Applying for a credit card online

Applying for a credit card online can be very convenient compared to the traditional time-consuming practice of doing card applications at a bank which involves manually filling out many pages of forms.

Usually you will be asked to provide certain details so that your application can be processed:

• Personal details such as your name, billing address and contact number
• Birth date, marital status, accommodation details
• Employment status, current annual income, job title
• Proof of identity (e.g. driver’s license ID number)

You are also given the credit card issuer’s terms and conditions, and you are asked to confirm your agreement with these said conditions. Agreeing to the terms and conditions will allow the issuer to receive information provided by third parties about your credit history, and allows them provide that information to other organisations that make an authorised inquiry in the future.

Always check that your web browser is securely connected before submitting your application form (in many browsers this is indicated by a small icon of a padlock at the bottom of the browser window).

Another convenience of an online application is that the card issuer will usually provide you with an immediate decision. You will know right away whether your application was approved and what your initial credit limit will be.

In some cases, your online application may be denied, or you may be asked to call the card issuer directly to either provide more information or inquire about your alternatives.