A credit card is primarily a convenient payment mechanism. It is not intended to be a long term credit facility. Should you require long-term financing, you may wish to consider alternative financial products.
5 Questions you should ask yourself-
1. Why am I applying for this card?
2. Can I pay for the purchases in full each month? Or do I intend to pay the minimum sum required and rollover my payment?
3. If I do rollover my payments, do I have the capacity to pay the accompanying charges?
4. Do I understand the terms and conditions for the use of the card? For example, do I know what are the various fees, interest, finance charges and penalties that accompany the use of the credit card?
5. What action can the bank take if I fail to settle my overdue payment?
10 Questions you should ask the bank:
Membership Fees 1. When will the promotional free membership period, if any, expire? What is the fee I will have to pay after the expiry period?
Payment 2. What is the minimum amount I have to pay each month?
3. How much interest do I have to pay on the outstanding amount?
4. If I do not make the minimum payment for one month, what are all the interest and other charges that I will have to pay?
5. What are the charges I will incur if my payment, either by cheque or GIRO, is returned for whatever reasons?
Cash Advances 6. If I take a cash advance from my credit card line, what are the charges that I will have to pay?
Loss of Credit Card 7. If I lose my credit card, what must I do?
8. If I lose my credit card, what are my liabilities for unauthorized purchases?
Credit Limit 9. What is my credit limit?
Changes in Terms and Conditions 10. If there are any changes in the terms and conditions of the use of the card, will I be informed of these changes? If do, when will I be informed of these changes?
About the Author
Gordon Goh is the owner of http://www.Easy-Credit-Card-Guide.com offering free credit card and http://www.free--credit--card.com providing free credit card guide and related information for everyone.