Best first credit card for me

[spartaman64]

I want to get a credit card partially for the security and partially for the benefits like points, cash back etc.

I prefer for there not to be a fee but if its below 100 dollars then its fine.

I plan to pay it off fully every month so the interest rate doesn't really matter.

I also have pretty much no credit score.

I can probably convince my parents to apply for a credit card for me if it needs a credit score but idk if that breaks any laws or something or they can cosign.

My salary is 30k a year. I spend around 500 a month so I dont really need a high credit limit. Im 20 years old. I dont really travel and probably will mostly use it for food and buying stuff online.

[Guest]

Just get a debit card, I've known many people to fall into the trap of a credit card. 

[Tan3l6]

Damn' I'm trying to remember an ad where they advertized a virtual credit card for all needs - one virtual card for every instance so if your account got hijacked  you won't be at a much loss .. 

It might have been - https://privacy.com/virtual-card

[spartaman64]

6 minutes ago, floofer said:

Just get a debit card, I've known many people to fall into the trap of a credit card. 

I have a debit card but I want the security and the rewards of a credit card. And I'm not really planning on using it like a "credit" card

[Guest]

3 minutes ago, spartaman64 said:

I have a debit card but I want the security and the rewards of a credit card. And I'm not really planning on using it like a "credit" card

they always get you one way or another. Are the rewards worth the $100? There is no additional security of a credit card. 

[spartaman64]

7 minutes ago, Tan3l6 said:

Damn' I'm trying to remember an ad where they advertized a virtual credit card for all needs - one virtual card for every instance so if your account got hijacked  you won't be at a much loss .. 

It might have been - https://privacy.com/virtual-card

Interesting but there does seem to be any rewards in using them and I want to be able to use them when going to a restaurant or something

[Tan3l6]

Just now, spartaman64 said:

Interesting but there does seem to be any rewards in using them and I want to be able to use them when going to a restaurant or something

Yeah, haven't gotten too deep in exploring the options the free version provides, but I assume there would be an option to have larger sums in on one of the 12 cards, useable as a regular credit card. I recommend taking a look at it if you have not yet. 

And I'm not getting payed for promo...

 

[Mr.Meerkat]

Just now, floofer said:

they always get you one way or another. Are the rewards worth the $100? There is no additional security of a credit card. 

Benefits of using a credit card (in the UK anyway):

- Purchase protections: if you receive an item from a purchase online and it's not as described or paying a company for a service and halfway through, they dissolve, you can get your money back.

- Fraudulent activity protections: If there was fraudulent activity on your card, you can get the monies returned, as long as you were negligent with it. 

- Interest free loans/buy now, pay later: This can be good if something suddenly happens and you know you can afford it when you get paid next/can afford the interest for the short-period you do borrow but just can't afford it right now. 

- Building a credit rating: Good for dem mortgages and loans later in life (assuming you use the credit card wisely and properly)

 

Maybe it is just me but I think those are pretty good reasons to get a credit card  

[spartaman64]

10 minutes ago, floofer said:

they always get you one way or another. Are the rewards worth the $100? There is no additional security of a credit card. 

Disputing a bank charge can take months and my school probably wont like having to wait months for my tuition payment nor the car insurance company. And it's easier and more guaranteed than with a bank. And like i said I prefer no annual charge but I can probably break even with a 100 dollar charge with cash back and reward points

[Donut417]

20 minutes ago, floofer said:

Just get a debit card, I've known many people to fall into the trap of a credit card. 

Credit cards at least in the US offer more fraud protection. 
 

Plus having a credit card will help the OP build credit if used wisely. 

[Donut417]

2 minutes ago, spartaman64 said:

Disputing a bank charge can take months and my school probably wont like having to wait months for my tuition payment nor the car insurance company. And like i said I prefer no annual charge but I can probably break even with a 100 dollar charge with cash back and reward points

I won’t touch a card with an annual fee. If closed an account out because they decided to implement an annual fee. 
 

Not sure where your at in the world. But my card is thru Chase. You earn points you can use for gift cards and cash back. The points can be used on Amazon directly as cash. 

[Lorant]

17 minutes ago, spartaman64 said:

Interesting but there does seem to be any rewards in using them and I want to be able to use them when going to a restaurant or something

Credit Card rewards are a fallacy for the most part.  You get them when you pay for them, which doesn't make them a reward.  Like AMEX Platinum  $500 a year fee, for rewards

 

Probably the best one I would say is American Express Blue Cash , you get cash back over time depending on usage.  It's a touch higher in it's payback than most.

