<p>We generally throw away any CC applications that D receives, since she is NOT making any money and has been at our expense (except for some savings and part-time jobs) since she was born. She did feel sorry for the guy at Costco and applied with him for an AmEx credit card which she was approved for on the spot, with a significant credit limit (more than the Costco employee who was handing out the applications). She has used it very responsibly and checks on-line and pays off as soon as charges post. I receive the statements, which are mailed to our house if there is any balance (and then I call her and ask her how she wants to handle them). This has worked well and I like having my college kids 2500 miles away having credit cards that could buy them a good auto repair and/or hotel room and/or plane ticket if they are ever in a jam. It is security for all of us and they have both been VERY responsible and never even had a late fee or other problem.</p>
<p>A side benefit is that D can get 3% back on gas charges and gets the extended warranty for all her purchases on that credit card. She get cash back on all charges as well. There is no annual fee on it.</p>