<p>My older brother was talking to my mom the other day about how hard it's been for him to get a credit card because he has no history. He just graduated from college in May and is now working full time and living completely on his own, so he needs a card. But because of this, he told my mom that I should get a credit card so I can start building my credit now. My mom brought this up with me today, and now I'm trying to do some research and figure out what kind of card to get.</p>
<p>We decided that I want something with a low limit to use for things like groceries and Napster. Low cost things that I'll get monthly.</p>
<p>Any suggestions? There's also the question of student card vs. regular card. What are the major difference and advantages/disadvantages of each? I feel like a regular card would probably be better because most student cards seem to be Citi and Discover which aren't as widely accepted. I could be wrong though.</p>
<p>Your best bet is probably talking to someone at the bank or credit union you have an account with about the credit cards they offered.</p>
<p>I get some pre-approved offers for up to $20k in the mail, and can get up to $10,000 through my credit union now. I’ve had my credit card since I was a senior in high school and had a phone bill under my name as well, and never missed a payment on either.</p>
<p>I still can’t get approved for stuff like the Amazon.com card, despite having a good credit history.</p>
<p>Your bank should approve you for a student card pretty easily.</p>
<p>Regular cards are going to have benefits like higher limits and earning reward points. However, they’re harder to get approved for and the higher limit can be a curse for someone who’s not responsible.</p>
<p>The Amazon Rewards card is not a bad choice for students.</p>
<p>I like the Citi Forward as well because it gives you points for paying on time and high rewards for common student expenses.</p>
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That was my second card, and all it took was 2 months of history with my bank’s credit card. Now I can get approved for pretty much anything 3 years later.</p>
<p>I also suggest checking with your bank. When I turned 18 I got a student visa card through Bank of America… I believe the limit was only $600 and I used it every once in a while for food or gas and my bill was always very low. </p>
<p>I’ve seen a lot of people on here tell others not to get a credit card, but you have to start building your credit at some point. My brother waited to get one too and then had trouble getting approved for things later. </p>
<p>With a student card, it’s easier to get approved. The interest rates are horrible, but the limits are so low that it doesn’t really matter. </p>
<p>I’m 21 now and I have great credit… I no longer use the student card, but after using it for a while (and paying my bill) I was able to get approved for an American Express card and various other things including student loans, cell phone plans, and my apartment lease.</p>
<p>Well I’m not using the credit card for anything big…as I said, just groceries and Napster. I don’t need or want a high limit. Plus, my parents are probably going to pay it in full each month unless I buy extras. So no worries about that.</p>
<p>^ Did you/do you have a job? That also makes a huge difference. I’ve been working regularly for the past year, at the same company (Best Buy), so I have a steady income.</p>
<p>Get one with your current bank. They’ll be nicer to you about it, and it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll get approved if you often keep a balance in your checking account.</p>
<p>No it won’t be. You should get a student card and buy gum or tacos or something small each week. Pay it off right away, and build a good history. </p>
<p>Just don’t actually “use” it or keep a balance (e.g. pay less than full each month and get charged interest) and you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Get a CapitalOne card. As long as you pay your bill on time, it really doesn’t matter what rates other cards have and such. I got a CapitalOne maybe a year ago as my first credit card. My initial limit was $500, and it’s tripled by now by just using it and paying my bills on time. </p>
<p>My advice is: don’t purchase with your card unless you have that amount in your bank.</p>
<p>I got an Amazon credit-card because I shop there frequently and like the rewards. So try to look for a place where you can get rewards. Most commercial sites have credit cards with rewards. Otherwise ask your bank for a credit card. So long as you pay on time you don’t have to worry about the interest rate. Just make sure there are no annual fees.</p>
<p>^ Did you/do you have a job? That also makes a huge difference. I’ve been working regularly for the past year, at the same company (Best Buy), so I have a steady income.</p>
<p>I had a similar problem when I first applied for an Amazon card. I got rejected the first time having it. So I took the next best option which was to share the card with her and my name on it. Then when I went to apply for it on my own about a year later, I got accepted. I had had the same job at that point and nothing significant had happened financially speaking within that year.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure my parents will cosign…but even if they won’t, I have a steady part time job that I’ve held for the past year, so I don’t think it should be a big problem. And if worst comes to worst, I’ll get a Best Buy Reward Zone MasterCard. I work at Best Buy, so I should have no problem getting approved. It’s just not the best card out there unless you buy a lot from Best Buy, which I don’t.</p>