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For many students who are living away from home at college, it is a new experience for them. One of the things that they quickly notice is that very few things are free. Instead of calling home every other day to ask their parents for more money, there are many advantages to getting a college student credit card. But there are many disadvantages also, which need to be carefully watched.

One big advantage is that the student, with responsible use of the student credit card and on time payments every month, is going to establish a good credit history and a good credit report. Many students don’t even worry about establishing a credit history until they are out of college, but many say that getting your credit established while you are still in college can be a major advantage, since after graduation the student is going to be looking for housing, a job, maybe a car, and much more.

But since money management is not something that most parents teach their kids these days, there are many things that a first-time credit card owner like a college student is going to want to watch carefully to avoid getting into trouble with it.

Keep an eye on your balance and do not go over your credit limit. The student credit card cannot be viewed as “free money” but rather something that needs to be repaid, and that credit limit can be uncomfortably close to your outstanding balance if you are not watching it. In addition to the high rates of interest that you will be paying on a student credit card, there are additional fees assessed if you go over your credit limit. And if you are close to your credit limit, be aware that the interest charges on your outstanding balance can take you over your credit limit.

Use the student credit card responsibly and only for necessities. Note that a “necessity” is not defined as providing the money for the kegger at the frat house next weekend. While it is a nice feeling to have the power to purchase something based on a piece of plastic that you whip out of your wallet or purse, it is equally embarrassing to have your credit card declined because you missed payments or are over your credit limit.

The single best thing you can do to get on the good side with the issuer of your student credit card is to pay your bill on time each month. Pay more than the minimum payment, because paying only the minimum payment will barely reduce the principal balance and you will be paying a ton of money in interest charges. Paying on time each month will establish you as a good credit risk on your credit report, which will put you in a good position with good credit established after you graduate.

But the flip side is also real if you miss payments and exceed your credit limit, it is going to take many months to straighten out your credit report so that you can once again be considered a good credit risk. Credit card companies have a memory like an elephant, and two or three months of on time payments does not make them forget about the missed payment four months ago. Responsible use of credit while you are in college can go a long ways towards preparing you for life after graduation.

For more insights and information about a College Student Credit Card please visit our web site at http://www.student-credit-card-resources.com

Author: Jon Arnold
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A student credit card is a highly valuable and helpful commodity, and there is a surprising amount of choice available. If you’re looking at obtaining a credit card aimed at students then it will be important to be aware of exactly what is on offer, the advantages and opportunities available, as well as being very aware of your own obligations.

What you will often find is that many student credit card facilities are part of package deals which include a comprehensive set of financial solutions for students, including an appropriate bank account, an overdraft facility, debit cards and online banking solutions.

Being a student can be an expensive experience, and very often the books and resources you need are very costly. If you need a set of books for a forthcoming project or course then it’s often simply not possible to delay buying them until you have the money. Being able to purchase the resources you need when you need them, delaying the cost for a while, can be an essential way of ensuring you have the information you need to do well in your studies.

No one’s studies should suffer as a result of not having the available funds to purchase the books and equipment needed when they are needed. From expensive textbooks to train fares, and even laptops and computers, the resources that students generally require cost money.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that a student credit card is not free money, and that whatever you spend using the card will have to be paid back. It may be that you have a certain amount of income, and are happy to pay the balance off over time, but if you are in any doubt about how you will pay for the items, then it’s wise to pay close attention to the interest rates.

If you don’t manage to clear the balance within the interest free period, typically 56 days, then you will probably find that a credit card aimed at students will have a much higher rate of interest than a standard credit card. If you don’t manage to pay off the balance then you could see the amount due in interest rising steadily over the weeks and months until it becomes a very poor way of financing your education.

The other aspect to pay attention to is the matter of fees. Most student cards are free to open, but there are some which charge fees. There are also likely to be fees for not paying off the minimum amount each month, or paying late. You will also probably find that withdrawing cash incurs a fee, and the amount of cash withdrawn is charged at a much higher interest rate than the standard rate until you pay it back.

The good thing is that most student credit card providers have a fixed credit limit of about $1,000, which means that the total amount owing is not too unreasonable, given the typical student income and amount you’re likely to be earning once you qualify.

