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Applying For Online Credit Cards Safely

Secure online credit card applications for peace of mind
Not everyone is ready to take the plunge into applying for credit cards online. There is still an incorrect, yet common, belief that the internet is an unsecured and dangerous place, filled with virtual predators praying on personal information and conducting daily scams to lure in helpless victims. The internet is not as unsafe as many would believe. For every scam and possible threat, there's a technology that exists to counter it.

These days applying for a credit card online can be MORE secure than going to your local bank and applying for a credit card. When you apply for a credit card at your local bank or lending institution, you'll have to fill out paper applications and provide personal details. Most banks scan these documents into their computer databases for security purposes, making the paper copy a mere formality to capture your initial data and signature. What happens to the original paper copies once they've been stored to a database? If not filed away, and form or application with personal data is required by law to be shredded and disposed of properly. Unfortunately, there have been cases where the information was not properly disposed off and wound up in the hands of dumpster divers, individuals who scour trash of financial institutions, seeking personal information and bank account numbers. Paper applications are far from secure.

On the contrary, online applications are well protected to ensure your personal information is safe. Most online credit card applications are secured under something called Secure Socket Layer, or SSL for short. What SSL does is scramble personal information entered by the user that can only be deciphered by the system or service being used. This process is commonly known as encrypting and decrypting data.

When the webpage is being protected under SSL (indicated by a pad-lock icon in the browser, as well as an https prefix), it's virtually impossible for any would-be information thief to steal the data. Even if an online hacker or thief were to gain a copy of the data, it would be worthless to them. The data can only be decrypted by the same key that was used to encrypt it. For example, suppose you enter your social security number into an online form protected under SSL. To you, the text would look something like "000-00-0000", where the 0 characters would be your social security number. If an online thief were to intercept the data stream, they would see the data as something like "akl230idfFDJKsdkj02=". As you can see, the data in encrypted form is worthless and unreadable. This makes your data entry completely safe and secure!

When applying for a credit card online, make sure the url of the application page (the page where personal information is captured) is prefixed with "https". Also, look for the icon of a pad-lock on the bottom right-hand corner of your web browser. If the page is not prefixed with "https" and you don't see the padlock icon... DO NOT CONTINUE! Your data will be venerable to theft since no encryption is being performed.

Credit Card FAQs understands online safety and secure data entry is important for people applying for credit cards online, and that's exactly why we've put together an outstanding directory of low interest credit cards options, all safely secured under SSL. Now you can apply for a credit card online with confidence and peace of mind!

CREDIT CARD TYPES

Choosing the credit card that's best for your needs and situation starts with knowing what options are available to you. The following list details the most common credit cards available:

	Balance transfer credit cards - Balance transfers are a way of transferring outstanding balances from existing credit cards to another card that offers a lower interest rate. For example, if you your have a high annual percentage rate (APR) credit card with a significant outstanding balance, you can transfer the balance to another card with a lower rate or even one offer zero interest. Typically these cards offer low balance transfer rates for a specified period of time allowing you to save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in monthly interest charges.
	Low-interest credit cards - These cards offer a low introductory annual percentage rate (APR) for a promotional period, after which they can change to a higher rate or a fixed-rate. If you plan on making a large purchase, it's a good idea to pick up a low-interest credit card to take advantage of the savings on interest during the introductory period.
	Cash rebate credit cards - Cash rebate cards accumulate "points" for1 every purchase you make using the card. Most cash reward cards award a point based off 1% of the purchase total, excluding interest and finance charges. For example, if you make a purchase for $1,000 the credit card will award you with 10 points (or, $10.00). These cards are great for loyal customers who make payments on-time every month.
	Reward credit cards - Reward credit cards are similar to cash rebate credit cards, but differ in that they offer various forms of "rewards" for the purchases you make. For example, you can accumulate rewards for frequent-flyer-miles, free magazine subscriptions, and even hotel and travel discounts. Ideal for those who enjoy getting something for free from their credit cards.
	Travel credit cards - Travel credit cards are ideal for the frequent flyer who travels the globe on a frequent basis. These cards accumulate significant reward points every time you make a travel-related purchase. You can gain discounted airline tickets, rent cards for free, and even get discounted hotel rates!
	Pre-paid credit cards - Pre-paid credit cards are ideal for those who are on a tight budget and don't want to fall prey to the financial pitfalls associated with standard credit cards. They work similar to gift certificates or debit cards. You deposit money into the card and then use the card to make purchases as you would a typical credit card.
	Secured credit cards - Secured credit cards are ideal for people with poor or no credit. They work on a collateral system, where you put up something of value against the debt on the card.