Credit Card Application

Morgan Hamilton asked:




When it comes to credit card applications there are quite a few factors to consider. To me, I immediately think of the paper applications that the credit card companies send through the mail in their solicitations. They still do it, just not nearly as much as they used to.

The preferred method now is to apply online. The Internet has security features built into it that allow for personal information to be transferred safely. It is known as encryption technology and is very, very difficult for hackers and would be identity thieves to decipher.

Once more, it allows for the application to be sent instantaneously to the issuer. Some credit card companies including Discover and American Express even offer instant approval on some of their cards. In truth it is not instant approval but rather takes about 60 seconds.

60 seconds isn’t bad though is it? What happens is that the computer crunches the information that you provide and searches through several databases. It bases its decision on whether or not to approve your application on your credit history.

If you have a strong credit rating you should have no problems being approved. You may want to take a look at your credit score prior to submitting an application. A score of 720 or better is considered to be excellent. Consumers with a high credit rating qualify for the lowest interest rates.

I personally recommend finding a reputable credit card comparison website and applying online. The fact of the matter is that the paper applications that travel through the mail are not at all secure. I mean how hard is it to rip open a paper envelope? It happens, more than we would like to think.

Another advantage when we compare offers online is that we can go right to the specific categories of the types of cards that we are interested in. For example, if it’s business credit cards then there should be a category devoted specifically to them. Likewise for low interest, rewards cards and so forth.

Always be sure to read the terms and conditions in the disclosure statement before submitting credit card applications. Too often people will get caught up with the features and benefits and ignore the important financing details that they must be aware of.

The information I speak of includes such things as the annual percentage rate, otherwise known as APR, length of billing cycle, fees including annual fees and penalty fees, grace periods and information about how interest rates are calculated.

Connie

Sunil Tanna asked:




Unsolicited pre-approved credit card offers could potentially put you at risk of identity theft. A thief may steal from your mailbox, and seeing the promotional invitation to take out a pre-approved credit card, take advantage of this opportunity. If a thief intercepts such an application, completes it and sends it back in your name, the application is quite likely to be accepted. From then on there would be somebody operating a credit card in your name – without you knowing anything about it – until trouble develops.

More sophisticated identity thieves may order a redirection or change of address of your mail, perhaps through the postal service or directly with the credit card company concerned. This allows them to take control of subsequent communication, including the delivery of the new credit cards. If you come across any evidence of such activity, it could be a warning sign that identity thieves may be interested or active in stealing your identity in some way. One thing to be on look out for, is sudden drop-offs in mail volume – in that case you should check with your local postal center to find out whether a redirection order has been placed in your name without your knowledge.

Many credit card companies may send repeated offers. You can reduce your risk, if you can stop them when you get the first offer. Start by asking the company directly, but if they do not comply, there may be a direct marketing ethics body or a consumer agency in your area that can help you to get you off the company’s mailing list.

Your liability is, of course, limited if it was not you who sent back the application. However, that does not mean you would free of the consequential hassles. You may become a “suspect”, especially if your signature was forged, and be faced with having to argue against the credit card company. Meanwhile your good credit record may have been damaged, and it may take you some time, expense and effort to sort out the problems with banks, merchants and others who may have lost money when dealing with someone who presented himself as if he were you. In these cases, you may well find it necessary to engage an identity theft lawyer to help sort out all issues.

Fortunately, the credit card issuers are gradually getting better at understanding and managing these risks. Pre-approved offers are becoming less common – however they have not disappeared completely – they are such a powerful marketing tool that these companies do not wish to abandon completely. Most credit card companies have improved their procedures to reduce identity theft risks, and are working on further improvements – but that doesn’t mean that you can afford to become complacent!

These three tips can further reduce the risk of these types of fraud:-

- Lock your mailbox, or use a mail center post box

- If you throw out pre-approved credit card applications received in the mail, make sure they are well shredded before you do so

- If you move house, have your mail redirected to your new address so it does not end up being left uncollected at your old address

Steve