Thread: Best Credit Card to Build Credit (with no credit history :<)

So I've been perusing the forums and have seen many similar topics, but none that quite seem to fit the bill. I'm 22, out of college, and well-employed (middle x0,000s) and I have no credit history. Yes, dumb, I know. No student loans either.

I've been looking around trying to find the best cards that I could conceivably be approved for and would help build my credit. I'm pretty much a total newcomer to the credit field, so I'm not exactly sure what I should be looking for.

I've been pre-approved at my bank (US Bank) for a Visa Platinum card, but should I shop around for other cards at credit unions or are there other entry-level cards I should consider? My eventual hope is to get Amex Blue, but we'll see how that goes.

Thanks!

Hey Spiffy, welcome to the forum!

Since you are out of college and have zero credit history, I would recommend going with the credit card that your bank already pre-approved you for. There was another thread on the forum with a guy in a similar predicament as you, and he was rejected from every credit card he applied for--except for the bank issued card--because of his age/lack of credit history.

Once you have used the US Bank card for ~8 months (it takes 6 months to show that you've begun to build your credit score) you'll be set to get a better card; Amex's Zync, Discover's More or Citi's Forward are all great choices. I would recommend the Zync (I recently got one myself and I love it) since you're trying to eventually get the Blue, it'll help in getting your foot in the door with Amex.

Good luck!

Hello Spiffy,

I have to agree with Amante above! Since your pre approved go for it. Keep a small balance on the card for 6-8 months. Your mailbox will flood with offers afterwards. You might want to stay away from credit unions to build credit. Some small banks and credit unions do not report to the 3 bureaus. If you do go with one, just make sure they report.

Give Capital One a try see if you are pre approved.