Credit card applications are highly accessible, so it is easy to apply for a new card. While the process itself seems simple, common mistakes can result in instant rejections. Before you tackle your application in a hurry, consider five steps to make sure the bank approves you for your new plastic.

Fill Out the Entire Application

This sounds easy enough, but many consumers are rejected over incomplete credit card applications. Filling out applications online increases the prevalence of this type of mistake because you may easily hit the tab button too many times or accidentally pass over a box. Read through everything carefully and plug in any missing information before hitting the submit button. The same type of care should be given to mail-in applications to prevent rejections.

Ensure Accuracy

Before you're approved for a credit card, the company first has to determine that all the information you provide is accurate. Consumers lead busy lives these days, and it is easy to transpose numbers or accidentally write down an old address. Still, these easy mistakes can translate into instant rejection. Before submitting your application, read it a few times to make sure all your information is accurate. This will avoid future headaches in trying to fight a rejection based on inaccurate information on your part.

Understand Agreement Terms

When you fill out credit card applications, you have to agree to the terms. If the application is accepted, your card is sent to you, and in filling out the application you already have a contract with the bank. It is different from a personal loan in which you have to sign on the dotted line after gaining approval. Once you have filled out the application and gained approval for the card, there is no turning back unless you want to close the card and risk a decline of your credit score for closing the account.

Ask Questions

Due to the instant contract an application entails, it is important to ask questions about the card if there is anything you aren't sure about. If the card has a low APR, for example, then you should ask the bank if there is ever a chance that the interest rate will increase over time and under what circumstances. You should also understand any late fees and overage charges. In addition, make sure there is room to grow with the card in the way of an increased credit line if you maintain good standing and on time payments.

Check Your Credit

It seems like a relatively easy process to apply for a credit card. With all the pre-approved applications sent to your house, you may be under the impression that you are automatically eligible but this pre-approval process isn't a 100-percent guarantee, and the cards that come in the mail may not be your best option.

It is important to research your options first to make sure you are applying to the cards that best fit your financial needs and budget. Consider the three main steps you need to know to apply for a credit card to meet your financial goals.

Step One: Evaluate Your Credit Report

Every credit shopper's first step should include looking at their credit report. If you don't know where you stand in the credit market, then you will essentially waste time on applying for the wrong cards. Generally, anyone with a FICO score of or above will have the easiest time applying for credit as banks will be more willing to work with you.

When evaluating your report, look specifically at:

Step Two: Choose the Right Bank

All credit cards are issued by banks and credit unions. Even store credit cards are affiliated with some of the big banks that offer consumers lines of credit. Before you apply for any old card, you should determine the best venue based on your own credit history. Store cards are among some of the easiest to obtain if your credit is less than perfect but they also have some of the highest APRs of all cards on the market. If you choose to use a store card, it's important to have a sound payment plan in place so you can pay off the principal balance as quickly as possible.

If you are recovering from a credit catastrophe, you can consider a secured card. Secured cards are designed to help people with bad credit with scores that fall below 600. When you make timely payments over a significant period of time, you score will start to increase-just make sure that the company reports to the credit bureaus. Also keep in mind that you need a deposit in order to open a secured card.

If your credit is in great shape, then there is no reason you shouldn't apply for a regular credit card. The key is to choose a card with a low APR so you don't waste too much money on interest. To maintain your FICO score, don't spend more than 30 percent of the available credit limit at any given time.

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