Is It Safe to Apply for a Credit Card Via Postal Mail?

Is it safe to apply for a credit card via postal mail (USPS)? People often receive tons of credit card applications through the mail each year. If you ever want a credit card, you may wonder if it is safe to fill out this application and send it through the mail. So it is safe to do? Yes, it is generally safe to mail in credit card applications. However, there are some safety tips you want to follow.

How to Mail In Credit Card Applications Safely

1. Fill the credit card application out completely. Make sure you don’t miss any important information.
2. Place the application in a secured envelope (preferably one that isn’t see-through). Many companies provide an envelope with the address pre-printed.
3. Ensure the address printed on the envelope (the credit card company’s), is a real address for that company. Sometimes people may place fake addresses on an envelope in an attempt to steal information such as your social security number. A quick check online will reveal if the credit card company really uses the address on the offer’s return envelope.
4. Drop the envelope INSIDE  a post office drop box indoors. This reduces the risk of a postal worker tampering with, or losing, the envelope.
5. Clearly print your return address just in case a delivery problem occurs. If you don’t print addresses clearly, it could pose a delivery issue should something happen.

If you follow those basic tips, you can ensure your letter will get there as safely as possible. Also, keep in mind that you can always fill out a credit card application online. In fact, one thing I will often do is this: If I get a really good credit card offer in the mail, I will often go online and fill out the actual application. Many times when a credit card company sends an offer via mail, it will also include an “invitation number” or “application code,” which you can often use online–so it’s the same as applying via the original paper offer.

I did this once with a Chase Ink card and got approved online. I also got $400 offer (in credit card reward points) for signing up, as well as 0% interest for a full year. That was definitely the best credit card offer I’ve ever received.