Hey guys,

I just became a U.S. permanent resident (yeah!!) and am willing to start my credit history by opening a (or a couple, if possible) credit card. I'm 18, my SSN is like a month old, but I have had my checking account with Bank of America since mid-2003.

While I really want to start with a card that earns me miles/points, I'm worried that because I have no credit history for creditors to refer to it would be hard for me to get such mileage cards like United Mileage Plus (FirstUSA/Chase). I'm not in college yet (I'm starting this September) so I'm also worried that I might not be qualified for the college cards too.

My BOA checking account doesnt have much balance (usually stays at around $200-300), and unfortunately I've had about 4 bounced check card payments over the last 2 years.......

I was thinking of just going to BOA and open their credit card (the woman there offered one for me before but I couldn't get one since I didn't have a SSN then), but I really do want those cards that I can make miles with..

Any thoughts/possibilites? Thanks a lot in advance!