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18 year old new to credit

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espnjunkie
Established Contributor

Re: 18 year old new to credit

While it is important to be mindful of credit and understand it at that age, building credit isn't necessarily all that important at age 18 in my opinion. It's more important to learn lessons about working hard, getting job experience, and sticking to a budget. While being an AU can help a person get started, it is pretty straightforward as to how to build you own credit up from scratch. Realistically speaking, what current needs does she have for credit that a debit card wouldn't provide for the time being? It's generally not a good idea to be carrying a balance unless absolutely necessary, and for the most part an 18 year old's spending won't gain much in the way of rewards to be meaningful.

 

If you decide to go for a student or newcomers card I would recommend either Discover or Capital One, both have no annual fees.

 

 

“The real measure of your wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money.” ~Unknown
Citi Prestige World Elite Mastercard ($35,000.00), Merrill+ Visa Signature ($25,000.00), Amex BCP ($29,700.00), Amex Green (NPSL), Capital One Quicksilver World Mastercard ($10,000.00), Chase Ink Business Bold (NPSL)
TU-778 (12/03/2014))
EX (Plus) - 777 (10/21/2013)
EQ - 735 (April 2013)
Message 11 of 35
bluesnowman
Frequent Contributor

Re: 18 year old new to credit

Well what does her profile look like?. Since she has a 700 score right now, and absolutely no baddies whatsoever, I'd pull the trigger and see what happens. Discover rarely pulls EX and usually pull TU or EQ. They pulled TU for me. As long as she has 6 months of history she should be okay, and it is okay if it is a low limit card. If she does not get approved, try the Forward card, it is meant for students and I got approved for it as well, or apply for both at the same time and see if she gets approved or not. (they should not be difficult to get since she has a some form of income and their student cards so they are a little bit more lenient.) 

Bank of America: Cash Rewards.- 4.2k. 4/25/12 (CLI Increase 6/15/13, CLI May of 2015, sept 2015), Citi: Forward- 4.5k. 10/27/12 (CLI on 2/8/14, SP, CLI on 9/26/15 sp). Discover: More- 7k, 10/27/12 (Increase 6/1/14, CLI in May of 2015, SP 9/2015) Amex: PRG- NPSL (closed 12/13/13). 11/24/12. Chase: Freedom. 5/1/13- 5k (EX CLI HP 9/2015) Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus.-3.6k. 6/15/13. Amex BCE-2k. 12/7/13. Amex SPG-5k 12/8/13 (CLI on 9/2015) Capital one VentureOne Visa Signature-10k (9/6/15). Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World MasterCard-4K. Last App: 9/6/15. Total cl: 45,300
Message 12 of 35
westo12
Established Contributor

Re: 18 year old new to credit


@espnjunkie wrote:

While it is important to be mindful of credit and understand it at that age, building credit isn't necessarily all that important at age 18 in my opinion. It's more important to learn lessons about working hard, getting job experience, and sticking to a budget. While being an AU can help a person get started, it is pretty straightforward as to how to build you own credit up from scratch. Realistically speaking, what current needs does she have for credit that a debit card wouldn't provide for the time being? It's generally not a good idea to be carrying a balance unless absolutely necessary, and for the most part an 18 year old's spending won't gain much in the way of rewards to be meaningful.

 

If you decide to go for a student or newcomers card I would recommend either Discover or Capital One, both have no annual fees.

  


It's important, because I may be relocating out of the country in the next couple of years and she for the most part will be on her own.  She is a super responsible young woman and I think it's important that she start establishing credit (and good budgeting habits as well) now, rather than later.  

Thanks everyone for the feedback, will research Discover More Student vs Citi Forward and decide on one of those.

Chap7 discharge 07/2015
Fico 5/1/19: TR:650(73% util)
Cap1(Plat+QS) 3500+4500/Merrick 1600/Express 4100/Overstock 4900.
Message 13 of 35
espnjunkie
Established Contributor

Re: 18 year old new to credit

Of course, understanding not only how to build credit but more importantly how to maintain credit is important. There is absolutely no rush though to get an 18 year old into the credit game. Even the most responsible of teenagers is prone to screwing up. It happens haha. It's upto you, but I would suggest going with a debit card first for a bit.

