Credit cards became popular during the eighties and nineties. At some point, credit cards have also became an essential part of the daily American grind. From credit-card only payment found online, to the convenience of not running in to pay for gas, to the rummaging for change to pay for a burger, credit cards have become second nature to paying for every cost imaginable.

Current census estimates place US adult population around 287,524,305. Of those, more than half own at least one credit card.

Getting credit card applications used to happen exclusively through the postal service and credit card agents stationed at tables around college campuses. Advances in technology and security have made it possible to apply for a credit card online, and every piece of junk mail offering you more can will have a web address to apply for “a decision in as little as 30 seconds.” So, how is it that these applications have moved online, how safe is it to apply for a credit card online, and how can I still get cool perks or a freebie if I apply online are the three major questions that arise.

Credit card consolidation offers many Americans an escape from a mountain of high APR maxed out credit cards. The guiding principle for consolidation is to gather up all those individual credit card balances, or at least some portion thereof, into one larger obligation. Ideally this obligation, to be a good credit card consolidation offer, will have lower APR, and a longer repayment term. Although, this is not always the case. Even if the APR was nominally higher, your credit card payments could be stretched out over time to reduce the monthly minimum if you’re trying to stop collection calls.

Getting credit card offers in the mail is one thing. Actually filling out these forms and getting credit extended on your behalf is another. For those out there with excellent existing credit, equity, a steady work history, and a healthy bank balance, it’s easy. But what about the rest of us? For those who want a credit card and have bad credit, getting the first credit card can be as hard as squeezing blood out of a turnip. So where do you start?