Applying for a credit card online gives you a good share of benefits. A plethora of card types are available, each associated with unique features and annual fees. Applying for a credit card online helps you to browse through the varied selection of cards and choose one that fulfills your needs.
Before you apply for a credit card online, be clear on the following aspects.

• The purpose of the card
• What type of rewards you expect from the card
• The annual fees chargeable to the card
• The credit limit you require
• Your credit score

Your credit score has a direct bearing on whether your credit card application will be approved or not. Ample of research and addressing security issues must be your prime concern when you scout for credit card issuers online.

Research thoroughly
The best part about applying for a credit card online is that you have the benefit of comparing the different issuers and choose the best card. You can easily find out which card offers the best rewards program. Search for one with no annual fee and a card that matches your credit score.
Look out for enhanced web security
When you transact online, the biggest fear is security. When applying for a credit card online, protect your personal information by accessing a secure website. Most credit card issuers offer secure websites for you to apply online.

List of do’s

• Assess the card’s purpose
  Are you applying for the credit card to earn instant cash back offers or to accumulate travel miles? Depending on your need, you can choose to apply for the appropriate card. In fact, being clear on the purpose will make it easy for you to narrow down an option.
• Mention your actual income
  When a credit card issuer needs to set a credit limit, the determining factor is your income. It reflects your capacity to pay the bills on the card regularly. So, when you make an application, make sure that you mention your current income.
• Scrutinize pre-approved offers
  It is quite possible that you have a pre-approved credit card offer in hand. Don’t jump to it, and read the fine print. Look for the standard APR and any other additional fees. While on the face of it, the pre-approved offer might be appealing, but hidden clauses can prove to be a liability. Do note that a pre-approved offer does not entitle you to have the card application approved. It is mandatory to meet the credit standards set by the card issuer.
• Exercise care when filling out the application
  Any wrong information, even if keyed in by oversight can lead to your credit card application being rejected. Be extra careful when filling out the fields and if you’re in doubt, call the card issuer and seek clarification.

Applying for credit card online is a simple process. You just need to appropriately fill in all the required information, which will only increase your chances to get a approved for a card.

A credit card is a convenience that can be a godsend for most of us. It enables cashless transactions, purchases on credit, helps manage cash flows, and get reward points and cashbacks. However, if you’re not careful, they can lead to debt and penalties that can be tough to get out of.

Here’s how you can plan your credit card usage.

Plan your monthly budget and don’t spend beyond this limit

• Pay off your dues in full and on time
• Frequent missed or late payment leads to an increase in interest rate or to lowered credit limit
• If you have to carry a balance on your card, clear this off as soon as possible. Credit card interest charges can accumulate fast and get you into a lot of debt.
• Cash advances carry higher interest rates. The interest rate is charged from day one, without grace period.

The minimum payment option can lead you into a debt trap

• The more balance you carry over, the more interest you incur.
• Even your new purchases will be charged an interest within the grace period.

Don’t miss payments and avoid making late payments

• Enable text and email alerts for your credit card dues and due dates
• Set up auto debit to clear your dues on time every month

Enable email alerts that send you a message when your card has been used in a transaction, when you’re nearing the credit limit and so on

• These enable you to keep track of and manage your card usage.
• They also enable you to spot unauthorized usage and alert the card issuer to rollback the transaction or take appropriate action.

Use your credit card to manage your finance and cash flows

• If you charge your monthly expenses to your credit card, pay them off before the due date.
• If you have a pending bill but not enough funds on hand, pay with your card, but pay off this charge on time to avoid interest charges.
• For expensive purchases, use loan or EMI facilities instead of using your credit card.

Keep Your Card Account Secure

• Try and get a card with EMV chip and PIN

Limit your usage at gas stations in remote areas

• Gas stations have not yet started using the new card readers required for the chip and PIN cards

Remote gas pumps are easy targets for skimmers that capture credit card information

• Keep Your PIN secure. Don’t give it out to anyone. No one should ever know your PIN.
• Receive transaction alerts and also check your credit card statements for unauthorized usage.
• When you’re in a public place like a restaurant, keep your card safe. Don’t leave it where anyone can access it.

Plan your budget, monitor your card usage to keep track of spends and spot fraudulent usage. Pay off dues on time and don’t accumulate balances. The more balance you carry over, the more interest you pay on it.