But being able to keep your card in good order will do you a great deal of good as far as your credit record is concerned. Most students have little or no credit history, and your student card may well be the first form of credit you have had. Once you graduate and obtain a job you may then want to look at getting a standard, more comprehensive credit card, bank account or loan, but if your credit history is either poor or nonexistent then you could find yourself unable to obtain the credit you need.

A student credit card can provide you with a good opportunity to create positive data entries on your credit file so that by the time you leave education and look to expand your credit allowance you can demonstrate a good record.

Another aspect of student credit cards to be aware of relates to extras, bonuses and incentives. A significant number of card providers offer these, with anything from cash back incentives to money off coupons and discounts in certain shops or for certain websites. Whilst being able to qualify for a 5% discount at your favourite music store might seem a good idea, it will be worth considering whether a 1% cash back offer might not prove to be more valuable over time.

Another form of incentive might include free travel insurance or some other form of insurance that could prove to be extremely useful and valuable extras that make a student credit card prove to be a valuable resource to help you succeed in your studies.

For more information on credit cards for students and more, go to MyCreditCard.com where you can compare student credit cards and other credit card offers and applications from major banks and issuers.

Author: Margaret Winfrey
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Believe it or not, there are a lot of college student credit card offers that are available out there. Choosing which is the college student credit card that best fits you is the part that seems a bit more complicated. Hopefully, the following college student credit card offers will help you decide.

College student credit card Citi Platinum Dividend

This particular college student credit card offer allows one to have a zero percent APR for purchases made within six months. Also allowed in this card are balance transfers as well as cash advance. Take note though that this applies only if you do not in any way default to the credit card agreement.

Also, this college student credit card allows you to earn a cash back of 2% on any purchases made at gas stations, supermarkets, convenience stores and other utilities. Meanwhile, another one percent of cash back is also earned for any purchases other than the ones indicated above.

Believe it or not, this credit card for college students is a good opportunity for you to be able to build your own history credit. Take note that there is no required annual fee. Also, a good credit standing is needed to be able to avail one.

College student offer Discover Tropical Student Beach credit card

What is the purpose of working and studying for the whole semester if you will not be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Also, relaxing allows you to save up all your energy to work and study come school day.

Thanks to this college student credit card offer, the Discover Tropical Student credit card requires zero annual fee as well as zero percent APR on any purchases within six months. Believe it or not, there is also a zero dollar liability fraud guarantee. This college student credit card offer is also manageable online. There is also a bonus cash back of five percent to those consumer categories that are popular and those which change every year such as restaurants, gas stations, clothing stores, among others.

Also, an additional one percent cash back also applies on any purchases immediately. Again, one needs to have or establish good standing on his credit in order to apply.

College Student Universal Mastercard offer

This particular college student credit card is specifically designed for those who are enrolled at a university or college for an accredited time of four years. This college student credit card offers a zero percent on its introduction rate within six months on any purchases as well as balance transfers.

Also, you need not pay for an annual fee for this card. Believe it or not, once you apply for this college student credit card, you immediately receive free two tickets for a movie thru your first ever credit card purchase.

Every purchase entitles you to a point reward which could then be redeemed for free DVDs, CDs, tickets for movies, among others.

Balance transfers are allowed for this college student credit card. Again, one needs to have a good standing on his credit to be able to apply.

All in all, there are a lot of college student credit card offers available for your selection. The important thing is choosing the one that best fits your lifestyle, needs, preferences and budget. Make sure to know what your wants are and go from there. Always choose wisely.

Mario Churchill has written many articles about the benefits of business and college student credit card offers and runs a website on locating the best credit card offers for your lifestyle.

Author: Mario JP Churchill
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Are you taking your student credit card debt lightly? The following points show how seriously it can damage your student life. Take a look and get serious about that student credit card debt.

Credit card debt affects the studies seriously. Lack of concentration, focusing on excessive debts can lead to lower scores and GPA.

Lack of proper attention to studies, lower GPA’s, increased debt pressure can all lead to a point where student drops out from the college.

