College Student Credit Card Reviews

College Student Credit Card Reviews

It is important to compare as many student credit cards as possible before actually applying for one specific college student credit card. Consider card facts such as APR, annual fee (if any), overdraft charge, cash back offers and any discounts offered with the respective credit card. Avoid credit card offers presented on campus along side free enticements. Compare college student credit cards at StudentCreditCards.com to find a credit card when YOU are ready.

2008 Student Credit Card Offers

2008 Student Credit Card Offers

We have seen roughly 10 unique student credit card offers ranging from the Citi® mtvU(TM) Platinum Select® Visa® Card for College Students to the Capital One® Standard Platinum for Students. The vast majority of our users are college students. On our website students can compare college student credit cards and apply securely online.

Black Friday update:

Many college students fund themselves at midnight and early morning sales looking for that perfect gift. Hopefully they got a deal on a gift and refrained from non planned purchases. In today's rough economy many people are deciding to hang on to their money, which isn't a bad thing to do. Make a budget and stay set on the budget.

Student Credit Card Spending

Student Credit Card Spending

When you feel the urge to pull out your student credit card to buy something you stumble upon while shopping is called "want spending." This is something a college student needs to avoid when carrying a student credit card. Planned expenses with an effective budget is the way to build credit: try to pay off your credit card balance each month in full. Making minimum monthly payments = more $ paid off in total, because of the interest that accrues. If you do not yet have a student credit card, be wise and choosy with your selection of a particular credit card for students.

Holiday spending is approaching and more college students are going to face that moment where they see the perfect gift but don't have enough cash to buy it thus they end up using their student credit card to pay for the item. Once you start this impulse buy / want spending habit it becomes a hard habit to break. Using student credit cards responsibility can benefit your credit history and potentially increase your credit score.

A Student Journal on Credit Cards

A Student Journal on Student Credit Cards

Today I arrived at my community college, and was almost late for class, because of these three student credit card representatives; who I felt were interrogating me, to sign up for a student credit card; which I wasn't ready for yet. As soon as I got out of my car and started to walk towards the school campus, the first representative quickly approached me and was instantly trying to offer me free pens, shirts, and other random little "gifts". The only thing was that you had to sign up before you got anything. I can remember the representatives voice, as he repeated, "if you sign up for their credit card today, you will get this...!" He continued to say more, " Have you ever thought about signing up for a student credit card?" he said. I told the representative that I had thought about it and had already found a great company, online, when I was ready. It is so stressful to have someone pressuring you to sign up for a credit card, especially when you are not ready, or expecting it. I feel awful when I hear my friends at school wishing they had waited until they were ready; and now they look back at the situation and get upset. My friends understand now, how much smarter it would have been if they had just waited until they were ready, to get a credit card. The man who approached me looked like a walking advertisement sign, with all the "student credit card" pins all over his shirt, with his big fake smile... They just do not know when to give up, and when you say no, they just find more ways to talk their way into getting you to give in. They know when you're not ready, because the student will say" No thank you, I can't really afford it right now, maybe later." and then the representative keeps talking and comes up with ways they can afford it. I have seen so many of my friends rushed into signing up for credit cards, that now they are all in debt, and using their student credit cards.

My friend Amanda and I were at the mall shopping the other day, and as we sat down to eat, we started having this deep conversation about student credit cards for a college student and credit card representatives, that would always go on campus. We both agreed that it seemed inconsiderate, rude, and we hated how they would pressure every student in sight to get a student loan. We laughed as we began relating these on campus representatives to car sales men. They didn't care if you were ready or were financially stable, they just seemed to care about just, "sealing the deal". It reminded me of the day when I went looking for a new car, and I only planned on looking around, and ended up leaving that day with a brand new car. Just like many students who get talked into a student credit card, I was talked into buying a brand new car, and I wish I would have waited now. Many friends that I talk to now, wish they would have waited, because most of them are abusing their cards everywhere, and can only pay the minimum on their card each month. In the past, I had a good steady job and I thought I could pay for everything with no worries, and almost signed up for a student credit card on campus...but something told me to wait; and I am so happy I did, because one day I ended up loosing my job, and wouldn't have been able to pay for it. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I am very glad that things turned out the way they did, because now I love my job and I can afford my credit card.

I can relate the car sales people, to the student credit card representatives that go on campus, because they both do not think about the clients perspective; they only think about their time and trying to sign as many people up as quick as possible. When the student credit card representatives came on campus, I got a total flashback of the time I ended up buying my second car, and as I drove up that day, to the car dealership, they all started walking fast towards my parked car; I looked in the rear view mirror as I parked my car and saw all of the sales men standing around, as like it was some kind of race, they quickly swarmed around my car. Before I stepped outside, I tried to prepare myself for the interrogation, and thought to myself, " I can't even go look at a car without these sales people hovering around me, telling me what a great deal they can give me on this one, and this is very uncomfortable." They never give up, and they just followed me around and kept telling me everything I wanted to hear; just to get me to give in and sign some papers... and I knew I was not ready, but I wanted it so bad that they ended up talking very well- and won. I signed those papers and I knew inside that I probably shouldn't have. I went there just wanting to look, and ended up driving home with a new car, which was one of the worst things ideas I have had; which I was rushed into like many students today with getting student loans.