If you’re looking for a credit card, shop around, don’t accept the first offer you get. There are many fees and charges that can add up to the cost of the card. Decide on how you plan to use the card, whether you’ll pay off your full dues or if you intend to carry a balance. Then find a card that will cost the least for your type of usage.

Credit Card Charges and Fees
The first point to look for is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). That’s the yearly interest rate charged on your card. There’s also the Periodic Rate, which is the rate levied on your card balance for each billing cycle.
If the APR is variable, the interest rate can go up or down depending on changes in certain economic indexes. Get information on how often the rate changes occur and what factors determine these changes.
When you use your credit card, there are some fees that you should know about. These include annual fees, late payment charges, charges for cash advance, and exceeding your credit limit.

Finding the Right Card
â If you have a habit of carrying a large balance on your credit card, look for cards with a low APR. There might not offer rewards like air miles or cashback, but they let you save interest charges on your balance
â If you regularly clear your card dues on time, you can choose cards that charge a higher APR but have reward programs and other benefits
â If you’re considering a zero percent interest rate balance transfer offer, remember there can be a one time charge of 3% on the balance when you start the transfer
â Some card issuers have a low APR for an initial period. However, find out how much the APR would be when the offer period expires
â When you charge an expense to your card like hotel bill or a pair of shoes, you get a grace period. During this period, you can pay the dues without charges
â However, if you get a cash advance on your card, or do a balance transfer, the interest rate starts ticking from day one

Chip and PIN
Look for cards with EMV chip and PIN features:
â Previously, all American credit cards carried authentication information on a magnetic strip. Not only was this easy to read, but it was also easy to duplicate. This resulted in a number of credit card frauds.
â Now, there’s an embedded chip on the card which carries the information in an encrypted form. The cardholder has to enter a PIN to complete the transaction
Take all these factors into consideration when you choose a card. Also look for a card issuer who offers 24/7 customer support. If you encounter a problem like an unauthorized charge on your card or a lost card, you can instantly contact customer support. The card can be cancelled and a new one issued to stop the thief from using your card.

Currently, reward credit cards are one of the most talked about financial products in the market. The best part is that they are specifically tailored for purposes like travel, balance transfer, gas rewards and cashback. But having a rewards credit card also means incurring an annual fee. These can range anywhere from $25 to $2500. However, numerous credit card companies have come up with no annual fee reward credit cards which waivers the charges for the first year.

A reward credit card with no annual fee might give you limited benefits, but it can still be a smart choice as it allows you to experiment without worrying about the year-end expense. The following are some incredible advantages of using a no annual fee reward credit card.

• Sign-up bonuses Not just for the usual reward credit cards, the no annual fee variants too have fantastic deals which offer new users with sign-up points and fabulous deals.
• Services Even with no annual fee, there are several reward credit cards which facilitate services such as purchase security, exclusive concierge service, fraud protection, return on eligible products, special money tools, travel insurance, free memberships in online retail stores, access to FICO scores, etc.
• Rewards The rewards offered by such cards might be relatively limited as compared to cards levying annual fees. But you can earn points worth hundreds of dollars annually. These points can be utilized to redeem tickets, products, vouchers, etc. You can also use this type of card to supplement an existing card to receive better bonuses or returns.
• Credit score These cards can be an excellent way to improve your credit score as you don’t have to pay up an annual fee. Within this year, you can exploit this card to make responsible purchases and strengthen your repayment capabilities. It can help if you are planning to apply for a loan anytime soon.

It is important to note that all reward credit cards with no annual fee will have a diverse combination of incentives. Therefore, before getting one, ensure that you compare these financial products thoroughly. You can find various comparison tools for credit cards online which scrutinize sign-up bonuses, interest rates, purchase points, limited offers, and terms.

At the moment some of the popular no annual fee reward credit cards are Chase Freedom, Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card, Hilton Honors Card from American Express, JetBlue Card, Discover it, Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card, etc.

When used with caution, a credit card can help users develop strong financial discipline and commitment. Students are often reluctant to opt for credit cards. However, these tools offer students various benefits like helping take care of routine expenses such as food, travel, and accommodation. Student-friendly credit cards are important tools that can help one build good credit and secure low-cost loans. So, here are a few options that come with good benefits.

