What is Credit Card & How to apply for a credit card online?

Hello Friends, In this article, We will discuss about What is Credit Card & How to apply for a credit card online. A credit card is a thin rectangular plastic card issued by financial institutions, which allows you to borrow money from pre-approved limits for your purchases. What is Credit Card & How to apply for a credit card online?

The main difference between a credit card and a debit card is that in the case of a credit card, the money is taken from your pre-approved limit. Whereas, in debit cards money is deducted from your bank account.

After applying for a credit card, just keep in mind that the amount borrowed must be repaid within the stipulated time frame to avoid punitive fees.

Credit card details are always safe with the card issuer. To avoid fraud, you should not share credit card information with anyone.

How to apply for a credit card online?

Applying for a credit card is very easy. All you need is a good internet connection. If you have that, you can apply for a credit card online:-

1. Go to the bank’s website.
2. Search for a credit card provided by a bank.
3. Choose a credit card and click the ‘Apply’ button.
4. Fill the required details and upload all the required documents.
5. Click to submit your form.

Note: Each bank has a separate application procedure for credit cards. For more information on how to apply for a credit card online, see the bank’s website.

Compare and apply credit cards by following 4 simple steps:

• Step 1: Compare Credit Card Offer
• Step 2: Select from top credit cards given by major Indian banks
• Step 3: Check your eligibility by entering some personal details
• Step 4: Enjoy online acceptance immediately after filling your application form

Credit card eligibility

Eligibility criteria for credit card: Wondering if you are eligible for a credit card? See eligibility criteria for credit card. However keep in mind that depending on the type of card and the issuing bank, the criteria may be different.

In general, here are the eligibility criteria:

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of India or a non-resident Indian.
• Age: You must be at least 18 years of age. In some cases the minimum age is 21 years.
• Income status: You must be salaried or self-employed and have a stable source of income.
• Credit Score: A good CIBIL score, which has no history if by default goes a long way in ensuring that your credit card application is approved.

How to use credit card ?

Credit cards are a great tool to promote financial flexibility. Only when used wisely, of course. Here are some tips to help you use your credit card:

• Keep an eye on your spending: You can do this by noting each transaction or using any free mobile application.
• Pay your bills on time: Paying your bills on time means that you are not charging any interest on the amount. The worst thing about your payment is that you can default with your card. You do not need to pay interest, but your credit score hits as soon as it ends.
• Pay your bills in full: If you don’t pay your bills in full, you lose in two ways.
  1 – You have to pay interest on the amount you do not pay.
  2 – You lose out on any rewards that are transactions that have been earned.
• Redeem Rewards: Rewards earned by you, which is the best way to use your credit card.
• Check your card statement: Make it a habit to check your credit card statement every month. In this way, you can dispute any transaction immediately.
• Consider not taking out credit card debt: Credit card debt or cash advances have a higher interest rate and do not have an interest free period.

You are charged interest till you return the entire amount.

Credit card features

Banks provide amazing features on their credit cards. These features vary depending on the type of card provider and credit card that people purchase. some of them are:

Reward Points Program: Most credit cards offer the Reward Points program, which allows cardholders to earn reward points on every transaction that uses their card.

Some exceptions to this are that fuel transactions, insurance payments, purchase of gold or gold jewelery, utility bill payments, cash and EMI transactions are generally not eligible for reward points.

Reward points issued can be redeemed for different options given in the exclusive reward catalog provided by the issuer.

However, card members are required to earn minimum reward points before going for redemption.

Airport Lounge Access: Priority Airport Lounge Access and Priority Pass Program membership is one of the most common facilities offered on most credit cards.

Although you may not get the features on the original credit card, a limited number of trips per year, airport priority pass events and complimentary lounge access are available next to the original credit card with free membership to others.

With such facility on credit card, members can enjoy free lounge trips at both domestic and international airports.

Fuel Surcharge Rebate: Another common aspect offered on most credit cards is the Fuel Surcharge Rebate facility, which allows a 1% surcharge exemption which is usually charged on all card transactions done at petrol stations.

Insurance Coverage: While some major cards offer a comprehensive insurance policy that provides coverage against air accidents, lives, lost baggage, lost cards, arrears etc. In other cards, the cover is limited to certain aspects.

Global Acceptance: Today, most credit cards issued in India are international cards and are accepted by various merchants around the world.

Balance Transfer: Credit card holders can transfer the balance of their existing card from one bank to another bank’s credit card account. Doing this helps them save money and repay money at a lower interest rate.

Banks provide various balance transfer options to their cardholders, allowing them to repay the amount on a monthly basis during the tenure of their choice.

