Given that you have excellent credit, you may be able to get a very low or zero percent introductory interest rate on a balance transfer credit card.  Before you fill out your new credit card application, make sure you can afford the standard APR associated with the card.  This will be your rate once the introductory offer expires.   You should compare credit cards based on other factors such as annual fees and reward programs and can do so by visiting CardHub.com.

Most credit card issuers state that notice will be given as to whether or not a credit card application has been approved within 10-14 days, sometimes sooner.  This usually only includes business days and not the weekends or holiday.  During this time the issuer is reviewing your credit history and matching that up with a credit limit and interest rate offer.  If you haven’t heard back in 14 days, you can always call to follow-up.  There are some credit cards that will give you an instant decision online, but most do not.

On May 22nd, President Obama signed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 into law.  The CARD Act will change the way credit card companies do business, and it will also prohibit consumers who are under 21 years of age from getting credit cards without proof of their ability to repay their debt, or a co-signer in the form of a parent or legal guardian.  This latter point makes it foreseeable that secured credit cards will become the preferred cards for college students, the majority of whom are under 21.
With a secured credit card, undergraduates can open their accounts by putting down a security deposit, which is equal to their credit limit.  For example, if a student wanted a credit limit of $500, they would put up a $500 security deposit to cover their debt in case they became unable to pay their bill.  The presence of a deposit fulfills the letter of the new law by providing ample proof that the consumer in question will be able to repay their debt.  Thus college students will be able to receive secure credit cards without need of a parent or guardian as a cosigner.  If the consumer defaults, the credit card company simply takes the security deposit. Other than this security deposit, a secured credit card acts just like a regular credit card.
Despite the new law, secured credit cards are optimal for college students who are just starting out their credit histories.  When you establish credit there are two main factors that will shape your credit report:  the timeliness of your payments and your discipline in terms of not overspending.  Both of these things can be hard to learn for those new to credit.  College students can practice sound financial habits with a secured credit card at very low risk to both themselves and their credit card company.  Once they have managed paying on time a secured credit card for a couple of years, then they can switch to an unsecured line of credit and challenge themselves to not spend more than they should.

No need to wait.  If you want a 100 percent guarantee that you will be approved, apply for a secured credit card.  A secured credit card will help you build credit history with low risk to you and the lender.  Secured credit cards work just like regular credit cards and are also reported to the three major credit bureaus.   The only difference between a secured card and a regular credit card is that a secured card requires a security deposit and your credit limit matches the amount of the deposit you put down – the minimum is $200.  Your credit limit can be as little or as much as you choose – you can up your limit simply by adding more to the initial amount you deposit.  The great thing about a secured credit card is that it can act as a personal savings account while building your credit history at the same time.

18 is the minimum age that you need to be in order to get approved for a credit card. Until you turn 18, your parents, guardian or some one else you are close to can add you as an authorized user on one of their existing credit card accounts.  Alternatively, they can open a new credit card account and add you as an authorized user there, with the agreement that you will be responsible for the bill.

It’s simple. The best starter credit card is the one that approves people that have no credit history or a limited credit history (i.e. less than 3 years) AND has the lowest fees. If you are a college student then a student credit card represents the best credit card for your needs. On the other hand, if you are not a college student then we recommend that you apply for one of the starter credit cards.

Finally, if you want 100% guarantee that you will be approved, apply for a secured credit card.  Secured credit cards work just like regular credit cards and are also reported to all the major credit bureaus.   The only difference is that with a secured card your line of credit (i.e. credit limit) matches the amount of the security deposit you put down – this usually starts around $200.

A consigner on a credit card account guarantees that the issuer will have a secondary means by which to collect payment should the primary signer become delinquent on their account.  The most important thing to remember about a cosigner is that their credit scores and history are directly affected by the activity on the account that they’ve signed for.  However because you are only seventeen you will not be able to be the primary signer on a credit card account.  Until you turn 18, your dad can add you as an authorized user on one of his existing credit card accounts.  Alternatively, he can open a new credit card account and add you as an authorized user on there, with the agreement that you will be responsible for the bill.

Sorry to tell you, but likely no one.  Your best bet is to ask a friend or family for the money to pay your security deposit.  If you find someone that’s willing, ask for a total of $1000 and use the remaining $200 to open a secured credit card account.  A secured credit card can help you rebuild your credit at low risk to you and the credit card issuer.  With a secured card, your line of credit matches the amount of the deposit you put down – this usually starts around $200.00.  However keep in mind that, even though you’ve deposited money, being delinquent on your payments with a secured credit card will further negatively affect your credit history and score.

If you can’t get a loan from friends or family in time enough to make the security deposit for your apartment, you can get payday loan if you are currently employed.  However, payday loans need to be paid back within two weeks and are accompanied with astronomical amounts of interest.  Make sure you have $800 coming from somewhere else before you decide to go this route.

The only cards that do not have foreign transaction fees and are widely accepted in Europe are the Capital One Credit Cards. 
 
Just remember to call Capital One and notify them about your trip prior to leaving the country so that they do not think that someone has stolen your credit card and decline your transactions while traveling abroad for fraud reasons.

Yes.  You will always have to give your personal information, including your social security number, when applying for any type of credit card.  However with a prepaid card, you will not receive an itemized bill, unless you request one, and the account associated with the card will not show up on your credit report.  On the merchant side, your purchases will still be traceable. 

You can build up your available balance on your prepaid card simply by making cash deposits at most major grocery stores and gas stations.  A prepaid card works a lot like a debit card - once the money is gone, it’s gone.  A prepaid card will not allow you to charge over the available balance and there are no bills or interest fees.