Capital One SavorOne Students Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One has designed its product with careful consideration to help students get cashback on major and repetitive expenses. Those studying at universities, higher education institutions, and community colleges are eligible for this card. As it is intended for students, an average, fair, or limited credit score is good enough to buy this card. One of the cons is students do not get a low introductory APR (annual percentage rate). Capital One charges a regular variable APR of 16.49% to 26.49%. Another con is that you may end up paying a hefty late fee of up to $40, so make sure to make payments on time. However, there is also no annual fee. Other highlights of this credit card are:

Users get a joining bonus of $100
8% cash back on Capital One entertainment purchases and vivid Seats
Unlimited 5% cash back on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and streaming service
Unlimited 3% cash back on grocery purchases from stores other than superstores
Automatic higher credit upgrade after six months

Discover it Student Cash Back Card
Discover offers features and benefits like no annual fee and 0% introductory APR for six months to help students save some money. Discover also has an introductory offer in which the company will match the cash back you receive at the end of the first year. If you have received a cashback of $100, you will receive another $100 by the end of the year from Discover. You are exempt from the late fees for the first time. After that, you can be charged up to $41. Other key features of this card are:

5% cash back on rotating bonus categories after enrollment for payment made using Paypal (Cashback cap of $1,500 every quarter)
Users need to activate bonus categories every quarter
Unlimited and automatic cash back of 1% on all other purchases
Students can redeem rewards on any amount, and rewards do not expire Free access to FICO credit score
Discover scans the dark web to identify any identity theft risk

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Student credit card
This card is ideal for students who are looking to earn some cashback, develop good spending habits, learn to pay debts on time, and build credit. Bank of America offers an introductory $200 cash bonus on spending $1,000 within the first three months. Other highlights of this card are:

Unlimited cashback of 1.5% on all purchases
No annual fee
0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles
Regular variable APR of 16.24–26.24%
3% fees on foreign transactions and balance transfer
A late fee of around $20 may be charged depending on the balance due

While these cards are designed for students, students should be ready to pay their dues on time every month to prevent penalties and additional interest. 

Building a credit history is important for a number of things. These are things like getting good housing or getting a loan. But you can’t get a good credit card without having good history. But for good history, you need a credit card.

So, where does this circle start and where does it end?

Getting a Student Credit Card
To get a credit card, you have to provide proof of employment and income. You should be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for a student credit card.

First Steps
If you don’t have an independent source of income as of yet, you can become an authorized user on another do not as yet have an independent source of income, you can become an authorized user on another adult’s credit card. This can be your parent’s or older sibling’s card. Make sure that your usage is being reported to credit bureaus. Also clear any and all dues on time.

You can also get a Secured Card. Here, you make a security deposit with the issuer and this serves as your credit line. However, it’s reported as a normal credit card to credit bureaus. This lets you start building a credit history that you can use later on.

When You Have a Job
Apply for one or two cards with low APRs. Don’t apply for too many cards at once. Too many rejected applications can adversely affect your credit history. If you can’t get a credit card right now, stay on as an authorised user or as a secured card holder for a bit longer. Once you’ve built up a good credit score, apply again.

Get cards with low interest rates and minimal fees. Some student credit cards come with no annual fees. These are good choices to reduce costs.

Enable text and email reminders for card dues and due dates. Pay on time and avoid late payment charges. Don’t use more than 30% of your credit limit and make the maximum payment possible for each billing period, if you can’t make the full payment.

Getting a Credit Card if You are an International Student
If you have come to the US from another country and you have a student visa that also authorizes you to work in the USA, you might be able to get a credit card.

However, before you apply for a credit card, you need to get a Social Security Number (SSN) To apply for your SSN, you need to submit proof of identification, age, work authorization, job proof, and income proof. You need to fill in the Form SS-5 or Social Security Care application form and submit this form. Also submit any relevant documents to your Social Security office.

Once you get your SSN, you can apply for a credit card. A job that provides you a steady income and a savings or checking account can increase your chances of approval. You can use your school address as your permanent address in your application.

