New to credit cards

[Firehawk]

Hi guys, I have a credit card already, it's a TD Visa, but I'd like to get one that gives some rewards back. I'm only 19 though, and I haven't had much experience at all with credit cards. With mine I basically just pay it off through TD since they're my bank. I was thinking of getting the MBNA Starwood Preferred Guest MasterCard, but I think I better learn a few things before I apply. One question I have is, do you have to be a starwood preferred guest before you can apply for it? Or will they start an account for you. Another question I have is, I pay my credit card off through my bank right now, but how would you pay something like this off? I'm not familiar with where or how you pay off credit cards other than my own, so I'd like to know if I have to set up an account at a specific bank or something. Thanks guys.

[Carnage]

I'd suggest you stay away from MBNA.

I'm with them currently, but am planning on leaving.

They don't have the best customer service, will constanlty pester you to pay for extra features, and have a tendancy to jack your limit up as high as they can preventing you from getting other credit(they've done this to me).

[Pete00]

check out royal bank student visa card. "classic 2" i think its called?
your credit is limited at 1000$, and you collect points to redeem for some pretty good rewards e.g. future shop certs and famous players movie night combo passes (amongst the lower rewards). excellent customer service, was very pleased with them!

oh and i believe you also get the free spc card every year (for students, discounts on food, clothes etc) and all its discounts.

[Firehawk]

check out royal bank student visa card. "classic 2" i think its called?
your credit is limited at 1000$, and you collect points to redeem for some pretty good rewards e.g. future shop certs and famous players movie night combo passes (amongst the lower rewards). excellent customer service, was very pleased with them!

oh and i believe you also get the free spc card every year (for students, discounts on food, clothes etc) and all its discounts.

Wow, with rewards starting at 2500, I'll have to spend a minimum of 5000 just to get something small. The card itself looks good, but I'm not sure about that return rate.

Any more input on the MBNA? I don't want to get anything from there if they treat you real bad, but the guy who wrote the credit card comparison article seemed to pick it out as his favorite.

[Agent_J]

Any more input on the MBNA? I don't want to get anything from there if they treat you real bad, but the guy who wrote the credit card comparison article seemed to pick it out as his favorite.

check out this thread for more info on the MBNA Starwood card

/spg-mastercard-6-return-purchases-5-free-nights-sign-up-109546/

[Arrow]

Just to answer your question about paying it off... if the CC does not belong to your home bank, you can still pay it through your home bank. Just bring your bill in and tell them you want to pay it.

Or if you have access to online banking, just add them as a Payee.

[Firehawk]

Thanks Arrow, that was exactly what I was looking for.

Also thanks to Agent_J, I think I will be going with the Starwood card. The main swing point for me was where I'd have to pay off the card, but if I can pay it off at my own bank, then I'll take the Starwood. I can deal with them pestering me with offers, as long as the return rate is good.

[gq_fuzion]

the royal bank classic 2 card for students has a $15 annual fee...

this fee is waived ONLY if you have a student banking package with rbc

credit cards with annual fee's are BS