Thread: First card for 24 year old: Which is best?

Hello all. I'm 24 years old with a part time job and I'm looking to build my credit [history], since I haven't had a credit card yet. I currently do all my banking with Chase. A few days ago I applied for a Chase Slate card as recommended by the personal banker that I spoke with, but I was denied approval. I wasn't very optimistic about my chances, but it was worth a shot I thought.

So now I'm looking for a good secured credit card so that I can start building my credit. Since Chase doesn't have any secured credit cards I'm looking at what other options I have. I'd prefer to have a card with a bank that has a physical location here in NYC. So I've narrowed it down to CapitalOne, BoA, and Citi. I was just wondering which would be my best option and what experience people have had with each bank's secured credit cards.

How about trying for a lower level card like a TD Bank,Citizens or Key Bank credit card?

The cards you are looking at are for people who already have 1. let's say for example somebody has a Wells Fargo Visa but got denied a Chase Freedom. They might want to try for a Bank of America instead.

You who are a 24 year old with a part time job, got denied for a lower level Chase, the Slate card. The only thing I would suggest is you could ask your dad if he can go to the bank with you, have him talk to to the person that spoke with you, see if he can co-sign for you.

Or try for a Orchard credit card these would be my suggestions to you.

Yeah, I could look into those cards. And if that doesn't work out then I think I'll go with your second suggestion. Thanks for the advice.

Just want to ask that if somebody co-signs a card with me, who is the card's owner? And whose credit history would be built up with the card?

Both of you are equal owners and equally responsible for any balance on the account.

I would first check your credit. There are plenty of free sites with which you can check your scores. Then I would find a low level card and sign up first with them. Pay on time for a good period of time, a year or so should be sufficient, keeping your balances low, establish credit and then look at a credit card with a bigger name such as AMEX or Citi.