Most of us will need help with additional finance in the future, whether that’s in the form of a loan, mortgage, or one of the most popular choices, a credit card. They allow you to make large purchases easily and spread the costs to ensure it does not have an impact on your cash flow. They are an alternative to other types of personal finance options like a payday loan, or loans for bad credit. When applying for a credit card, there are a few important factors to look out for, which we will look at in more detail below.
Why apply for a credit card?
Maybe you’re thinking about applying for a credit card but you’re not sure whether it is right for you. There are a lot of benefits that come with taking the time to find a card that works best for your finances, one of the most important beings that you can spread the cost of purchases with a credit card. If you’re making a large purchase, you may not want to spend a lump sum out of your current account, so choosing a credit card means that you can spread the cost without damaging your cash flow.
Did you know you can also boost your credit score when applying for a credit card? Using your credit card to make small purchases and paying them off regularly and on time means that when a lender looks at your credit history, they will see that you are creditworthy. Just make sure that you can afford the purchases you’re making, and you can build a strong credit score for the future! Credit cards are easy to use and can benefit your finances when used correctly.
Factors to consider when applying:
When applying for a credit card, it is essential that you consider a few important factors so that you can ensure you’re getting the best deal. Here are some of the things that people often miss when applying for credit cards, that you should look out for.
Your credit score:
A credit card gives you access to additional credit, which is free at the time, that you will have to pay back over a certain period. Like with almost every loan, the better your credit score, the more likely you are to be approved – and the same goes for a credit card. Make sure that your credit score is healthy to give yourself the best chance of being approved. This is helpful so that lenders can tell whether they can trust you to pay your bills at the end of each month.
APR :
The annual percentage rate of your card is a factor that you should look out for before applying. This rate shows the cost of borrowing if you fail to pay off your agreed installments each month. It refers to the interest you will pay if you cannot repay the full amount. APR changes depending on which card or lender you choose, so make sure you look out for this when finding the best option for you.
Annual Fees:
Some credit cards charge you annual fees for using the card, and like with APR rates, they all change depending on the credit card you use. If you can’t pay this fee in full, you will incur interest on it – so it is worth checking how much your credit card will be charging you each year you use it.
Rewards:
Something that you can take advantage of with your credit now is the reward and points that come with using it. Many banks offer rewards for using a credit card with them, or they allow you to collect points, so you can redeem them in a shop of your choice. This is a factor that you should compare before making your decision when it comes to which card is best for you – you can choose something that you think you can benefit from!
Applying for your credit card:
Before you apply, you should make sure that you have compared credit cards to find an option that suits your financial position. You can use online comparison sites to make it clear how much you’d be paying in APR, additional fees, and rewards that cards have to offer. It could be worth working to improve your creditworthiness before you apply to give you more of a chance at being approved.
