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Best First time CC

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Anonymous
Not applicable

Best First time CC

I was curious as to which is the best CC to apply for. I just read my credit score at 724. I have a thin credit file though.   I would like a good first time CC. I am currently an authorized user on a store card.  I was thinking about Capital One Journey Student card or are there other cards I'd be better off apply for.

Message 1 of 21
20 REPLIES 20
castlefox
Regular Contributor

Re: Best First time CC

I would suggest starting with a credit union credit because of they are usally easer to get, give lower interest rates and higher credit limits.  Depending on how low the APR the card may be worth keeping for a very long time.   

 

I would stay away from any credit cards with any rewards because they usually come with much higher APR rates and are harder to get for people new to credit.

 

From what I have heard about CapitalOne is that they are kind of stingey on giving higher credit limits. 

 

 

Where did you read that you have a credit score is 724?

What else do you have on your credit report?

MyFICO score- Equifax - 12.03.11 - 780 Experian 12.03.11 - 763
(FAKO Scores) EXP PLUS Score Dec 2011. 748
Advanced Risk Score 2.0 (NextGen) 793 Dec 2010
Vantage Score (2011) MAR = 771 Jun = 771 Sept= 788 Dec= 773
2012 MAR = 782 JUN=783 Dec = 789
2013 Mar-796 Jun-799 Dec- 797
Message 2 of 21
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Best First time CC

Discover also has a student card. They have decent cash back rewards and their website and customer service are top notch. I know from personal experience as I have a Discover More card.

Message 3 of 21
Creditaddict
Legendary Contributor

Re: Best First time CC

If possible I would probably skip the student cards... depending who they are backed by they might cap out at low limits and once you are not a student some wont even convert to non student, they make you apply again.

Citi Forward

Amex Zync

 

I would skip all Capital One unless you can't get approved for either of the above counts.

 

Credit Union like suggested is also a VERY good idea if you have a good one around you or have access to Navy.

Message 4 of 21
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Best First time CC

My first CC was a US Bank student VISA in 2006 with no prior credit file.  Starting CL was $500, but over time it grew with me.  Now it's a points rewards card with a CL of $13,250.  They're a solid conservative bank and will treat you well if you take care of your account.  Highly recommend them.

Message 5 of 21
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Best First time CC


@Creditaddict wrote:

If possible I would probably skip the student cards... depending who they are backed by they might cap out at low limits and once you are not a student some wont even convert to non student, they make you apply again.

Citi Forward

Amex Zync

 

I would skip all Capital One unless you can't get approved for either of the above counts.

 

Credit Union like suggested is also a VERY good idea if you have a good one around you or have access to Navy.


I agree with the above reply, I think it's very sound advice.

Message 6 of 21
MissExcellentCredit
Regular Contributor

Re: Best First time CC

Another shout out for Credit Unions. It's just a better way to go.  PenFed is a great one. Visit penfed.org



Current 2013 Score: ScoreWatch Transunion: 737, ScoreWatch Equifax: 723, Nordstrom Equifax: 734
Goal Score for January 2014: 750-809 range



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Message 7 of 21
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Best First time CC

I am in a similar boat. 4 years out of law school and have never had a credit card...never really wanted to get one but want to be in a better interest rate position in a year or two for a home purchase.

 

myFico gave me 745 today for Equifax.

 

Freescore.com gave me 738 TU, 707 EX and 683 EQ  on 10/03/11(most common negative comment from this site was my lack of credit cards).

 

I would like to get one credit card that I can stick with and not have to hold on to as a "starter card" simply because it is my oldest one.  Amex Blue Cash Everyday seems decent and I am curous if I even have a shot at it.

 

Combined household income is about $100K. $92K mtg balance (about $575/mth in payments) and about $87K in student loans (about $475 monthly) that I have been paying for 4 years without any late or missed payments. Employed with same company since graduation.

 

Any advice?

 

Thanks.

Message 8 of 21
Gh0st
Contributor

Re: Best First time CC

For the OP, I would go for a Citi Forward. Credit Unions are great but since you seem pretty young, you might as well take advantage of the reward system the citiforward has to offer. If you are also looking at applying for a car loan sometime in the future, then apply for a creduit union as well.

 

 

For the lawyer,


Chances are, credit unions will give you bigger limits due to your income. NFCU is very giving, so give them a shot if you have an in. Penfed can be somewhat conservative but I've seen some high limits around these parts.  In terms of credit cars from known companies, I would apply for either of the American Express blue cards. Considering your income, you can get some decent cash back on their offerings. Other than that, limits will be higher with unions.

.Believe.
Message 9 of 21
SevenNEW
Established Contributor

Re: Best First time CC


For the lawyer,


Chances are, credit unions will give you bigger limits due to your income. NFCU is very giving, so give them a shot if you have an in. Penfed can be somewhat conservative but I've seen some high limits around these parts.  In terms of credit cars from known companies, I would apply for either of the American Express blue cards. Considering your income, you can get some decent cash back on their offerings. Other than that, limits will be higher with unions.



+1. Also keep in mind that if you get an Amex you can ask for a CLI after 61 days and they often give x3, so the initial CL may not be very relevant.

SevenNEW, Garden Nerd - In the Garden until 2015!
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Message 10 of 21
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