Which credit card is best for me?

Question

I'm a college student and I have never had a credit card. I want to apply to one but Im not sure which one would sute me best. I have known that some credit cards will charge just for having their credit card. I wouldnt want one of those. Do you know of any credit card that gives students a good deal?

Answer 1

citi offers some of the best cards. with no credit you might have a hard time getting a regular credit card. you might have to start off with a store card and build some credit from there.

Answer 2

It's not challenging at all to get a credit card. It seems like companies are throwing credit at everyone except for people w/absolutely horrible credit. I used to get pre-approved offers almost everyday until I called some hotline to say I didn't want them. Even then, you have to wait a month until they stop coming. One card is enough for me right now.

Of course, the challenging part is finding the right card and making sure you can pay it off on time. Credit cards don't translate into lifelong debt as long as you don't charge for things u can't afford. So to everyone who's telling this person not to get a card, don't do it unless you know her financial situation and spending habits.

I have a Citi College Card that gives you rebates. I'm not sure about the exact details because they lowered the gas, grocery and drugstore rebates to 2%. Besides interest rates, you should also research thank-you rewards. They might give you freebies, rebates and gift cards after you spend a certain amount. Which one do you have the most use for? Of course, these rewards won't do you a lot of good if you can't pay off your debt.

Don't just look at college cards either. I read in Newsweek that the AT&T Cash Rewards Card charges more interest for thier college version than the regular.

Answer 3

If you absolutely need a credit card go to Chase.com and they offer multiple options.

Advice:
Don't use credit to sustain your shopping or living need. It is a lose lose situation. Interest rates are racked up on the daily balance. They give you a minimum amount due, if you only pay the minimum, that awesome pair of boots you bought in 2006 will still be part of your debt when the new fashions come out in 2008.

Late charge:
If you don't pay your bill by the due date, you will be charged a late fee, this then gets charged interest. Then if you miss a payment, they send this to the credit agency and it will be noted on your credit report. If you have more than one credit card, they can charge up to 31% on all your credit card balances, doesn't matter if they are from different institutions.

Bottom Line:
If you can't afford it now, you can't afford it later. Live within your means. Credit cards are a scam. You will see so many promotions on college campus' because they know they are vulnerable, every time you apply it gets marked on your credit report. Don't get drawn in to the revolving credit world, you will probably never get out.

Be careful!
Good Luck

Answer 4

Getting your first credit card can be challenging, especially if you have not established any kind of credit (which is like a catch twenty two). What you can do is go to your bank and ask for a pre-paid Visa or Mastercard or open a checking account with a debit card that doubles as a credit card - the only catch is that it pulls from your checking account - so no money, no credit and therefore no overspending.

What this will do is help you establish credit so when you apply for a conventional credit card, they will be able to find some credit history on your spending and payments.

Answer 5

I must agree with Uniforce65. The current financial set up of this country requires a background of credit to get decent finance options on any big ticket item you may want to purchase in the future. A credit card can be a great way to keep track of spending and learn to examine your budget. The BIG RULE should be, DO NOT charge more than you have in the bank to pay the bill. A card will give you, normally, 20 to 30 days after your purchase to continue earning interest on your money until you pay the bill. We obtained checking accounts for our children when they turned 15, both had scattered part time jobs and an allowance, then we guaranteed their first credit cards with our local bank when they turned 17, the only rule was the BIG ONE, no charging more than you already had accessible to pay off the charge. This not only helped to establish their credit but helped them see how much and what they were spending their money on. I personally put everything on my charge, one that has a cash back program, but I pay the balance in full each month, No interest and No late fees. If you aren't disciplined or are in a situation where it would be too tempting to charge what you don't have the cash for, wait for a bit. But if you know you can be strict with yourself and pay it in full each month, get one now. If you can't find one with a cash back or reward program now, get one with no annual fees and then check again in 6 to 9 months and see if you can qualify for one then. Most important BE HONEST with yourself and know you can and will pay it off each month before you take the wrong step and get in over your head. I'd suggest trying either citibank or chase first, unless you are already established with a local bank.Good Luck.

Answer 6

You would need a credit card if you buy airline tickets or rent a car. If it's just for buying things that you cannot afford anyway, then wait until you get a job. Normally you need income to get a card, but most companies figure that your parents will help pay your bills when you charge too much. If you like to shop, wait until you have the money to pay for it in cash.

Answer 7

Having credit cards is great ... using them is not. Check the website below that will help you decide what card is best for you as a student. There is a tab for credit cards.

Answer 8

if you have no credit, try going to chase.
http://www.chase.com
they specialize in great card deals, if approved, your credit line will most likely be $300, its not alot but its enough to start building credit. if you want a great department store card, go into your local Macy's, you can apply for thier card at any register, the best part, more times then not, they will approve you, especially with no credit, they start you out at $50 or $100, but hey, its helping you for the future. Good Luck.
sorry if i didnt help.

Answer 9

Don't get one. EVER! They always translate into debt in the long run, and you don't actually need credit anyway. (Believe it or not). Buying things you can't afford is a bad habit to get into. You don't need a credit card to buy things online, to rent a car, or do anything else. A debit card will do all that. You don't even need credit to get a mortgage if you find a lender that does underwriting. Anyone who says you need credit for anything just doesn't know how to live without it. It can be done. (Believe me).

Answer 10

You can probably get a credit card thru your bank. You might have to keep a minimum balance. Check it out. It couldn't hurt. At least a bank is more trust worthy than some of the scams out there in the world.