Larger banks and even some credit unions offer their own credit cards to customers. Consider starting at one of these institutions. They will be able to give you sound advice and explain important details like fees, credit limits, and interest rates and help you choose the right card. Bank credit cards are usually reserved for established customers. You'll need an account. Having a checking account at the bank can help, in particular. If you are a long-time customer, the bank may ask you first about a credit card. As banks seek to diversify, they are trying to build up credit card portfolios and entice customers with good introductory interest rates and extra rewards. Another benefit of having a bank credit card is that you may be able to link the card to your normal accounts, making payments easier to manage. Most banks offer several different cards. The best one for you will depend on your financial situation, spending habits, and credit score. Sit down with a banker. She will be able to discuss your options and advise you on the most fitting choice. Ask questions and listen for important details. You'll want to be clear about each card's profile. What is the yearly interest rate (APR)? Is there an annual fee for holding the card? How much is the credit line? What is the minimum payment you can make toward outstanding balances? Make sure to know if the card's APR is "introductory" or "fixed." Lenders will often offer a low introductory rate to attract customers, which will then go up after a period of months or years. Ask about rewards. Some credit cards will earn you air miles with each purchase. Some offer cash back or points that you can redeem for merchandise. Weigh what options you have. Non-profit financial institutions like credit unions often offer lower APRs and lower penalty rates on credit cards. You will probably have to be a member of the credit union to qualify, however. If you are new to credit, or if the bank cannot offer you a regular credit card, ask about getting a "secure credit card." Secure cards are used to build up trust and a good credit history. They can help you get a foot in the door and eventually qualify for an unsecured account. Secure cards require collateral. This means that you will have to give the bank a deposit for your credit line ($500 for a $500 credit line, for example, or $1000 for a $1000 line). Secure cards work like normal credit cards. Your deposit won't count toward payments, but is just there for security. Your bank will periodically review your account. If you pay on time, they may eventually offer you a normal credit card with a larger line of credit. Be aware that your bank keeps a close eye on secured card accounts. You'll have to make all of your monthly payments, or the bank may be able to keep your deposit. After talking with a representative of your bank or credit union, you will be asked to fill out an application. Take this application seriously and answer all the questions honestly. Lying about your information is fraud and against the law. You will have to provide personal information, but also details on your citizenship, employment, and finances. Be prepared to answer questions about your annual income but also the monthly cost of your housing and how much you have in "liquid assets," i.e. how much money you have in cash, savings or checking accounts, or certificates of deposit. Submit the application and wait for your bank's decision. This may take a couple of weeks. If approved, they will usually send the card in the mail. You'll have to activate the card before using it. Activation is easy and only takes a few minutes. Just follow the instructions that come with the new credit card.
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One-sentence summary -- Inquire at a bank or credit union. Make an appointment with a banker. Consider a secure card. Apply for the card.

<a href="Example.avi">Click here to play a video file</a>
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One-sentence summary -- Use the following simple code as an example: Add this code to your webpage, changing Example.avi to your file name, and changing some of the parameters if you like.

Much like with smells, sounds travel easily in apartment buildings. You'll have to consider your neighbors below, above, and those on the other side of shared walls. Think about the following: Your dog might bark when you're not home, disturbing your neighbors. You and your dog might cause a lot of noise if you play inside. While throwing a ball in your living room in a single family home might seem like no problem at all, the associated noise in an apartment building will certainly disturb your neighbors. Any other noise that might be related to your pet that could potentially disturb your neighbors. Most apartment communities require that you inform them of the type and breed of pet before you move in. If you don't clear it with your landlord, you could face fines, fees, or even eviction. Consider the following when looking to acquire a new pet or picking an apartment community: Whether the community allows dogs or cats. The size or weight limit of pets allowed in the community. Breed restrictions for the community or even the county or municipality. The number of pets your community will allow. Most apartment communities require a vet reference and documents detailing vaccinations. If your pet is not up to date on his/her vaccinations, you need to consider this, and be ready to get him/her vaccinated before you move in. Make sure to be signed up with a local vet who has your complete file on hand Make sure to have vaccination documentation on hand, as most apartment communities require these before they will approve your pet. Make sure to have references from vets, neighbors, or former landlords who will vouch that your pet is well-kept and well-behaved. If you have a dog, you should purchase baggies and be prepared to pick up your dog's waste every time it poops. There are a number of reasons for this: Respect your neighbors. You want to keep your apartment community looking and smelling nice. Respect your neighbors and maintenance workers who don't want to step in dog poop. You could face fines from the apartment community if you don't pick up your dog poop. Apartment communities are unique in that you'll be living in relatively close proximity to other people. Smells can often travel through hallways and from one apartment to another. As a result, you want to make sure you clean your litter box regularly in order to prevent your neighbors from also living with the smell of your cat. The central feature of apartment communities is shared space. As a result, you don't want to be letting your dog or cat roam freely in your community. Keep your dog on a leash, and keep your cat inside (unless you want to walk him/her on a leash, too). There are a number of reasons for this: Some pet owners, although required to by the community, might not vaccinate their pets. Letting your pet roam would make him/her more vulnerable to parasites and other illnesses. One of your neighbors might accidentally hit your pet with their car. Your cat or dog might get into a fight with another cat or dog. Some dogs and/or cats are very nervous when they meet new people. You want to make sure that your dog or cat won't attack or be overly aggressive to neighbors or unsuspecting maintenance workers. Consider enrolling your dog in obedient school. Train your dog to not lunge, growl, or bark at people on the street. Although you shouldn't let your cat roam in the first place, if your cat tends to escape frequently, make sure he or she is not aggressive. This will help minimize potentially costly or harmful cat fights.
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One-sentence summary --
Be a considerate neighbor when it comes to noise. Clear your pet with the landlord before you move in or bring home a new pet. Be prepared to present your landlord with a vet reference and associated documentation. Clean up after your dog. Clean up after your cat. Avoid letting your pet roam the neighborhood. Socialize your dog or cat.