First, search CashSmartUSA.com for the type of credit card you wish to apply for. When you find the card best for you, click on the "Apply Here" button next to the card and fill out the secure online application.

You will need to provide basic information about yourself such as your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, address and annual household income.

The waiting time can vary. Some credit cards offer instant approval while others may require several weeks. Generally, the better your credit rating, the faster the response time for a credit card application will be. Once a decision is made you will be notified by mail, e-mail or both.

All credit card applications linked to from CostlyCredits.com feature Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Technology and offer the highest level of internet security involving sophisticated data encryption. Your information is safe.

Yes, you can apply for more than one credit card. Many people have multiple credit cards. However, only card issuers can decide whether they want to approve your application for an additional card or not. If you have several credit cards, at some point issuers may decide that your total available credit is already high relative to your income, and may decide not to issue you more credit cards.

No. You do not need a bank account open with a particular bank in order to apply for their credit card.

An APR is the annual percentage rate (the interest rate) you'll pay on the balance you carry on a credit card. There are many different types of APRs, the most common being introductory APRs, fixed APRs, and variable APRs.

An introductory APR rate is a rate given by credit card issuers to new customers for a specified period. This rate is low or often 0% and applies to any combination of purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances, as detailed by the issuer. Introductory rates often have stipulations, and you should always read the Fees, Terms & Conditions provided by the issuer before taking full advantage of the introductory rates. The issuer may review your application and credit history to determine the length of time the introductory rates will apply to you. An introductory rate on balance transfers helps consumers save money by allowing them to transfer balances from high interest credit cards to the card with the introductory rate. Some issuers only offer this rate if you transfer your balance at the time of your application. Often, introductory rates are only valid as long as you pay at least the minimum payment on time. Introductory rates on purchases are applied to any purchases you charge to that card. If the introductory rate is 0%, you do not need to make any minimum payments for as long as the rate is valid. If the introductory rate is more than 0%, then you may need to make at least minimum payments on the card to keep the rate for the specified period.

A fixed APR is an APR that does not change often. Over time, a fixed APR can change due to long-term economic factors, but in this case, your credit card company must notify you of the change before it goes into effect. For example, if your credit card has a fixed APR of 18.24%, this means the APR will remain the same from month to month. A variable APR, however, is an interest rate that is normally tied to another rate, such as the prime rate or Treasury bill rate. If the other rate changes, it is likely your interest rate will change accordingly, whether it be up or down. A variable APR can change from day to day. For instance, if you have a credit card with a variable interest rate, look in your cardholder agreement to see to which interest rate your APR is tied. Your agreement may state that your APR is tied to the prime rate and is equal to "prime + 5.99%". This means anytime the Federal Reserve raises or lowers the prime rate, your card's APR will rise or fall

The prime rate is an interest rate determined by the Federal Reserve based on a variety of economic factors. Banks use the prime rate as the base factor in determining the interest rate given to their customers. A bank's most creditworthy customers may receive an interest rate equal to the prime rate. Most customers will receive an interest rate on a loan at the prime rate plus anywhere from 1 to 10 percent, depending on their credit rating. Most banks use the prime rate that is published in the Money Rates section in the Wall Street Journal to determine loan interest rates or credit card APRs.

Prepaid debit cards are a good solution for anyone who does not want to be tied down to a banking institution, anyone wanting a more secure way to carry their money, or anyone having troubles being approved for a credit card. Unlike credit cards, you do not incur any debt with prepaid debit cards, you do not need to worry about credit card payments, and you pay no interest charges. Prepaid debit cards do not require credit checks, so almost anyone 18 years or older will be instantly approved. Funds are loaded into the prepaid debit card by the cardholder and the card can be used virtually anywhere that accepts credit cards, as long as the debit card carries the Visa® or MasterCard® logo. These types of cards are a great alternative to carrying a checkbook and can help cardholders learn how to budget and manage their money. Many prepaid debit cards today report card history to major credit bureaus, so cardholders can build their credit using a prepaid debit card without the risk of damaging it along the way.

