adulthood: how does it?

[etben]

So, okay: I have never in my life had a credit card. This is something that baffles a lot of people, but it's true! My name is technically on my parents' card - it was supposed to be one of those "use it WISELY, pay it off, build credit" things parents do, but I have literally never once used it. Because...idek, paranoia? Being stuck in my ways? Failure to Adult? I have a debit card, I have a checkbook, I am FINE.

Except, okay, I'm 25, having a credit card is not actually an unimaginable thing to do, and possibly actually a good idea. Except...where do I even start? I have five accounts with four different banks (...don't even ask, my family does savings in a way that is the most special), do I talk to one of those? Except the bank that is local doesn't offer credit cards, so that's out. I get mailers from Southwest and stuff, but I feel like that is...somehow not a good plan? AUGH THIS IS SCARY AND BEWILDERING, GIVE ME ADVICE, I seriously have no idea what the fuck I am doing with this nonsense.

Comments

[panisdead.livejournal.com]

Any chance you're a USAA member? If you've had family in the armed services in the last couple generations you might be eligible. I've had a card from them for literally about 20 years, and they're a nice financial institution to be attached to (good loan rates, discounts, financial planning, etc). We also have an Amex Blue, which we applied for because we had other credit card debt and the balance transfer rate was very low and fixed.

[etben.livejournal.com]

I am, actually! Or, well, I am and I am not - I have a savings account with them, but apparently my family's military service is far enough back that they won't insure me directly (as I found out this spring! whatever, my local company has a better rate anyway). Still, that's one of the things I'm considering - they're generally really reliable, and have excellent online banking!