<p>So I just graduated in May (woo!) and will start a full time, handsomely-paying job (oh so that’s why I did engineering…oh, right) in September. I have a part-time job that I’m basically working full-time right now, so I have an income right now so it’s not like I’ll be broke till the first pay check at the end of September. Basically, I feel I’m in a stable-ish position and need to start get some good credit going (had a few late utility bills… 
) </p>
<p>So, question is: does anyone know of a good credit card program for new grads?<br>
Technically I’m not a student anymore so some of the college-only cards may not apply to me anymore. I don’t really want to get a retail store one (lots of people get Target cards) because I don’t want to feel pressured to shop there anymore than I do. I was thinking about getting a United card (my parents seem to have all travel cards, my dad has United, Mom has Marriott/Delta, Dad has AmEx rewards) just so when I ever decide to travel on my own, I’d have a free ticket or two over years and years of use. Also thought about trying to get into a rewards-program card because then I can get useful household stuff.</p>
<p>Really, I just don’t know and I’ve done some searches online and rounded up a few but I was hoping I could get some personal experience stories on here. I’d like to avoid an annual fee if possible, low interest isn’t a huge priority because I’d be paying it off month to month (or so I plan), and I definitely want some kind of return on the card. I’d prefer Visa, but I’m not sure the true differences between Visa and AmEx other than Visa is taken well, everywhere. Also, no Target/clothing store/gas cards.</p>
<p>Check out [Credit</a> Cards | Best Credit Card Offers | Low Interest APR Rewards Cards](<a href=“http://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards.aspx]Credit”>Credit Cards: Find the Right Offer For You & Apply Online - Bankrate) . You can see what all is available. All the companies have gotten very tight with giving credit cards out, so you might find it a bit harder to get a card. </p>
<p>Have you never had a card before? Your parents might be able to be co-applicants with you, but try to get one on your own first. My kids recently both got American Express card to all to their Visa’s, but that was before the new laws when into affect. Amex has interest free cards and some give points or cash rewards. You can always use your points to buy an airline ticket and then you are not stuck with only being able to use the points with one airline.</p>
<p>I suggest signing up with a credit union and signing up for their card. (They often offer their own Visa or MasterCard.) One advantage–at least with my credit union–is that you can pay off your credit card balance through online banking, by shifting money from your checking account to your credit card.</p>
<p>You might see if you are eligible to join USAA, they have good credit card offers</p>
<p>It can be difficult to find a “miles” card that has no annual fee. And unless you put a lot of stuff on the card, it takes a long time to build miles… and sometimes they expire. I’m a fan of:</p>
<ul>
<li>No fee cards</li>
<li>Cards that give cash back in some form. Or I also have a Choice Hotels card that gives hotel points (I find them much easier to cash in than airline points, and it doesn’t take as long to get a “usable” amount of points).</li>
<li>I personally prefer a Visa or Mastercard because it is taken almost everywhere. But beware… they let you carry a balance. If you aren’t too sure about your self discipline, you might look at a card like AmEx that makes you pay off every month. But if you are sure you can stay on track and pay off the balance EVERY month, go for the Visa or Mastercard. Do not carry a balance… ever. If you can’t pay for it the same month, don’t buy it.</li>
</ul>
<p>You will have an easier time getting the card once you start the “handsomely paying” job, though, esp. since it sounds like you might have a few dings on your credit report due to late utility bills. Note that credit card companies are much less forgiving when you pay late, and the late fees are quite high. But because of the dings, you could get turned down for a card when you apply.</p>
<p>I only paid two months late out of paying for 18 so I don’t think it’ll hurt too much.</p>
<p>If I apply to a card and they approve me, do I have to take the card?</p>