Questions and Answers

I’m going into this question expecting to be disappointed, but I’ll ask anyway. I’m a senior in high school. I just got a job for the first time in my life. I obviously have no credit and won’t be spending a lot of money. I know some credit card companies offer cards for students to enable them to build up credit. Are there any out there that will allow me to earn points, even if the accrual rate isn’t great, while still building up a credit score. I don’t believe credit cards have set requirements (at least published ones) that must be met to be approved. Obviously, if I apply for a AMEX Platinum Card or a Citi ThankYou Prestige card the chances of me being approved are pretty much 0, but what about something like a AMEX Everyday Preferred or a Citi Thank You Preferred (or possibly Premier)?

[USER=1177]@Weymar Osborne[/USER] If your parents have credit cards, ask to be added on as an authorized user, even if they don’t give you a card. If you’re getting a car see if your parents will co-sign with you on a loan. At least you’ll have something on your credit report. After a few months of this and holding a job, start with one of the base no-fee cards like the Chase Freedom/AX Everyday/Citi Preferred. All of these will earn transferable points. After you get one of these again wait for a little while and then start trying for other cards. Your ability to get them is going to be constrained until you have a decent income but hopefully this will set you up well for the future.

(I’m assuming you’re 18 if you’re a high school senior).