A high credit card debt can force a student to take up a part time or regular job, which often has a degrading effect on studies.

Though the student credit card is designed to give a good beginning to a person’s credit history but, excessive debt can cause a serious dent to credit score this factor alone can cause serious problems for students.

Due to a bad credit score which is the result of credit card debt, a student can face difficulties in finding apartments for rent.

Same factor can make insurance rates higher or unaffordable for students, because insurance companies find it risky to insure people with poor credit.

Getting a job also becomes difficult when a credit card debt causes poor credit history. The employer also shy away from people with poor financial skills and money management.

Huge amount of credit card debt in college can cause sore relationships. The reason could be lack of money, lack of proper financial management, or simply not being able to buy enough presents to your girlfriend.

Mental peace runs out of luck with huge financial burden hanging on your head, constantly nagging you 24/7.

Last but not the least, huge credit card debts have propelled students into anti social activities and trying out fraudulent means to get rich quick and payout their credit card debt.

These points should ring the alarm bells for any student. Credit cards are not for indulgence, they are there to provide monetary support during emergencies and difficult situations, and should be treated as such.

Duran Mueller an expert author and credit card consultant, provides great American express credit card tips. Read more student credit card articles at his credit card website.

Author: Duran Mueller
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If you are a college student, whether in your first year or getting ready to graduate, one thing you need to start thinking about is your finances. When you get out on your own, your credit is going to be a very important thing. Your credit can influence your job, getting insurance, finding a place to live, and the ability to get credit and loans. Even though you are still in college, it is important that you begin to think about how you can build up a good credit record. One of the best ways to start building up good credit is to go ahead and get a student credit card.

Unsecured vs. Secured

There are two types of student credit cards that you can get. One type is a secured card, which means that you actually have to put money down on the card before you can use it. Then you will have a credit limit of the amount of money you paid the company. An unsecured student credit card does not require that you pay any money up front. You will receive a credit limit, which usually starts out between $300-500, and when you make any purchases with the card you will have to make monthly payments on your credit card.

With an unsecured student credit card, you can usually request a credit limit increase after 6 to 12 months of timely payments of at least the minimum due or more.

Benefits of a Student Credit Card

There are a variety of great benefits to having a student credit card. First of all, it gives you the opportunity to start building up real credit before you are out there totally on your own. It is also very easy to get a student credit card as well. Most companies view college students as a great group to give credit cards too, since they know most parents will help their kids out with paying the bills. A credit card for college students also provides you with the opportunity to learn how to budget your money and handle your finances as well.

Cautions When Using a Student Credit Card

A student credit card is great for building up your credit; however, it is important that you only use it in a responsible manner. You will need to make sure that you never go over your credit limit; in fact, you should really try to stay below 50% of your credit limit if possible, since this will give you the greatest benefit in your credit score with the credit bureaus. Also, make sure that you always pay off your credit card bill on time. If you make a late payment, that will go down as a negative mark on your credit report. Whenever you can, it is also great to pay off purchases every month, which will raise your credit score and also help you make sure that you avoid getting any finance charges.

For students who are trying to get started early on achieving good credit, a student credit card is a great option. Why not check out the student credit options that are available to you and see how you can begin improving your financial future.

For more insights and additional information and cautions about getting a Student Credit Card please visit our web site at http://www.student-credit-card-resources.com

Author: Jon Arnold
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Choosing the best student credit card certainly doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Sure, there are a few things every applicant should keep in mind, but most of the credit card offers made available to college students these days are pretty decent. So how do you choose the best student credit card?

It’s not all About Free T-Shirts!

If you take one thing away from reading this article, please make it this piece of advice – don’t choose a student credit card solely on fact that they’re giving away a free t-shirt or other trinket to those that sign up. That’s a really major “gotcha” right there. The key to choosing the best student credit card is actually comparing several good deals side by side in order to make the most educated decision on what is best for you and your finances. Signing up for any old card because of a silly freebee just won’t do.

Investigate the Interest Rate.

