Harry Said:

College student looking for a credit card?

We Answered:

Hi @SlammaJamma! While the CARD Act went into effect in February making it difficult for people under 21 years old to get a credit card, it's not impossible. You must either have a cosigner OR sufficient ability to make payments. It sounds like you can get your mom to co-sign, so you're on the right track!

There are a lot of credit card choices out there, assuming you can qualify. Do some research on sites like Bankrate to find the card that's right for you. Since it's your first credit card, you'll probably want to get one with a low interest rate. The reason I suggest that is because you haven't yet demonstrated how you will manage your credit. While you're establishing smart credit habits, a credit card with a low interest rate will give you leeway if you can't pay your balance in full every month. You'll still have to pay money in interest, but until you know your credit style, it's better to err on the side of caution.

If you can, also avoid annual fees and take advantage of points and perks. You can't always get everything you want in a card, especially if you don't have a good credit score, but if you do your homework, you should be able to find one that suits you. If you already have a bank that you like, it wouldn't hurt to ask them about their credit card - what's the interest rate? Is there an annual fee? Does it offer points? If you like the answers, that might be a great place to get your first card. Good luck!

Casey Said:

Amazing.. I think all parents of college students should be aware of this?

We Answered:

Gotta love those Democrats, huh?

Anita Said:

College student... $7,000 credit card bill. HELP!?

We Answered:

If you are stuck and can't pay your credit card you really should come clean with your parents that's what their there for to help you learn from the mistakes you make and if they can't help you no one else will,maybe they will pay it of and you pay them back like its a loan either as you study or when you are finish.I wouldn't like my kids to hide this problem from me as you can get yourself in all sorts of credit debt trouble which will affect the rest of your financial life if its not fixed,

Jessica Said:

Where can i specifically get a student loan with NO credit history?

We Answered:

Stafford Loans are for college. They are financial needs based no credit involved. Go to www.staffordloans.com or talk to your school's financial aid department, sometimes they can get your loan processed faster.
Good luck!

Guy Said:

I'm thinking of switching to BECU for the sole reason of getting my first credit card?

We Answered:

You don't have to have a bank account with a credit union to get a credit card from them.
At most, you'll have to open a share draft account which will make you keep about $10 in a savings.

Note: Don't apply for more than 2 cards every six months.
All those inquries are going to seriously hurt your credit if you have nothing on your credit reports.

Get a parent to co-sign on a card with you.
Or get them to make you a joint account holder in one of their cards.
If your parents carry balances - do not do this.
Their credit habits will be joined with your rating.
Carrying balances not only can destroy credit - it can devastate lives.
Never charge anything if you are not sure that you can pay the bill in full each month.
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And I forgot. New federal regulations passed making it almost impossible for anyone under 21 to get a card. You must have long standing employment with strong ability to pay back...

Lewis Said:

How does a college student get a good loan with no cosigner or much credit?

We Answered:

Try FAFSA, and sometimes states have loan help too. Also, I am not an expert but what about any other of your relatives.