EMI Conversion: This feature allows credit card members to convert their credit card transactions into easy monthly installments (EMIs). They can either choose to convert the total outstanding on their card to EMI, big ticket purchases in special transactions, especially EMI, and also convert merchant transactions to EMI.

Generally, these schemes have very attractive interest rates and various repayment tenures. EMI conversion will be done immediately with any other document and most of the time.

Lifestyle benefits: By partnering with various merchants, credit card issuers offer attractive discounts and offers on various lifestyle categories including food, shopping, travel, wellness, entertainment and more.

Travel Benefits: Frequent travelers can make the best use of travel credit cards that provide travel-related benefits to cardholders.

Some common benefits offered on travel credit cards include air ticket and air mile discounts, free travel insurance, discounts on domestic and international flights, free lounge travel, hotel booking and concession services.

Credit card benefits

Welcome Gift: Many bank cards offer a welcome gift to new credit card applicants after they are issued.

This gift can be in the form of bonus points, gift vouchers, discounts etc. Reception varies depending on the gift card and bank.

Rewards Program: All credit cards typically have a rewards program, which allows cardholders to earn reward points on every transaction made using their card.

A cardholder can determine the number of transactions per transaction and may vary from card to card. The points collected by the card members can be redeemed for various gifts listed on the card’s prize list.

These can be gift discounts, products, services, cashback offers, etc. Some credit cards allow card members to hold their own against air miles and cash.

Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Many banks offer fuel card surcharge exemption to credit card holders for spending a specific amount on fuel every month. This offer is available on all Indian petrol bunk fuel transactions.

Cashback benefits: There are certain credit cards that offer cashback benefits to customers. The amount of cashback paid depends on the provider.

Lifestyle Benefits: Cardholders can enjoy various lifestyle benefits on their credit cards. Lifestyle benefits include food, shopping, golf, wellness, entertainment, etc. privileges.

Travel Benefits: This is a major reason why credit cards are popular among people. There are some credit cards that provide amazing travel benefits to customers.

Travel mileage includes air miles, airport lounge access, travel insurance, airline offers, hotel offers and more.

Airport Lounge Access: Some credit cards provide complimentary airport lounges to cardholders. This offer varies from bank to bank.

Some banks have imposed a limit on the number of visits, while some others allow access to the lounges of Indian airports only.

Specific privileges from Visa / American Express / MasterCard – Visa, MasterCard and American Express are three popular and recognized credit card variants.

Depending on the type of card you have, you can enjoy exclusive lifestyles, travel, etc. with MasterCard / Visa / American Express.

Add-on Cards: Many banks allow their credit card holders to apply for add-on cards for their immediate family members.

Most card issuers offer add-on cards for free, but some of them limit the amount of add-on cards that anyone can apply for.

Cardholders can enjoy all the privileges of their primary card on their add-on cards.

Air Miles: Cardholders can collect these miles and redeem them to avail flight tickets and other travel benefits.

How to get a Right Credit Card ?

So, how do you go about finding a credit card that is right for you? Here is an easy list:

How do you spend: Do you spend more on groceries every month and less on food? Then get a card that rewards your grocery expenses.

If a large portion of your income goes towards online transactions, get a card that rewards those transactions.

Reward type: Credit card cashback (which you can use to pay your bills)

Fees and Fees: Compare the interest rate applicable to different cards and fees and charges.

Look for a card that can bear joining fees and annual fees. Also, see if there are any hidden charges.

Offers on cards: Some cards have great offers and discounts on using the card to shop on a particular website or when used at a particular store.

Some offer great food discounts and others are better suited for travel. Be sure to go through the offers available on the card before making your decision.

Welcome Bonus or Gift: To apply your card to you, banks offer welcome gifts and bonuses. It can be the latest gadget or bonus points and miles.

If you are looking to earn rewards at a quick pace, look for a card that offers a very welcome bonus.

Payment Options: Most cards will allow you to pay through multiple channels. In general, if you forget to pay by the due date, you should automatically consider paying your credit card from your account.

If you keep these points in mind, then getting the right credit card should not be too much of a problem.

Make Life Easier With Lifestyle Credit Card

A lifestyle credit card is an “all-in-one” credit card that offers privileges in categories.

From shopping to travel, cashback, entertainment to food, you can enjoy special offers and discounts on most of them.

Lifestyle credit cards usually come with a high annual fee and joining fee, which is definitely worth spending for the privileges granted by the card.

Some lifestyle credit cards have little or no annual fees and are designed for low-income groups.

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