What Every College Student Needs to Know About Credit Cards

students credit card

During my student life i use to talk around about how to manage finances and don’t spend too much. First thing i hear used to be Do not get credit cards. Well as you all students will agree with me that its not possible at all. And yes whatever you do but end of day you have to deal with credit cards.

However, with credit card stuff one can avoid notorious credit card debts and walk out from student life without getting into much trouble. Here are some tips and videos i am going to share with you guys. And also a video of point of view that Students should not have credit cards.

Also read our other article about keeping student life a fun time not only during studying but also keeping yourself from big debts at end of your student life.

First here are some credit card tips for college students

1 – Manage Credit Score
If you have a large balance that is maintained by only making the minimum payment, you’ll be considered a “credit risk” and your credit score will go down. This affects buying a car (higher financing rates) and even insuring your car (higher financial risk = higher payments). Keep this in mind if you are racking up big bills without the cash to quickly pay them back.

2 – Don’t Carry a Balance
When possible, avoid carrying a balance. As stated above, it’ll keep your credit score lower than average and will also increase the amount of money you ultimately have to pay.

3 – Watch Your Interest Rate
The higher this is, the more your balance will increase each month. If you can begin with a 0% rate or transfer to a credit card that will offer a similar low rate, it is certainly recommended. Just be careful of what that low rate becomes, once the initial offer vanishes.

4 – Consider Rewards Cards
For those who do pay their bills, it’s worth looking into cards that provide cash back, miles, hotel points, or a similar bonus for using your credit card on a regular basis. Just be wary of annual fees, as they can offset any bonuses you may earn.

5 – Prepaid Cards Aren’t Ideal
If you think you’ll have a lot of difficulty paying off your balance, a prepaid card provides you with plastic, similar to a gift card you may get at a retail store. However, it doesn’t improve your credit, it won’t do much for you in emergencies, and there are very rarely options for rewards.

6 – Always Carry Some Cash
Studies have shown that consumers spend less when they are using cash instead of plastic. So, you may wish to leave your Visa at home when you hit the mall.

7 – Debit Cards Aren’t Always Best
The nice part about debit cards is that there is no balance, and your money is pulled directly from your bank account. The negatives are that it doesn’t allow you to improve your credit and if it gets stolen, thieves have direct access to your money – even though card companies say there is no liability.

8 – Use the telephone
Getting hit hard by your APR? Give your card company a ring and ask them if they can lower your rate. Have to make a late payment? Clear it with your card so you won’t incur late fees. Card companies want to keep you as customers and are more than willing to do favors for you, periodically. In turn, they hope that you slowly (but surely) keep your balances with them.

CREDIT CARD TIPS FOR STUDENTS – [VIDEO]

WHAT EVERY COLLEGE STUDENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT CREDIT CARDS – [VIDEO]

SHOULD COLLEGE STUDENTS HAVE CREDIT CARDS?

  1. Anonymous
    April 28th, 2010 at 06:45
    #1
  2. agen bola
    August 31st, 2011 at 03:20
    Reply | Quote | #2

    if they parent give some credit card they will go shopping not go to campus