Applying for a VISA Credit Card

Applying for your  VISA credit card is the easiest part of choosing a credit card.  There are hundreds of financial institutions who offer VISA credit cards, and they all have different interest rates, reward plans, and annual fees.  The most popular category is the 0 percent Annual Percentage Rate (APR).  This allows you to make a purchase and have no interest for 12 months.  Next is the 0 percent transfer credit cards.  This card offers you 0 percent interest for a limited time on any balance transfers from other credit cards.  But, be careful!  Credit card companies use these rates to trap you into higher rates when you don’t pay them off in time. 

VISA cards can provide you with many benefits, not just a way to charge a purchase.  First, they aren’t just for personal use.  They are also for businesses, small to large, even government businesses.  You can get VISA Reward cards with different promos such as points for free merchandise.  You can use it at certain merchants and receive discounts.  You can use a VISA debit/check card to automatically debit your checking account for purchases.  The newest benefit is called payWave.  A chip is embedded in your VISA card or a key fob and all you have to do is wave it in front of a reader, and you’re done.  Most of the time, if the purchase is below a certain amount, you don’t even have to sign. 

You can donate to a charity using your VISA if you are short on cash.  You can set up your utility and regular monthly bills to be paid every month.  You don’t havce to buy stamps, go to the mailbox, or write checks.  You can schedule the payments so that you don’t even have to remember the due dates.  In some states you can even pay your income taxes.  You can transfer money from your card to just about anywhere in the world. 

Rightcliq is a way to shop online where you can collect, organize and compare the products you consider purchasing.  It helps you access offers from popular merchants on frequently purchased items.  You can store your payment information with Rightcliq for fast check out.  It even keeps track of your purchases and the details of shipment.

VISA always protects your from anyone using your card without authorization.  You have no liability for anything you don’t purchase.  Any VISA financial institution that offers VISA is required to provide provisional credit to your account within 5 days of a report of unauthorized use or loss.  Make sure to look at your statement as soon as you get it, to make sure it was you who made the purchases.  You have zero risk with a VISA card. 

VISA has fraud monitoring that operates in real time.  These programs are constantly scanning for potential unauthorized use of your account.  VISA monitors accounts to keep track of your normal purchasing behaviors and patterns.  If a larger than normal purchase is made, or is out of the ordinary, our program catches it.  Because of this, some of your purchases may be put on hold until you can be contacted to verify the purchase is legitimate. 

Another security feature is the security code printed on the signature strip.  It’s 3 numbers that will identify you when you make purchases over the phone or online.  If someone has your card number, tries to use it online or by phone, they will be asked for this security code.  If they don’t have the card, they won’t know that number and will not be able to make the purchase.  There is a risk in using your card online or by phone but VISA does it’s best to minimize the risk.  This code is also known as the CVV2 code.  This does not get stored along with your card number when making a purchase. 

Another layer of security for online purchases is “Verified by VISA”.  Enroll your VISA card in this program through your financial institution or online during  a purchase.  When you make a purchase at a merchant who is enrolled in the program,  a box will pop up asking for your password, and once it is accepted you are done!  To find the online stores using it, visit the Places to Shop section of the VISA website.

VISA card activity is online with your financial institution, and you can monitor it in real time yourself.  It’s a good idea to check this on a regular basis, such as weekly.  If there is anything out of the ordinary, report it immediately.  If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, VISA has partnered with the “Call For Action” identity theft network.  You can call a counselor free of charge.  They will walk you through the process on resolving the problem. 

VISA also offers prepaid cards and gift cards.  If you don’t want to carry a VISA card, a VISA TravelMoney card is an alternative when traveling.  You don’t need traveler’s checks and won’t need to carry a large amount of cash.  It can be preloaded with a certain amount of cash, and will keep you on your budget.  A VISA reloadable prepaid card is the safe equivalent of a wad of cash in your wallet.  When it gets low,  you load it up with cash again.  You can even have paychecks deposited to the card.  You have the convenience of a credit card, without using credit.  VISA Gift Card is a great gift for any occasion.  VISA Healthcare Cards are loaded with your pre tax health care dollars to use for your qualified medical expenses.  These can be used for Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Reimbursement Arrangements.  VISA Purchase Cards, VISA Fleet Cards, and VISA Travel cards are used by businesses for travel related expenses.

When applying for a credit card, make sure you read the disclaimers and terms and conditions carefully.  If you apply online, some institutions will have a link that is hard to find.  If this is the case, be careful to understand what you are getting into. 

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