Archive for the ‘First Credit Card’ Category

How to Get Your First Credit Card?

Saturday, January 3rd, 2009

I am 18 years old and I have just started working, so I don't have a credit history.So how can I get my First Credit Card

its great to apply for your first credit card in person at your local bank. the chance of approval is increased when your speaking to an account manager. also opening a checking account is good too.
try to get a student card first.

What do i look for when applying for my first credit card?

Friday, January 2nd, 2009

i'm in college and looking to establish credit and use my card for everyday buying if needed, and what are about the best providers to go through?

Look at that little table on the disclosure they send you, and check to make sure there is no annual fee, and that they provide a grace period before charging interest on your purchases. Cards that give you a low interest rate are good, and ones that give you a percentage of cash back on purchases are even better.

I have had the same CapitalOne card for years, and they have been great. They really stay on top of potential fraud and even call me to confirm purchases that seem fishy to them. They have kept my interest rate at 5.9% for years (which is really low) -ever since I called them to request that rate; can you believe it?

Whatever you do, plan to pay your entire balance before the grace period each month, if at all possible. When you are a student like I am, it's not always possible. In that case, pay as much as you can, and call them to request a lower interest rate like I did and see what they say.

After getting my first credit card after a messy divorce, what's the best way to improve my credit rating?

Friday, January 2nd, 2009

I have a regional gasoline card but no other credit besides the above.

Pay off the card in full every month. You also may want to look into getting a secured loan. The mix of credit you have (loans and cards) affects your score.

How do I get my first credit card?

Thursday, January 1st, 2009

I am 20 years old and I have been trying to get a credit card with no luck. I even tried those citi cards that are advertised to college students and I was still turned down. I don't know what to do. I have no loans, I don't owe anyone money and I never have, my bank account never gets overdrawn, I have had a steady job for over a year where I get paid a good amount, and I still have no luck. I have heard that the more you apply and are turned down, the lower your credit score goes without you even having credit. What can I do?

Well, as you will find in life, credit is everything. It's important not to abuse it as most people do, but going without credit can be a very bad thing when you go to buy a house, or a car for example.

I was in the same situation a few years ago, and I ended up having to get a secured card. I went through orchard bank ( www.orchardbank.com )

Now I own a home, have several credit cards (of which I use very wisely, and only to improve my credit score) and a personal loan. Check out OrchardBank – they are a HSBC credit card company, so you know it's a reputable brand :)

Good Luck!!

Where should I apply for my first Credit card?

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

I'm 19 and I've been using my debit card for about a year now. I applied to get a credit card from my bank (Washington Mutual) but they didn't approve it. Where else should I apply for my first credit card. Everytime I apply for other cards like macy's and Kohl's they don't approve it either. What can I do? Thanx in advance
I do have a job and my monthly income is about 2000

http://www.orchardbank.com seems to gaurantee some sort of credit card; read it on their website.

http://www.lowermybills.com
http://www.creditcards.com

What is the first step when someone uses your credit card fraudulently? should I file a police report?

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

Someone fraudulently made a charge against my credit card. The bank said nothing can be done until it posts to my account one month from now. The merchant said I should file a police report and the merchant will provide police with the details of the transaction.

You are right. A police report is the first step. Make sure you tell the credit card company, unless the bank already did it.

Whats the best way to pay off my first credit card bills?

Monday, December 29th, 2008

I just got my first credit card and I want to establish good credit in a fairly short amount of time. I don't really want to dig myself into a hole but will paying my credit bill in full every month give me a good credit score? Is there a certain way I can pay it the first few months to help build it to its full potential?

I have 800+ rating.
I have never carried a balance on any credit card. and never paid a penny interest.
It is simply and old lady's myth that carrying balances increases your rating – just a myth.

Carrying balances can reduce your credit worthiness. Buy stuff you need like food or gas, and pay it in full.
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What is my likely credit limit on my first credit card?

Sunday, December 28th, 2008

I'm looking to get a credit card here soon to start building credit and was wanting to know how much someone that has no credit history whatsoever is looking to get in credit limit. I know it depends on bank and what not but what is an average for someone in my position?

Your credit card company will base your credit line on your income, expense obligations (they will check your credit scores even if you don't have any yet) then based on your length of employment at least 6mos you will get a credit card or a letter telling you why they turned you down. To start it is best to go through your bank with whom you should be establishing a banking relationship with through a Savings or Checking account. Get one that requires you not to carry a balance or you could accrue fees. Secures credit cards are good only if they do not charge you set up fee and annual fees. When you get your credit card do not carry a balance over to the next month and keep your spending to no more than 1/3 of credit line example $100.00 credit line $25.00 spending monthly and payoff monthly. Soon they will increase you line of credit usually within 3-6mos.

What are some common mistakes people make when they first get a credit card, and how can I avoid them?

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

I have never had a credit card before and I want one. What are some common things I should watch out for? Are there any offers that look good but actually cost you but don't help in the long term?

How can I build and maintain a perfect credit score?

Remember – a credit card is not free cash; it's only a loan (with very high carrying costs); so, my advice, especially to gain a good credit score is to:

A – only charge what you can ultimately pay by the due date of the statement. This may mean to charge things you now normally pay cash; but make sure you set aside the $$ to pay it
B – PAY OFF your credit card bill in full each month!!! This will avoid you the grief of paying interest, which is typically pretty high
C – do NOT take a cash advance unless you absolutely need to to stay out of trouble; the cash advance fees are pretty high (3% or more)\

To get and keep a great credit score – make sure you pay ALL your bills timely; including utility bills. Do NOT apply for every card/credit offer out there; to much available credit will lower your credit score. Also, applying for a lot of cards and credit offers will create a lot of "hits" (inquiries) to your credit profile which too will lower your credit score.

Good luck!!

Where should I apply for my first credit card?

Friday, December 26th, 2008

I am 20 years old, moved to the US 4 years ago, and just recently received my social security number. I have a savings account at Chase, and a debit card that I hardly ever use. I want to apply for a credit card to start building my credit history. Where should I apply? I heard that if one is denied many times, it harms one's credit history. Should I apply at a store like Macy's or Shoprite or something?

Yes, start with a store card, any major retail chain. If that doesn't work, check with your bank and see if they issue secured credit cards. They put a hold on part of your savings and give you a credit limit up to that amount. Gas cards (issued by the major oil companies) are another option, they have a low limit so they are easier to get.

Once you get a card, you need to use it in order to establish your credit history, but be sure the payments are on time. Credit issuers don't report the fact that you got turned down, but they definitely report inquiries (the fact that they checked your credit because you applied for a card or loan), and too many inquiries will hurt your credit score. So do not apply at a lot of places. Pick a mid-level store like JC Penney and see what happens.

Also, having too many credit cards can be a negative. Once you establish credit you will be inundated with credit card offers. Resist the tempation – keep two or three bank, store and/or gas cards and stick them them.