So you have decided to take the plunge. You need a way to buy now and pay later. You have decided to apply for a credit card. But have you really thought it through?

Credit cards are great for a lot of things. They allow you to shop till you drop and not have to worry about payment until the bill comes in. They come in handy when making reservations and they can help repair poor credit. But applying for a card is not a decision to be taken lightly. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Before you start applying for every credit card under the sun, remember that every time you submit an application, it will show up on your credit report. Too many inquiries all at once could negatively affect your rating.

2. Be very aware of the processing fees. These can be quite high and could cost you a hundred dollars or more before you even start shopping!

3. Have an idea of what your main use for the card will be. Is it going to be used often for day-to-day expenses or kept for emergencies? Answering this question will help you determine which interest rate and credit limit you are looking for.

4. Read every detail of the application. Yes…. this even means all of that nasty fine print. There will be important details in there about prepayments, late payments and penalties. It is tedious to read through all of the tiny details but it will be worth it in the long run.

5. The most important thing to do before you apply for a credit card is to look into your credit report. It is possible for there to be mistakes on your credit history that are preventing you from getting the credit card you want. If there are errors, be sure to follow through with having it corrected. Your credit history is very important.

Everyone likes a great deal right? Well credit card offers are no different. There are tons of incentives and promotions out there but here are some great ones to watch out for.

The internet has made it so incredibly easy to shop for, compare and apply for credit cards.   It is so easy in fact, that it is quite common to do all of these things on one website. This makes it much easier for all of us to be sure we are getting the very best credit card offers.

But how can we be sure we are getting the best possible deal? Well here are some things to watch for.

The first is convenience. Being able to apply and perhaps even be approved online from the comfort of your living room sofa is a definite plus. Look for an easy application and approval process.

Second, pay close attention to interest rate and APR. Many online credit cards offer low or no annual fees and very low interest as an incentive. Huge savings here!

Another great offer to watch for is extended interest free periods.  What this means is some credit card companies offer new cardholders a period of time when no interest is charged.  This may be anywhere from 60 days up to six months!

And lastly, and perhaps my favorite offer to watch for is points or rewards. These can quickly add up. These types of incentives may mean new merchandise, vacations, or free shopping for you. How great is that?

So the next time your are browsing the internet comparing the very best credit card offers out there, remember to watch for these important things.  Not only will they save you time and money, but over time they may earn you valuable extras that you may not have been able to afford otherwise.