You’ve finally turned eighteen. To mark this momentous event, you get a tattoo, a body piercing, a cell phone plan in your own name and first time credit cards to pay for it all.

Getting your first credit card may seem exciting, yet dauntingly adult. Several questions come to mind: Which type do you choose? Which offer do you pursue?

Here are a few things you need to know when applying for first time credit cards:

  1. Student Credit Cards

If you’re a college student, you will more likely need a credit card. This is an easy solution for students who don’t have access to their parents’ credit cards.

Having a student credit card may be advantageous for you in the long run. Aside from helping you build a good credit history, first time credit cards like this require only a minimal income, no co-signer and no credit history.

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  1. A credit card from your bank

If you’ve already established relationships with certain banks, it might be a good idea to apply for credit cards with them.

You may not have credit history, but applying for first time credit cards with banks in which you have checking or savings accounts with, will more likely help your credit card applications get approved.

  1. Department Store or Gas Credit Cards

Since most of your purchases will more likely be from gas stations and department stores, these types of first time credit cards may be what you need. Though the interest rates are high, it is usually quick and simple to apply for them.

  1. Secured Credit Cards

The difficulty many face when applying for first time credit cards is their lack of credit history. With a secured credit card, this eliminates the problem. Instead of a credit history, you make a deposit within the credit limit to be given to you. The bank then holds the deposit in the event that you are not able to make payments on time.

  1. If all else fails…

If your applications are denied even after attempting to apply for all these types of first time credit cards, ask the creditors why. Income or employment may be the reasons why you aren’t being handed a card. This is important for you to know since frequent applications may be seen as off-putting by a potential creditor.