You don’t have to actually visit a bank to apply for a credit card. Need a cash back card or a travel rewards card, you can easily apply for it online. The information that you provide in the online application is verified against your credit score. Banks and credit card issuing companies have stringent requirements. Once you clear these, only then will they approve your card application.
Your credit score is gathered and your spending history is scrutinized. A high credit score (690 to 720) is an indicator, that you have the habit of settling your dues on time. This can be helpful when you are trying to get a new credit card. Plus, if you require any additional credit limit, a good credit history will always come to your rescue. So, the first step to ensure that your online card application goes through is by having a good credit score. If low, implement measures to improve your credit score.

Improving your credit score
Credit score can’t be increased overnight. It takes a good deal of time to change it to a positive value. Your application for a new credit card might have been rejected due to an unsatisfactory credit rating. You will need to put in a great deal of effort to ensure that you push up your score.
To do this, ensure that you pay all your bills on time. It can be your existing credit card bills, utility bills or any other debt. If you make sure that all payments are made on the due date. As your outstanding debts reduce, your credit score will improve. Also, do not make the mistake of withdrawing money from the card, if the bill is heavy. It’s best not to use your card till you settle your previous bills. Once the score displays an ascending trend, you will find it easy to gain approval with enhanced credit limits.

How to enroll for online credit card account?
Signing up is a one time, simple process. All you need is to provide your social security number and your bank account number. With a unique user ID and password you can access your credit card account online. You can choose to go paperless and have online credit card statements delivered to you. Plus, you can access transaction information, view and redeem your rewards, set customized account alerts and make payments anytime.
Credit cards are being used extensively. In fact, the economy has transitioned into a cashless economy. Banks and credit unions are moving the online way, and applying for credit cards online simplifies the process. If you are planning to apply for a new credit card, do it online and reap the rewards that come with swiping cards.

Sometimes, you may need money fast for an emergency situation. That’s where credit cards can help. However, there is a stringent application process. Eligibility criteria decide if you even qualify for a certain credit card.
Here is a list of the top ten companies that offer an instant approval credit card. These are extremely rewarding and easy to obtain.

1. Barclay CashForward World MasterCard
With this card, you can get $200 rewards after you spend $1000 within three months of opening the account. You also earn 1.5 percent cash rewards every time you buy anything with this card. Also redeeming the card will fetch you 5 percent redemption of rewards which can be used in the next redemption.

2. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
When you accept credit cards of this type, you can earn a one-time reward of 20,000 miles on air after completing purchases worth $1000 within 90 days of approval. You will not have to pay any annual fee and 0 percent APR for the first year.

3. Discover It Cashback Match
Are you looking for an instant approval credit card that can double your rewards? This is the credit card which will turn $200 into $400. You would be rewarded with a dollar for each dollar you spend when a period of a year comes to an end.

4. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
If you could apply for this instant approval credit card by 3rd May, you can earn cashback of up to 10 percent by swiping the card at any restaurant in the USA for the first 6 months. Also, you can earn $100 cash back by spending $1000 within the first 90 days.

5. Barclay Ring MasterCard
The best advantage of this card is that you will not have to pay a single dollar for the first 15 months of purchase. Also, you will get different types of rewards during this period after which the APR would be somewhere around 13.74 percent.

6. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
When every other credit cards are paying $100 reward for spending $1000, you can get the same benefit by spending only $500 with this credit card. Also, you can earn unlimited 1.5 percent cash back for every single purchase.

7. Chase Freedom Unlimited
You will be automatically redirected to earning 1.5 percent cash back rewards on every single purchase. Also, you will get $150 bonus on the completion of $500 within 90 days of approval.

8. Susan G. Komen Credit Card
This instant approval credit card is promoted by Bank of America and they are offering $3 million in association with the Pink Ribbon Credit card program to all its users until December 2020. Also, you will get $100 online cash rewards bonus once you complete spending $500 within 90 days of approval.

9. Bank of America Credit Card
You should consider this card for its 0 percent introductory APR till the completion of 18 cycles for balance transfers within the first 2 months.

10. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Get unlimited access to 1.5 points for each dollar you spend on purchasing. Also, there are no foreign transaction or annual fee; your earned points would never expire. You will be also rewarded with 20,000 online bonus points if you can make $1000 in your purchases within the first 3 months.
If you’re looking for a good credit card, these are the first options you should consider.