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.

I got my first credit card in college with out any co-signor and I didnt even have a job. This company was set up in front of the the bookstore and pretty much accepted me on the spot. Look for student applications around campus if you really want/think you need a credit card.

I got my first one as a college student with no co-signer. However, It was with a bank I had had an account with for a few years, so that might have helped.

Keep in mind that if you do get one from the credit card table, you'll be getting the worst rate imaginable. So make sure to pay it off every month.

Why are you applying for a Platinum card if you're still a student? That's more than likely the reason your application was rejected.

I figured Platinum was a tacky word they put on the make their product more appealing.

I applied for a Citiband Dividends collge card, so we'll see what happens there.

Thanks for the replies.

Check with your bank too. They might have credit cards available. I belong to a credit union, and they have credit cards, secured and unsercured. With secured cards, you give them $500 or so, and that's your credit limit. Which makes sense, so you won't really owe. Sort of. I'm the worst person to explain credit card debt, as I'm in it pretty deep. I figured out how shitty it is way too late.

Just be careful.

Because I'm lazy, and don't want to retype it or copy paste, you can find most, if not all of the info you require in This Thread :thumbsup: