- 1). Look at the terms and conditions when you are applying for a credit card. This information is available if you apply online or if you fill out a paper application. The terms and conditions will have a lot of information, which people have a tendency to overlook, about your credit card. All the information about interest rates, fees, balance transfer fees, cash advance fees, universal default clauses, mandatory arbitration agreement clause and other facts and details are available in the terms and agreements.
- 2). Determine if all of these terms and conditions are going to meet your needs. After reviewing the terms and conditions, you may decide not to apply. Sometimes the interest rate may be more than what you want to pay. Perhaps the credit card came loaded with fees.
- 3). Call the toll free number for clarification. You may not understand all of the information included in the fine print. Call and ask for an explanation regarding any information that is not clear.
- 4). Review new information received in the mail. Sometimes the details on your credit card will change after you have been approved. Credit card companies must provide you with adequate written notice prior to any changes. Never throw your mail away even if you think it is junk mail. Many times the new changes are tossed out before you get a chance to review them. If an interest rate increases, this gives you a chance to apply elsewhere for better terms and conditions.
- 5). Check out the convenience checks. Credit card companies will periodically send out convenience checks that are similar in style and design to your own personal checks. These checks can be used against the credit limit on your credit card. These may have different terms and agreements. Special offers such as low promotional rates can appear on the paperwork, which is included with the checks.
- 6). Go to the credit card company website. A website may have additional information not included in the terms and agreements. Review all the information on the website for further clarification.
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