 

I know most of the poeple on this board probably won't want to hear this, and with very very careful use it doesn't have to be, but credit cards in general can cause far more trouble than they are worth. There are way more stories of people shooting themselves in the foot at a young age and seriously regretting it later (see any post regarding "rebuilding"). Credit cards are constant borrowing of money to be repaid at a later date, with severe consequences for breaking the rules. My point is not to come across as arrogant or the boogeyman, but to present an alternative viewpoint for looking at credit. A solid rule of thumb is that unless you "need" to have additional credit, or any for that matter, do not apply for it. A student card from Cap One of Discover is not a bad idea by any means, but much beyond that is likely playing with fire at this stage.

“The real measure of your wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money.” ~Unknown
Citi Prestige World Elite Mastercard ($35,000.00), Merrill+ Visa Signature ($25,000.00), Amex BCP ($29,700.00), Amex Green (NPSL), Capital One Quicksilver World Mastercard ($10,000.00), Chase Ink Business Bold (NPSL)
TU-778 (12/03/2014))
EX (Plus) - 777 (10/21/2013)
EQ - 735 (April 2013)
Message 14 of 35
Jutz
Valued Contributor

Re: 18 year old new to credit


@espnjunkie wrote:

Of course, understanding not only how to build credit but more importantly how to maintain credit is important. There is absolutely no rush though to get an 18 year old into the credit game. Even the most responsible of teenagers is prone to screwing up. It happens haha. It's upto you, but I would suggest going with a debit card first for a bit.

 

I know most of the poeple on this board probably won't want to hear this, and with very very careful use it doesn't have to be, but credit cards in general can cause far more trouble than they are worth. There are way more stories of people shooting themselves in the foot at a young age and seriously regretting it later (see any post regarding "rebuilding"). Credit cards are constant borrowing of money to be repaid at a later date, with severe consequences for breaking the rules. My point is not to come across as arrogant or the boogeyman, but to present an alternative viewpoint for looking at credit. A solid rule of thumb is that unless you "need" to have additional credit, or any for that matter, do not apply for it. A student card from Cap One of Discover is not a bad idea by any means, but much beyond that is likely playing with fire at this stage.


The problem is, the big purchases in life can be thousands more expensive if you don't pay attention to credit.  I WISH I had parents who helped educate me on the proper way to grow and use credit.  Then I wouldn't be in the mess that I am now.  It's not the availability of credit that kills, it's the misuse.  (Did I just use a pro-gun argument with credit?)

 

  • Current: EQ FICO 706, TU FICO 701, EX FICO 706 | Starting Score: 525 (05/2012)
  • Starting total revolving credit: $1100 | Current total revolving credit: $36,700
  • Inquiries (12 Months): EQ 2 TU 1 EX 1 | Most Recent: 1/21/2014
Chase Freedom $9500
DCU Visa $10000
Capital One QS $2000
AMEX BCE $3000
Lowe's CC $8500
WalMart CC $3100
BOA Platinum $600
AMEX Gold NPSL
Message 15 of 35
distantarray
Established Contributor

Re: 18 year old new to credit


@Jutz wrote:

@espnjunkie wrote:

Of course, understanding not only how to build credit but more importantly how to maintain credit is important. There is absolutely no rush though to get an 18 year old into the credit game. Even the most responsible of teenagers is prone to screwing up. It happens haha. It's upto you, but I would suggest going with a debit card first for a bit.

