I was declined for a credit card, but I've paid some bills and want to apply again. How long should I wait?

6 months at least....maybe 12 Consider getting a secured card to build your credit http://credit.about.com/od/creditcardbasics/a/proconsecured.htm

6 months at least....maybe 12 Consider getting a secured card to build your credit http://credit.about.com/od/creditcardbasics/a/proconsecured.htm

Difficult to answer your question without knowing two things: 1) Your credit score today 2) The minimum credit score of the credit card issuer Go to http://AnnualCreditReport.com and pull a copy of your credit report from one of the three credit reporting agencies. Note any delinquent accounts, and if they are recent, pay them. Wait 60 to 90 days, and go to one of the "free" credit report Web sites and sign up for the service. After you get your credit score, cancel the service to avoid the monthly service charge. Note your score. Keep the credit utilization on your existing card low. In other words, do not "max-out" your card, and in fact, do the opposite if you can. Also, make your monthly payments on time. These positive steps will increase your credit score. Call the customer service numbers of the banks or credit unions you want to do business with, and tell them your FICO or VantageScore score. Ask them if you qualify for any cards that issuer offers. Keep in mind that you boost your credit score by having a variety of accounts. These are called "tradelines" in the credit report world. Credit cards are one type of tradeline. A vehicle loan is another type. A mortgage is a third. A student loan is still another. Having two or three credit cards is fine, but variety in your tradelines is better. Why? If you can show you can handle a credit card, student loan, and mortgage, that shows more responsibility than three credit cards. Strive for variety. UPDATE: You mentioned canceling your existing credit card. Bad idea. Why? Your credit history is a very important component of your credit score. If the card in question is your oldest, then it sets the starting point of your credit history. If that was several years ago, then you will reset your history to today. However, if you have an open credit card that's older than the one you plan to close, then closing it will still a smaller impact on your score.

if under 21 you are not getting one with parents. over 21 you are not getting one without at least 18K in income and the same job for over 1 year. Having or not having a bank account of any kind has nothing to do with credit. I have several cliants who have excellent credit and have never had an account with any bank.

If you already have a card, why do you need another?!??!!

if under 21 you are not getting one with parents. over 21 you are not getting one without at least 18K in income and the same job for over 1 year. Having or not having a bank account of any kind has nothing to do with credit. I have several cliants who have excellent credit and have never had an account with any bank.

If you already have a card, why do you need another?!??!!

How old are you? If you're under the age of 21, you'll be denied due to new laws. Need more info. The card that you currently have, is it a secured card? With the way the industry has changed, my companies now scrutinize credit, and it sound like you have a small credit file (less than 36 month, thus high risk for financial companies). Easiest people to get cards with are store credit cards like Best Buy or even Capital One. The downside though is that they will start you off with a higher interest rate. They are doing this for taking on the risk. Many people have the false idea that if you pay 2 or 3 months on a card that you'll instantly have good credit. Being a student. If you good an "A" on your first exam, do you think your teacher could assume that you're going to be a good student in his class? The answer is no, however if after the third exam you we;re still getting "A", the story would start to change. Same thing with credit. The more class you take with "A", the better you'll be off.

Try again any time, there is no rule on how many attempts you have in applying for credit card. However, take note that every time your credit report is being pulled-out because of your application, it will have an effect to your credit score.