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Should you get Visa or MasterCard? Is one of them better than the other? Will one of them help your credit rating more than the other? Many people ask themselves these types of questions when they think about getting their first credit card or additional ones. The fact is, few differences exist between the two credit card brands today, but you can benefit by having a better understanding of the two companies and using their competition to your advantage.

Just Who Are Visa and MasterCard

First, you should know that neither Visa nor MasterCard actually issue credit cards themselves. Neither company deals with consumers or merchants directly. Instead, they create and run the worldwide computer networks that process the billions of transactions that occur each day from people who use their credit cards at millions of merchants and ATMs. Both companies make their money from financial institutions to whom they license the ability to market the MasterCard or Visa system to consumers and merchants.

MasterCard and Visa have been fierce competitors for years, each vying to be faster and more global than the other, just like Hertz and Avis, and McDonalds and Burger King. Each time one brand creates a new twist on their credit cards, the other soon follows to match it. Both companies now offer nearly identical benefits, such as travel insurance, car rental insurance, product warranty extensions, and so on.

Furthermore, both cards are accepted worldwide by nearly the same number of merchants. MasterCard says its cards can be used at more than 23 million locations around the globe, including 1 million ATMs and other locations where cash can be obtained. Visa says its cards are accepted at more than twenty million locations in more than 150 countries.

In general, most merchants throughout the world accept both cards, or if a merchant takes only one of the brands, another merchant down the block takes the other. The point is, your chances of being locked out of eating or buying a gift or getting a hotel room because you have only one brand of credit card are usually minimal -- other than at a few noted events where one card or the other may have negotiated to be the sole credit card to be accepted. But such instances are far and few between.

Which Card is Right for You?

Given the above, is one card better or more right for you? The best answer depends on whether it’s your first, second, or additional card, as follows:

If You’re Applying for Your FIRST Credit Card

In this situation, you can make a choice based simply on selecting which issuing bank you prefer to work with, or which promotional offer you like the most, without regard to the brand on the card. Perhaps you like Chase or Citibank or HSBC, or perhaps you like the 0% APR with no-annual-fee offer you found online. It's six of one, a half-dozen of the other.

If You’re Applying for Your SECOND Card

In this situation, it is strategically smart to select the opposite brand card from your first card AND to choose a different issuing bank. The rationale for this is that when you have two different cards, you will find that the two banks will compete for your business (assuming you maintain good credit). You will get offers for 0% balance transfers, higher credit limits, and other perks as the two banks vie for your increased use of their card. And just in case you find a merchant who only takes one brand of card, you can now be assured of having all your bases covered.

If You’re Applying for ADDITIONAL Credit Cards

Many people apply for more than two credit cards because something specific motivates them to get a third or a fourth card. You may want a separate card to use for your business charges, or to compliment your airline frequent flyer program. In these cases, your selection is largely predetermined by whichever card has attracted your attention to fulfill your specific needs. You might even shop around among issuing banks to be sure you find the best offer, no matter which credit card brand stands behind it.

In short, choosing between Visa and MasterCard is no longer a frustrating question for anyone applying for a first credit card. You can’t go wrong with either brand. And if you already have a first credit card, it can be a very smart move to apply to get a second card from the other brand. If you treat your credit well, you’ll soon be having two (or more) banks begging for your business -- and that's a good thing!

Customers shopping for a new credit card can avoid waiting long weeks to learn whether or not they have been approved. Instant approval credit cards provide applicants with a fast online response. Online credit card websites offer a variety of instant approval credit cards, allowing customers to choose the card that best fits their financial needs.

How “Instant” are Instant Approval Credit Cards

The “Instant” in instant approval credit cards refers to the minimal waiting period involved. After customers fill out an application online, a reply is sent to their e-mail account within minutes. In some cases, the process may only take seconds.

