So I am on my own..my parents don't give a rats and bros are in jail..how can I get a credit card where do I go..since I don't have parent guardian or what eve..and I am almost 18.. I feel embarrassed that I don't. Do I go to the bank open up my account..lol do I pick vista, american express or they do that..ahh help
You go to a bank you already have an account with. They will have pamplets but you should talk to a bank representative anyway. If you have never had a line of credit then your interest will be pretty large. Keep in mind that they can also raise the interest when you don't make your payments exactly on time even once. There is no grace period. Payment due on the 5th means it is credited to your account no later then the 5th of the month.
Your best bet is to have a checking account with a visa or mastercard debit card first. A debit card uses money you already have in the bank and does not charge you interest. If you can manage that without any overdrafts then get a small credit card. Start by charging small things and paying them off immediately. Do not keep a balance on the card. If you cannot afford to pay it off when the payment is due then you cannot afford the item you want to buy.
Be smart and do some investigation into this before you start. consumerman.com and redtape.msnbc.com have excellent information on credit cards.
There are age limits for credit cards, But I don't know what state you are in so I don't know the limit. It is important that you realize that you cannot just go shopping with a credit card. Thats how people get into big debt. Only use it for emergencies like not being able to pay your rent on time. You must pay everything back, and with interest.
If the only reason you want one is because you feel embarrassed that you don't have one, then don't get one. Only get one if you feel as though you need it. And most importantly, only use it when you need to.
Vista?
Having a credit card because you feel embarrassed about not having one is a pretty god-awful reason to get one. But yes, if you have a checking or savings account, getting a line of credit through your bank is usually a good place to start for your first card. Keep in mind that until you have a line of credit established, your rates are going to be quite high, and your limit is going to be quite low.
I wouldn't bother with American Express. If you don't have a decent credit score, they probably will not touch you.
I suggest that you dont get your self hung up will credit cards . I got more credit cards than I got income and it just sucks you dry with the payments.
thankx
