How Students Can Manage Their Student Credit Cards

First Credit Card

Surveys prove that many college students graduate with unpaid debts on their student loans which can amount to $20,000. Those who are still in college are faced with credit card debts amounting to $7,000 or even more. Even worse, there are many at a young age of 15-25 have already filed for bankruptcy. If you’re a student who owns student credit card, these staggering surveys should definitely concern you. What can you do to avoid falling victim of bad credit?

Here are some valuable tips you can in your personal life as a student to help you manage your finances wisely.

Make a Commitment

Bad credit usually results from splurging or uncontrolled spending. In order to avoid paying for unreasonably high balances, as a student you should have the will to restrain yourself from spending on things that are not really necessary. Every time you plan on buying, ask yourself, “do I really need this or do I just want it?” If you know that you can get by without making that purchase then, have the will to back out.

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Teaching Students about Credit Security

A lot of college students are excited about acquiring their first credit cards. Despite the ease and convenience that credit card brings, it is very important to learn how to handle a credit card for students properly. Reports show that a lot of college students graduate with unpaid debts on their account. They have used their student credit cards without control and have put themselves in a difficult situation.

Credit Card Companies Pursue Students

It is interesting to note that some financial experts believe that credit card companies view students as a very lucrative market. Students have the tendency to spend more not only for their school necessities but for other things as well.

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Credit Cards and High School Students

Credit Cards and High School Students

The Federal law doesn't provide any restrictions about issuing credit cards to minors. In fact, credit card companies consider teen-agers as a very profitable market. Most credit card companies often require a co-signer when a minor applies credit cards for students. When a teen-ager reaches the age of 18, he has the right to sign-up for a credit ca on his name even without a cosigner.

Are Student Credit Cards an Advantage?

Some parents feel that providing their kids with credit cards while they are still in high school help them learn about money early in life. With proper guidance and support, obtaining a student credit card can help young people learn about how to handle their finances properly.

A student credit card is a great way in establishing a credit history in preparation for their future. Some credit card companies refuse to grant credit card approval for those without a credit history. But with the help of a parent as a co-signer, it will be much easier to get a credit card.

Or a Disadvantage?

On the other hand, a young person with a student credit card can also get into trouble. The convenience that a student credit card can bring may lead to uncontrolled spending. With just one swipe of the card, they can purchase an item easily at any time. Eating out in restaurants with friends is also just as convenient. They can easily do so without bringing with them any cash.

The problem comes when it's time to pay the bills. At the end of the month, their billing statement may reveal that they have spent more than their alloted monthly budget. It is also a possibility that a student who does not think about his spending for the past month has already exceeded his allotted credit limit.

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Avoid Student Credit Card Debt

First Credit Card

Students are prone to acquiring credit card debt. Why? Because most young people do not know or are not paying attention on how to handle their credit cards correctly. Here are some practical advice on the proper use of student credit cards and how to avoid credit card debt.

It’s Just a Marketing Strategy

Be aware that credit card companies are experts when it comes to marketing their business. They spend millions of dollars in using different marketing strategies to get your attention, to grab your interest and move you to sign up with their company. Credit card companies may give away freebies, offer instant approval, and other promotional tactics which can be very hard to resist. Don’t be too naive in applying for a credit card just so you can get a free coffee mug or t-shirt. Remember, there’s more to it than just the freebie.

Don’t Settle for High Rates

There are so many different credit card companies that are competing in the market today that students don’t have to settle for a credit card with unsatisfactory features. Some credit card companies charge high rates for students because they haven’t yet established their own credit. However, there are still other credit card issuers who offer reasonable rates even for students like you. Don’t rush in signing up that application as if there’s no tomorrow. Take your time in choosing the right student credit card with the most reasonable rates. Compare the rates and features that each credit card provides. Only then can you be sure that you’ve chosen the right one.

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Why do credit card companies target College Students

Many credit card companies see the marketing potential in college students. Credit card companies use promotional offers and free gifts like t-shirts, coffee mugs, or CDs to entice students on signing up for their company.

Have you ever asked why? Loyalty is a good reason. Credit card companies are competing to be the first credit card that the student will own. By being their first credit card, it is very likely that even when they graduate from college and enter the corporate world, students will be upgrading their credit cards with the same credit card company.

Students are Big Spenders

Aside from this, college students are great spenders. Let’s face it, credit card companies love customers who spend much using their credit cards. The more a person uses his credit card, the better it is for the business. And students are usually prone to over spending or using their credit cards excessively not just for their school necessities but on luxuries as well.

Despite the fact that college students are still in school and most do not have stable jobs to finance them, credit card companies are still doing everything to encourage these students on obtaining a student credit cards. Furthermore, credit card companies are encouraging students to use their credit cards as often as they can.

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Student Credit Card Mistakes

Students are prone to get caught in credit card debt. Let’s take a closer look at the following mistakes that students make with their student credit cards.

Signing up for the first student credit card offer
As you enter college, you might receive a lot of credit card offers from different credit card issuers.

If you’re not going to think about it carefully, you might just sign up for the first offer that you think sounds good enough for a credit card. It’s easy to get one enticed by a credit card offer. Most credit card companies make a lot of exciting promotions that may be hard to resist. However, if you’ll read the complete terms and conditions, you might be surprised to see that there are certain charges that are higher than expected.

To Sign or Not to Sign

To avoid signing up for the wrong credit card offer, don’t just read the best features of the credit card. Take the time to read the terms and conditions which can be found in the credit card’s website. This way, you’ll get to know about all the rates and charges that come with your credit card. Check out websites that give credit card reviews on different credit cards for students. These websites compile all possible student credit cards in the market, along with their main features in just one page. This will help you see what choices you have and compare them.

In addition, since this is your first time applying for a credit card, it will be better if you seek advice from your family or relatives who may know more about credit cards than you do. Better, you may seek assistance from a financial consultant who can give you an objective and informed opinion about the best student credit card.

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Credit Cards and Students

If you are a student thinking about applying for a credit card, you are preparing to establish a credit record of your own. It is a good idea to start early. Whether in high school with a debit visa or mastercard that reports to the credit bureaus, or college, since a credit card will be essential once you’ve graduated. Setting up a respectable credit history is a good foundation which can help you tremendously later in life. Aside from banks, companies, landlords, and firms generally judge your credentials based on your credit rating.

What to look for in a good student credit card

It is important though to choose the right credit card that will work best for you. Do your research. Study everything the credit card offers. Consider how much the annual fees are, APR (annual interest rates), and penalty fees if you fail to pay your bill in time. Make sure that the credit card provides a grace period or else the interest you will be immediately charge right after you made the purchase. Be careful about signing up for a credit card just because of great introductory rate being offered. Make sure that this introductory period lasts long and not just catch to lure customers. Why not consider credit cards by credit unions accessible from the campus. They usually have practicable rates and fees.

Once you’ve decided on the best student credit card for you, your main goal is to be able to pay off your balances timely and avoid any interest build-up. Below are good recommendations to practice to help you stay out of debt:

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