- Discussion board

I'm sure you've heard this one before, but I would like some help/advice on building my credit.

I'm almost 20, in my third year of college, and I don't have ANY credit. I have a part-time job at a child care facility. I have had a savings account since I was 6, and a checking account since I have been in college. I use my Visa debit card regularly as a credit card to pay for things.

I thought I could get by without having a credit rating, but when I went to buy a cell phone they told me I would have to deposit $300 if I wanted the bill in my name! Of course, I didn't fork over my hard-earned cash- we put the bill in my mom's name since she has good credit, but I will be paying it each month.

What would be a good way to build my credit so that I don't have to depend on my mother to help me out? She suggested I apply for a department store card. What do you think, and could you recommend any cards that don't have exorbitant annual fees and interest rates?

Did you already apply for a student card? Card Issuers many times don't expect a college student to have an established credit history to receive a credit card. I would suggest that you apply for a student card if you haven't already.

I have applied for student cards and I have been turned down and I have no credit history. I am a college student.

i am an 19 years old college student, and I had the same problem as you did. Student credit card is the best way to go, but there is a several option such as....getting a secured card. That is what I did with my American Express card, and I have been very happy with the results. Another good way to build a credit is to get a gas card, or a department store card. There are several ways to do it.

Listen to your mother. :)

Start with a department store card, or another "easy" card like Radio Shack or Fingerhut. Make charges but pay them off in full each month (a good habit).

Do not apply for a bunch of credit cards at once, or all the inquiries on your credit reports will work against you. After about 6 months of successfully using your dept store card, try to apply for ONE major credit card and see how it goes. Start off with a studen card as the approval process will be more geared towards your situation.