Frequently Asked Questions about Credit Cards

ISSUING BANKS
American Express
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CARD FEATURES
Low Interest
Instant Approval
Student
Business
Balance Transfer
Bad Credit / No Credit
Prepaid

REWARD PROGRAMS
Rewards - Airline
Rewards - Auto
Rewards - Cash
Rewards - Gas
Rewards - Hotel
Rewards - Retail
Rewards - Travel
Rewards - Other

What information do you collect about me?
Credit Cards 101 will not collect information about you as an individual in any way during the tenure of your visit unless you choose to furnish such information in the form of an email sent to us.

How do I get started?
At Credit Cards 101, we've done everything we can to make the credit card selection process as painless as possible. Getting started is a snap - just think of what qualities you'd like your credit card to have. Would you value a low interest rate credit card? Do you prefer cash back rewards? Do you want airline miles with every purchase? Do you know the name of a credit card you heard an advertisement for and you just want to learn more about it? After you've decided what type of card you'd like, you can use the convenient navigation menu at the top or left hand sides of the page to move about the website in pursuit of the category that holds the card you'd like to learn more about. Each page is designed to make the comparison of credit cards easy so you can make the right choice based on your unique financial needs. Once you've picked the card you like, click the "Apply" button and you're all set!

What about the application process?
Once you've decided on the card you want and you've clicked on the "Apply" button, a new window will open that will take you to the issuing bank's website. First, carefully examine the terms and conditions of the card before entering in any of your information. If you find the terms acceptable, complete the application form in its entirety with the most accurate information you have available. Then just submit the application, and you're all done!

When do I receive my approval?
Approval periods will vary by company, but they can range from minutes to weeks, depending on the offer you've chosen to take. If getting approved immediately is one of your goals, consider visiting the instant approval credit cards page, as these cards offer an instant decision as a part of their program. Other than that, the issuing bank will review your application and send you a notice in just a few short days - your brand new credit card will soon follow!

Do the banks look at my credit score?
Almost always, unless you're applying for a prepaid credit card. Normal credit cards are unsecured, which means your credit rating must be taken into account when considering how much you're eligible for in terms of a credit limit.

What is my credit score anyway?
There are three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion); each has their own system for tracking your credit and determining your score. You can get a free copy of your complete credit report from each by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. This site was setup by the credit bureaus so you could learn more about your credit score without going through other website that charge money to retrieve your information.

Can you still get a credit card if you're not a U.S. Citizen?
At the moment, Credit Cards 101 is only able to offer credit cards to U.S. Citizens that reside in the U.S., as well as residents of Canada (this varies by credit card offer, so view the terms and conditions before applying if you live in Canada.)

What sort of personal information is needed to apply?
Applications generally require your basic information, such as your full name, birth date, current address, social security number, and so on. This information is submitted via a 128-bit SSL connection, so it's absolutely safe to submit this information over the issuing bank's web form.

What about applying for more than one card at once?
Though you can apply for as many cards as you'd like, the fact that you applied will cause the issuing bank to check your credit. Every time a bank checks your credit an entry is made on your credit report, and sometimes too many entries will prevent you from getting the credit limit you would normally get. In other words choose your cards wisely, and only apply for the ones you actually want.

Is my information safe if I apply online?
Absolutely. Each issuing bank uses forms that utilize 128-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protection when transmitting and encrypting your data.

I have questions about my statement, would like to make payments, modify my account information, or I would like to speak to someone about the card I have already received.
Credit Cards 101 simply connects you to the credit card offers that are available on the internet. We are not responsible for accounts or any transactions that are related to cards you have received. To get answers about your credit card, look on the back for an 800 number that will direct you to the appropriate customer service department.

Who do I call if my card is lost or stolen?
It's a good idea to write down the 800 number on the back of your card for just such an occasion. Be sure to keep this number in a safe and easily accessible place so you can prevent fraudulent charges from being made. Alternatively, most credit card statements have the same 800 number written in an obvious location.

I have general questions about Credit Cards 101 or I have additional questions about the application process. Who should I contact?
Credit Cards 101 is here to help you make informed decisions about credit card selections, so if you have additional questions you'd like answered just drop us a line at info@creditcards-101.com and we'll get back to you in 24 hours or less.

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