Need advice for first credit card

Hey guys,

I recently applied for the Chase Freedom and was denied. Chase listed my application score as 714 (although I know this is different from a real FICO score). They listed a few reasons for denial, but since it's the first credit card I'm applying for, I know that it's got to be because I have no credit history. I'm right out of college, but have a solid income and no rent payments because I'm still living with the parents.

I'm thinking of calling them for reconsideration- any tips on what to say? I'm pretty sure I'd have to somehow address the problem of not having any credit history, so do I even have a chance here, or should I just give up and try for another card? I applied for the Freedom because I heard it was relatively easy to get without any credit history, but I've also heard that any rewards cards are very tough to get as a first card.

I would think more about what card you want to have forever.

My first card was a basic rewards card from Citi - I don't use it because it doesn't do anything for me.

Pick something popular that makes sense and that you'll want to keep using. The relationship you build with your first account will likely be the basis for others that you get.

I would probably apply for three cards and get all three if possible:
Chase Freedom
Citi Forward
Discover More

These three will be a great start and accounts that you'll likely want to keep forever. I suggest three because by the time you graduate, you'll have three trade lines with four years of positive history - you'll have a nice 725+ credit score and be an established borrower. Most banks look for 2 or three lines of history before they'll give you a mortgage, etc.


Edit:
For disclosure, I want to say that I also have a Discover. I don't use it because I find their customer service and customer support to be horrible. They didn't side with me in a fraud case over a $50 purchase. It was obvious that it wasn't me and I responded to the transaction before the day was over that it posted. I would close the card and never do business with them again if it wouldn't hurt my average age of open accounts. I said the Discover More because you mentioned Discover - but if you can find another alternative, I might go with that. Maybe a Capital One card (also bad service, but better benefits than Discover).

Thanks to everyone for the advice. Formless, I think I will take your advice and sign up for 2-3 cards. I'll be sorting through all the suggested cards to night, and i'll post back with what I end up doing. Thanks again for all the help everyone!

Hey guys,

I recently applied for the Chase Freedom and was denied. Chase listed my application score as 714 (although I know this is different from a real FICO score). They listed a few reasons for denial, but since it's the first credit card I'm applying for, I know that it's got to be because I have no credit history.

LOL! if you had no credit history, you wouldn't have a credit score.

I'm right out of college, but have a solid income and no rent payments because I'm still living with the parents.

I'm thinking of calling them for reconsideration- any tips on what to say?

ask for a small limit.

I'm pretty sure I'd have to somehow address the problem of not having any credit history, so do I even have a chance here, or should I just give up and try for another card?

they're going to think you're an idiot if they were able to generate a credit score for you & you "address" your LACK of a credit history

of course it's worth a shot. just don't say anything stupid.

I applied for the Freedom because I heard it was relatively easy to get without any credit history, but I've also heard that any rewards cards are very tough to get as a first card.

it's NOT an easy card to get for somebody with a very limited credit history. you should have applied for one of the shitty cards offered by Capital 1. they routinely approve unemployed teenagers, & chronic welfare recipients.

So i'll be heading off to start my first year of college, and decided it's about time I break down and get a credit card. I've been looking around a good bit, but would love some extra advice from a community that's already saved me so much money! I will not be drive regularly, so focusing on gas rewards would be sort of a moot point. Most purchases are online when things are on sale. Otherwise, purchases are mainly food (fast food and groceries), and daily necessities. This has led me to believe that the Discover Student More Card looks to be my best bet. Not signing for a few days regardless, so does anyone have any advice?

While I dislike Capital One and their credit cards, there is almost no way you can be denied for the Journey Student Rewards card.

My stated income is above 30k, and I'm pretty sure I got it right on the application- good call on that though. I did list 0 on the monthly housing payment, so maybe that number threw up some red flags as looking suspicious/untruthful? I thought it would help me because it indicates low expenses, but maybe Chase tagged the 0 as suspicious.

Hey guys,

I recently applied for the Chase Freedom and was denied. Chase listed my application score as 714 (although I know this is different from a real FICO score). They listed a few reasons for denial, but since it's the first credit card I'm applying for, I know that it's got to be because I have no credit history. I'm right out of college, but have a solid income and no rent payments because I'm still living with the parents.