Will you need your passport or bank statements when you fill out a credit card application, do you need proof of ID? These are typical questions when it comes to applying for a credit card. Read on for the answers to these questions and more.
39.9% APR Representative (variable)
Intelligent Lending Ltd (Credit Broker). Capital One is the exclusive lender
When signing up for a credit card for the first time, it may well be the first time you’ve ever applied to borrow money. If you’ve never taken out credit before – an overdraft, loan, a store card or a car on finance – it’s understandable if you’re confused and have a few questions about how the application process works.
You might be unsure of what you’ll need with you when you sign up for a credit card – whether you’ll just need your address and bank details or if you’ll have to provide more in-depth information. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to apply for a credit card.
“you can generally complete the application form on the credit card provider’s site in a few minutes...”
In the past, when you wanted to apply for a credit card, you’d usually have to go into a physical branch to get one. You’d have to take a few things in with you, like your ID, proof of address and a few bank statements.
Nowadays everything is online, of course, so it’s much easier to apply for a credit card. You can generally complete the application form on the credit card provider’s site in a few minutes and you’ll be able to find out if you’ve been accepted relatively quickly. However, there are a few things you might need to have to hand before you start applying.
As we’ve already mentioned, the application forms for most credit cards will be online, so you’re unlikely to need to show any physical documents to get accepted. Depending on the card you’re applying for though, it might be useful to have some basic ID documents with you so you can get any details you need from them.
For instance, some card providers might require your passport or driving licence number to verify your identity, so have these handy just in case. You’ll probably need to give your bank details, but just your debit card will probably be okay for this.
The application form will also ask how much you’re earning so the lender can be sure you’ll be able to pay back what you’ve borrowed, so have your payslip close by if you’re not sure of the exact amount.
“application forms for credit cards often ask for your addresses over the previous three years...”
You’ll have to know your name and address to apply for a credit card, but we’re going to assume you’re already pretty sure of these! What you might be less sure of, however, are your previous addresses. Application forms for credit cards often ask for your addresses over the previous three years, and if you only lived somewhere for a short time, you might not know this. Look it up on old letters before you start applying so you avoid making a mistake.
You probably know where you work but are you 100% confident of the company’s address? You’ll have to fill in details about your job when applying for a credit card, so it’s best to do a quick check of this beforehand – that way there won’t be any delays on your application.
Want to know more? Read part 2 of our guide here.
39.9% APR Representative (variable)
Intelligent Lending Ltd (Credit Broker). Capital One is the exclusive lender