How to get a Credit Card for the first time

TPG reader Kashif tweeted me to ask: "@thepointsguy I'm turning 18 this week and I'm thinking of signing up for a credit card that I could pay off. What's your suggestion for the best points card for a first-timer?" Happy 18th birthday, Kashif! Before you choose any card, I'd suggest checking your credit score for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Keep in mind, though, that even if your credit score is good, a brief credit history will make it more difficult to assure a credit card company that you can/do pay your bills in a timely manner. Chances are good that instead of being approved for a premium points-earning card, you'll be offered a more basic card. The breakdown of your credit, or FICO, score There are a handful of basic credit cards that are geared towards college students and other first-time credit cardholders: The Citi Forward is a good cash-back card that generally offers a sign-up bonus of 2,500 points, earns 1 point for every dollar spent, which you can then redeem for
Tags: chase freedom,chase sapphire preferred,chase slate,citi forward,beginners series,chase,citi,credit cards,sunday reader questions,video blog post