When applying for a credit card, there’s more to the application than you think.  Have you ever noticed all of the fine print that’s included with your application?  When it comes to the fine print, many people don’t read it and later find out that there are fees that they didn’t even know about.

If you’re planning on filling out an application soon, there are some rates and disclosures that you should look at before you hit that submit button.

Know about special offers – Many credit card companies play the game by offering special offers.  These offers may be something like 0% for 12 months or $50 sign up bonus.  A lot of people don’t realize that this is a special offer and that it will end soon.  I know it sounds straight forward but make sure you read the disclosure to make sure you qualify for the rate.

The reward system – If you’re going to read anything on the rate sheet, always make sure you read how the reward system works.  A card may say you can get 5% cash back but you may not know that there are many restrictions with this 5%.  You may find out that you have to spend $1,000 a month to qualify or you can only get that 5% at gas stations only.  You have to make sure that you know where you can get those reward rebates at.

Read your state’s disclosure – Every state may different rules when it comes to credit cards.  Did you know that if you live in New York, you can call up the banking department and they can give you a list of cards with rates, fees, etc.  Many people get ripped off by applying for a card that doesn’t suit their needs and they find themselves paying more in fees rather than the items they paid for.

The Fees – Every disclosure is going to tell you every fee that can be charged on your account.  After all, this is the law.  Here, you’ll find the annual fee, minimum finance charge, balance transfer fee and many more.  Always make sure you’re aware of the fees and what you can potentially be charged.

I know, a rate and disclosure sheet usually looks like a bunch of gibberish but it isn’t.  Make sure that you read the terms and conditions closely before you apply.  As long as you do it, you’ll be informed on your credit card and how it works.

I know the economy is rough today and yes, credit card companies are cutting back on consumer’s credit limits but that doesn’t mean you can’t try to get a credit limit increase.  If you’re looking for a limit increase, here are some tips you can follow in order to get that potential credit card limit increase.

Prove that you deserve it – If you’re not paying your bills or you have a bad credit history with the company, there’s a great chance that you might not get that credit limit.  If you have paid on time and you can show them you’ve been a good customer, the chances of getting a credit limit increase are actually pretty good.

Use that card all the time – If you have that card sitting there and collecting dust, they may not give you that credit limit.  Why?  Because what if you want that credit limit because you’re going into debt?  You have to show them that you’re a loyal customer and that you use their card responsibly all the time.

Try to have a $0 balance – The closer you can get to a $0 balance, the better your chances are when you ask for the limit increase.  If you have a $5,000 limit and $4,500 is on the card and you made a payment of $30 last month, they are going to think you need to charge more and you’re not going to pay it off.

Be nice and explain why – If you need that limit increase, call up a representative and explain why you need the increase.  Are you planning on buying a car?  Tell them what you’re going to do and how you’re going to pay it off.  As long as you’re honest, it will help your chances.  You shouldn’t be rude and tell them you deserve it because you’re special.

It’s really not that hard to get a higher credit card limit.  As long as you’re  a good customer and you can show that you can pay your balances off on time, you’re going to have a great chance.  It never hurts to call up even if you don’t fall into these categories.  As long as you’re responsible, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Shopping online is a big concern for anyone.  Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or it’s your first time using a credit card, it’s no wonder why many first time buyers online are hesitant and I don’t blame.  Here are some tips you can use when you’re shopping online to ensure that you stay safe.

Always use a credit card – not a debit card

The reason I say use a credit card is because you’re going to have a lot more luck getting your money back if something bad happens.  With a debit card, a hacker can literally drain your whole bank account if they wanted to.  Just remember that in the long run, you’re only responsible for the first $50 on your credit card if it does get stolen.

Know who you’re shopping with

Never shop with someone you don’t know.  If it looks like a good deal and you want to purchase from the merchant, look for reviews online, check with the BBB and make sure that the website is secured.  If the lock icon doesn’t appear on your browser bar, your data isn’t going to be encrypted and this is a huge security breach for you and your credit card.  Another service icon to check for is the TRUSTe icon that will ensure you that the website is legit.  Always click through on the website though to make sure that it’s legit.

Look for contact information

If you feel uneasy about your transaction, look for a phone number or some sort of contact information.  Scammers generally won’t give you contact information.  If you have any questions, call them up and ask.  If you get a live person on the other end willing to help, the company is most likely legit.

Keep your records when purchasing

When you make the purchase and if you do, make sure you print out the receipt and everything else for your own records.  This way, if something does happen, you’ll have all the evidence that a credit card company needs in order for you to get your money back if something bad does happen.  When you make a purchase, you will get a confirmation number and a receipt for your records, make sure you print these out.

Never send details outside the form

The only place you’ll ever want to send credit card information is on the secured form itself.  If they ask that they want it via e-mail or the phone, avoid this business immediately.  Any legit business will only want the information via the form on their business site.

In today’s era, shopping online is very safe.  As long as you shop with legit retailers, you’ll be fine.  Do your research on the company and make sure that you research your purchase before making it.  If you do this, you’ll be fine when shopping online.

A credit score is important to every one’s financial future.  This is the score that’s going to reflect what kind of mortgage you’re going to get as well as a car loan.  With a poor credit score, you’re not going to be able to get the things you want in life because no one is going to be willing to lend to you.

Now, let’s get to the point on how you can improve your credit score over the next couple months.

Get your report now

The first thing you want to do is get a hold of your credit report.  There are many options you can use by getting this.  One of the ways is by going to Equifax and requesting your report.  With Equifax, you’re going to get a credit score, report and more for only a few dollars.  It’s worth it in my opinion.

Look for errors on the report

Once you get your report in your hand, start looking over it and see if there are any errors.  Look for credit accounts you may not have or balances that you don’t owe on anymore.  If you see any errors, these can be hurting your credit score.  The first step you’re going to want to take is by calling up that company and trying to fix it out that way.  Removing balances alone can greatly impact your credit score.

Piggyback on some-one’s credit

If your credit report looks great, there are other ways to increase your credit score and this is simply finding someone that already has great credit.  What you want to do is ask them if they can add your name to their accounts.  Not only will your name be on there, this will also show up on your credit report as well.  Wouldn’t it be great to get on some-one’s credit card account that has been around for 10 years?  You don’t need to necessarily receive the card but just find out if you can get your name added to the bill.  You’ll find that most people probably won’t but if you tell them you’re just looking to have your name added and don’t want the card or that, you may have better luck.

Just start paying down debts

This one is simple and it may take time but if you just start paying down your debts, you’ll see your score go up.  If you’re serious about your score, go out there and get more jobs.  There are so many money making opportunities out there.  It’s your duty to get out there so that you can pay down your debts.  Debt doesn’t go away over night folks!

Be on time – even if it’s the minimums

Even if you can’t pay your bills, make an effort to pay your bill, even if it’s the minimums.  Credit card companies hate to see people who haven’t paid at all.  Most of the time, your minimums are going to be next to nothing so make it mandatory that you pay your bill off with at least the minimums.

Avoid opening new accounts

Try and keep the credit you have on file and try not to open up any new accounts.  If you open up new accounts, the credit card companies may think that you may need to more credit.  Not only will new accounts hurt you, you’re going to have more credit available to you, which is a huge no-no if you’re already in debt.

These are some tips that you can follow in order to see an increase in your credit score.  Your credit score is very important when it comes to interest rates and loans.  A 1% difference on your mortgage can save you thousands over the lifetime of the loan.  In the meantime, attack your debt, pay on time and try to avoid foreclosures or bankruptcy.

There’s a lot to learn about when it comes down to credit cards.  Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a rookie, there are some main terms that you should know about before you go out and apply for a card.  I’m going to list a few terms and a simple definition for each one so that you can get a better understanding.

Your APR – Every time you look at an application, you’re going to see the term “APR”.  APR is your annual percentage rate and this is the rate you will pay on unpaid balances.  Always remember that if you pay your card off in full each month, you won’t have to pay interest at all!

Intro rates – Watch out for introductory rates because this can mislead people at times.  This is the rate you will receive for a certain period of time.  Let’s say the introductory rate is 0% for 6 months.  This would mean that you’re going to have 0% interest on your balances for the first 6 months.

Don’t let the name fool you – Most cards work the same but don’t feel special when you get a gold, platinum, double platinum, etc.  They generally all work the same.  In fact, it’s more a status thing than anything and you’ll find that these cards that have a higher value will have higher fees such as an annual fee, etc.

Rewards – If you’re looking for a card that has rewards, always make sure that you read the fine print on how the rewards work.  You may find that these rewards may expire or you need to spend so much to get a certain amount.  Rewards can be tricky when it comes to credit cards, so make sure you do your research.

Late payments – One of the main things you’ll hear when it comes to credit cards is that you should never pay late.  Why is this?  You’re going to have a late payment fee tacked onto your account and these fees are generally one of the highest fees you can encounter when it comes to your credit cards.

When it comes to knowing about credit cards, this is just a selection of the terms that you should know.  Since every credit card and genre is different, it’s important that you read the fine print before you apply.  As long as you do this, you’ll be fine when it comes to applying.