While the application response time is quick, other steps in the process are not instantaneous. Customers will first want to carefully search for the right credit card. Like most credit cards, instant approval credit cards come in a variety of forms. Some offer a 0% interest rate for the first six to twelve months. Others include cash back bonuses, travel benefits, or rewards programs. Cards with no annual fees are also available. A list of instant approval credit card offers can be found on most credit card websites.

Before applying, it is important to understand the fine print involved. Customers should read through the credit card’s term and conditions. Many companies include charges for late fees. Others have interest rates that are subject to change. By reading through the card’s detailed information, customers will be aware of any included charges.

The Application Process

When filling out an application, customers will be asked for basic personal information. This may include levels of income, housing status and employment details. Certain credit cards require additional information. When the application is sent in, the applicant’s credit report is quickly reviewed. Customers with good to excellent credit have the highest chance of being approved.

Once the application has been approved, the card itself is sent through the mail system. On average, this takes from five to seven business days. When the card arrives, the customer may be asked to call a toll-free number to authorize use of the card. Once this is done, customers are free to use the credit card for purchases.

How Secure are Instant Approval Credit Cards

In some ways, filling out an application online is more secure than sending it in through the mail system. Personal information is sent directly to the appropriate source. Credit card companies and websites take extra measures to ensure security. Most issuers implement the latest data encryption for security purposes.

Before filling out an online application, customers should check the site for safety features. A small padlock and explanation of security terms may be listed. If anything looks questionable, customers are encouraged to investigate further before proceeding with the application process.

When to Apply

With the ease of the Internet, applications can be sent in any time. After careful research, customers can choose the best instant approval credit card for their needs. Once the application is sent in, the response will quickly follow.

Is a balance transfer credit card your ticket out of credit card debt? It can be. If you're having trouble paying off a steep balance and the high interest that goes with it, these cards could be the right solution for you. But before filling out an application, take a few factors into consideration. Educate yourself on the transfer process, and you'll get the most out of your credit card experience.

What Balance Transfer Credit Cards Are

These credit cards have a certain appeal that separates them from other forms of plastic. They offer applicants the chance to shift a balance from a high-interest card to a low-interest one. In fact, most of these cards come with an initial 0% interest period. This means you can make payments that are directly applied toward the balance. As you pay down the debt, you can save hundreds of dollars on interest expense.

How to Compare Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Many appear to be the same, but in reality they vary quite a bit. Check the following details as you sift through the options:

Length of introductory period - The initial period of no interest may be as short as three months, or as long as fifteen months. If you aim for at least 12 months of 0% interest, you'll have ample time to pay off the balance.

What the 0% APR applies to - Some credit cards offer you 0% APR only on the transfer amount. This means that you will be charged a higher interest rate when you make a purchase. Moreover, all the payments you send in will first be applied to the balance, and then to the purchases. While you pay down the balance, the new purchases and their attached high interest rates will sit and accrue on your statements. Eventually, you could pay more in high interest than you planned on. To avoid this, look for a card that offers 0% APR on both balances and purchases. Or limit the use of your card until you pay off the transferred balance.

Check the fees - Most balance transfer credit cards charge an initial fee for bringing over the new balance. This is sometimes a certain percentage of amount transfered. Banks often include a cap, such as $50 or $75, on the transfer fee. The savings you receive on interest usually outweighs this expense.

Additional benefits - While they offer you a chance to pay off nagging debt, many come with other features as well. Some balance transfer credit cards include a rewards program. Others have a low interest rate that kicks in after the introductory period. Think long-term before you apply. Consider what benefits you'll want after you are debt-free.

Using your Balance Transfer Card

These can be a solid solution if they are used properly. Think about creating a payment plan to get rid of the debt. Set aside money each month for card payments. If at all possible, pay off the balance before the introductory period runs out. As the balance dwindles, you'll gain control of your finances. You'll also begin to build a stronger credit history. When the balance is gone, you'll be able to enjoy the card's additional benefits.