Finance Tips

A recent addition to a college student’s must-haves is a credit card. Along with the cell phone, the credit card is becoming more and more prevalent among young people ages 18-25.

Perhaps it is but natural for credit companies to mine this previously untapped market. More and more products and services are being targeted towards these customers. And the more cool stuff is out there, the more they will want to buy – if not with cash, then on credit.

Unfortunately, the problem with swiping away plastic is just that – students fail to realize that with each swipe they are one step closer to debt, which they may be unable to manage. That is why it is important that the right information on the judicious use of credit cards be made available to students.

That is not say that a credit card per se is a bad thing. In fact, when used wisely, it becomes a smart way for young adults to build their credit history, which they can continue to build on as they becoming self-supporting professionals.

Having a credit card also teaches students financial responsibility – showing them that it is important to live within means. It makes them aware of concepts such as principal, interest, balances and debt. The earlier they get comfortable with these, the better they can cope further on in the future.

On the other hand, young adults can still be prone to financial naiveté particularly when it comes to fine-print terms and conditions. Perhaps in the excitement of being issued their own credit card, they may simply skim over, if not totally forgo, reading the terms and conditions the credit company stipulates over the use of the credit card.

It is possible for someone of that age to be content in knowing that their card offers 0% APR. What they may not be aware of is that the offer is for a limited time only or that if monthly payments aren’t fully paid, a high finance charge will be applied.

Although nearly 80% of college students today own more than two credit cards, it is unfortunate that less than half are able to pay off the monthly balance. This only proves to show how little effort is made to educate students on the right usage of a credit card.

If you’re a student considering getting or already owning a credit card, or if you know someone who does, here are some things to help you get started on learning how to use a credit card wisely and to manage finances in general.

- Consider the nature of your income and how much of it is stable income.
Credit card statements come in monthly. Therefore, you should know how you would get the money to pay for these. Stable income is important because you will be relying on this to make those regular payments. If you don’t have a steady source of income, rethink getting a credit card. Continuing with one in spite the lack of a stable income will run you into debt in no time.

- Observe your credit limit.

Unless you specifically ask for it, a credit company will set the limit for you. To avoid unmanageable debt, your credit limit should be around 25% of your stable monthly income. So even if you’ve topped off your credit, you’ll still be able to pay off the monthly balance. If your credit limit is beyond 25%, call your credit company right away and ask for an adjustment.

- Designate purchases

Credit cards should not be your primary method of payment. It should only be a means to bridge gaps in your cash flow. As early as possible, develop the discipline to limit certain purchases for your card.

For example, it is a practice of some to charge important things such as rent and utilities to a credit card. The rationale for which is that even if the cash income is delayed, payments for the essentials will not. However, the idea is that the balance will be fully paid off by month’s end.

These tips should get you started as you build a good credit history. You may start out small now, but as you learn good financial management early on, in the future, handling bigger things will hopefully be easier.

Once a young person enters college, there’s a whole range of new responsibilities that have to be faced. One of the most important is the art of managing often limited finances. Student credit cards are specialty cards offered to initiate young people in the use of credit. No income? No credit record? No problem! The only qualifying factor is that they an enrolled student at a four-year university.

Anyone, including high school students, can apply for one of these credit cards, but they’re generally meant for college students. Although these cards may be easy to get, they typically charge heftier fees and interest rates, and smaller credit limits.

Young adults generally have no established credit history. Young people with limited experience and no established credit history are often frowned upon by credit card companies. However, those who are attending college with their focus on the future demonstrate a degree of maturity and responsibility that gives companies a bit of assurance that they will be able and willing to take care of their debts. Also, parents are often willing to come to the rescue to pay the bill, especially if they’ve co-signed for the credit card.

Two Types of Credit Cards

Secured Credit Cards – The student will be spending money that has been deposited in a bank account in advance. With this type of card there is no risk of accumulating long-term debt or interest. Cards are also available that allow parents to link a student’s card to their personal account, or let them keep refilling the teen’s or student’s accounts as they go along. It will cost an enrollment or annual fee and additional fees each time money is added to the card.

Unsecured Credit Cards – This is a traditional credit card that is an actual loan from the bank. No advance deposit of funds is required. Interest is applied to the balance carried from month to month and is often substantially higher than other credit cards. This type of card is much harder to get approval than a secured credit card.

Details of the Best Offers for Students

• The lowest APR card will help when a balance must be carried from one month to the next. An interest rate in the mid-teens is reasonable for students.
• A long grace period will allow for a longer period of time before you have to pay interest.


• Look for a ‘no annual fee’ offer.

• Employed students are more likely to be approved, as it shows responsible behavior.
• Be truthful on your application. It will increase the probability of getting the best rates, as the company will verify all the information on your application.
• Online account access is a plus to easily keep track of balances and payments.

Using Student Credit Cards Wisely

Begin with a budget that can be easily managed each month and stick with it. Even though new credit card consumers are typically offered a limit of $500 to $1,000, limit yourself to what you can repay each month. Safer than cash, use your credit card to purchase student necessities.

Student credit cards that include rewards are available through major issuers like Citibank and Chase who has partnered with retailers like Starbucks, Amazon, and the Gap. Be careful that the rewards don’t entice you to spend outside your budget just to earn the reward.

If you are a parent sending your child off to college, or a college student yourself then you will probably be thinking about securing finances. It is important that you protect yourself from making any huge mistakes, yet also learn the skills you will need in the future. This is why college students credit cards are a great idea for any student.

You may be worried that getting a student credit card as you might just rack up debt from day one. However, these type of cards are actually used as a great learning tool alongside a few emergency funds should they need them. Most student cards will have 0% interest for a set period of time, giving you the time and flexibility you will need while studying. This means you will have much less chance of getting lost in debt.

Having a credit card is a good learning tool to help you to spend responsibly. With a little budgeting, you can ensure that you make their payments regularly and start building that credit history that will be so important once you leave college. Unfortunately this kind of credit history is almost essential nowadays, so it is a great idea to start to build it up early in life.

There are a number of offers out there, so it’s important to research to find one that will benefit you the most. Some college students credit cards will come with free gifts and other great features, but you should not be swayed by the promotions and choose the one that ultimately offers the most long-term benefit.

Like any situation, there are pros and cons to whether or not college students should have credit cards. Bear in mind that, like anything major, everything depends, first and foremost, on whether or not the student is financially mature and responsible.

Statistically, about 76% of college students have at least one credit card; many have more than one. One of the major pros to having one is the fact that, if used responsibly, they can help young adults build credit. After college, having credit is very important, as it helps one get a car, a house, and other forms of credit. So, not having the credit that is accumulated by a credit card can be crippling.

Of course, there are two sides to every coin. If the student is irresponsible with the credit card, It could lead to high debt and a poor credit score.

Despite this, credit cards also have many more pros. They guarantee protection in purchases, enable online purchasing, and guarantee relief in times of emergency. Knowing this, any parent can feel secure that their child is well looked-after.

Credit irresponsibility can also be addressed. If you, as the parent, don’t believe that your child is responsible enough to handle a credit card, all you have to do is explain everything about credit and credit cards to them before they leave for college. You can explain to them how they will need good credit after college, and how to maintain that good credit through responsible credit card use. Explain to them where the money for credit cards comes from, and how to avoid identity theft, and how to use it responsibly and maturely.

Though the cons may be serious to owning a credit card, they can be turned into pros, as parents influence their children to credit card responsibility.