How to Apply for a Credit Card Online

by Jon Francis

Published on this site: April 7th, 2006 - See more articles from this month

If you've thought you'd like to apply for a credit card, but weren't sure that it would be safe to apply for a credit card online, you're not alone. With all the stories of hijacked identities and credit card fraud, many people are wary when the time comes to apply for a credit card online. However, if you want to apply for a credit card UK companies make it easy and secure for you to apply for a credit card online.

If you have questions about how to apply for a credit card online, the questions and answers below should help.

Quetion: Where do I find credit card offers online?

Answer : You can find credit card offers at credit card company web sites, at bank web sites and at web sites that are devoted to helping you compare credit card rates online. Your best option is to visit a web site that lets you search for and compare credit cards to choose the best credit card for you.

Question: What information will I need to provide for a credit card application?

Answer : In order to apply for a credit card UK credit card companies will require basic information to identify you. Aside from that, the informationrequired varies, depending on the credit card offer you're applying for. Some may require that you provide a current bank or building society account number, others may request your employers name and address and the length of time you've been employed when you apply for a credit card.

Question : How long does it take to get a credit card application decision?

Answer : Often, when you apply for a credit card online, you'll have a preliminary response within minutes. In other cases, if your credit report isn't in the top rung, it may take a few days to a few weeks for the credit card company to make their investigation and report back to you.

Question : Are online credit card applications secure?

Answer : When you apply for a credit card online, you want to be certain that your information is secure. Information that's transmitted over the internet via SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is encrypted while it travels so that no one else can read it. It's been estimated that your credit card information is more secure when you transmit it online than it is in your own wallet. It's important to be certain that you're sending your information over an SSL connection, though. There are several telltale signs that you can look for to be sure. First, the page from which you send the information will most often have the prefix HTTPS instead of HTTP. If you use Internet Explorer, you can look in the lower right hand corner of your browser for a little padlock. If it is there and locked, then you are on a secure connection. In Mozilla Firefox, the closed padlock may be in either the right or left hand corner.

Question : Is a current bank account required with the bank I want to apply for a credit card with?

Answer : No. In most cases you can apply for a credit card whether or not you have an account with the bank that issues the credit card. There are some exceptions. For instance, if you apply for a secured credit card, the bank will usually require that you maintain an account in their bank with a balance sufficient to cover your credit card debt.

Jon Francis has been involved with various areas in the world of finance and has a keen eye for a bargin! He has an in-depth knowledge of the UK credit card market and now helps others get the best from their credit cards.