- Make sure your credit score is as high as possible before filling out a credit card application. Request a copy of your credit report from TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. These companies are required by law to provide you with one free copy each year. If you find any incorrect negative items, file a dispute and wait for it to be resolved before you fill out any credit applications. If the credit bureaus cannot verify a negative item, they must take it off your report. This will improve your credit score and make it more likely that your credit application will be approved.
- Make a list of credit cards in which you are interested. Prioritize it based on terms such as interest rate, annual fee and reward programs. You should not apply for more than two credit cards within a 6-month period if you do not want to lower your credit score potentially. If your first application is denied, you can move down to the second card on your list. If that one is denied too, wait for 6 months and apply for the third card on your list.
- Have all the necessary information close at hand before filling out a credit card application. This should include information on your salary and other credit accounts, bank accounts, your driver's license number and information on any other income sources. You will also need to get your Social Security number if you do not know it.
- Most credit card applications are completed online. Always make sure you are using a secure site when you are doing an online application. The address should start with "https://" rather than just "http." If it does not, do not use that website. A credit application requires you to provide sensitive financial information that could easily be used by an identity thief if you do not make sure that it is secure.
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