Student Credit Cards - A Tutorial In Money Management student credit cards can be useful. As trite as it may seem, it is the best way I can describe, from very personal experiences. Let me tell you about some things that happened to me in my first year, and to clarify misconceptions misty credit to students.
I was not a student in the privileged position where finances went. I was constantly looking for ways to acquire funds only to cover my tuition fees and book. The other children to blow their money on alcohol to parents or ultra trendy / preppy frat clothing (pastel polo shirts and khaki chinos galore, do not forget your sandals $ 80), while I scratched and claw just to Classroom. At one point I tried to support me by playing poker, but that proved to be a futile idea.
It got to the point that I had been expelled from the university on several occasions in both semesters of my first year. Ironically, whenever I was only up to about $ 300 short of paying, but it was enough for me to have to scramble for a new plan to save my credit hours. Of course, once I made the payment and was readmitted to school, I'd be hit with a late registration of $ 200, and the cycle repeated.
Although I was suffering, there was an easy solution directly opposite my face every time I passed my bank. A student credit card usually has a spending limit of about $ 500 - $ 1,000. This is deliberately low so that students learn to spend sparingly, and banks are protected against the Witless college kids spend half their cash reserves and default. However, my regular bills of $ 200 and $ 300 would be adjusted under this limit, and even leave enough on top for me to have had some small luxuries.
I walked past all the signs for credit cards to students without even looking because I was raised with the stigma that children have many colleges, that of thought parentally installed credit cards are bad news if you are young. Potentially, as many parents have found themselves on the wrong side of the equation of credit and interest, which felt that their children fall into the same trap.
I wish I had not thought of that. I could have been spared much trouble - and so many late fees - if I just applied for a card.
Some student credit cards also need a cosigner. Banks do this as a safety net for themselves and the student if the student can not make payment, and you can not blame them for wanting to cover the symbolic back-end all parties concerned.
Students face my former situation may fear the high credit card interest rates of students compared to other cards. It is quite understandable, and credit cards should not be taken lightly. However, if you are responsible enough to handle the payments, you can create a good credit initially, which will give you endless benefits later in life.
Posted on August 18, 2010.