How to apply for a credit card and get approved
Learn everything you need to do to apply for a credit card and increase your chances of approval.
You have a world of options at your fingertips when it comes to paying down your loans. Knowing what they are is the key to becoming debt-free.
— Hanneh Bareham
Hanneh Bareham, a Certified Financial Education Instructor℠, is a former Bankrate personal finance writer. She started as a credit cards reporter before transitioning into the role of student loans reporter. She is now a writer on the loans team, further widening her scope across multiple forms of consumer lending.
She has been featured in multiple national and regional media outlets, including Yahoo, CNBC, Business Insider, The Chicago Tribune, The Seattle Times and more. Her desire to empower borrowers comes from her own experiences as a college graduate managing her finances during a tumultuous economic climate. She aims to help others reach their goals through a better understanding of macroeconomic trends.
When she's not checking her repayment strategies with a loan calculator, Hanneh enjoys acting, baking and trying to find the best cup of coffee on the East Coast.
When it comes to taking out any sort of installment loan or repayment plan, it's so important to know exactly what you're signing up for. Before applying, read the terms and conditions or find the basic loan details — like interest rate ranges and repayment terms — on the lender's website to make sure you're doing what's best for your finances.
You have a world of options at your fingertips when it comes to paying down your loans. Knowing what they are is the key to becoming debt-free.
— Hanneh Bareham
Learn everything you need to do to apply for a credit card and increase your chances of approval.
Four loan options to consider when you’re facing an emergency bill or expense.
Here’s how to qualify for a low-interest personal loan.
These loans don’t require collateral and typically charge higher interest rates.
You can redeem card rewards for cash back, points or miles and gift cards.
It only makes sense to consolidate if you can get better rates or terms.
Bad credit loans are available through online lenders, select community banks and credit unions.
If you plan to get a debt consolidation loan with poor credit, take these steps.