 

Btw, what do you mean by "Security of a credit card"?   Their isn't anything in the way of security above and beyond a debit card at all.

[spartaman64]

7 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

I won’t touch a card with an annual fee. If closed an account out because they decided to implement an annual fee. 
 

Not sure where your at in the world. But my card is thru Chase. You earn points you can use for gift cards and cash back. The points can be used on Amazon directly as cash. 

Yep im mainly planning to get a no fee card I just put that in my post in case someone thought there's a card worth the annual fee. I'm in the US

[spartaman64]

10 minutes ago, Lorant said:

Credit Card rewards are a fallacy for the most part.  You get them when you pay for them, which doesn't make them a reward.  Like AMEX Platinum  $500 a year fee, for rewards

 

Probably the best one I would say is American Express Blue Cash , you get cash back over time depending on usage.  It's a touch higher in it's payback than most.

 

Btw, what do you mean by "Security of a credit card"?   Their isn't anything in the way of security above and beyond a debit card at all.

There's cards with no fee and I'm referring to the fact I don't have to wait months to get my money back since it never left and it's much easier to file a claim with credit card companies thab with banks. My dad has an Amex platinum card but he spends like 50,000 a month for his business so I guess that could make it worth it

[Kawaii Koneko]

Just get one of those secured cards if you have no credit. You basically front a few hundred of your own cash and that is your limit. Then just use it for things like gas. Every time you fill up, charge it but then put then withdraw the money from your bank and it put it in an envelope for the monthly payment.

 

Only charge what you can pay off every month.

[spartaman64]

5 minutes ago, Kawaii Koneko said:

Just get one of those secured cards if you have no credit. You basically front a few hundred of your own cash and that is your limit. Then just use it for things like gas. Every time you fill up, charge it but then put then withdraw the money from your bank and it put it in an envelope for the monthly payment.

 

Only charge what you can pay off every month.

My parents can cosign or just apply for it and give it to me I checked and that doesn't seem to be illegal. And I've saved like 80% of what I get paid so I don't think that would be an issue for me

[PhantomJaguarr]

Do you go to school? I got a college cash back credit card as my first credit card. My credit limit was $800 first but eventually upgraded into a Platinum Credit Card from consecutive on-time monthly payments. Helped me build my credit and my banker was really helpful. Prepare questions ahead of time before going to the bank.

[spartaman64]

26 minutes ago, Kawaii Koneko said:

 

41 minutes ago, Lorant said:

 

 

1 minute ago, WhiteJaguar77 said:

 

45 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

 

 

50 minutes ago, Mr.Meerkat said:

 

ok i did some research and these are the cards that seem interesting

 

Discover it® Student Cash Back
Earn 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com and more, up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate.
Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically

 

Balance Transfers Intro APR
10.99% for 6 months
Purchases Intro APR
0% for 6 months
Regular APR
19.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0

 

Discover it® Secured

2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases every quarter, automatically.
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

 

Balance Transfers Intro APR
10.99% for 6 months
Purchases Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
24.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0

 

Discover it® Student chrome

Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

 

Balance Transfers Intro APR
10.99% for 6 months
Purchases Intro APR
0% for 6 months
Regular APR
19.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0

 

Petal Visa® Credit Card

Up to 1.5% cash back after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
1% cash back on purchases right away

 

Balance Transfers Intro APR
N/A
Purchases Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
14.49% - 25.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0

 

which card do you guys think is the best one or recommend another card and I am a part time student in college.

[dizmo]

Get the one from your bank. IMO it's the best choice, and they're more likely to work with you if you have a problem, or want an increase in credit.

 

Frankly, if you're making $30k a year I'm shocked you don't have one already. I had a credit card when I was 17. If you're making that much, you don't need a cosigner to get a small limit, and frankly, you should be able to get a much higher one. When I was 20 my cc had a $5k limit.

 

Go for the highest limit they'll give you. You don't have to spend it, but it's there if you need it, and not only that, it helps add to your buffer; it's best to keep your credit usage under 30%. So, lets say you have something come up and you need (or want) to put something on your card. If you had a $5k limit, you have a bigger chunk to play with before it starts affecting your credit score. This is also why it's better to find a card with a lower interest rate.

 

Don't get a card that gives you air miles. Get one that gives you cash back.

