Until you are 18, you can not get a card in your own name. If you choose to apply with you are of legal age, be careful about which credit card you get. Credit card companies prey on students. You need to read all of the small print, checking grace period, fees, if they report to the credit bureaus, etc. Because you do not have a credit history, most likely, you’ll get a horrible interest rate. Having you mom get a credit card for you does nothing to help build your credit history, but she will probably get a better interest rate than you because she is established.

My suggestion would be to get your own card, but keep the revolving balance low, no more than 35% of the credit available and resist the urge to spend and charge on stuff you do not need. Let a small balance ride for a month or two and pay it off. This way, you will be using the card wisely and will be in a great position (usually within 6 months) to get a better interst rate.

Also, do not go crazy with applying for cards, no more than 3 applications, in the event you are denied the first two times.

Good luck with school and your financial future!