What college students should know about credit cards

The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 placed limits on the ability of those under 21 to get a credit card. It also set strict limits on card companies' ability to market to college students. However, whether they get a credit card now or later, it's a good idea for young adults to learn good credit habits early. The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants recommends these tips for avoiding credit pitfalls.

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When students spend a little more money than they have, they end up carrying an outstanding balance. And the credit card companies charge interest on that balance, over and over again, every month. In fact, they even charge interest on the outstanding interest payments students haven't paid off yet. That means that the pizza a student charged sophomore year could cost a couple of hundred dollars in interest over time if it wasn't paid off along with the rest of the full balance each month. At most schools, students or their parents can deposit money in a spending account and the student can then use the school spending card at a wide variety of stores or restaurants. It's an easy option that does not involve spending money they don't have or incurring interest charges, and probably a better choice than a credit card for most college students. Read More

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