Student credit cards are cards geared specifically toward students to help them establish credit. Credit card issuers know students generally have no credit history and little to no income, so your credit limit will start out somewhere around $300-$1000. As a student, this is the prime time to establish your credit. Not only will a student credit card help you to do that, but it also provides you with a good amount of convenience. You no longer need to carry cash or checks since almost all merchants accept credit cards. A credit card is also great to have in times of emergencies. Student credit cards can also be very rewarding. Many issuers offer student credit cards with no annual fee and rewards of cash back, travel, merchandise, and more. What is most important to remember, however, is that a student credit card is the beginning of your credit history. That means you need to take owning a credit card very seriously. Make all your payments on time. Only charge to your credit card what you know you can pay off. Try not to carry a balance, and if you absolutely find it necessary, then make it a goal to pay off the balance plus interest by a certain date. Establishing good credit from the very beginning is a great way to prepare for your future. Credit is important when it comes to buying a house, buying a car, and even applying for a job! Every aspect of your life is affected by your credit, so start now and start right with a student credit card.

While being in the military does not disqualify you from obtaining a credit card, the problem lies with the address that you provide in your application. Most credit card issuers do not accept mailbox-specific addresses such as the U.S. military uses. This makes submitting applications online impossible, and most hard-copy applications do not provide a field to accommodate the special address either. Unfortunately, most credit card issuers do not seem too concerned with this problem.

We currently market credit cards for U.S. residents only.

While credit card companies have a lot of cash they do not just give it away. Before banks mail out pre-approved offers, they first obtain a list of potential candidates from the credit bureaus. The list is compiled by the bureaus according to criteria set by the individual banks. Once the list is compiled the bank then sends its pre-approved offers with enticing terms to everyone on the list. When you send in your application, the bank runs another credit check. If your credit standing has changed for the worse in the meantime, you will likely be offered a card with a lower credit limit and a higher interest rate. If you want a credit card, you don't have to wait for the banks to send you an invitation. By shopping around you have a greater chance of finding a better deal than the one offered in the mail.

Yes. Every time you apply for a credit card, department store card, or any other type of credit-related card, an inquiry is made as to your credit status. This inquiry is noted with the respective credit bureau. Although these inquiries will remain on the report for approximately one year, issuers are primarily concerned with the total number of inquiries over the last six months. Showing a handful of inquiries for that period is not critical. But issuers do become concerned if there are more than ten inquiries during that time. They interpret this as an indication that you are in too much need of credit, and thereby consider you high-risk. As a result, they will be less likely to issue you a credit card. It is therefore important that you do not apply for an excessive amount of credit cards in a six to nine month time frame unless absolutely necessary.

Strictly speaking, no. However, there are often annual fees, application fees or late fees that apply, the details of which have to be revealed to the applicant. It is important to always read the terms & conditions and all fine print thoroughly so that you fully understand all costs associated with a particular credit card.

Subprime is used to describe a market sector characterized by consumers with damaged or no credit. Subprime credit cards or loans typically require security deposits, annual or application fees, or higher percentage rates because consumers who apply for these offers have had credit problems in their past or lack credit altogether. Prime is used to describe a market sector characterized by consumers with good or excellent credit. Prime credit cards or loans usually do not require security deposits or application fees, offer lower percentage rates and reward programs alongside other benefits.

A secured credit card is a credit card that requires a security deposit. Secured credit cards are generally for individuals whose credit is damaged or who have no credit history. Your credit line will represent anywhere from 70% - 100% of your security deposit. Depending on the credit card issuer, some secured credit cards require a deposit for a limited time such as one year. If your history with the credit card is good, the credit card issuer may extend your line of credit or offer you an unsecured card. An unsecured credit card is one that does not require a security deposit. Unsecured credit cards are intended for individuals with good or excellent credit.

A grace period refers to the amount of time past a given credit card bill due date during which non-payment will not incur interest fees on the balance due, provided the total balance is paid within the grace period. Grace periods vary, but usually range from 10-25 days depending on the credit card issuer.

If you already have a credit card and you apply for a new one, you can transfer your existing balance on the previous card to the new one. Effectively, the new credit card issuer will assume the outstanding debt [that you owe on the previous card] by paying off the credit card issuer and then billing you for it. Many cards offer introductory promotional rates of 0% on balance transfers and/or purchases anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years from the date of card opening! You can use these promotions to pay off your balances in installments without incurring interest.