Hopefully, you’ll be able to pay off the balance in full every month on your new student credit card. If this is the case, you’ll never need to even worry about the interest rate. But in the real world, the notion of never carrying a balance is sort of unrealistic. Average student cards frequently come with high APR’s in the 20 percent plus range – that’s a real ouch factor. If you expect to carry a balance from time to time, know the best student credit cards will beat that interest rate substantially.

Rewards are a Great Bonus.

As long as you’re swiping that credit card, you might as well get some payback for it, right? Well that’s exactly what you can expect with the best student credit cards – those that offer rewards programs. Look for rewards that best suit your own needs. Common credit card rewards give you a percentage of each and every purchase back in the form of cash, airline miles, gas rebates, or other desirable merchandise. Those rewards really add up fast for typical students who purchase college books and pay for other school related expenses with their student rewards credit card.

Avoid the Annual Fee.

Charging annual fees is a fairly common practice for credit cards geared towards students. If you’re getting good rewards and a decent interest rate, there’s not much shame in paying a minimal annual fee (such as $20 per year). But do read the fine print first and avoid cards that charge excessive annual fees just to be a cardholder. You can do better. Credit card companies are always looking to attract lifelong customers from the student demographic group. The very best student credit cards appreciate this fact and will have no annual fee at all.

So rest assured, you’ll find the perfect card to fit all of your needs in little or no time at all. Just do the research and card comparisons and you’ll be well on your way to choosing the best student credit card possible!

Find the best student credit card application online at CollegeStudentCreditCards.net Also earn free flights with the best frequent flyer credit card or get free gas with a gas reward credit card.

Author: S. Stadler
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If college students could have one wish it might be to receive a good college education without having to spend the next twenty years paying off massive student loans and college student credit card debt.

“Genie, grant me my wish.” Poof. What college student credit card debt?

Dear Aladdin wannabe’s, if only it were that easy! The truth is you can earn a great college education with less college student credit card debt. It takes a little money management savvy and an increasingly un-American concept called self-control.

“There are more money issues for today’s students than in any other generation before them,” says Todd Romer, executive director of Young Money Magazine.

From the rising cost of colleges to luxuries like cell phones and high-end dining establishments that are popping up all around college campuses, you may find yourself graduating into college student credit card debt hell by the time you’re twenty-two years old. And all you truly wanted was a debt-free college education!

If you’re looking to stress less about money and be proactive about college student credit card debt, give the following tips a try:

1. Use credit cards sparingly.

The average credit card debt owed by college students is about $2,700, with close to a quarter of students owing more than $3,000. About 10 percent owed more than $7,000! That’s not even including student loans.

“Getting a credit card is not a bad idea,” says Romer. According to a recent study of student loan applicants conducted by Nellie Mae, a leading provider of higher education loans, 78 percent of all college students today have at least one credit card. That being said, Romer advises that college students keep your credit card in the deepest part of your wallet to use for emergencies and/or large purchases that you know you will pay back within thirty days.

Have a tendency to use credit cards as, say, gift cards? Romer suggests that college students call their credit card company and ask them to put a $500 max on the card. Also have them not change the limit until you are the one who communicates to them that you want to increase your credit limit. “Until you become more responsible, and that just evolves over time, have a third-party reign in on your spending,” adds Romer.

But how can you earn a college education minus college student credit card debt when some colleges and universities form multi-million dollar partnerships with credit issuers and give them the go ahead to solicit students right on campus? “If you see a Bank One credit card table showing up at your school in the student union once a week, just realize that you don’t have to participate in the promotion on campus,” says Romer. “Treat it like anything else you’re going to be tempted with in this world. Be smart about what you get involved with.”

2. Start a budget (ahem) weekly spending plan.

Yeah, a weekly spending plan is a sneaky euphemism for a budget, but c’mon, we have to make it sound a little more appealing to you college students. “In terms of taking charge of your finances, it really starts with knowing what you truly make,” says Romer. “Look at it as a weekly spending plan to help you earn a college education and reduce the stress of college student credit card debt.”

Romer adds that while more college students are working part-time or full-time than ever before, many still find that they’re spending more than they’re earning. “If you monitor your weekly spending plan about twice a week, you should be good to go,” he adds.

