Credit Card for high school student?

[Gunslinger08]

I just turned 18 about 5 months ago, and I'd like to get a credit card now so that I can start to build my credit, and have more protection against fraud than I do with my debit card. Can anyone recommend any cards for high school students (over 18) which don't require a co-signee? I'm fine with a $300 limit (that's typical for someone with no credit), I just want to get a credit card as soon as possible. I can't get any of the college student cards yet, as I won't be enrolled until August.

Thanks,
Josh

 

[kranky]

I'd recommend waiting until August. Why have a bunch of rejected applications on your credit record now, when you have just about a guaranteed acceptance once you start school?

 

[littlezipp]

Capital One will give you a card.
It will be a low limit, but they have special cards for High School kids.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Trust me kid, your life will be much better off without credit cards. It leads to wreckless spending. Have maybe 1 card, and use a debit card for everything else. Credit for most people is a baaaad thing.

 

[RossMAN]

I agree with kranky wait until you're enrolled in college. Trust me there will be swarms of credit card offers, sometimes they come out to the campus offering credit cards to college students. That's how I got my first cc, CitiBank was on the campus accepting cc applications, I applied for an unsecured VISA and was approved with a meager $300 limit, fast forward 10 years later and I just got approved for a $10,000 Fleet VISA.

Or if you can't wait I second getting a Capital One cc apply for either the secured (your best bet), High School Student or College Student credit card.

Capital One

 

[littlezipp]

<< Trust me kid, your life will be much better off without credit cards. It leads to wreckless spending. Have maybe 1 card, and use a debit card for everything else. Credit for most people is a baaaad thing. >>

Did someone get into trouble?

 

[FelixDeCat]

>Did someone get into trouble?

Statistically speaking, most people get into 'trouble'. Some trouble is bigger than others. Why even bother?

'Neither a borrower or a lender be'

- B.Frankin

 

[Kelvrick]

<< >Did someone get into trouble?

Statistically speaking, most people get into 'trouble'. Some trouble is bigger than others. Why even bother?

'Neither a borrower or a lender be'

- B.Frankin >>


Isn't that a quote from Hamlet?

 

[iamwiz82]

<< >Did someone get into trouble?

Statistically speaking, most people get into 'trouble'. Some trouble is bigger than others. Why even bother?

'Neither a borrower or a lender be'

- B.Frankin >>



I'm 19 and I have 3 credit cards, one of which i am cancelling. I have an AMEX Blue, which is an amazing card and a Capital One, for places that dont accept AMEX.

Anyways, I have a total of $1300 dept to both totalled up. I'll be paying off $400 this month, and probably the same next month. I hate to tell you Felix, but books in college are expensive. I spent $400 on book this term, for 4 classes. I also HAD to get a new 27" flat screen TV. My AMEX is interest free for the next 5 months, so i figure wny not pay it off slower and make some interest off the money that would be spent on it.

Credit cards can be a good thing. Just dont over do it. Request a low limit($300-$500) for your first card, that way you can control your spending. Once you get used to it, they are a great thing to have.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Wiz, you are not in the problem zone....yet. I agree with you. If you are 'lucky' enough to rack up $50,000 worth of credit card debt (or more) then you have a problem. Lots of good info @ abiworld.org


Credit is too loose nowadays.

 

[FelixDeCat]

At one time, in the bad old days, I had 8 platinum cards with over $100,000 of open credit. You start getting ideas. Ive bought cars with with my credit cards. Borrowed money for the stock market (really bad idea). You name it.

 

[iamwiz82]

<< Wiz, you are not in the problem zone....yet. I agree with you. If you are 'lucky' enough to rack up $50,000 worth of credit card debt (or more) then you have a problem. Lots of good info @ abiworld.org


Credit is too loose nowadays. >>




$50,000, lol. I dont buy anything i couldnt afford with cash . I would be hardpressed to rack up $50,000 in junk. The biggest purchases i have ever made are for a vacation, and the only reason i do that instead of cash is to have some security.