 

I know most of the poeple on this board probably won't want to hear this, and with very very careful use it doesn't have to be, but credit cards in general can cause far more trouble than they are worth. There are way more stories of people shooting themselves in the foot at a young age and seriously regretting it later (see any post regarding "rebuilding"). Credit cards are constant borrowing of money to be repaid at a later date, with severe consequences for breaking the rules. My point is not to come across as arrogant or the boogeyman, but to present an alternative viewpoint for looking at credit. A solid rule of thumb is that unless you "need" to have additional credit, or any for that matter, do not apply for it. A student card from Cap One of Discover is not a bad idea by any means, but much beyond that is likely playing with fire at this stage.


The problem is, the big purchases in life can be thousands more expensive if you don't pay attention to credit.  I WISH I had parents who helped educate me on the proper way to grow and use credit.  Then I wouldn't be in the mess that I am now.  It's not the availability of credit that kills, it's the misuse.  (Did I just use a pro-gun argument with credit?)

 


lol it's a class they should teach in school imo, they teach you only how to write a checkbook which is self explaintory with halfway common sense lol but they should explain how credit works etc.


total credit limits $108,400 Credit scores Ex 728 EQ 738 TU 758
Message 16 of 35
Jutz
Valued Contributor

Re: 18 year old new to credit


@distantarray wrote:

@Jutz wrote:

@espnjunkie wrote:

Of course, understanding not only how to build credit but more importantly how to maintain credit is important. There is absolutely no rush though to get an 18 year old into the credit game. Even the most responsible of teenagers is prone to screwing up. It happens haha. It's upto you, but I would suggest going with a debit card first for a bit.

 

I know most of the poeple on this board probably won't want to hear this, and with very very careful use it doesn't have to be, but credit cards in general can cause far more trouble than they are worth. There are way more stories of people shooting themselves in the foot at a young age and seriously regretting it later (see any post regarding "rebuilding"). Credit cards are constant borrowing of money to be repaid at a later date, with severe consequences for breaking the rules. My point is not to come across as arrogant or the boogeyman, but to present an alternative viewpoint for looking at credit. A solid rule of thumb is that unless you "need" to have additional credit, or any for that matter, do not apply for it. A student card from Cap One of Discover is not a bad idea by any means, but much beyond that is likely playing with fire at this stage.


The problem is, the big purchases in life can be thousands more expensive if you don't pay attention to credit.  I WISH I had parents who helped educate me on the proper way to grow and use credit.  Then I wouldn't be in the mess that I am now.  It's not the availability of credit that kills, it's the misuse.  (Did I just use a pro-gun argument with credit?)

 


lol it's a class they should teach in school imo, they teach you only how to write a checkbook which is self explaintory with halfway common sense lol but they should explain how credit works etc.


it's criminal they don't.  The only warning you get is to not abuse credit cards, meanwhile 8 months ago I had less than 2k in debt and a 525 FICO.  So yeah...it's not just about spending too much money, there's a ton more.

 

  • Current: EQ FICO 706, TU FICO 701, EX FICO 706 | Starting Score: 525 (05/2012)
  • Starting total revolving credit: $1100 | Current total revolving credit: $36,700
  • Inquiries (12 Months): EQ 2 TU 1 EX 1 | Most Recent: 1/21/2014
Chase Freedom $9500
DCU Visa $10000
Capital One QS $2000
AMEX BCE $3000
Lowe's CC $8500
WalMart CC $3100
BOA Platinum $600
AMEX Gold NPSL
Message 17 of 35
espnjunkie
Established Contributor

Re: 18 year old new to credit


@Jutz wrote:

@espnjunkie wrote:

Of course, understanding not only how to build credit but more importantly how to maintain credit is important. There is absolutely no rush though to get an 18 year old into the credit game. Even the most responsible of teenagers is prone to screwing up. It happens haha. It's upto you, but I would suggest going with a debit card first for a bit.

 

I know most of the poeple on this board probably won't want to hear this, and with very very careful use it doesn't have to be, but credit cards in general can cause far more trouble than they are worth. There are way more stories of people shooting themselves in the foot at a young age and seriously regretting it later (see any post regarding "rebuilding"). Credit cards are constant borrowing of money to be repaid at a later date, with severe consequences for breaking the rules. My point is not to come across as arrogant or the boogeyman, but to present an alternative viewpoint for looking at credit. A solid rule of thumb is that unless you "need" to have additional credit, or any for that matter, do not apply for it. A student card from Cap One of Discover is not a bad idea by any means, but much beyond that is likely playing with fire at this stage.


