Student Credit Cards Center

Apply for a Credit Card: What to Expect on a Credit Card Application

Filling out your first credit card application shouldn’t have to feel as overwhelming as your first job application, although some feel they are comparable. The fact is, both require a good deal of personal information, but only one allows you the chance of pleaing your case in person.

Credit Card Applications & Your Information:

When you apply for a credit card, you may worry about how your personal information is used, especially when using an online credit card application. This is why it’s important to ensure your application is secure by checking the “protocol” of the URL in your browser window. If you look at the top of this page, for example, it says http:// before the www. If you go to one of our online credit card applications, on the other hand, you will see that it says https:// with the “s” standing for secure.

Once you are ready to apply for a credit card on a secure online credit card application, make sure you have all of the information required, readily available. For example, as a student, you most likely have a brand new dorm address. How long have you lived at this address? Is this the address your paychecks are filed under? If you have only lived at this address for a short period of time, or if your paychecks are filed at an old address, your new address might not be updated in your credit history. Make sure you use the address that you want your bills sent to, and be prepared to offer up an older, more permanent address if prompted. Also be prepared to offer school information, income level, social security number, birth date, and monthly expenses.

Although credit card applications can get a little personal, it’s important for the credit card company to collect this information when determining your credit profile. This information helps them establish how much of a risk you are. When it comes to lending money, everyone is a risk to some degree, and that is why credit card applications go into so much detail. Your level of risk will determine your credit limit, interest level, and even level of card: gold, platinum, or standard. Taking the time to fill out this information carefully and honestly will secure your chances at getting approved shortly after you apply for a credit card.