What you should know before applying:

Introduction: Choosing a credit card at Finance Globe can be fast, simple and efficient. Furthermore, you can make the right choice when you choose your card. We know that making the wrong decision can lead to unnecessary costs or fees, a feeling of resentment, and yes, unpleasant surprises. This section gives you a brief introduction to the pitfalls and also the positive factors to think about when choosing the right card.

Some credit card offers - from your mailbox, in the bank, or on the web can be confusing. For example, let's take a look at an offer that advertises a 8.79% APR*, printed boldly and in large font. Yes, it sounds great, because I want a low APR. Okay, where do I sign?

Let's back up a few steps... Notice that ugly asterisk * after "APR" (sometimes shown before "APR"). This means that restrictions may apply and this may not be the APR that you will receive, depending on different factors decided by the credit issuer. As a precautionary measure, always look for the sign it refers to, whether it is an asterisk, double asterisk, superscript such as ² or whatever else. You should find a reference, sort of like a map legend somewhere in the offer or terms and conditions. Read it, it is a contract and may make you aware of items not advertised with the offer, or "a catch".

Now, before you start feeling all queasy inside, don't start feeling sour at credit card issuers for being corrupt or dishonest. This is not what we think or are trying to say at all. Think of a product, for fun we will put a hot tub as the subject. Most hot tubs are advertised by how many jets it has, the power rating, seating capacity, great and relaxing features, and by other positive means. It will not show in the headlines - the warranty if it's short, the power consumption, and other pitfalls. This is information that you will have to dig for a little, and like nearly every product, the same holds true for credit cards.

Using the database to find the right card:

Introduction: Low APR, 0% introductory APR, balance transfers, annual fees, rewards, platinum cards, gold cards? "Where should I start?" can be a stumbling question when thinking about the possibilities. The answer may be simple... The basic question is "how does your credit rating stand?". In general, the lower your score, the less options you may have. As credit ratings are built, so are the options in most credit cards, such as a better APR and fee and great rewards.

Our credit card database gives you quite a few options to search for the right credit card. The different ways to find credit cards on the internet are searched for in hundreds of different ways, depending on the want and need of the person or business applying for a card and their credit record. And yes, we provide the means to do just that. We have cards categorized in dozens of different ways, even recommendations by your FICO score (visit Score Match). Furthermore, all cards are sortable in the database, allowing you to narrow down the offers even further.

To begin, start at "credit cards". From there you will see two sections, "credit cards by issuer" and "credit cards by category". If you know which card issuer you want to apply with, then the choice is simple - just choose the issuer and the card offers will be displayed on the next page. Otherwise, credit cards by category will be the easiest way to choose by your wants or needs.

Once you find the category or issuer that meets your interests, you should be on the results page. From here, you will can compare cards by clicking on the heading that appeals to your needs the most, such as APR, Intro APR, Fees, etc. Just click on the card name that you want to view to get the details of the offer (i.e. "Chase Platinum Card").

Now that you are looking at the card profile, you can apply on-line or over the phone (either a phone number or on-line link to the application will exist), directly with the credit card issuer or choose another card to view.

What to expect during and after the application process:

The applications that we list are verified as encrypted (SSL) in Internet Explorer 6 browsers. You can verify this on the application. The application will ask you for personal security information that will be used for processing your application or as outlined in the card issuers privacy policy. You should expect 1 or more credit pulls from the 3 major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. Again, this information will be outlined in the card issuer's terms and conditions.

For on-line applications: After you fill out the application successfully, (unless the card offers instant approval) you will normally receive a response on-line or in the mail within a few weeks. Most issuers like to communicate by postal mail for security reasons, however some issuers may also communicate on-line (such as status of an application on their website or by e-mail). Tip: If you fill out applications or enter personal information on a regular basis, we suggest that you download a free auto-fill tool such as the Google Toolbar.

Well, that's it. We hope that you will find the credit card that you want or need through Finance Globe. If you have any questions or suggestions for this website or the credit card database, please contact us on-line.

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