Man you are way too young to even worry about getting credit cards. Forget it. Get a savings and checking account and start socking money away. Concentrate on school and save your money for college. Even if your parents are paying for college or you have a scholarship, still save because you will need it. College will pay off and will be your biggest asset when it comes time to enter the wonderful world of finding that career job after college.
There is such a fallacy with credit cards these days. Although they can hurt your credit if you're not responsible with them, they really don't help all that much. When it's time to buy a house, get a loan for a business etc., if credit cards (unsecured debt) are your only debt, good luck if you are young without assets to secure that loan. Banks really want to see installment loans (secured loans) that are in good standing and or have been paid off.
Installment loans such as student loans, auto loans, business loans etc. are the quickest and best way to get credit from a bank when the time comes. Auto loans are very easy to get these days and can improve and or give you excellent credit very fast.
Unforunately, it's tough to get ahead in this world without having any debt. Unless someone is independently wealthy or has someone backing business ventures for them, you really have to start by going into debt, saving every penny, eating mac & cheese everynight until it is paid off and then you can sit back and really enjoy the fruits of your labor. This takes a lot of time and endurance! It's tough these days for sure.
Don't try to grow up too fast. Enjoy high school & college, get good grades and when the time comes, start building credit. It sometimes is very wise to hire or consult with an accountant or financial advisor to help map out a financial plan for you. You will learn a lot and it is good groundwork for building a solid future. Well worth the expense if you find a good one.
"Through endurance we shall conquer!" (Shackleton family motto)
