What are some things that I should know about and consider when getting my first credit card?

Question

Hey everyone--

I am needing to apply for my first credit card soon to start building some credit. What are some things that I should know about and consider when I am doing this? I am planning on making payments as soon as possible. Where can I find a credit card with an interest rate that won't get me out of too much money? Is there a certain place I can go to apply for a credit card WITHOUT going through a mail service? These things would be great to know. Thanks!

Answer 1

Avoid any card that promises cash back/points--if you aren't spending a $1000/month, these won't get you anything.

You can get a basic credit card with a nominal line of credit for an $18 a year fee. (There should be NO signup fees.) If you pay it off each month the 14-20% interest rates are a non-issue. Each year or so, the bank will review your credit usage and typically send you a letter increasing your credit line.

If you do not qualify for a credit card, then and only then look at a secured card.

Note, it can be difficult to find a no-annual fee card with a 30 day grace period. The ones I've seen have 20 day grace periods which can be a tough turnaround time. Once you owe money, the finance charges rack up quickly--and continue for at least 2 cycles after you've paid the balance in full. These cards also have very high fees if you go over your line of credit or are more than a few days late in paying. If you are late twice on a Capital One card, the interest rate jumps to 30% and their late fees are $39 a pop.

Answer 2

You can apply on-line just about anywhere, HSBC offers some pretty good cards, they are the biggest bank in the world! As far as interest rate, if you get a card, use it wisely, Only charge what you can pay off each month, then there is no interest charge. If you pay it in full each month, it will jump up your credit score. Try that for 6 months and see how your score looks.

Answer 3

You can apply for a credit card online.
Try getting a reputable one.
Keys things you need to look for.
No Annual Fee
At least a 30 day grace period. (You don't pay interest during the grace period, so if you always pay the balance off and the grace period is as long as the billing cycle you'll never pay interest).
Other than that I would suggest you try to find one with a low interest, but if you plan on keeping a balance on the card, i would recommend against getting a credit card in the first place.

Remember
No Annual Fee
30 day grace period.

Answer 4

Don't focus in on the interest rate. the best habit to get into is never charge more than you can afford to pay off when the bill comes.

Credit cards, especially to the unwary, are a seductive trap. Being tied up, carrying a balance month to month is a kind of slavery.

Answer 5

Most major credit cards allow you to apply online. Providian/Washington Mutual is a good card since it allows you to monitor your credit profile from Trans Union for free. Capital One isn't too bad either. They usually don't offer a high starting credit but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Just make sure they don't have annual fees. Those are crap.

Answer 6

You can apply for Visa on-line but choose a good bank to front it. If you are planning on making payments quickly why not get a debit card. Un-necessary credit is so dodgy.

Answer 7

The best card is a debit card.

Stay away from credit cards. Dont obsess with the I love debt score. All it gets you is debt.

Pay as you go and live on less than you make and you will have money. If you have money you dont have to borrow money. If you dont borrow money you dont have to worship at the alter of the almighty fico score.

Debt free is the way to be!

Answer 8

In spite of what was said above, I think the interest rate is one of the key factors if you don't plan to pay it off in full every month.

Check out www.citibank.com. They offer a variety of cards with different options. Some with high annual fees, some with low annual fees, some with reward points, some without, etc.

Answer 9

goto your normal bank that you use with 500 bucks and aply for a secured deposit credit card