Credit cards nowadays are classified under an individual's bracket of "necessities" instead of "luxuries". It is categorically known as an "asset' rather than a "liability". This plastic contraption is now more of a facade of an ordinary individual who wants to experience more efficient financing rather than a facade of a wealthy individual who is capable of making purchases without bringing a single dollar bill out of his pocket.

There are plenty of reasons why there are now millions of Americans owning single or several credit cards, though it is most attributed to the financial crisis that an ordinary individual is experiencing. Credit cards provide an opportunity for an ordinary individual to make purchases despite the absence of cash. In other words, credit cards help them with their expenditures when they do not have the cash. It is their one of the alternative recourse every time they are "cash-strapped".

However, there are still individuals who get a credit card just because they do not want to carry cash within their pockets. There are also some who wants to get something out of what he spends using his credit cards.

Despite of the varying reasons (whether for necessity or pleasure), credit cards are very popular nowadays. With attractive market offerings provided by various credit card companies, sometimes you will run out of reasons not to get a credit card for yourself. However, before getting yourself involved in the latest financing craze, you need to know something about credit cards.

Credit cards are not just handed out like a box of chocolates.

Just like other existing financing schemes in the market, you need to apply for a credit card first before getting one and using it in the majority of your purchases.

And applying for a credit card requires basic knowledge about the applicable conditions on the use of such cards and the prevailing fees and charges in which you are obliged to pay. Without the knowledge with regards to the basics of credit cards, you will end up paying larger debts that may damage your credibility as a responsible individual.

There are various ways to apply for a credit card. You may try online application, calling the credit card company directly, or fill out credit applications via mail. Remember that in applying for a credit card, you are required to hand out some of your personal information. For instance, credit card companies ask for your social security number because they will use this to run a credit background check on you. At this point, you must ensure that you possess the best credit rating possible to have higher chances of getting approved for a credit card.

You need to conduct some research about the credit card companies that offer the best APR or the annual percentage rate as well as bonus programs. There are companies that offer a lower introductory APR for new cardholders within a certain period of time. If you are quite lucky, you will be able to get zero APR within a one-year credit term. In terms of bonus programs, it varies from company to company. These bonuses usually come into the form of cash rewards, free air mileage, or points that you can exchange with premium items.

The last thing that you should look for when applying for a credit card is the applicable fees and charges as well as your credit limit. There are credit cards that require you to pay annual fees prior to its activation. The applicable fees and credit limit also depends on your income and credit score, so make sure that you are always within average or possibly above average.