College students are exposed to many new experiences, such as the wonderful ** realm of financial responsibility. As a student, you will probably need extra money to help pay for a number of your expenses. You may also maintain the market for a new car or perhaps a better apartment as you become older - but if you don't possess a lot of money saved you are going to require a good credit history and adequate income to qualify for student credit cards.
Opening credit cards may be the first step in building your credit report, there are many options available while you are in college. Student credit cards not just **ist you within the short-term with extra cash, but they also have the possibility to spread out more financial opportunities in the future. Prior to applying for every card out there, it is important you understand all the benefits and potential consequences of opening your first account as a student.
**ess Your Situation
You might want a credit card, but could you really afford one? As the money you utilize on cards allows you to make purchases even though you don't have the money on hand, you spend it back with interest. Not having a stable income could make this method difficult. Plus, under the Credit CARD Act of 2009, the bank needs to verify income information for applicants younger than 21. This means that you must have some form of steady income that doesn't include parental support. If you don't have a part-time job yet, you may need your parents to co-sign on the card for you personally.
Available Offers
There are numerous student credit cards available, which means you must take your time and effort to choose the best ones. Although some cards offer student-friendly awards tailored for your school, these may also carry higher interest rates. Your best bet would be to select a card having a relatively low interest rate and no annual fee. If you can't get a low APR, try to pay the card entirely each month to avoid interest fees. Keeping your card purchases low enough to pay for in full every month is ideal for avoiding long-term debt that can cause serious financial problems when you graduate, too.
Exercise Good Credit Habits
Credit can be helpful in college, but cards can adversely impact your credit rating if you don't use them responsibly. Many students find themselves in Catch-22 situations because they do not have credit history to apply for the very best cards, however they still need to build their scores to be able to qualify for financing from any source. One way to accomplish this is by making timely payments on one card at a time. It can take a few years to determine a decent FICO score, only a couple of months to wreck it. Always pay your bills on time and phone the lender if you are in need of an extension to make your payment.
student credit cards
Beyond College
Graduation includes much more exciting changes. If you have maintained a good credit history during college, you will probably find more financial opportunities after you gain your diploma. These may include obtaining a new car, buying a house or going on a well-deserved vacation. Like a student you know that nothing ever comes easy, and good credit isn't any exception. Establish credit responsibility in early stages so the good habits will stick to you for life.