 TITLE: How to Choose and Use Your First Credit Card CONTENT: What to Do if You're Denied a Credit Card\n-----------------------------------------\nDon't fret if you don't get approved with your first application—you may be able to qualify for other credit cards. But first, try to figure out why your application was denied.\nAsk the card issuer if there was a specific reason, such as your income being too low or not meeting one of the basic eligibility requirements. If the card issuer determined your credit wasn't good enough for approval and denied your application, it must send you an adverse action letter explaining this. If you've received an adverse action letter in the past 60 days, you're eligible to receive a free copy of your credit report through Experian and the other credit bureaus.\nYou can then focus on the issue by increasing your income or building your credit before trying again. Or, if you were denied because you don't have any credit, you could look for a card that doesn't require a credit check, such as the The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. If you pay utility, internet or cellphone bills, Experian Boost™† may be able to give you a much-needed lift. END