The credit card declination

Even though credit cards can get you into trouble they are necessary to establish and build up your credit history. Where I live they run a credit check if you even want to rent an apartment and if you don't have any established credit you don't get the rental, so credit is important, you never know if you have to apply for a loan, buy a car or a house. Contact a few banks and try to apply for a "secured credit card", you make a deposit they put it in a CD for you and give you a card. After a year (sometimes two) if you've done good with your account, no late payments, no missed payments, then they give you back your deposit plus interest and you can keep the card. Try Capital One and I know for sure Citibank does it. Good luck.

You should count yourself lucky they decline you. Take it from someone with a thousand regrets, stay away from those stuff! If you can't afford something, likelyhood you will not be able to pay for it and will be stuck in debt for years! Credit cards are evil! Try Debit Cards... they're less evil, and you will now overspend.

Each time you apply for a credit card, the company checks your credit, which is reflected in your credit score. If you apply for several cards at the same time (or close together) it lowers your credit score, because it looks like you are preparing to go spend a lot of money. If you already have debt (like a car or college loan) and no real credit history, the company will think you are at risk for being able to pay back the money you charge. The best thing to do would be to wait a while (at least 6 months) before applying again. Then apply for a store credit card, like Sears or something, these are usually easier to qualify for, but have lower spending limits. Make a few purchases on it and pay the bill as soon as it comes in. Then don't use the card unless you would have bought something at the store anyway. This card and your prompt payments will help establish a good credit history for you, making it easier to get qualified for a better card later. Also, making late payments on any other types of loans you have, or even late utility bills, can negatively affect your score, so be sure to keep up on those as well. Once you get the card, don't go crazy and don't charge anything you can't pay off in a reasonable amount of time. Try to spend it like you would cash out of your checking account, this will keep you from racking up debt that could really harm you later. Good Luck.