The reality of credit card cosigners
If you are trying to build credit, you might be looking for someone to back you up on a new account. A cosigner is someone who agrees to be legally responsible for your debt if you stop paying. While this is common for Loans, it is actually quite rare in the credit card world. Most big card issuers do not allow a second person to cosign on a standard credit card account.
You will find that cards are almost always issued to a single person. If you cannot find a lender that allows a cosigner, you are not out of options. You can look into becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account, which lets you build credit history using their established account, or you can look for entry-level products designed for beginners.
How credit cards work
A credit card is essentially a revolving line of credit. You borrow money up to a limit and pay it back. If you don't pay the full balance by the due date, the issuer charges interest. This cost is shown as the annual percentage rate (APR), which is the yearly cost of borrowing money if you carry a balance from month to month. Keeping that APR at zero by paying in full is the best way to avoid unnecessary costs.
When you start building credit, you might want to look at No annual fee cards to keep your costs low. As you grow, you might explore Cash-back cards to earn a little bit back on your everyday purchases, or Travel rewards cards if you plan to spend more. Just remember that credit cards are different from Banking & Savings accounts. While a savings account pays you an annual percentage yield (APY)—the actual interest you earn on your money over a year—a credit card is a tool for spending, not for growing wealth like you might with Investing.
What to watch out for
The biggest trap is spending more than you can pay back. If you get a card, treat it like a debit card. If you don't have the cash in your bank account, don't put it on the card. High interest charges can quickly cancel out any rewards you earn. If you are struggling with debt, look at Balance transfer cards to help manage existing balances, but be careful with the fees often attached to those moves.
Other ways to build your foundation
If you don't have a cosigner, focus on your own habits. Paying your bill on time, every single month, is the single most important factor in your credit score. If you have a goal like saving for Mortgages, your credit history is going to be a major factor in the terms you get later on. Keep your credit use low, pay your bills early, and monitor your progress. You should also make sure you have the right Insurance to protect your assets while you work on your financial health.
If you are starting a side project, you might eventually look at Business cards, but stick to personal accounts while you are getting your footing. Building credit is a marathon, not a sprint. There are no shortcuts that replace consistent, responsible use of your accounts.