To apply for a credit card, research and compare options, check eligibility criteria, gather necessary information, fill out the application accurately, submit it online or in person, wait for approval, and upon approval, receive and activate your card to start using it within the approved credit limit.

Eligibility requirements for a credit card typically include a minimum age (usually 18 years old or older), a steady income source, a good credit history, and residency in the country where you're applying for the card. Specific requirements can vary depending on the card issuer and the type of card you're applying for.

A credit card works by allowing you to borrow money from the card issuer up to a certain limit, which is your credit limit. When you use the card for purchases, the issuer pays the merchant on your behalf, and you repay the issuer either in full by the due date to avoid interest charges or over time with interest if you carry a balance. Credit cards also often come with rewards or benefits, and using them responsibly can help build your credit history.

Building or improving your credit with a credit card involves consistently making on-time payments, keeping credit utilization low, using the card responsibly for affordable purchases, monitoring your credit report for errors, avoiding opening multiple accounts at once, considering secured credit options if needed, maintaining older accounts for a longer credit history, and managing overall debt wisely to demonstrate responsible credit management.

A credit limit is the maximum amount of money that you can borrow using a credit card or line of credit. It's determined by the credit card issuer or lender based on various factors, including your credit history, income, credit score, and existing debts. Generally, individuals with higher incomes, excellent credit scores, and a history of responsible credit use are more likely to be approved for higher credit limits.

Fees associated with credit cards may include annual fees, late payment fees, cash advance fees, foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, and over-limit fees, depending on the card issuer and the specific terms of the card.

To dispute fraudulent charges on your credit card, immediately contact your card issuer to report the unauthorized transactions, freeze your card to prevent further charges, file a dispute with detailed information and supporting documents, monitor your account for additional unauthorized activity, cooperate with the issuer's investigation, follow up on the progress, and update your account's security measures as needed.

To close a credit card account properly, pay off any balances, contact the issuer to request closure, destroy the card, monitor for unauthorized charges, confirm closure on your credit report, and ensure no further activity on the account.

You can track and manage your credit card expenses by regularly reviewing your credit card statements, setting up alerts for transactions and due dates, categorizing expenses using budgeting apps or spreadsheets, creating a spending plan based on your income and financial goals, and periodically evaluating your spending habits to identify areas for improvement or adjustments.