Many people will head down to the local office of the banks or credit card companies when they want to apply for a credit card. If there is a long queue, they will have to wait in line for their turn to submit their applications. Alternatively, they can call up their customer service hotlines and request for an application form to be mail to their home addresses.
As more and more households have access to the Internet, these card issuers begin to offer online credit card applications. This method allows them reach a broader base of potential customers, especially the younger generation that is more computer savvy.
Online applications offer several advantages over the traditional way of applications. Here are three of them:
1. Convenience
This is probably the number one reason why online applications are preferred over the traditional ways. There is no need to travel to the bank and queue in long lines. Thus no extra time is wasted and there is no travel cost to deal with. All you need is a personal computer with Internet access.
2. Access to a wide range of credit information.
Traditionally, if you want to review credit cards from different card issuers, you have to visit each of their offices separately or call up different hotlines to request for their application form. With the Internet, you can do it with just a few clicks. There are many legitimate credit card directories on the Internet that offer you detail description for a wide selection of credit cards from different card issuers. Some of these online directories even offer free tips on credit management.
3. Shorter Turnaround Time
Since everything is computerized and automated, the processing of the application is usually much faster and more efficient. By simply clicking a button to bring up the application form, you can fill it up on your computer screen and then click another button to submit it. Unless there are issues with your credit history or errors on the form, you can expect to get your application approved in matter of days instead of weeks.
However, online security remains the primary concern for many Internet users. Contrary to belief, online application is actually very safe and secure. The card issuers spent huge amount of money each year to ensure that their computer system is secure and hack-proof.
To have a safer experience, you should only make your online application from your personal computer. Avoid public places such as an Internet cafe. In fact, you should not be doing any high security transaction from any computer located in public places.
Online application is safe and easy. Once you have experienced the convenience, it is unlikely you will return to the old ways of applying for a credit card.
