| Gone are the days of waiting several days or | | | | Is applying for a credit card or line of |
| weeks to be approved for a credit card. While | | | | credit via the Internet better than applying |
| it is still possible to apply for credit via | | | | for either using a physical piece of paper? |
| "snail mail," it is now more common than ever | | | | The answer is, "yes and no." First of all, |
| to apply for any type of credit via the | | | | applying on-line can produce very fast |
| Internet. With the help of the Internet, it's | | | | results. If credit is needed immediately, |
| possible to apply for and receive approval on | | | | using the Internet is a good way to obtain |
| a line of credit in a matter of seconds or | | | | it. Virtual forms are usually easy to |
| minutes. | | | | complete, and it's practically impossible for |
| | | | an electronic application to get lost at the |
| Many wonder whether or not it is safe to | | | | post office! |
| apply for credit via the Internet due to the | | | | |
| fact that so much personal and confidential | | | | However, with an electronic application, |
| information must be entered into the computer | | | | there is no physical evidence of an |
| in order for the credit application to be | | | | application being filed. While an electronic |
| completed. The truth is, most legitimate | | | | application can usually be printed, it's not |
| banks and credit agencies have highly | | | | as official as having a "real" application in |
| advanced systems which protect potential | | | | hand. Nonetheless, this is usually not an |
| credit customers from any sort of fraud. | | | | issue or problem for most people. |
| However, it's always a good idea to make sure | | | | |
| the computer being used to apply for credit | | | | On-line credit offers often entice people |
| is fully equipped with the most updated | | | | because they may come with a free gift, a |
| anti-virus software and anti-spyware. | | | | lower interest rate, or a complimentary |
| | | | airline ticket anywhere in the world. Credit |
| Unfortunately, personal information that is | | | | applications that come in the mail may also |
| sent to banks and credit agencies can be | | | | offer such deals, but when using the |
| stolen and used in a negative way. While the | | | | Internet, it's much easier to see a multitude |
| chances of this happening are rare, it's is | | | | of credit offers all at once, which can help |
| getting more common to hear stories of this | | | | ensure that the best one is chosen. |
| happening to individuals. When it does | | | | |
| happen, it can cause a number of problems and | | | | Applying for an instant credit card or line |
| headaches. So, if a credit application is | | | | of credit can be quite easy for a person with |
| going to be completed on-line, be sure to | | | | a good credit score, but it's not always so |
| take reasonable and easy precautions so that | | | | easy for people who have bad credit. Don't |
| the transaction is secure. | | | | forget that a credit agency will almost |
| | | | always run a credit check prior to offering |
| An on-line credit application should be very | | | | credit to a person. A credit check can be |
| similar to a paper credit application in | | | | obtained within seconds, and if the score is |
| terms of what is asked. There are many common | | | | too low, it's common to receive an electronic |
| questions on both forms such as contact | | | | response that says, "credit denied" or |
| information (address, phone number and e-mail | | | | "additional information needed." In other |
| address), information on the household's | | | | words, an on-line application does not |
| annual income, banking information, and the | | | | guarantee that a credit offer will be |
| standard question, "What is your mother's | | | | extended. |
| maiden name?" | | | | |
| | | | On-line credit card approval is definitely a |
| While questions such as those listed above | | | | convenience because it is fast and easy. |
| are common, there may be additional questions | | | | However, it's important to remember to |
| on an on-line credit application which can be | | | | carefully review all of the terms and |
| completed for anyone who is trying to obtain | | | | conditions of the credit offer prior to |
| a higher than normal line of credit. | | | | applying for and accepting it. |
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