You might be wondering just what identity theft actually is if you haven’t been a victim. Identity theft is the use of some ones name, birth date, social security number or other personal identifying information for illegal gain. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. There are several method one can use to prevent identity theft:

» Don’t give out your social security number. The one most important item to an identiy thief is your social security number.

» Check your credit report regularly. By checking regularly, you will notice any unusual discrepancies before they become a major problem.

» Monitor your credit card bills for charges that you haven’t made. This is the best way to tell if someone else is charging on your card.

» Buy a shredder and shred all papers before tossing them into the trash. It’s awfully hard to use information that has been shredded.

» Don’t print your social security number on your checks. This is an old habit that has been outdated.

» Don’t give your credit card numbers to strangers. No matter how trustworthy a person might seem, they could be waiting to assume your identity.

» Don’t give personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call. Even if you initiate the call, be sure of the recipient of your personal information.

» Guard your identity as you would any other valuable asset. Your identity in someone else’s hands can ruin you and your credit.

First question: Do you like credit cards? 

Before filling out an application for a credit card, it may be best to determine whether or not you actually like them. There are many individuals that do not approve of the meaning behind the cards and the way they are abused in everyday markets. However, even though those people have a disapproving attitude, they may very well need to obtain a credit card sooner or later. With an increase of money, there is less likelihood that a person will carry significant amounts of cash in their pockets. Therefore, liking credit cards or not, certain individuals may very well start carrying around these pieces of plastic to keep the money easily accessible but not in a way that just anyone can use. 

Second question: What kind of card ratings do you have?

Now, if you don’t have a credit card yet, there isn’t a big chance that you’ll have a good credit score. Credit scores are what companies use to determine what your interest rate should be and, if you’re getting a loan, how much money will be lent. Card ratings are very important when making big-time purchases. When applying for some of the best credit cards out there, you’ll want to obtain a good credit score one way or another. 

Third question: How often do you plan on using the card?

You don’t necessarily have to use a credit card daily, or weekly, or monthly, but it is a good idea to use it every now and then in order to maintain good credit.  If you’re going to buy a credit card and let it sit around doing nothing, then you’re just keeping it around for no reason at all, basically. Unless there is an alternative motive with not using your credit card often, it may be best to just stick with checks, money orders or plain ol’ cash. 

If you choose to get a card and it happens to be one of the best credit cards to apply for (in regard to interest rates and potential benefits), then you should be willing to fully pay the monthly amounts and be able to keep a steady payment schedule. Also, if the card is used in many different places, it is best to keep a keen eye on every transaction that is made to make sure no one is wrongly spending your money for you.