Check this out
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/rate/cc_...dent&newr1=112 for a comparison of student cards. I got my s a Shell gas card when he was in HS-- one in his name and one in mine (I never used mine). It helped him build his credit. He was then able to get a creditcard from Citicard that offers percentages back on purchases, no annual fee, etc. He's been extremely responsible with it. This table from bankrate.com , and others on their website, have a lot of good info on creditcards.