What are some of the best credit cards for someone to start a credit history?

Question

This person is a student and will graduate soon and wants a card so he can establish credit. Any ideas on a good one for someone who has never had credit?

Answer 1

Avoid 'gas' and 'retail' credit cards! You'll end up paying extremely high interest rates (23.99%-29.99%) and tons of hidden fees. There's actually a wide variety of options for people to build or improve credit. You can find a complete list of credit cards here:

http://www.asapcreditcard.com/unsecured-offers.html

You'll end up paying higher interest rates and some additional fees with these offers too-- but much less than a retail or gas card.

You could also consider a 'student credit card'. These offers will have higher interest rates-- but less fees than the offers above. You can find a complete list here:

http://www.asapcreditcard.com/student-cards.html

Eventually, with regular on-time payments-- you'll be able to apply for offers with lower APR's and less fees.

Hope this helps. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

If they're a student, they may want to try for a student credit card. I've posted links to some below. If they're not able to get approved for any of those, the next best thing would be to get a secured credit card (I've posted links to those as well) How it works is a deposit is put upfront in a savings account to secure the same amount in a line of credit. The deposit isn't used to pay the card directly unless it's from delinquency of non-payment. As long as the card's not maxed out and it's paid on time, the deposit is refunded and the card either converts to a regular card or an offer is extended for a better card.

Answer 3

Sometimes Capital One will refuse for some reason so if they do try Vanquis who do the same as the answerer above but their acceptance rate is higher. However be aware the interest rates will be high so if you are not clearing your balance in full each month you could end up with a very high debt. Also the more you clear down your balance the more likely the credit limit will be raised. Also there are alot ofpre payment cards out there that will enable you to uild up a credit rating - i.e. you charge it with your own money and use it to make purchases but they will report your activity to the credit reference agencies.

Answer 4

Most of the time, the major credit card companies are the ones who give people without credit history a hard time in applying for a credit card. It is therefore incumbent upon you to look for other credit card options through which you can build your credit history. Usually, smaller companies offer more leniencies to people who do not yet have credit card history.

Entities like department stores and gas stations issue credit cards with small credit limits. If you are issued a credit card from smaller companies, always remember that your goal is to eventually obtain credit cards issued by major international companies, so make it a point to build an impressive credit history by paying your obligations to smaller credit card companies. Read more about it at: http://www.credit-card-gallery.com/article/119,Applying_For_A_Major_Credit_Card_Even_Without_Prior_History

Answer 5

I'd go with a major one like Visa or MasterCard (I doubt you'll qualify for AmEx)to start with. Most dept. store cards have very high interest rates (usually 28-30%). Talk to a few different banks to see if you qualify for a low interest rate.

Many cards will give you a much lower interest rate for a small annual fee - Usually a standard CC will be offered around 18 - 20% interest, if you upgrade to a 'select' 'gold' , etc. you'll pay a fee, but you'll probably only pay 9-12% interest. - If you qualify for these take the offer. The fee for the lower interest rate will usually only be 15-30 per year.

Answer 6

I would say get a student credit card?

Answer 7

American Express Blue for Students. I started with Cap 1 but my girlfriend started with Blue for Students and got a higher credit limit and more options.

As long as you've got a checking account you shouldn't have a problem qualifying.

Answer 8

I have listed a source below that has a free consumer list of secured and unsecured credit cards for people with no credit.

Answer 9

Start with a gas card

Answer 10

Go to a local dept store that issues their own. They are usually very liberal and understand everybody has to start somewhere.