3. Be smart about college student loan debt.

“When it comes to your student loan, look at it as the most positive loan you could ever have and try not to stress too much about having to pay it back because you’re investing in your college education,” says Romer. That being said, you can escape graduating with student loan and college student credit card debt as high as our parents’ mortgages. For one thing, don’t be swayed by the hype about how everyone’s attending a name brand college and racking up student loan debt so — therefore — you might as well, too.

An article on CollegeBoard.com reveals that for the 2006/2007 school year, about 65 percent of students enrolled at four-year colleges or universities attend institutions that charge tuition and fees of less than $9,000 per year and fifty-six percent of students shell out yearly tuition and fees between $3,000 and $6,000. Moreover, while private four-year institutions have a much wider range of tuition and fee charges, College Board reported that only about 5 percent of all students attend colleges with tuition and fees totaling $33,000 or higher per year.

If your life long dream has been to earn a college education from a name brand college and you have your heart set on it, go for it! Romer suggests that you scrap for every type of scholarship and financial aid available though to avoid a college student credit card debt nightmare.

However, if you think that a name brand college is the only way to ensure future success and earning power you’re mistaken. “If you have a four-year degree, how you end up carrying yourself in an interview is much more important than whether you graduated from an ivy or a state school,” says Romer.

4. Think hard about graduate school.

Some new grads who aren’t yet ready for the working world decide to go to grad school immediately after college. While there are right reasons to go to grad school immediately after earning a college education, if you’re doing it for the wrong reasons, it’s a huge financial sacrifice, not to mention the years you’re missing out on gaining work experience.

“Gaining work experience is very important and you always have the opportunity to go back to grad school,” says Romer. “A lot of times, the company that you are employed by has the ability to pay half, if not all of your grad school expenses.”

If you have a concrete plan for grad school and where it will take you, it might not be a bad idea to go straight to grad school. If you’re just going because you don’t know what you want to do with your life, Romer advises that you gain a little work experience first. Explore careers and start to pay down some of your college student credit card debt. “Going to grad school without a concrete plan is going to be a financial negative on you because you’re not guaranteed that you can make a salary to help you pay back those loans relatively quickly,” he adds.

According to FinAid.org, a financial aid resource, the average graduate student borrows $37,000 in student loans – $42,000 if you count undergraduate debt.

5. Invest, invest, invest.

“Establishing a weekly spending plan in college and learning how to invest raises students’ confidence in their ability to take charge over their finances after they graduate,” says Romer.

“But I’m a broke college student already in credit card debt,” you might protest. “I don’t have money to invest.” Romer says just $25 to $50 a month will do to start. “Commit to learning how to invest because of the power of time and the power of compound interest,” he says. Romer adds that another benefit of college students investing while they’re still earning a college education is how it actually changes your spending behavior in other areas of your life.

“Once college students see that their money is beginning to work for them they might look at how they’re spending money on things like clothing. They might say, ‘Maybe I don’t need that $80 pair of shoes.’ They look at their account and see it’s growing and want to be able to add more to it.”

Maria Pascucci is the President of Campus Calm – the award-winning website for today’s stressed-out students, parents and educators. Download your Stress-Less Kit with 4 FREE gifts at (http://www.campuscalm.com).

Author: Maria Pascucci
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The same problem has been going on for many years. A full time college student, or even a part time college student who is finishing degree requirements, is also working. With the pressures of studying, the work may not be full time and probably is only enough to pay a few bills and keep your head above water. But what is happening is that you are studying, you are working, and you are doing NOTHING to prepare yourself for life after you graduate and have your degree in hand.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to get your credit established via a student credit card. This fact is typically not taught in high school, and even many parents do not understand how critically important it is for one to get their credit established as early as possible.

Face it, we live in a credit-driven society, and anyone who does not have credit established is viewed as a second class citizen from a third world country by many establishments. But the danger of trying to establish credit before you are really ready for it and understand how the credit reporting system works could actually do more damage than good, since having BAD credit established is almost worse than having NO credit established. If you do not understand how the credit process works, you will be creating extra work for yourself because now you have TWO tasks — one to establish good credit, and another to clean up the bad credit.

