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This is a little game for us all to play, and perhaps even educational.
Its simple, tell us about your cards. The first one you ever had, the best one you ever had, the worst one you ever had, and the one you wish you had.
Ill go first.
My very first credit card was in 1998 and it was an HSBC Mastercard from back before their portfolio was acquired by Capital One.
I was 18, the limit was 2200, I maxed it out in 60 days, never paid a dime on it, it dropped off my record way back in 2006. I would kill to take back those decisions and have me a 20 year old credit card in good standing.
My first credit card of the "adult" era is my Capital One Secured card. They have 99 dollars, i have 500 limit. Pretty straightforward. Its nine months old.
My best credit card is currently my Cap 1 Quicksilver, despite it being the AF version and having a low limit, its the only unsecured bank card I have that has any sort of staying power. While my BB Visa has six times the limit, it also has a much higher APR and no cashback.
My worst credit card is that **bleep** indigo. 300 limit, can never grow, and has a 75/99 AF. That thing is sentenced to death once its put a few solid months of history on my report.
My realistic "wish" card is either Discover IT or Citi DoubleCash. Either would do. I dont travel, I hate points, but that sweet cashback and a good solid five digit CL would satisfy me for a good long time. It annoys me to no end all of these toy limits I have right now, because I have to spread my spend all over the place to watch my Utilization. If I had a good solid prime or superprime, id probably only ever use it. (if i could get my old HSBC card back, that would be amazing)
I’ll play 😀
First Barclay Reward MC (closed)
Best SPG
Worst BOA CR
Wish CSR (way over 5/24 and this could change due to developments Amex/Chase)
First: A Chevron gas card ( didn't go to well, was never taught how to manage money as a kid.)
Best Card: Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Worst Card: WF "platinum" I only keep it for my AAOA as it is my oldest card. High interest and a SL that never really grew.
Wish Card: AMEX Centurion for Delta Platinum Medallion benefits. And the USAA limitless as it was never available in my state (AK), hoping that it returns one day.
My first credit card was as a college student. The bookstore gave everybody an application inside the bag at purchase. Don't remember which bank it was. $300 CL. I didn't know the first thing about credit. How are you supposed to keep your spending at $30 (10%) with a limit like that? Defaulted.
My second credit card was as a college graduate. Capital One. Got a job in sales. Ran it up to $1,500. Decided to go back to grad school. Defaulted on the card.
College loans reported for 14 years with no credit card. Checked Credit Karma due to all the commercials. Over 700 credit score. Recommended Barclays MC Rewards. $500 initial limit. Again, how are you supposed to use a card with that kind of limit?
24 cards later and an AAoA reduced to 3 years and 2 months, I have $117,000 in credit lines. FICO scores in the 780s. Have every card I could ever want. 3 inquiries tops. No apps for 8 months.
Favorite card? NFCU Cash Rewards. SL nearly $18,000.
I know pretty much everything about credit now due to this site. My parents taught me nothing. My utilization is 1%.
Do not spend money you do not have. It's selfish to get what you want without any care if you screw your creditor.
First card was a FirstUSA Bank Visa that I signed up for as a financially uninformed colleged freshman.
Best card is Citi Double Cash.
Worst card is BoA BankAmericard. It was the best option for me to consolidate my remaining credit debt onto because of 0 transfer fees and 0% APR for 18 months, but I don't see it as anything except a BT card. When I pay the balance off, I'll product change or combine it into my BoA CashRewards.
Wish card is a Mastercard Black card.