Applying for a credit card online is now safer than ever.  Most websites utilize a secure server connection that digitally encrypts the data you submit.  This means that unless you are being phished or the servers you send that information are hacked, your data is safe.  However, more online credit card applications are beginning to only take the very basic information they need to run your credit report and score.  They encrypt your social security number and other pertinent data and it is deleted from the server once your application is run through.

First, you have to determine which credit card you want to apply for online. This may come from a pre-approved or pre-qualified offer you received in the mail, your own research online or from a branded credit card's website. You can easily begin to research credit card options from the four primary credit card vendors in the word – Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express – from there, you can narrow down the type of credit card you want.

Generally, to apply for any credit card, you will need your state issued driver's license or identification card, your employment information and a list of addresses you have lived out in the last three years. Some applications may ask for detailed information while others ask for the bare minimum to run your credit report. You will be required to enter your entire social security number in order to apply whether you apply online or in person; if you are nervous about giving it out, applying for a credit card may not be the right thing to do unless you go through your bank and do it in person.

Most credit cards let you apply online directly through a website.  This website could be a retail location, like Target or Wal-Mart or it can be the credit card's central website.  You simply pick a credit card to apply for, fill in the information, read the disclaimers and submit it.  In most cases, you are instantly approved or declined.  In other cases, you may have to wait for a decision in the mail.  If you are declined, you will still receive a letter in the mail with the reasons why and access to your free credit report to review.