Credit Cards

[Damhsa04]

How many past CPers got their first credit card while they were doing the CP? This will be my first time far away from home and my mom wants me to get an emergency credit card. Just in case I don't have enough cash in my checking account. Is this a good idea?

 

[mousefan2322]

Only if you know how to use them wisely!!Because most of the time you will be tempted to use them as believe there is never a lot of money in your checking account when you work fot the mouse!

 

[Sarah <3 Disney]

I would definitely get one, I received my first one right before I started college. I only use it for bigger purchases (airplane tickets, WDW tickets, hotels...). As long as you use it wisely, you should be all good!

 

[kmg148]

Awesome idea. I got one when I left for college when I was 18.

If anything, it builds your credit score.

If you think you are responsible enough to have one and avoid unnecessary charges, I would get one. They are great to have if an emergency happens. For instance, I haven't really needed it for that reason until this past December. I was driving home from working the weekend at WDW and my car window broke. Some mechanism in the door broke and the window wouldn't stay up. It cost like $400 to fix, and while I had the money, the credit card made it easier to pay for.

Just try not to let it get out of control. Three years ago I bought a bunch of concert tickets and it took me a year and a half to pay it off.

 

[eadavis]

i was searching for different rewards programs cards offer, creditcards.com has a pretty good list

 

[kmg148]

The only issue with a lot of those is that they will not approve you if you don't have another credit card.

My boyfriend wasn't approved for the Disney Visa or the Sapphire Chase Card. Chase has a really good student program, with sometimes a certain time period with 0% APR which is really great. Chase is also reputable and has banks as well.

 

[ZeroToHero]

Haha, I never get approved for credit cards, which stinks. I want to get a credit score!

I have a debit card, but that's it.

I personally won't be getting a credit card during the CP, because even though I'm good with money, it's just another bill that I'll have to remember to pay off.

I am going in with an emergency savings fund though.

 

[Disney_Lover06]

As everyone has already stated, I would get one if you know how to use them wisely! The first time I used my credit card I felt free and brought everything in reach. Bad idea. But now I only use it for big purchases or just in case situations.

 

[glendalais]

Remember that, under Federal Law, you now have to be at least 21 years of age to even apply for a Credit Card.

 

[c0pperboom]

I got my first card at 18!

Chase does have really good student credit programs, check them out.

 

[kmg148]

Deleted

 

[teamlouise]

If you're under 21, it's not impossible to get a credit card. But you do need a co-signer over 21 or independent proof of income that shows you can pay off your credit card debts according to that new law and my light googlings.

 

[ZeroToHero]

The law is new as of February 2010, actually. I forgot about that!

But you can get a parent as a cosigner.