Start Your Visaยฎ Platinum Credit Card Application Now

Woman in Vancouver WA area charges her first credit card following successful credit card applicationIn a world where fewer and fewer purchases are made with paper money, some businesses have even begun refusing it altogether. These days, a credit card isnโ€™t a luxury โ€“ it can be a necessity. But if this is your first credit card, you may have some questions. Donโ€™t worry โ€“ Peopleโ€™s Community Federal Credit Union will guide you through the process.

Your first credit card is an indispensable tool for savvy personal finance, and at Peopleโ€™s Community Federal Credit Union, we can help you get started. Apply today.

Why Should You Get a First Credit Card?

Convenience and increased purchasing power are common reasons why many people get credit cards, but theyโ€™re far from the only reasons. Your first credit card can help you out in many other ways including:

  • Building credit: Your credit will follow you throughout your life and affect your ability to make large purchases from cars to houses. Using your first credit card responsibly is a great way to build the credit you need to make significant purchases.
  • Fraud protection: Most credit cards offer built-in fraud protection, refunding the money for any purchases that werenโ€™t yours.
  • Earning rewards: Many credit card companies offer rewards: cashback, points, or miles that can be used to treat yourself to something special when youโ€™ve earned it.
  • Rainy day factor: Unfortunately, things can go wrong, and with your first credit card, youโ€™ll be prepared when they do.

How to Choose the Right First Credit Card for You

Every personโ€™s financial situation is different and different credit cards are designed for a wide range of situations. Consider the following factors when choosing which credit card to apply for:

  • Rewards and card benefits: In addition to rewards like miles and points, different credit cards also offer benefits to users like access to airport lounges, concierge services, and much more. Make sure you choose a card with the benefits youโ€™ll use.
  • Interest rate: The interest rates available to you will typically depend on your credit history. With good credit history, you gain access to lower interest rates.
  • Annual fees: Some cards charge annual fees while others donโ€™t. Typically, cards with lots of add-on benefits will also have higher annual fees.
  • Usability: Do the places you like to shop accept the type of card you have? Or maybe you plan on taking your credit card traveling. Make sure theyโ€™ll accept your card at the places youโ€™ll be.

Who Can Apply for a First Credit Card through Peopleโ€™s?

To quality, youโ€™ll need to be a member and meet a few basic criteria:

  • At least 18 or older
  • U.S. citizen or a resident with a Social Security number
  • Proof of income or proof that you can make payments

Important Tips for First-Time Credit Card Holders

While itโ€™s true that credit cards are everywhere these days, theyโ€™re still not something to take lightly. Especially if youโ€™re applying for your first credit card, remember that responsible credit card usage is crucially important. Spending too much and wracking up interest payments can put you in debt in a hurry โ€“ and it can be difficult to recover.

Here are some important tips we recommend to anyone getting their first credit card:

  • Understand the terms and conditions of your credit card agreement fully: People will often start using their credit card without understanding the terms and conditions first. Make sure you donโ€™t make this mistake so you can avoid surprises later.
  • Pay off your entire balance every month to avoid interest charges: Thereโ€™s a grace period between the time you make a purchase and when you have to make a payment. As long as you pay off your balance during this period, youโ€™ll avoid hefty interest charges.
  • Check your statement regularly: Although credit cards typically come with fraud detection systems, itโ€™s important to regularly review your balance to make sure there arenโ€™t any charges you werenโ€™t expecting.
  • Create a budget and stick to it: Responsible credit card usage goes hand in hand with responsible personal finance, and budgeting is a crucial part of both.

How to Get a First Credit Card

Your first credit card is a huge step forward in your personal financial journey, opening doors for yourself later in life. By spending responsibly with your first credit card, youโ€™re demonstrating to financial institutions that youโ€™re a good candidate for auto loans and home mortgages.

If youโ€™re ready to get a first credit card, stop by a branch today or apply online!

First Credit Card in Vancouver WA

Serving Greater Vancouver WA

Vancouver | Fishers Landing | Hazel Dell | Battle Ground | Ridgefield | Salmon Creek

Orchards | Minnehaha | Walnut Grove | Hockinson | Baker | Sara | Felida | Cascade Park