<p>In lieu of co-signing, the American Express Blue Cash for students looks more palatable than others I have seen. Will be checking for any negative comments on the web. </p>
<p>It has a $1000 limit (more reasonable than the $250 that First Financial has - which is just begging the kid to go over their limit!). It has free, user specified, on-line alert service for various things, including how many days 'till payment due and how many $ near your spending limit you are. </p>
<p>The fees are equally as bad as First Financial (STAY AWAY from this one!), but looks like you have more of a chance of avoiding them. Also a better interest rate, I believe. Reward points earned and it has many of the other typical AMEX protection/insurance features.</p>
<p>The biggest problem is that not everyone accepts Amex; it's not nearly as universal as Visa or Mastercard. Amex tends to charge businesses higher fees to use the card, so many businesses can't afford them.</p>
<p>While Amex does offer a student account you will be unlikely to get it unless you already have a decently established credit. But if you can then go for it. Also it should be known that Amex will not be near prime for your apr, even if your pre-approved slip states otherwise, it will change.</p>
<p>You should have a Visa/mastercard for everyday purchases and places that dont accept Amex, though if you make a big purchase like lets say a new ipod, that is $400 then you get alot more features with the amex like a extra 1 year warranty and insurance on the item for 4 months. So if ya loose it in 4 months, amex will just give ya the money back.</p>
<p>I have around 6 credit cards, but im 22 and well I have really good credit as my score is 790. The idea with credit cards is to try and get a few and use them and be responsible with them. Dont always pay off in full, sometimes may a few more bucks than the minimum and keep doing that. see if ya pay off the credit card in full every month, that doesn't really show consistency and the creditor is less likely to give you more credit. believe me, credit cards dont make their money from the perfect customer, so they are much more likely to give more credit to those who are more likely to screw it up.</p>
<p>Try Citi's student cards they usually offer decent cards, then if ya can get the amex, but inly if ya need its features.</p>
<p>Remember you want to build credit history as fast and have it for as long as possible, so the second you can get them, apply and get one and start the fico score. So many students are screwed because they thought credit cards were really bad and never got one. They just used their debit cards and now they are 23-24 and looking for a house and to start a family and of course the car. Guess how many Banks will ive a big loan to somebody who has no credit history, close to zero.</p>
<p>hope that helps a bit. BTW I love my Amex I have the Blue and the Platt and I love em. </p>
<p>Oh yeah, a n y w a y. Citi cards are pretty decent for college students, especially if you're trying to build credit history -- I don't even think they require a minimum income. AMEX cards are good, but do you really want to to pay an annual fee? Plus, getting a VISA/Mastercard is much more convenient to use. But, going back to Citi cards, I've heard really good things about the mtvU platinum select visa. You get points for making purchases, paying your bills on time, and for maintaining a good GPA (NO ANNUAL FEE!) which you can redeem for gift cards or airline tickets. The APR rate I think is in the mid-teens (15%?). I also like the Citi Dividend Platinum card. You don't need a min income or a cosigner, and you also earn 5% cash back on a majority of your purchases. The APR rate is similar to the mtvU card.</p>
<p>Make a habit of paying it off every month. Contrary to what people say here, not paying it off in full every month sometimes can turn into a vicious cycle of debt that you may never get out of. Remember that it's a loan; you have to reimburse the company once the bill comes along. My mom has 4-5 credit cards active now, probably has about $45k in credit; balance revolved=$0. Credit score=mid 700's. Length of credit history=about 7 years.</p>
<p>The point is, the credit card companies are looking to screw you any way they can, so NEVER, EVER, EVER revolve a balance. If they DO screw you over, call and threaten to leave. Actually don't do that. Put the card in a drawer and never use it again. That way, they have to maintain your account but aren't making a penny off of you. Obviously don't do this if the card has an annual fee. AmEx is also great because they almost always side with the customer when there's a dispute.</p>
<p>Also, if you have more than one credit card, and one rate is lower than the other, and you have good standing with the company, pit them against each other. Call up company #1 and tell them you have a lower rate card, and if they feel they might make money off of you, they'll give you a lower rate. Then call up company #2 and tell them to match company #1 or else. I did this once for a starbucks visa card that had a ridiculous 23% rate, and I had a discover card that has a 0% promo with 17% afterwards. My starbucks visa card rate went down to 12% fixed with one phone call.</p>