Credit Card Help Needed

[chell]

My boyfriend doesn't have much credit at all, actually he has one loan in his name - that is all he has ever had. He is working on establishing credit and wants to get a credit card at a store. I'm not sure if it is Sear's, Home Depot, Lowes, Kohl's, Dillards or what. He doesn't want me to know the store because this has something to do with my Christmas gift from him. But I told him to give me a list of some possible stores and I can narrow it down to places he definitely does not want to apply at.

The question is - are these types of credit cards easy to get when you don't have a lot of established credit? If they are rather difficult to get he doesn't want to get an inquiry on his report and be denied a card.

So where would you suggest he apply where he might have an easier time of getting a card?

He isn't really concerned with the interest as much as having something else to help him build his credit. Next year he wants to buy a new car and is trying to build enough credit to help him get a good interest rate on that loan.

Sorry if I'm rambling here. I hope someone understands what I'm looking for and can make some suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[NMAmy]

I got my first credit card from Penney's when I was 18. Granted, that was a long time ago, but I had no problems getting it with no credit history.

 

[ahutton]

My suggestion would be to apply for a Visa or MC at his bank, then it can be used at any store, and will help build his rapport with a financial institution. If he doesn't have a bank then he might see if he qualifies for any credit union. It will be very helpful when he wants to buy a car to have a relationship already started.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Many stores offer a discount on the first purchase if you open a credit account at that time. We got 15% off of a $300 wedding gift at marshall fields. Stores are more eager to give credit than banks, so you will buy more stuff.
Also watch out for introductory interest rates that double (or worse) after a certain period of time. Look for "no annual fee" or any other hidden fees. Like $30 for activation, etc...

Mikeeee

 

[Beth76]

Credit card companies were camped out on my college campus handing out CCs to whoever wanted them. But I would imagine a store like Target or a visa from his bank would be a good place to start. Charging a little each month and paying it off on time is a good way to start. Paying on time is more important than paying it off though. Not suggesting that he not pay it off though--you don't want to get in over your head.

 

[chell]

Thanks everyone!

Also watch out for introductory interest rates that double (or worse) after a certain period of time. Look for "no annual fee" or any other hidden fees. Like $30 for activation, etc...

Mikeeee

That is what I'm going to be looking for when he gives me the list of places he is interested in.

My suggestion would be to apply for a Visa or MC at his bank, then it can be used at any store, and will help build his rapport with a financial institution. If he doesn't have a bank then he might see if he qualifies for any credit union. It will be very helpful when he wants to buy a car to have a relationship already started.

We were thinking that card would be a bit more difficult to get, but he may decide to try that route first. Thanks!

 

[M 'n C]

Not sure how old he is but my brother is 21 and is having one heck of a time trying to get a card. He's at a community college and has a job yet he keeps getting denied from stores/banks/cc companies. They all tell him that once he gets into a 4 year college (next year) they'll gladly give him a card but not while he's at a 2 year college. It makes absolutely no sense to me especially if he's working! Anyways just wanted to give a heads up in case it applies to you at all.

 

[hlbtimes2]

My first card was from a store, rather then a big credit card. However, I've noticed lately that many stores are switching over to cards backed by Visa/ MC, that can be used anywhere. Sort of like the disney visa- you get discounts or perks for Disney (or the store), but its not a card that is just for that store.

 

[LadyyRedd]

Sears is pretty strict, I wouldn't suggest them.

Kohl's used to be fairly easy to get if you don't have bad credit. They would probably start him out at like a $300 limit if he has little or not credit. But since their credit accounts were bought out, I'm not so sure.


Kimya

 

[Hedy]

Target is supposedly easy. I got a Capital One card with no problem at 18, as have other people I knew.