Ok, I reached my goal of what I want to have in my account in
case of an emergency.I plan on going to the bank tomorrow (tuesday, probably because wachovia is probably closed today on memorial day) and see about getting a starter credit card. Gasp.. I know, but I really should build my credit so I have an advantage at student loans, if needed. I only need a small line of credit ( like maybe $300) and will probably only use it for fuel or something I always need and just pay off the balance every month.

I'm partially afraid of getting a credit card because of what happens to irresponsible people. I think I am responsible with my money, but then again I'm the one that buys new license plates on impulse.

So, any tips?

Do so.

So, don't be one of them.

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1980 300D - Veggie Burner !

sounds like a good idea.

Credit Unions usually have better rates.

To help with insuring that you will pay off the balance, set up an on-line account, and the day you make your purchase, schedule the payment. (most of them, let you schedule more than 1 payment per month).

Don't use the card to make little purchases...they add up faassst!

If the interest rate seems high, tell them no thanks. (even if you do plan on paying it off every month....you never know, plus, once you get another card, it will give them incentive you give you a decent rate.)

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Yep –
I’d say that’s probably the number one killer, right there.

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1980 300D - Veggie Burner !

I'm thinking just diesel... a full tank will last me 2 weeks.

small purchases do add up.. I know!!!! its crazy. I do have a credit union at work.Publix credit union or w/e. I should get some info on that. I'll do that at work today. and set up my 401k.

Credit Unions can sometimes get you a good deal on loans too. Mine offers car loan rates as low as 5.5% - with most running around 6.5%. They give .25% rate reductions for things like Direct Deposit, having had a previous loan, buying a "Green" car, and for having a good credit rating.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

When I was your age and going to college. I started building my credit by buying school books, sometimes pay tuition and then paying them off. Then I hit 21, started putting on a tab and paying it off. After that, seems like every credit car company just wanted to sign me up!

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

my books are covered by the kiwanis club so thats out.

my only major expense now is fuel... and jeez.. over $100 to fill the mercedes....Now I know how SUV owners feel

Get a couple and an Amex, that should start to build your credit nicely.

Credit is a PITA no one wants to give it to you until you have it, its a catch 22. Actualy AFAIK car loan seems to be the most reliable way to build credit so you can say buy a house. Also have a bit of money in the bank helps to because they look at savings and income.


Get in the habit of pulling your credit report at least once a year just to keep and eye on things.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

i would agree with everything stated above but one thing. do not pay it off completly every month and try not to exceed half the credit limit.if you owe them 100 dollars, pay them 80. when you pay it all everytime that tells them you dont need their credit. when i got my first card at 18, it had a 500 dollar limit. within 2 months it was bumped up 300. i now at 20 had good enough credit to refinance my truck for 5.75 apr, i have a credit line with matco tools of 24,000 (that i will never use) on top or my truck loan. i own 3 cards. visa juniper, and 2 cards through chase. make damn sure you pay on time or they can double your rate.

i do not pretend to know everything there is to know about building credit. i know enought to get me by. my brother thought he did and he is now in serious debt. 2 brand new ninjas repoed and his 500 dollar credit card was sent to collections.

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have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it

People with no credit often find themselves in a situation as those with bad credit. Before you make any move please look at a website called http://www.easy-credit-repair.org This was written by a member here who went through a credit nightmare beginning with having his ID stolen!

I'm not trying to discourage you in any way at all, just make you aware of the realities. There are also great ways to protect yourself and how to figure out what finacing is really costing you etc... All tuned to help you make wise choices.

I found this entirely worthwhile and well worth the read. The info is all free and he has links to the Dept of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to help you make sure your treated fairly!

congrats! Your going to need credit in your lifetime and some of the best times to get it while your in college since banks see you as a better credit risk than your counterparts of the same age. Good luck, I know you will find a good credit card for you.
Applying for a card with merchants that offer credit to those with bad credit is a great place to start because these lenders don't expect you to be perfect and their lending practises are a little easier on you!

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"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice and moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!"

The Greatest Arizona Senator ever, Barry M Goldwater. I hope you can see from heaven how much you are missed.

I'm told that an amex card is not that good for building your credit, it has something to do with the way they report to the three credit bureaus.

Don't take to many cards as well, stay a way from the cards offered by stores; to much credit makes you a high risk, lowering your credit score.

Don't use more than 30% of the credit available to you, pay on time and pay off more then the minimum payment.

If you can't get a regular card get a secured one. Bank of American offers a decent one.

Do your resource if you get an offer in the mail, google the card in question.

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

BOA offers a student credit card tailored for students. Wachovia, might but they do not list one on their website.

I was reading that site, pretty useful. I can see about not paying the whole balance off at once.I'll stop by BoA tomorrow as well as my bank and see whats the what.

I want to build my credit so buying a slightly newer car in the future won't kill me.

I think the easiest/best way to build credit is to get a check card w/your bank account. Use the card as a credit card, not debit. Your card will be automatically paid out of your account. As long as you keep enough money in your checking acct, you'll always be paying off the card without having to actually get a bill and send it in.

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1984 300TD