You Think You Need A Student Credit Card?
Well you are a big man on campus now. Attending all those classes with all your friends. You do need to keep up appearances, do you not? A lot of new students would think a student credit card would do it for them. We need to change this way of thinking right now.
Do not get me wrong. I think student credit cards are a great tool for a college student. They will help build a credit history. If you use it correctly and make your payments on time every month, you are setting yourself up for success not only now but for the future as well. That is a good thing.
However, there are those that may not see it that way. They may see it as a tool to get things they really cannot afford. In college, your student credit card should really be used for emergencies. Let us face it, most college students cannot afford much of anything. So that student credit card just keeps calling to them. Come on, it is ok, you want it now and you can just make the payment later. The question is can you make that payment later. This is when the student credit card becomes a deficit not an asset.
Using a student credit card really does take maturity. You need to know how to say no, this just is not a necessity at this point. Being mature about it will be a good thing for you. If you think “maybe I might get myself into trouble here, but it really would be good to have one for emergencies”. There are many things you can do to keep you in check.
Look at student credit cards that have a lower credit limit. That way, if you go crazy it will not be that hard to get yourself out of this difficult spot. Also, when you obtain one, if you are living near your parents or a very trust worthy friend, give them the card. Instruct them to only give it to you in a real emergency. Like a broken down car or unexpected school books you have to have. Make them make you be accountable for that emergency.
One would only be able to accomplish these things if they are using some maturity to work things out. If you look at it as an emergency tool perhaps, it might keep you from using it on a pizza binge. Each person is different and deals with things in much different ways.
If you believe you can handle it, go for it. There are many options out there that will offer student credit cards. Do your homework on the net or talk to your local banks. Always make sure you look at all the fine print before you sign anything. Look at the perks they offer. If those perks do nothing for you, it probably is not the right card for you.
A student credit card is a new experience so have fun with it but also be smart. You will thank yourself later in life when your finances are running smoothing cause you taught yourself in college how to do it.
Student credit cards.com @ June 27, 2008