If you are applying for credit card with no credit history, then you should be careful and look around before you leap.

In the early 1970s, banks were eager to introduce the consumer public to the then-new concept of the credit card. Prior to this time, people would have charge-accounts at their favorite department stores, but that was about the extent of living on credit. Unsolicited credit cards were sent out by the millions and consumers eagerly accepted this new way to buy what they wanted on time. Lots of people got in trouble, overextending themselves and facing debt that might take years to pay. Today, both banks and consumers are smarter. When you apply for a credit card, there are a few things you should know before you accept an offer of credit.

Applying for a credit card visa or any other type of card is ultra easy these days. You can apply for a credit card online and be approved in just minutes. What you may not know is that as soon as you've entered your information and submitted it for approval, the issuing bank runs a credit check which determines what your lending rate will be.

If you have no credit history, or your credit record is not so great, you may well be approved, but the lending rate will knock your socks off. Be sure to read the fine print before you apply for a credit card. What's the APR? Should you be late on a payment, how much is the late fee? Is the rate offered an introductory rate which reverts to a much higher rate a few months down the road? Make sure you have all these questions answered before you sign on the dotted line. Otherwise, your initial excitement in receiving the credit can turn into future disappointment and a worse credit rating.

Some banks offer a balance transfer arrangement, whereby you can consolidate other credit card debt into a single payment to their company. This can be a good solution, assuming your credit is good and you can afford the monthly payment. Again, check for introductory rates, the APR and late fees.

When you apply for a credit card, keep in mind that you're making a serious commitment. Your credit rating is important. Getting into a position where you are late on payments or can make only the minimum payment each month is not desirable. You also need to realize that if you are late, even once or twice, both your lending rate and the dollar amount of a late fee will increase.

Finally, do not assume your payment date remains the same each month. Sometimes the bank adjusts the billing cycle with the result that your usual due date of the 5th of the month becomes the 4th. If you don't look each month and make your usual payment on the 5th, you'll end up with a late fee and perhaps a higher rate.

Be a smart consumer when you apply for a credit card. You'll then build a good credit rating and enjoy the many advantages of credit.

Tags: credit card, credit history

Affordable health insurance is a topic that politicians love to debate about. The slowness of the economy and rising prices surrounding the nation have not been too good for the health insurance industry. In fact, finding affordable health insurance can be not only a challenge to some people, but an absolute nightmare as well. If you’re lucky enough to work for a company that offers health insurance of some sort, you may not have to worry about finding anything else. However, if you work part-time or are in need of health insurance, you may find yourself up against that challenge.

Everyone has their own idea of what affordable health insurance is, but yet, everyone wants the best coverage. Depending on your age, your health and your habits – you may end up paying far more or far less than someone else that you know. A neighbor may have gotten insurance through a certain company for incredibly cheap. You head to the same agency assuming that you can get the same rates. They take into consideration the fact that you smoke and are a few years older and you suddenly get a quote that is twice what he’s paying. It doesn’t seem fair.

Your best way to find affordable health insurance is to shop around. You can’t expect to call the first place you find and get the very best deal. You should get at least three different quotes from different companies. Depending on what you’re focusing the most of receiving – a low deductible, low co-pay for doctor visits or prescription plans, you can find exactly what you’re seeking as long as you’re willing to be patient and perhaps a little bit flexible. You might find that you have found a great price for a package but your current doctor won’t accept your new insurance. You have to decide if you want to change your doctor or your package. Little decisions like that can have a major impact on the prices that you will pay.

You could scour the internet looking for sites that will allow you to compare varying companies or trying to sell you their packages, but it could end up being incredibly confusing. If you are able to find an insurance broker that is local for you, they might be your best solution. The broker can listen to what you want to find and search several different companies until they find affordable health insurance that will suit your needs. If you happen to find a site online that allows you to compare various companies as well, you will soon have several individuals calling you to get you to buy whatever package they’re selling. They might have something absolutely perfect for you or they may just end up harassing you for days until you finally speak to them. But, shopping around and getting the best quotes are in your best interest. Finding a local broker and putting them to work for you may also be a very wise decision in finding affordable health insurance.

Tags: insurance, health insurance