Chase Credit Cards: How The Instant Approval Program Benefits Consumers

Among the many joys of doing business over the Internet is the speed and convenience that is involved. In keeping with these Internet standards, two of the most established banking names in the US have effectively removed the time typically used up in the credit card application process. At both Bank of America and Chase, credit cards can now be approved instantly.

What this means is that even with a terrible credit history, a credit card applicant can look forward to getting instant approval, on the condition of course that some basic criteria are satisfied first. In essence, applicants must have a reliable source of income and be of age, but approval is more likely than ever before.

It does not matter whether the applicant chooses Chase or Bank of America credit cards, the advantages are the same. With a new card that is carefully managed, card holders get a golden opportunity to restore their credit rating too.

Key Incentives For Applicants

All credit cards come with a host of incentives and reward schemes. It is part of the marketing required in what is a hugely competitive sector. It is certainly no different when it comes to Bank of America and Chase credit cards through their respective instant approval schemes.

As well as getting instant approval, and fast access to much-needed funds, cardholders also get to take advantage of an introductory offer that includes 0% APR, no annual fees and a clear line of credit. Also, 0% charges on purchases and balance transfers is part of the incentives available.

Of course, while both Chase or Bank of America credit cards might be granted to bad credit borrowers, the cards themselves have low credit limits to protect the issuers from making huge losses. But, because the application is online, approval takes just seconds.

Other Advantages To Consider

The advantages of opting for the instant approval program for Bank of America or Chase credit cards include more than just the incentives, however. For a start, getting a card so quickly means that access to much-needed funds can make difficult financial situations a little easier to manage.

Whatever financial strain an applicant is under, getting instant approval means that the additional stress involved in awaiting news of an application, and allows those who are in desperate need of those extra funds time to reassess their options on the off-chance they are rejected.

Another advantage is that getting access to Chase or Bank of America credit cards presents bad credit borrowers with a perfect opportunity to rebuild their credit reputations. By carefully managing the use and repayment of the card, the credit scores improve.

Mature Card Management

It is fair to say that the main reason for falling into serious credit card debt is down to the spending habits of the cardholder. But by being mature in your attitude toward your Bank of America or Chase credit card, and repaying the balance quickly, that situation can be avoided.

Many of those who successfully manage their credit cards restrict the use of the card to specific purposes. So, instead of going shopping two or three times a week, the card is only used to pay utility bills or book flights or hotel rooms. And while getting instant approval might suggest the good times can start, holding fast against temptation can end up easing the overall financial problems.

And remember to make use of the incentives that are offered with Chase or Bank of America credit cards. Every little saving that is made contributes to a lower card bill.

The Benefits of a GFE and Pre-Approval

Most real estate purchases are bought with loans so getting a good faith estimate and pre-approval letter from your lender helps the process start off on the right foot. The good faith estimate, or GFE for short, is required by law to be provided by lenders when you are seeking a loan. It lists out the estimated closing costs, monthly payments, and interest rates for the loan program you are looking at getting.

The pre-approval letter is provided by lenders once they have run your credit and get your income / debt information. By getting the GFE and pre-approval letter, you can be confident that the loan will get processed with no surprises. There are also additional benefits to getting pre-approval and GFE before you even begin the property search.

For one, by discussing your debt to income ratio with your lender and obtaining the GFE, you can determine your maximum price. It helps to know the maximum sales price when shopping around so that you do not waste time and energy looking a over-priced properties, and also vice verse, you do not waste time and energy looking at under-priced properties. You can find an area in your price range that fits your needs and narrow down your search. You also will determine your monthly payments with the GFE.

The monthly payments should include the property taxes, insurance, principle, and interest plus any private mortgage insurance (PMI). If the monthly payments are higher than you wanted, then you can adjust your sales price to be lower.

Another reason to get your pre-approval and GFE before starting your home search is that you may find out some issues with your credit or financial situation that you could clean up before moving forward with a purchase. For example, the first time I bought a house, I found out that I had a charge on my credit report from 3 years ago, which brought my credit score down. And with a lower credit score, I would have gotten a worse interest rate on the loan. I say 'would have' because I was able to pay off this collection and clear up the ding on my credit before going into the loan underwriting process.

Finally, by getting a pre-approval letter, you have proof for a seller that a lender has confidence in being able to fund the purchase on your behalf. This helps with presenting offers and negotiating. Many sellers will not even accept an offer unless it is accompanied by a lender's letter.

Furthermore, if you do not have a letter, the seller may counter higher given that he feels he is taking on more risk that you may not be qualified for the loan amount. Also, if you happen to get into a multiple offer situation, your offer will be much stronger with a pre-approval letter.