How to build credit without having any?

[Codert777]

Hello everyone I'm new here but I've been lurking around for about 3 days. Im a freshman in college and I was wondering how could I possibly build credit and I dont have any whatsoever? I've applied for a Chase Freedom card, Capital One Journey card and a Discover It card for Students all of which I got declined. I have a Macy's card which I got from being employed there but I dont use it and when I looked at my credit score on credit karma it says I have a 708 (how's that possible?). Any suggestions?

[2FixMyCredit]

Credit Karma is a FAKO score so take that with a grain of sale. 

The cards you applied for are sub prime cards so that is probably why you got denied.  Just starting out you are going to have to start at the bottom of the totem pole.  

Do you have any collections, lates, or derogatory marks on your report?

[Codert777]

Nope, no collections, lates, or derogatory marks.

[2FixMyCredit]

That is good!  How long have you had the Macy's card?

I wouldn't apply for too many cards at once, inquiries will hurt your score and look bad to other lenders. 

[Codert777]

I've had it since early December.

[2FixMyCredit]

Wait for it to report for six months then try for a simple card like a capital one secured or platinum.  If you bank with anyone try them first.  But your best option may be a secured card for a while to prove you can be good with credit.

Capital one alot of times only require partial downpayments with their secured card and you have the ability to graduate if you use it wisely.

[Countingpennies]

Do you know if your Macy's is reporting? Might be good to use it occasionally, it could show you are responsibly using the credit you have. Think of it as a cash purchase, only charge what you have the money to pay for, and then pay the bill before the due date.

[Codert777]

Thanks for the advice. And thats what I usually do with the Macy's card but I dont use it, I've only done so once. I was hoping to somehow get a credit card so I could use it in more places but not go over 10% of my limit so I can build from there.  Any more suggestions? Maybe some card I can qualify for now?

[Leadberry]

See if your parents will add you as an AU to any of their cards in good standing.  My mother did this for me when I was a teenager and it allowed me to start out with a Chase Freedom and a Key Bank Platinum as soon as I turned 18.

[Codert777]

I wish that was an option but my parents are 100% against credit cards, it sucks so bad.