How can I get a Visa card?

Question

I'm 18 years old, just finished high school and frequently I find myself on the internet wanting to buy cheap things in the $20-50 range, and I was wondering how and if I can get a $500-$1000 visa. I would probably only touch $100 of it and then keep my card and not use it to obtain good credit.

How would I go about this? I know that you can apply online but I'm not sure how or where...

Also, how long does it usually take to get accepted and get your card.

Answer 1

Posters 4,5 & 6 all have some pretty good answers, though I'd lean more towards posters 4 &5. Secured cards are the easiest to get approved for reason being that you would place a deposit upfront as collateral to secure a line of credit. Where you bank like bdancer mentioned may offer these, a lot of the major banks (Citi, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, USBank) do. You can think of this as building credit with a savings account, because that's basically how it works. That deposit is usually linked to a savings account or CD that gains interest while you build credit. The 2 major advantages of secured cards are the easy approval and the ability to increase the credit line yourself by adding to the deposit. For example, if you deposited $300, your credit line would be $300. These "starter" credit cards are a perfect way to custom build a high limit credit card and save up money while you're building credit. You could very well apply for a regular card, but also run the risk of getting declined because of a lack of credit history. With a secured card, you make your history as you go, and you have more control. A good way to manage the card would be to make small purchases ($20-50 monththat can be paid off on time every month while adding to the deposit to increase the credit line as this would be extremely helpful in building credit. High credit lines show responsiblity with credit as well as provide yourself a considerable cushion between what you owe and what you're able to borrow. Usually after a year or so of paying on time and keeping the balance low, if not 0, the card either converts over to a regular card, a better card's offered and more importantly, the deposit's no longer needed and given back. Keep in mind that the deposit is gaining interest while you're building credit so when it does convert, you'll have interest attached when it's given back to you. I've posted several links to some secured card companies that should work for you. Hopefully, this answer helps


Good Luck!

Answer 2

As long as you have a job or source of income you can usually obtain a credit card. The starting credit limit is anywhere from $250-$500, and it's a great way to start building your credit history. Even if you don't use it much, if you make payments on time and keep your account in good standing, it sets you on the way to establishing a good credit score which you will need later in life. (You need good credit to buy a car, rent an apartment, sign up for utilities, set the rate on car insurance, etc.)

Citibank has some great card programs, and you should also check out your local banks. I use Citibank because I've had the card for years and any disputes are quickly and easily resolved.

You want a card with no annual fee, a fixed APR (if you can find one) or at least a low APR. You can usually obtain a card within a couple of weeks, or you can go get one of those prepaid Visa check cards where you load the amount on them that you want.

https://www.citicards.com/cards/wv/home.do

Answer 3

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Apply online at: http://www.credit-card-gallery.com/cgi-bin/cc.cgi?cr=100369&of=299

Answer 4

It might help to call one of the big credit card companies: for example, Citicards or MBNA. They can answer your questions, help you apply on the phone and give you a quick answer.
Are you going to go to college? If so, there's often a card offered through the Alumnae Association, and you can usually get it even without having a credit history.
One problem with the first credit card: You might get slammed with a high interest rate. But you should know that after you have established good credit habits, you can call the credit card company and ask them to lower it to a better rate. If they won't, that would be a good time to try another credit card! (After you get one credit card, you will probably start receiving tons of offers in the mail for new credit cards.)
Of course, if you pay off your balance each month, you won't have to pay any interest anyway.
Good luck!

Answer 5

Definitely go to your bank. You should be able to get a secured card. Only charge what you can afford to pay off in full each month. That way you will build a good credit history and stay out of debt.

Answer 6

Since you have no credit it might be harder to get credit so I doubt you can just pick up a card with a 1K limit. Nor do you need it at 18 until you have proven to yourself, it is real easy to state the usage as you have then go on a shopping spree (free money to many folks), that you can manage credit appropriately.

Answer 7

go to a bank with $100 dollars and apply for a secured credit card. they will hold onto your money for a year, then recheck your credit and return your money. the limits will be between $300 -$700, but it's a good way to start building.

advice: be afraid of credit and respectful of money and you will be fine.

Answer 8

If you never had a credit card, you can get a capital one credit card pretty easily. They have credit cards for people with limited or no credit. You can go here and apply for one: http://www.creditcardxpo.com/capital_one.asp Look for the "limited credit ok" ones. good luck.

Answer 9

You really dont have to be 18. I went to my local convenience store and bought one a while back I was 15. By the way unless you need it for online I dont suggest buying it with taxes and activation you end up spending like 3 - 5 bucks more =/

Answer 10

Visa is a very good card, but It depends for what it will be used : I found interesting information about your answer & the best credit card options here. http://all-debt-consolidation-loan.blogspot.com/2007/07/chase-credit-cards.html Good luck!