Even with bad credit, you can still have a chance of obtaining a credit card of your choice just as long as you make the right noises and of course create the right impression.
How to Impress When Applying for a Credit Card
Creating a favorable impression depends on the type of application process you’ll be undergoing. Online credit card applications are usually no-nonsense processes that only accept verifiable facts and figures and make no consideration at all for the individual’s personality or situation.
Personal credit card applications, on the other hand, can be divided into two classifications. If you were approached by a credit card representative, you must make sure that you display just the right amount of interest in his offer, never mind if you’re truly eager to own a credit card. You must successfully convince the other person that although you’ll be happy about owning a credit card, you won’t be terribly affected if you don’t get one in the end.
If you’re the one who initiated the credit card application process, your interest is automatically obvious so hiding it would be a moot point. The next step then is convincing your interviewer that there’s no reason for them to reject your application.
Step 1 – Obtain a Copy of Your Credit Report
Don’t rely on the more affordable yet less accurate services of little-known credit bureaus. Go directly to the Big Three – Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. It will cost you a bit of money but the price’s worth it considering that you’ll be able to use the information on it for various purposes.
Upon receiving your credit card report, check if there are any errors, inconsistencies, or invalid data you should report. If there’s none and you still have bad credit, you have two choices: firstly, you can repair your credit either by yourself or with the help of a credit repair company and wait for your credit to improve before applying for a credit card; or secondly, you can apply right away and look for a credit card company that’s willing to overlook your past transgressions.
Step 1 – Prepare All the Necessary Documents
Time is precious for everyone, and your credit card interviewer will appreciate it if you attend your meeting prepared with all the necessary documents. This includes but is not limited to proof of income and employment such as pay slips and income tax reports, business license papers if you own a business, bank account statements and any other financial document in your keeping.
Step 3 – How to Handle the Interview
Dress well. You don’t need to dress too seriously or ostentatiously, but you do need to make a more than presentable appearance, one that will convince your interviewer that you’re a dependable and responsible individual, one who’s mature enough to handle the responsibilities of owning a credit card.
Be on time. When we say on time, it doesn’t mean beating the clock by a second. Instead, be at the appointed place fifteen to twenty-minutes prior to your scheduled meeting.
Be honest about your situation. If you have bad credit, provide a clear and truthful explanation as to why you ended up that way.
Lastly, don’t be too shy or boastful about your assets, financial or otherwise. You need to be practical about your assets and use them to your advantage. If you’re diligent and willing to promise that you’ll always on time, don’t be shy to state the reasons why your interviewer should trust your word.
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