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If you want to have a financial tool which can offer you convenience and flexibility, then it's time to get a credit card. But before filling out that application form, you must be very sure that you're ready to take responsibility over your credit. There are a lot of people out there who ended up with credit card problems because they did not use their card properly and carefully.

You have to keep track of your expenses, and be sure to pay for them after the bill arrives. Otherwise, you will only damage your credit rating.

If you earn income regularly, eighteen years old or above, then you are qualified to apply for a credit card. There are a lot of credit card companies to choose from, and all of them have enticing offers which are hard to resist. But it doesn't mean though that they will not check your credit history.

There are many bureaus engaged in credit reporting, and all of your transactions with regards to credit are recorded. Credit card providers seek the help of these credit bureaus to help them decide how much credit they will extend to a particular card applicant.

However, just to make sure that your credit record is accurate, you are free to ask for a copy of it. If there are errors, then you will have time to fix it. If you're a first time applicant and have to established credit history, you can ask a relative or a friend to co-sign your credit card account. Do make sure that you pay your bills on time.

If you have a good credit record, then it is already considered a valuable asset. You can use this when you apply for a particular job, home financing, and car loans; a good credit history entails a lot of benefits and is not only used for credit card applications.

When you're looking for the perfect card that will suit or meet your needs, you have to consider the following features:

-The APR or the annual percentage rate; it is expressed as interest rate for a year and measures the credit cost. However, you should also determine how much rate is charged every billing period.

-Some cards have a 'grace period', others don't. A card with a grace period lets you make purchases without immediately being charged an interest. You can keep away from finance charges if you fully pay the balance.

-Ask if the issuer charge annual fees because some credit card companies typically charges fifteen to fifty five dollars annually, but there are also credit card issuers who have no annual fees.
-Ask details about transaction charges and fees.

-The customer service; issuing banks should have toll-free phone numbers where customers can call if they encounter any problem with their credit card.

-Card benefits like insurance, card protection, rebates, discounts, and special offers are all additional benefits that most credit card companies provide their clients.

After carefully considering all the factors involved as to credit card selection, you can now fill up an application form. You can do it online, just look for the different sites of the credit card issuers.

Having a credit card gives us a lot of convenience, security, and flexibility; but it also entails a great deal of responsibility.