Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - First credit card.. Can I get one on my own, without a "guarantor"?

Grondar · 09-27-2004, 02:40 PM

I recently applied for a credit card from MBNA and they mailed me stating that in order to be eligible for a credit line/card with them, I first have to add a "qualified guarantor." This was going to be my first credit card, and I don't have a credit history as of now. I'm currently in college and working part time.

I have a few questions in regards to this and the credit card application process:

[1] Is it common for a "first-timer" to get denied a card that isn't attached to a guarantor? The MBNA card I applied for was a "Platinum," and I am not sure if that matters or not.

[2] Will I be able to get a credit card that isn't connected to someone else? I don't want to have one of my parents sign onto my card for the same reason that I'm on my own insurance policy. If something bad happens, I don't want them to get burned.

[3] If you think I am able to get a credit card in my own name, and without a guarantor, where should I go, or apply? What cards specifically, and what means (online, in person, other) should I use to get the card?

[4] In another post, I saw mention of Citi and their "Dividends" card. I just checked their site, and they have a "Platinum" one, as well as one for college students. Could the one for college students be an option for me? I was going to use to card for gas and such, and it seems like a nice card for that, as it gives a percentage back on gas and groceries.

[5] If I apply and keep getting denied, is it going to negatively affect my credit rating? I've already been denied by MBNA.. If I keep getting denied, it's going to get harder and harder to actually get a card.. Isn't it?

[6] In terms of brand of credit card.. Do you recommend MasterCard, Visa, or another?

I'd like to get a credit card now so that I can use it a few times a month, pay it off, and start to establish a good credit rating. If possible, I don't want to have the card attached to one of my parents, in case something bad would happen. I don't want them to get "hit" for my mistakes. I know I won't go nuts with the card and run up lots of credit, but I still would rather not have it connected to someone else that would be liable if something were to happen.

I was under the impression that pretty much anyone could get a credit card in this country, and getting denied by MBNA came as a bit of a reality check for me. Did I get denied because I was applying for a "Platinum" card, or is that just a word they throw on the end to make it sound more special?

I am very interested to know if there are any credit cards I can successfully apply for and get on my own, and if such cards exist, what are they, and how do I go about getting one?

I guess it's good I found this out now, so that I can make an effort to boost my credit rating for the future, but as of right now, I need to get a card so that I can start.. That's what I wanted to do with the MBNA card, but now they they denied me (unless I get a guarantor), I'm back at square one.

Any help, feedback, advice, or any other comments in regards to my situation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and take care.

09-27-2004, 02:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
Grondar Junkie Location: Pa, USA	First credit card.. Can I get one on my own, without a "guarantor"? I recently applied for a credit card from MBNA and they mailed me stating that in order to be eligible for a credit line/card with them, I first have to add a "qualified guarantor." This was going to be my first credit card, and I don't have a credit history as of now. I'm currently in college and working part time. I have a few questions in regards to this and the credit card application process: [1] Is it common for a "first-timer" to get denied a card that isn't attached to a guarantor? The MBNA card I applied for was a "Platinum," and I am not sure if that matters or not. [2] Will I be able to get a credit card that isn't connected to someone else? I don't want to have one of my parents sign onto my card for the same reason that I'm on my own insurance policy. If something bad happens, I don't want them to get burned. [3] If you think I am able to get a credit card in my own name, and without a guarantor, where should I go, or apply? What cards specifically, and what means (online, in person, other) should I use to get the card? [4] In another post, I saw mention of Citi and their "Dividends" card. I just checked their site, and they have a "Platinum" one, as well as one for college students. Could the one for college students be an option for me? I was going to use to card for gas and such, and it seems like a nice card for that, as it gives a percentage back on gas and groceries. [5] If I apply and keep getting denied, is it going to negatively affect my credit rating? I've already been denied by MBNA.. If I keep getting denied, it's going to get harder and harder to actually get a card.. Isn't it? [6] In terms of brand of credit card.. Do you recommend MasterCard, Visa, or another? I'd like to get a credit card now so that I can use it a few times a month, pay it off, and start to establish a good credit rating. If possible, I don't want to have the card attached to one of my parents, in case something bad would happen. I don't want them to get "hit" for my mistakes. I know I won't go nuts with the card and run up lots of credit, but I still would rather not have it connected to someone else that would be liable if something were to happen. I was under the impression that pretty much anyone could get a credit card in this country, and getting denied by MBNA came as a bit of a reality check for me. Did I get denied because I was applying for a "Platinum" card, or is that just a word they throw on the end to make it sound more special? I am very interested to know if there are any credit cards I can successfully apply for and get on my own, and if such cards exist, what are they, and how do I go about getting one? I guess it's good I found this out now, so that I can make an effort to boost my credit rating for the future, but as of right now, I need to get a card so that I can start.. That's what I wanted to do with the MBNA card, but now they they denied me (unless I get a guarantor), I'm back at square one. Any help, feedback, advice, or any other comments in regards to my situation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and take care. __________________ "Yes, I rather like this God fellow. He's very theatrical, you know, a pestilence here, a plague there. Omnipotence. Gotta get me some of that." -Stewie Last edited by Grondar; 09-27-2004 at 02:47 PM.. Reason: Added a few more questions..