I'm applying for a new card to improve my credit but which card?

[Anonymous]

Hey all,

I'm trying to improve my credit. Based on all I've read, applying for and being granted a card that you use responsibly is one of the best ways to do it. At present I have only one credit card (Citibank Mastercard) with a $2800 limit.

Can anybody suggest a card that they've been happy with and issued by a company that put favorable things into your credit reports? I'm also about to open a new bank account with BoA. Would it make sense to just get a card through them? Obviously I want to apply for a card that I'll be approved for!

Finally, will applying for a credit card and getting the associated inquiry hurt my score in the short term?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Aaron

[haulingthescoreup]

If you only have one open revolving account, I doubt that you'll get even a temporary score dip. I'm guessing an increase right off the bat.

I'd definitely try out BofA, if you don't have recent stinky stuff, or if you didn't burn them in the past.

[llecs]

I'd consider a store charge card like Macys. I started in August with 0 CCs and saw a bump when I was approved for my 3rd or 4th CC which was Macys. I too don't think you'll have a score hit.