How do I start my credit?

Question

I am 18 years old, and have a checking and savings account. But my question is how do I start my credit? Do I apply for a credit card? Please advice me in what to do. Thanks!

Answer 1

Get a credit card that has no annual fee, provides some benefit (like cash back), and the lowest interest rate you can find. Use it sparingly, and pay off the balance at the end of every month. NEVER carry a balance. This will establish your credit, and keep you out of debt.

You could take out a loan from the bank for a planned purchase (like a car), but then you are paying interest, so I'd go the credit card route, as it doesn't cost you anything.

Answer 2

You definitely need to get a credit card. It's really hard to get one from a bank though. You have to already have really excellent credit to get one through a bank. I work at a bank and most people who apply are denied. Try getting a Capital One card or one from a department store like Macy's. They are generally a lot easier to obtain, especially if you don't already have any credit established.

Make sure once you get a credit card that you don't go and rack up a large balance. It's really hard to pay off quickly and the interest rates on credit cards are rediculous! Just use it for emergencies or use it once a month for a small purchase. Then you can always pay it off easily and you won't have to pay interest!

Another good idea is if you have any bills, like a car payment or rent. By paying these regularly and on time, you are establishing good credit.

One last idea that a lot of ppl are unaware of is a CD loan. You do have to have a chunk of money already though in order to do this. What you do is go to a bank and open a CD. Then take out a loan against the CD, using it as collateral. You'll establish credit really fast. And if you don't have a lot of money to purchase a CD, there are some banks that only require $500 minimum. Maybe if you save up for a while you could get one, because they are one of the fastest ways to establish credit. Good luck!

Answer 3

The safest way to start building credit would be to get a secured credit card. Your bank should offer these, so just go up and ask.

Usually, to get started, they ask you to essentially freeze a certain amount of money in your savings account, equal to your credit limit. So if you want a $300 credit card, they'll likely require you to keep an extra $300 in your savings account, as a way they can be sure you'll pay them back. Over time, they can increase your limit, if you keep a good record. Even if the credit limit doesn't increase, though, you'll still have proof that you've had a credit card, so just use it as little as possible, make payments on time, and you'll have a great credit history if you ever need a big loan later.

Answer 4

Apply for a Visa or Mastercard through your bank. Make purchases, and pay off most, but not quite all, of your balance each month. Make more than the minimum payment, or you will accumulate debt. Leaving a small balance shows the bank you can handle borrowing responsibly, and your FICA number (credit score) will increase. This number is raised or lowered by 3 credit bureaus:Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. It is very important to keep it high! Check what info is on each credit report monthly! Talk to your bank about identity theft protection and insurance, and use Paypal for online transactions. Do not do financial transactions online on unsecured sites.
Do not disclose any info over the phone, or to any website that may look official, but may not be (people "Phish," to get your info and steal your identity and your money). Keep your credit cards on you or secure, and do not carelessly dispose of receipts. Cut up old credit cards and flush them, or burn them.
Keep a GOOD relationship with your bank. If you can't make a payment, tell them! Let them explain it until you understand it!

Answer 5

IF you are working the bank where you have your Checking and Savings may issue you a Credit Card! They may require a Secured Card, if you are not working steady. All that means, is that they take $500 of Your Money and put it on your Credit card, which has a $500 limit!

After showing that you are Responsible and paying your Bills BEFORE THEY ARE DO, they may choose to issue you a regular Credit Card, with a higher limit!

My Deacon Score is Well over 800 BECAUSE I pay my Cards WELL IN ADVANCE of the Billing date, AND... I always pay 2 or three times what is due!

I Pre-Plan all my spending and do not BUY FOOLISHLY what I THINK I NEED, but Only What I need!

Later on, you may get a Discover Card, that gives you CASH BACK!

DO NOT get a Capital ONE Airlines Card, like they advertise on TV. The Miles ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE nor can they be used with Any OTHER OFFER!

I had a Delta Airlines AMERICAN EXPRESS Card that gave me Delta miles that could be USED with the Delta Partners!

Hope that Helps! Write if you need more info!

Thanks, RR

Answer 6

(Answer specific to the UK)

What do you want the credit for? If its to maximise borrowing then take another look at your finances and see if this is really needed. If you just want to start getting into debt then telephones (house lines are easier to get than mobiles) would be a good start. Dont borrow what you cant afford to pay back.

Normally start by renting a house (or buying if you can afford (a mortgage is the easiest form of credit to get)). Getting yourself on the voters role and holding a steady job for a minimum of 6 months (preferably a couple of years though) will boost your credit score. Do not keep making applications as this will ruin your credit rating. As someone says, get a copy of your credit history at experian.co.uk

My advice? Borrow nothing that you dont have to and save every penny you can to assist towards a deposit for your mortgage. Seek the advice of a Financial Advisor at your bank, or a Indepentent Financial Advisor (IFA) to discuss your medium and long term goals.

Answer 7

Credit can be a dangerous thing. Since you turned 18, in a short time credit applications will be pouring in your direction. Especially after you have opened credit with other orgainizations. But, just becuz the organization offers you credit (either a credit card or credit with their store) does not mean you have to take it/apply for it. Matter of fact, too much credit/outstandin debt can be bad.
Starting your credit by going to Best Buy or Sears and get a store credit card. Pay off the balance EVERY month. If you don't, not only will be have to pay interest, but credit beureaus will label you as "sllow pay" or "non pay." Both are bad. Then, when you are comfortable, try to get a Disconver or AMEX card by simply applying at thier website or thru the mail. Finally, a good credit builder is buying a car. But, if you don';t pay, or are slow pay they can take your car.

Answer 8

i wanted a £500 loan from my bank once and they told me i had to build my credit i should get a credit card, i was 22 in part time work with 2 babies and i got one with £5000 credit (isnt that obsurd-considering i was only working 13 hours a week) and i really regret it. you know the amount of money people spend each month paying back credit couold buy them the things they usually need in life.unless you are getting a mortage stick to the old ways...they didnt give out credit like that years back. i remember when i was young it seemed like all the people that had real nice cars etc etc were a lot older by the time they could afford it, now you see 20 year old boys in their bmw's or merc's, material things wont be with you for life.Think hard about whats important before you get too many things on credit.
Im now 31 and im starting to sound like im 61.LOL

Answer 9

I just fought this battle myself. It is VERY difficult to get credit when you have no credit history (like a loan). I would recommend getting a college credit card from a bank, that was the only way i got one. Dont bother with department stores, if you dont have established credit you wont get them. Good luck and be prepaired for a fight. Its so stupid. Also stay away from secured credit cards, you can get a nonsecured credit card you just gotta look around really hard. also in response to those who say dont get credit thats a bunch of bull. if you ever want to buy a home you must have established credit history. Some debt is part of life. Only buy gas on your credit card, thats what i do, pay cash for everthing else. this way you avoid over charging on your credit card. good luck and be smart about your money

Answer 10

You can apply for a credit card but there is risk also. If you go for one try to pay the bills on time to keep good credit.
You can make some search on yahoo or google to find some company .
TO know more you can visit
http://creditcardbiz.blogspot.com
and
http://onlinepaymentoption.blogspot.com