Hi all,

I'm currently in the 'college student with no credit that keeps getting turned down for not having credit'. Anyhow this site seems cool so I had some general Credit-type Q's I was hoping you guys could answer for me...

1.) When I apply for a card that I don't get, does that fact that I applied hurt my credit? How long should I wait before I re-apply?

2.) When I fill out applications lots of places ask for my income. Even student cards. Do I put what I make at my campus $7.50 an hour / 20 hours a week job? Do I put down what my parents make...and does the company have a way of checking how much I make?

3.) I have a cell phone. I pay each month (I've only had it for about a month now, 1 payment) but doesn't that establish my credit? If so, how long does it take before I can get someone to take me?

4.) This is slightly off topic, but I've seen websites that take check numbers, just the same way they'd accept credit cards. The thing is, everytime I write a check the person I hand it to, has all my numbers and my info. Isn't this very insecure?

Thanks a ton for any help you guys can give me. I guess I'm just going to have to use my icky CITI Cash card (which doesn't build my credit, right?) :( - ewww...

here's what i think

1) It hurts if you do it repeatedly

2) 2-3 months

3) It's unlikely that the provider reports it. You can check your credit report and see if your cell phone is on it. I doubt it will be.

4) most banks claim they have sophisticated methods of detecting fraud. also, nowadays many checking accounts are covered by policies similar to credit cards' "not responsible for unauthorized charges". however, you are right - i feel the same way. i have no problem entering c.c. numbers but giving out checks is a little weird.