4.1 What does a credit card application look like?

Credit card applications will vary in layout and style according to where you fill them in but, no matter what they look like, they should all generally ask for the same information. Of course if you apply over the phone, you won’t have a form physically in front of you to fill in, but you will still have to provide the same information.

When you are making an online application, most companies will summarise the key features of the card before you are sent to the page with the application form. They will also usually provide a link to a summary box detailing the features and costs of the credit card you are applying for and ask you to consider if you meet the application requirements before you start your application. Some lenders will ask you to read some terms and conditions, and tick a box to say you have read them, before you start your online application.

Most credit card companies will split the application form into four or five sections, or steps, each of which will ask for different types of information including personal information, address information and work information. If applying online, these different sections may be on separate pages. If applying using a paper form, it will also be divided into these sections.

If you find you don’t know what a question means you can normally get some help through an online help section. This will usually give guidance on which sections you need to fill in and how best to go about doing this.

Some forms will even have question marks next to the answer boxes which, when clicked on or hovered over with the cursor, will explain what the question means and give some guidance on what type of answer is required.

An even rarer find, but probably the most helpful, will be an invitation to have a live web chat with a customer services advisor for the credit card you are applying for. They will then help you with any queries that you have regarding the application form.

Towards the end of the application there will probably be a ‘transfer your card balances’ grid asking for information about the credit card balances you wish to transfer over to your new card. If you wish to transfer a balance from another card you will need to enter in the name of the card company, the type of credit card, your credit account number (found on your credit card bill) and the amount you wish to transfer in complete pounds (you cannot transfer pence).

The grid will normally contain space for details relating to four or five credit cards because balance transfer cards are a popular method used to consolidate debts from many cards. Remember to put the balance transfers in order of importance.

You will also be asked if you would like to add a joint cardholder to the credit account, for example your spouse, partner or offspring. If you choose to do this you will be jointly responsible for their debts and vice versa.

The final section of the form will be an agreement which you need to accept in order for the application process to begin. You need to agree that the information you have provided is accurate and true before the credit card company will proceed with processing you application.


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