What sort of credit card is right for me? My details inside...?

Question

Ok, so I'm 18, out of school, and currently working a job to help ease the money my parents have to spend on me for college. I want to get a credit card but only because there are some things you just can't buy via money order or cash, aka online buying. I'm well aware about only buying from reliable sites and identity theft too, so no need for the warnings. I do not want buy anything beyond my financial limits, as I only want to use it to purchase things I can't buy locally and immediately after purchase pay it off.

Are there any recommended credit cards with my details or it is it pretty much anything works, as long as I don't get into debt and pay everything off right? Thanks for any help or recommendations in advance.

Answer 1

Without knowing what your credit scores are or if you even have much on your credit reports --

You should start with your own bank or credit union to see what they have to offer.
If you don't have much on your reports you will probably have to start with a secured card. Which your bank or credit union can offer to you.

You might also check with Bank of America. Their secured cards are pretty good in unsecuring after 9 months to a year, as long as you keep the account in good standing.

You might try with Orchard or HSBC, but try your own bank/credit union or BoA first

Stay away from Cap One since they do not report credit limits but only high balances, your reports will not gain any benefit with them.

Stay away from super subprime like Aspire, Continental, etc.

Answer 2

Yes! I know the perfect card for you, from my experience! I'm assuming this is your first-ever credit card, right?

The Citibank student credit card. MAKE SURE YOU APPLY FOR THE STUDENT CARD THOUGH, SINCE STUDENT CARDS ARE A LOT EASIER TO OBTAIN THAN REGULAR CREDIT CARDS. They started me off with a $1000 limit when I was still in college(although I did have prior credit history; but I think the minimum limit they give is around $300). They give you 0% interest for the first six months that you have the card. Just pay your bill on time and do not go over your credit limit, and within a year with some assertiveness and urging, they will raise your credit limit.

I still have my Citibank card, and it seems that the longer I have it, the more accomodating the reps are. For example, a few months ago I called to ask for a lower interest rate. So they responded by telling me that they could raise my credit limit 67%, and lower my interest to just 5.99% for the next 9 months. Cool!

There's a few other good student credit cards, such as Chase or Bank of America. But I'd avoid any "subprime" lenders, such as Capital One, HSBC, First Premier, etc. They have horrible customer service, try to "shaft" their customers, are stingy with credit limit increases, charge high annual fees, etc.

Answer 3

As long as you plan to pay off your balance in full every month, then you should get a college student credit card that pays you the best rewards for the spending you plan to funnel through your credit card.

To find the card that will pay you the most rewards for your planned spending, you can use this rewards calculator:
http://www.creditcardtuneup.com/?card_type=College+Student

Many students find that the Citi mtvU and Citi Driver's Edge for Students cards are good for their spending.

Answer 4

If you're going to college, you might want to consider a 'student' credit card. You can find a complete list here:

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

Although these offers tend to have higher interest rates than 'standard' credit cards-- they're much better than offers designed for people with poor / no credit. Plus, they'll give you the opportunity to prove your credit worthiness and start building your credit.

Your other option is a credit card designed for people with poor / no credit. Although these offers will also help you build your credit-- you'll have even higher interest and additional fees. You can find these offers here:

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

Hope this helps. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

Heres a list of some cards. Just make sure you read the fine print.