Consider Student Card Choices Carefully

Answer 1

College students are regularly courted by credit card companies who hope to gain loyal customers. Credit card companies also know that college students spend money - in restaurants, movie theaters, at malls, and for living expenses. Targeting college students almost guarantees the credit card companies that issued cards will be used. Having a student card helps some students get through the college years simply because they can charge whatever they can't afford to pay for with cash.

Some credit cards are specifically designed for college students. However, the best ones require that the student has a good credit rating. Some of these credit cards offer generous reward programs and low interest rates. However, some of the interest rates are low introductory rates that climb significantly once the introductory period is over. Students should read all of the fine print before obtaining a credit card to ensure that they understand all of the terms and conditions.

Many of the student cards have generous cash back programs. Not only can students earn cash back on everyday purchases like gas and groceries, but some cards offer the reward for money spent on utilities and Cable Television. Students who pay off the balance each month can earn significant rewards by charging virtually everything. However, this method of earning rewards requires a high level of self-discipline.

Not all college students are able to qualify for credit on their own. Sometimes, parents issue students cards with low credit limits. Some parents even pay the credit card bills; others let the student use the card with the understanding that he or she pays the monthly bill.

Some students have gotten into financial trouble using credit cards in college, thinking they were going to earn much more money than they did. Thinking they would pay off the card once they graduated and obtained their dream jobs, some college students ran up extremely high credit card bills. Unfortunately, they did not earn the amount they thought they would earn immediately after graduation. Many of these students now advise other college students to curtail spending, especially when using credit cards.

Students have an excellent opportunity to build a good credit record by using student cards that the credit card companies are anxious to issue. However, just like anyone else who uses a credit card, students need to be careful and exercise good judgment and self-discipline.