How To Get A Credit Card

Learning how to get a credit card is not initially easy. But once you understand the basics of credit card applications, you may very likely have an impressive piece of plastic to show your friends and dates!

1. Visit or call your bank or credit union, especially if you don't have existing good credit. These institutions can often help you practice how to get a credit card for the first (or even 20th!) time. They will already have your personal information on file, so you may need to do nothing but give a verbal inquiry or sign a piece of paper to apply for a credit card.
2. Consider filling out those sometimes pesky applications for "instant credit" at your favorite department store. You'll provide details such as your full name, current address, employer, salary, length of employment, date of birth and Social Security Number. As long as you have a debit card and a piece of government-issued photo identification, you may be able to quickly receive a credit card. This usually won't work if you have bad credit, but it might not hurt to try.
3. If you're having problems actually practicing how to get a credit card, you might need to go check your credit reports. Late utility and medical bills can wreak havoc on your credit rating even if you've never actually used a credit card. The only website authorized by the federal government to offer free credit reports is AnnualCreditReport.com.

References

FRB: Consumer Information: Credit Cards

Federal Trade Commission: Free Annual Credit Reports

AnnualCreditReport.com