Whether you apply for a card, ask a phone representative
to send you information, hook up with a card company's online applications
or receive an uninvited application through the mail, don't sign
up until you have asked some key questions.
Find out:
•
Is there an introductory
rate? What is it and how long does it last?
•
After that, what will my
rate be?
•
Is there an application
fee?
•
Are there processing fees?
•
Is there an annual fee?
•
Is there a late fee?
•
Is there an over-the-limit
fee?
•
Are there any other fees,
like account termination fees or balance-transfer fees?
•
When and how can a variable
rate be changed?
•
What is the grace period
before interest is applied?
•
How will you inform me
of any changes in my contract?
•
Will the company inform
me if I am about to go over my limit?
•
If I go over my limit,
what happens?
•
What is the company policy
if I have trouble paying my bill?
Chapter 1: Matching the card to your lifestyle
