If you’ve decided that you’re ready for a student credit card, then you’re on your way to taking on a great deal on responsibility. You know what to do when you have that responsibility — spend responsibly, pay your bills on time, and preferably pay your balance in full every month. How can you actually get your first credit card though?

Depending on how many of the following steps you’ve already completed, getting your first student credit card can be a somewhat long process. Many first-timers can’t just go out and apply. They have to prove that they’re credit-worthy first.

Follow these steps if you’re interesting in getting a student credit card, such as the ANZ First Visa:

Step One: Get a Job — Before you can apply for your own student credit card, you’ll need to have regular income coming in. Get a job while you’re in school, working either part-time or full-time as your course schedule allows.

Step Two: Get Used to Card-based Spending – It’s a good idea to get used to using a card for payments before you use one tied to a credit account. Why? You want to figure out how to control your card-spending habits early (not letting a card be an excuse to spend more than you would normally have). You can get used to spending with card with a debit card (like the St. George Visa debit card) or a prepaid credit card.

Step Three: Piggyback – See if one of your parents will list you as an additional cardholder on their credit card account. Not only might this help you establish a credit history, but you’ll have a chance to start spending with a real line of credit rather than just a prepaid credit card or debit card tied to existing funds. Because you know your spending will be monitored by your parents, it might be a decent way to start developing good credit card habits.

Step Four: Compare Student Credit Cards — Once you’ve gotten used to spending with a card, you have a regular income, and you’ve established a little bit of a credit history, it’s time to compare credit cards. You don’t have to look at cards specifically labelled “student credit cards.” One of the most important considerations should be comparing the required annual salaries for each credit card offer you’re interested in. If your job while you’re in school doesn’t meet the income requirements, don’t waste your time applying. You don’t want to kick off your credit history with a lot of enquiries from cards you were denied just because you didn’t do your homework.

Step Five: Apply for a Student Credit Card — Once you’ve chosen a credit card offer that looks good (and that you’re eligible for) it’s time to apply. You’ll get the quickest response if you apply online using a secure application form (like those offered through this credit card comparison site).

Getting your first student credit card can be both scary and exciting. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll increase your chances of being approved for a card you want while decreasing your chances of rejection and disappointment. Spend responsibly!