The problem is, the big purchases in life can be thousands more expensive if you don't pay attention to credit.  I WISH I had parents who helped educate me on the proper way to grow and use credit.  Then I wouldn't be in the mess that I am now.  It's not the availability of credit that kills, it's the misuse.  (Did I just use a pro-gun argument with credit?)

 


Those both go hand in hand. While it is more difficult to get credit under the age of 21 now than it used to be (this is a good thing I believe), it's still readily available. Credit has to be viewed for what it is and is not. Young adults should be carefully instructed that purchases made by credit card are taking a short term loan from the creditor to be paid at a later date. I understand sometimes it is necessary to carry a balance, but in general young adults should be taught to ALWAYS pay in full each statement and never to spend more than you can afford. Regularly carrying balances is a recipe for disaster, especially if done so at a young age.

“The real measure of your wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money.” ~Unknown
Citi Prestige World Elite Mastercard ($35,000.00), Merrill+ Visa Signature ($25,000.00), Amex BCP ($29,700.00), Amex Green (NPSL), Capital One Quicksilver World Mastercard ($10,000.00), Chase Ink Business Bold (NPSL)
TU-778 (12/03/2014))
EX (Plus) - 777 (10/21/2013)
EQ - 735 (April 2013)
Message 18 of 35
Croselx
Contributor

Re: 18 year old new to credit

I think the Discover More Student is the way to go for her first card (in my experience, most student cards get approved).

 

People have to change their general view of credit cards, it should not be viewed as extra cash or spending power.. it should be viewed as a convenient way to pay for things you can afford at the time while earning rewards in the process (in case of reward cards), this means to PIF always. They should also see credit as saving money in the long run when the time to buy a nice home and car arrives (show them an example of a $100K loan @ 3% and then the same amount @ 4% and this should hopefully make them value credit).

 

Teaching young adults and providing them aid in obtaining prime cards with benefits can backfire, but this probably means that said person would probably mess up later on anyway, bad credit and financial management doesn't pick age (habits have to be taught and practiced from a young age). You can give them the tools and knowledge and hope for the best (you can only 'teach' them, but without practice that knowledge is useless).

 

 

As of Feb: AAoA 1 year, 10 months
CK TU: 740; Wal-Mart TU FICO: 721
CS EX: 715
8 CCs, 15 total accounts.
Negs on report: 1 30 day late aged 3 years
5 inquiries
Message 19 of 35
westo12
Established Contributor

Re: 18 year old new to credit

She's had a debit card and her own bank account, which I fund twice a month for over 3 years now.  She has gotten tired of the sermons I've been preaching for YEARS about how when she's old enough to have credit, what to do with it.  

It's nice to be able to sit down with her now that I've been working on cleaning up my credit and show her what I've had to do to clear up my mistakes.  When my credit score jumped up 74 points a few months ago (I posted about that here), she was the first person I called, just got her voicemail that day.  Just this morning, she was cleaning out her voicemail and I heard the message I left her "Why aren't you answering the phoneeee?? You know I can't talk to any of my friends about this, but guess who's credit score just jumped up 74 pts??!!" Smiley Happy  She saved it and we talked about it on the way in to work and school today.  

Yes, I realize she doesn't need it right now.  Yes I realize that she has the potential to mess up.  But I am here to help her, good, bad or ugly, which is 1000% more than my parents ever did for me.   I got my first cc at 16 (20+ yrs ago) and I took my friends clothes shopping lol.  smh 

Chap7 discharge 07/2015
Fico 5/1/19: TR:650(73% util)
Cap1(Plat+QS) 3500+4500/Merrick 1600/Express 4100/Overstock 4900.
Message 20 of 35
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