~Credit and Credit Cards~

[xero90]

If you are just beginning credit (first credit card) or have recently moved to the states, I highly suggest that you first read this:

Even if you have money and that is not an issue, they say not having any credit on file is actually worst than having a bad credit score (FICO scores less than 600)

Before applying with Discover or other credit companies if you are in this situation, I highly recommend that you first apply for the Capital One - Secured MasterCard Credit Card which will require a small 49, 99 or 200 dollar deposit. Use the small limit as best as possible, and you can normally in about 6 months request for a credit line increase with much success if you pay on time.

Also attempt to keep the credit utilization below 33%. This means you will have to make small payments about every two weeks or so depending on the card's usage to keep the limit for exceeding this threshold.

This method should give a FICO score in upper 600's fairly quickly, and Capital One will also be updating the credit bureaus also with this new information. This will allow you to apply within one year to other credit companies for a typical unsecured credit card.