financially with businesses. Most won't accept personal checks anymore citing that they have been ripped off too many times by rubber checks, so they only accept hard cash or a credit card. Also, the first thing that theydo when you apply for something like insurance is run a credit check. So, of course, nothing shows on me, so I am denied. I'd like to know something about the application process. Will I be asked to give references? I ask because I've managed to outlive both parents and most other close relatives and I don't have any friends close enough to impose that on.|||Since you are getting denied, you should probably go look at your credit report first of all, and see what is on there. There may be some reason other than lack of credit that is causing this. There are three credit reporting agencies. You're allowed one free copy each year from each of them. The webpage below is the website set up by the three agencies to access a copy of your credit report. I suggest you print each one and check any negative items that are on there and dispute any that don't belong.





I would try to apply for a credit card at the bank you do business with. If you've had a checking account there for a long time, they have a history with you and would be more likely to approve a card. Your other option is to get a secured card. That's one where you leave money on deposit as security.





Once you get a card, use it regularly but pay it in full every month when the bill comes. That will establish a payment history and help improve your credit score. Once your score is higher and you have a history, you'll find it much easier to apply and not get turned down.|||You could apply on line for a PayPal account that gives you a 'credit-type' card. Arrange to fund it through your bank account.|||Pull your credit report and see if there may be other reasons that you would be denied.





Applying for a credit card is simple and can be online in minutes, with almost instant decisions.





Basically, you will give the following


- your name and address


- date of birth


- social security number


- wether you own or rent a house


- employment information


- annual household income


- do you have a checking, savings or investments


- do you want to enroll in rewards (recommended)


- do you want the available insurance (not recommended)





If you have never had credit, you may have a problem getting approved for some of the prime credit cards, but you can still get a decent card.





Do not apply for Capital One. They do not report your credit limit. If you get a $500 limit and spend $250, your credit limit will be recorded as $250. That will make you look like your card is maxed out and will kill your credit score.





Avoid First Premier, Total, Rewards 660, Continental Finance, Imagine and Tribute. These are all high fee/low limit credit cards that are marketed to people with no or bad credit. Also, do not get a prepaid or catalog card. They are scams and do nothing to build your credit. Check out http://www.securedcreditcardforbadcredit鈥?/a> for more info on these cards.





Once you get the card you decide on, make small purchases (gas, groceries, etc..) and pay the bill in full every month. You will avoid interest and increase your credit score quickly.





Check out the sites below. They will give you some good info on what credit cards are good and what cards you need to avoid.





Good luck|||Choose a credit card allowing you to transfer your balance. It lets you transfer balances from other credit cards at the introductory APR having the cheapest interest rates. Though these offers are very limited, they let you save plenty of money.





Maintain a good customer standing. Pay your bills on time. Keep your balances low to take the advantage of a 0% APR for a short time. Many credit card companies will accept it as they tend to give preference to good clients and good business deals.





Shop online to search for different companies providing 0% APRs. Go through all the offers, compare and evaluate them properly, before applying for one. Usually, this 0% APR is valid only for a short period.





Read the terms and conditions applied for 0% APRs. Understand them properly. Find out the period for which 0% APR is applicable. Sometimes you may have to pay overhead expenses. Calculate the actual rate of interest in the future. Compare the difference. If it is more than the interest rate during the introductory period, do not apply for 0% APR card.