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There are lots of Visa credit cards offered to U.S. consumers these days. You can find secured cards, Visa rewards credit cards, cards with low rates or no fees, or cards for balance transfers. To understand which Visa card is good for you, you should:
- check your credit reports and score. Your credit history and score are used to determine your eligibility for any credit card. Therefore, knowing your most current credit score will make it easier to find a Visa card you may qualify for;
- determine your goals. You should know what you need a new credit card for if you want to get the best Visa card for you. If you want to earn rewards, look for Visa cards with rewards. Those who are rebuilding their credit, should consider secured credit cards. Plus, consider factors like annual fees and APR (annual percentage rate) as well.
- find out whether you're pre-approved. Many credit card issuers offer pre-qualification or pre-approval tools that let you evaluate your chances to qualify without impacting your credit score. A pre-approval process suggests you've passed the first step in the screening process. But remember, you still need to submit a complete application with more detailed information to formally apply for the card.
A Visa credit card application process is pretty simple like with any other credit card. You can sign up for a credit card online by filling out an application or by calling customer service over the phone or by mail.
If you apply for a credit card online, you simply choose a Visa card that is good for you, and then click on the apply button to get to the application page. You'll then be guided through an online application form where you'll need to provide personal and financial information. You'll typically need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, current address, Social Security number, annual income, and employment information. Double-check all information to ensure it is correct.
When approved, the issuer will send your physical card by mail. It typically takes 7-10 business days to receive your new credit card. Some issuers offer expedited shipping options, which can speed up the delivery process, but may charge a fee.
Do not forget to activate your Visa credit card and create online account access for convenience.
Visa credit cards are widely accepted. If there are no restrictions, you will be able to use your Visa card at millions of merchants, including abroad and for online purchases. What's more, Visa cards come with different Visa benefits, depending on the card type. The best benefits are offered with Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards. These benefits can include travel insurance, concierge services, purchase protection, and more.
