 TITLE: How to Get Your First Credit Card CONTENT: How Do I Get Approved for a Credit Card?\n----------------------------------------\nWhen you apply for a new credit card, the issuing bank will typically use your credit history and scores to determine whether you should be approved and what APR you should pay. Depending on the type of card you apply for, card issuers may only approve people in a certain score range and issue higher APRs to people they deem less creditworthy.\nKnowing your scores before applying for a credit card can give you an idea of which cards you may qualify for. It can also save you from racking up hard inquiries, which occur whenever someone else checks your credit. A hard inquiry, which can affect your credit scores, remains on your credit reports for up to two years.\nIn most cases, people applying for their first credit card will have little or no credit history. But if you have at least some credit history, knowing what's in your credit reports before you apply can help you maximize the potential benefits by selecting the right card. People with good credit scores may also be given lower APRs, which can help save money on interest payments over time.\nIf you have little or no credit history, using a credit card is one of the best ways to establish or build your score. While you may not be approved for a normal or premium card, there are plenty of options like secured credit cards that can serve as stepping stones to other types of credit.\nBeyond your credit reports and scores, card issuers may take into account other factors when considering you for new credit. Credit card applications will often ask for your income, assets, age, and other general information like Social Security number and contact information. END