These days, it is generally not a problem for a college student with a part time job and modest income to establish good credit via a student credit card. Stop by your financial aid offer, where you will probably be given multiple brochures for applications. Many of these credit card companies have a student credit card program designed specifically for college students, typically giving a modest credit limit of say $300 or $500. If the college student can demonstrate financial responsibility by paying at least the minimum amount due on or before the due date, consistently, for 6 to 12 months, the card issuer is likely to raise the credit limit.

Do not rely only on brochures available in your college’s financial aid office however. Some credit card companies have been accused of giving kickbacks to college personnel depending on how many students sign up for credit cards, and those cards are sometimes not the best deal that a college student can get, even a college student with no previous credit established.

A second choice, and perhaps also done in conjunction with the credit card above, would be a secured credit card. This is a real credit card with the Visa or MasterCard logo, and it is NOT a debit card but is a real credit card. The difference with a secured card like this is that your credit limit is set by the amount of money you have on deposit with the card issuer. Since there is almost zero risk to the card issuer since they have your deposit, these types of cards are readily available at almost any bank and used correctly, can establish your credit and give you a good credit rating.

One of the keys to realize is that this is not free money. In essence, you are “renting” money, and you are paying for rent via interest. Make sure you make all payments on time with at least the minimum amount due so that you can establish a good credit rating. A good credit rating will pay for itself many times over during your lifetime.

For more information and tips about a Student Credit Cards please visit our web site at http://www.student-credit-card-resources.com

Author: Jon Arnold
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The prospect of putting a student credit card in the hands of your high school or college student son or daughter may be enough to send shivers up your spine or cause you to lose significant amounts of sleep at night. But it does not need to be that way, as long as you are aware of both the benefits and the dangers of a student credit card.

With the rapid pace of extra curricular activities in both high school and college these days, as well as the never ending request for additional things like lab fees, computer fees, locker fees, and more, the benefit of having a student credit card should be obvious. This is particularly true since most students these days have not yet learned to plan ahead, which is evidenced by the probably too frequent breakfast discussions where you hear (for the first time) about this certain fee is that is due TODAY and can you write a check right now.

If your son or daughter had a student credit card, this would eliminate many of these last minute problems. The additional benefit is that you will see the credit card statement every month and be able to see where the charges on the credit card originate and what your student is using the card for.

Look at this as a life experience for your high school or college son or daughter. While they may view the credit card as “free money”, this is your opportunity to let them know in no uncertain terms that there is absolutely nothing “free” about it. In reality, they are simply “renting money” and there is going to be an interest charge associated with that if it is not paid back by the end of the month. This is something that is not taught or at least not stressed nearly enough in today’s world of academics, and it can be your chance to teach your son or daughter about the realities of credit. They will be using credit for the rest of their lives, so if you will view this as a learning experience for them in the PROPER use of their student credit cards, it will be a benefit to both of you.

There are a multitude of companies out there who are willing to give your son or daughter a student credit card. Do not be alarmed at the interest rate, which is probably going to be much higher than the interest rate that you have on your credit cards. Consider that the card issuer is taking a risk on issuing a credit card to them, and that level of risk is directly reflected in the interest rate.

The learning experience comes in when your son or daughter decides to fund dinner for their friends at a restaurant, and then discovers the balance on their credit card at the end of the month is several hundred dollars. You need to make it clear to them that this is THEIR responsibility, so they may need to cut the grass more often, get some extra babysitting time in, work more hours at that part time job, or whatever. This is going to be hard for you, since you will want to rescue them from the phone calls and nasty letters from the card issuer, but don’t do it. This is part of the learning experience, and if they don’t want those calls or letters, then they need to use the student credit card wisely, and plan ahead for how they will pay the balance at the end of the month.

The benefits are great, since this is a life experience lesson that will last them the rest of their lives, and with responsible usage of their student credit card, they will also establish credit with the credit bureaus. You need to explain to them that having credit established can be a good thing, and with poor credit, it can also be a bad thing that they will need to get resolved.

For more insights and additional information about a Student Credit Card please visit our web site at http://www.student-credit-card-resources.com

Author: Jon Arnold
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