Getting my first credit card (Canadian)

LeetViet

Platinum Member
Mar 6, 2003
2,411
0
76
I applied for a credit card where I do my banking but was turned down -- probably because I have no credit and don't make a lot of money.

I'd like to get a credit card to start building credit and for small online purchases (<$150). Some people suggest applying for a retailer or MBNA credit card. I don't have access to the post secondary offers because I'm not a student.

I'd like to hear ATOT's suggestions.
 

gnumantsc

Senior member
Aug 5, 2003
414
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Store credit cards are not the greatest as they have higher interest rates. I'm surprised that a bank turned you down. Which bank do you go to?

Try another bank or MBNA (I don't know how good they are) but store cards are not the best.
 

silverpig

Lifer
Jul 29, 2001
27,703
12
81
I have an mbna mastercard. If you get it, be prepared to receive calls where they fast talk you so well you will hang up the phone and not know how you managed to buy their insurance/whatever. It kinda sucks.
 

sundev

Golden Member
Nov 2, 2004
1,092
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Along this same idea, anyone know a good Canadian credit card that offers some kind of points and/or a low interest rate?
 

imported_Imp

Diamond Member
Dec 20, 2005
9,148
0
0
It helps to get a card (really basic) with your bank. It helps even more if your parents use the same bank so you can inflate the "household income". Oh, and a regular pay cheque that shows up with said bank can't hurt. I had all the above and got my first card (real, rewards not lamo student card;)) when I was 18.

Good luck.
 

flamingelephant

Golden Member
Jun 22, 2001
1,182
0
76
Are you a university student? Fill out one of those applications that are displayed all around campus. They will give a credit card to basically any student who has a job.
 

n7

Elite Member
Jan 4, 2004
21,281
4
81
Might not be easy to get initially, but i mainly use that CitiBank Enrich Mastercard now.

Already had a different version, & i have Visa & Amex, but i like the Enrich one for the cash back :D

Sitting at a whopping $11 made so far by spending money on it so far IIRC :p