Credit Card Companies

• This is where many consumers apply for credit cards. The main companies are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. You can apply over the phone, online or through the mail. If you receive a pre-approved offer, be sure to read the fine print before applying.
  
  

Retailers

• Major retailers like Target, Sears, Macy's, Sam's Club and J.C. Penney also offer cards. Card holders can get extra benefits such as discounts on certain items or even free items in some cases.
  
  

Banks

• Many major banks, such as Chase and Capital One, offer both debit and credit cards. Customers can open checking and savings accounts while holding a separate credit card account. It's often convenient to make card payments and deposit money at the same bank.
  
  

Build Credit

• With so many places to get a credit card, it helps if you can start building a good credit history while you're young. If you make your payments on time, you may be able to increase your card limit and qualify for more credit.
  
  

Debit Cards

• If you cannot afford a credit card, you can always get a prepaid debit card. You can put the amount of money you need on it and not have to worry about late fees and high interest rates. You can also buy these as gifts for others. Drugstores, supermarkets and certain retailers offer prepaid cards.