 

1 hour ago, floofer said:

Just get a debit card, I've known many people to fall into the trap of a credit card. 

It's not a trap, and building credit is a pretty important aspect of life. There's also many things you simply can't do without a credit card.

1 hour ago, floofer said:

they always get you one way or another. Are the rewards worth the $100? There is no additional security of a credit card. 

Not if you're not an idiot.

[spartaman64]

4 minutes ago, dizmo said:

Get the one from your bank. IMO it's the best choice, and they're more likely to work with you if you have a problem, or want an increase in credit.

 

Frankly, if you're making $30k a year I'm shocked you don't have one already. I had a credit card when I was 17. If you're making that much, you don't need a cosigner to get a small limit, and frankly, you should be able to get a much higher one. When I was 20 my cc had a $5k limit.

 

Go for the highest limit they'll give you. You don't have to spend it, but it's there if you need it, and not only that, it helps add to your buffer; it's best to keep your credit usage under 30%. So, lets say you have something come up and you need (or want) to put something on your card. If you had a $5k limit, you have a bigger chunk to play with before it starts affecting your credit score. This is also why it's better to find a card with a lower interest rate.

 

Don't get a card that gives you air miles. Get one that gives you cash back.

 

It's not a trap, and building credit is a pretty important aspect of life. There's also many things you simply can't do without a credit card.

Not if you're not an idiot.

i have a chase bank but they dont seem to offer any cards for people with no credit history though i guess it doesnt hurt to try and apply. the chase freedom unlimited looks interesting but i think its likely im going to get denied

[tankyx]

Just get one according to your income.

I got a HSBC Advance Mastercard Credit card (2x points, no fees for the first 12 months) but I am changing it for a HSBC World Elite Mastercard.

Note that I am not a US citizen, but I heard good things about Amex, or Chase credit cards also.

[dizmo]

5 minutes ago, spartaman64 said:

i have a chase bank but they dont seem to offer any cards for people with no credit history though i guess it doesnt hurt to try and apply. the chase freedom unlimited looks interesting but i think its likely im going to get denied

How long have you been with the bank?

They should work with you. That's why they're your customer. Most people forget that banks need you to make money, they need you more than you need them.

You might have to make an appointment and talk to them in person.

When I got my first cc, I wasn't even looking for one. I called the bank in regards to a different matter, and they asked why I didn't have one. Based on my balance, they gave me one with a $1,500 limit.

[spartaman64]

6 minutes ago, tankyx said:

Just get one according to your income.

I got a HSBC Advance Mastercard Credit card (2x points, no fees for the first 12 months) but I am changing it for a HSBC World Elite Mastercard.

Note that I am not a US citizen, but I heard good things about Amex, or Chase credit cards also.

I probably won't get approved for a lot of them since I have no credit history but it doesn't hurt to apply and I'll try applying for the chase freedom one. I don't like Amex because a lot of places dont take them.

1 minute ago, dizmo said:

How long have you been with the bank?

They should work with you. That's why they're your customer. Most people forget that banks need you to make money, they need you more than you need them.

You might have to make an appointment and talk to them in person.

When I got my first cc, I wasn't even looking for one. I called the bank in regards to a different matter, and they asked why I didn't have one. Based on my balance, they gave me one with a $1,500 limit.

Ive been with them for about 4 years and I'll try applying in person 

[dizmo]

2 minutes ago, spartaman64 said:

Ive been with them for about 4 years and I'll try applying in person 

Make an appointment though. Don't just go talk to a teller.

If that fails, get a department store card. Pretty much guaranteed approval.

[Lorant]

9 minutes ago, spartaman64 said:

I probably won't get approved for a lot of them since I have no credit history but it doesn't hurt to apply and I'll try applying for the chase freedom one. I don't like Amex because a lot of places dont take them.

Ive been with them for about 4 years and I'll try applying in person 

Please list the places you go that don't take Amex.  I have only found that Costco and maybe food court shit restaurants don't take them.

 

Their fees are expensive for small businesses, but if you're a business and not trying EVERY way to get a customer to pay you... not all that smart.

 

Instead of worrying about what CC to get based on a lot of things you've read or heard, why not just get one and start using it to establish.  It's not like you can't cancel it and get more CC's when you want.

 

Hell, my ex-wife had over a dozen.  You aren;'t locked in to them, when you use them properly.

 

Edit:  I use a Visa Debit Card from my bank for cash and Amex Blue Cash for everything else.  Amex has been fantastic with disputes and customer service.