Today I am happy to say that I was very smart after purchasing that car, and it made me realize that waiting until you are ready for something, is the smarter thing to do. Before I started attending my community college, I was ready to complete a student credit card application, and I felt so comfortable when I found this one website online, which was very easy, simple, and smart. I love the computer and the online world, because it's about when you are ready, not when the company is. All you have to do is go online and fill out the form, and it's just so easy. I love that I did not have to listen to one of these credit card representatives talk for an hour, all I had to do was click a couple buttons on laptop, and it was done! Thank God for the internet. Sorry if this story is a little boring, but my advice for today is, wait until you are ready and use your credit card responsibly.

More on Student Credit Card Offers

More on Student Credit Card Offers

Now that the school semester has started again students and credit card companies alike are back on campus. We have discussed this practice of on campus credit card marketing in previous blogs, but it is important to revisit it as many students can fall victim to their giveaways and freebies offered for their personal information on a signed credit card application.

First off, college student should not even think about getting a student credit card until they have a steady part time job and a budget plan to promptly repay everything which is charged on the student credit card that same month. It might sound unrealistic, but it is not. Groceries are something that all students need and by setting a grocery budget and executing that budget, a student can find themselves in a win win situation if the grocery expenses are charged on the credit card each month with the plan being to pay off the purchases in their entirety every month. Groceries are not expenses that come out of nowhere and they certainly are not "want" expenses - they are "need" expenses. Need VS want spending is important to understand because it is 'want' charges/purchases which slowly and steadily increase a student's total outstanding debt.

Student credit cards for college do usually come with lower spending thresholds, but knowing and practicing 'need' spending only is one of the most important elements of building a strong credit profile and healthy spending habits. The principle is very simple, only use your student credit cards to buy things you need, need to survive. That new trendy handbag is not something that a student needs, it's clearly an item the student wants. The important concept of need versus want spending cannot be overstated because if college students stick to using their student credit cards only for purchases which are "needed" a lot less debt will be accumulated.

Student credit cards come in many different styles and colors, but these factors are unimportant. What is important are the fees, interest rates and other financial obligations that accompany different college student credit cards. Some cards will increase the interest rate if a single monthly payment is received kate so read ALL details and find print associated with any credit card for students.

When a student is ready to embark on their financial future in a serious manner, pay a visit to www.studentcreditcards.com to learn more about building solid credit and to compare top student credit cards and apply online.

Students Saving Money

Living paycheck to paycheck is no picnic. An overwhelming number of people live their lives this way. When your paycheck barely covers your bills, it can be taxing on your wallet and your sanity. Try to keep things in perspective and do the best that you can. Save money where ever you can and don’t make unnecessary purchases. Avoid impulse items at the store and save a little, even if the amount seems trivial.
Find ways to increase your income if possible. Ask for overtime at work or take on a second job. Keep looking for work that could pay you more even if you’re already employed. Have yard sales and utilize auction sites to sell things that you have that you no longer have a need for. Offer services to your friends, family and neighbors. You might even distribute flyers around campus or make signs to attract potential customers. Figure out what you’re capable of and what you have to offer, and then use it. Do things that others may not want to do and that they’d be willing to pay for. Clean houses, wash cars, tutor, clean gutters, cut grass, type term papers, whatever you can think of that can make you a few bucks here and there.
Second, find a way to save. Saving money on your frivolous purchases is job number one. If you go to fast food every day for lunch, stop it all together and pack a lunch. Calculate how much you save every week to keep you motivated. Some people find out that they have to work an entire day to pay for their fast food habit each week. Don’t let going to work cost you a chunk of what you make. Find a carpool to join, start one up or take the bus, train or subway to work and school. Saving gas money adds up quickly now days. Find ways to lower your bills. Switch from incandescent bulbs to fluorescent ones. Make sure that you don’t have the television, stereo or lights on when they are not in use. Don’t leave appliances or chargers plugged in when you’re not using them. They still use power even if they’re turned off.
Make yourself a budget. Figure out exactly what you’re bringing in and overestimate what your bills will be. You don’t want to be caught off guard when you get that first winter heating bill. Some utility companies will allow you to pay a set amount each month that covers you for the year. This helps you to avoid huge fluctuations during summer and winter months. It’s easier to budget for and can help you get into a rhythm with your spending that can help you train yourself to live within your means.
If you need some security and want to be able to handle financial emergencies yourself, then you might consider something like student credit cards. Special offers are available for students looking for credit cards. Don’t overspend or charge things that aren’t really emergencies. Make your payments on time and you can build your credit. Organize your life and you can live comfortably within your income range.

About the Author: Mary Wallace, a retired teacher, is the editor for studentcreditcards.com, a provider of student credit cards and information plus consolidation of student credit cards. For more information, please visit http://www.studentcreditcards.com.

Students and Secured Credit Cards

When you enter college, you may soon find the need to apply for student credit cards. There are a few reasons to get a student credit card. The most common reason to get a credit card is for emergencies. Emergency medical care, vehicle repairs, unexpected school expenses and avoiding starvation may all be reasons to apply for a student credit card. Another reason is simply to start building your credit.
Most students don’t have a credit score or any credit history because of their age. There are special offers from credit card companies out there to combat the problem of constantly being rejected for credit because of an insufficient credit history. Many of these student credit card offers require that you be enrolled in school to qualify. The idea is that you are receiving an education that will later allow you the funds to repay any debts that you incur during college. This makes you less of a risk to the credit card company than someone your age that isn’t in school. It is assumed that you will make more money in the future than those who aren’t furthering their education.
Qualifying for a student credit card is easier if you are currently employed. If you are not, then you still may qualify for a secured credit card. A secured credit card is a card that has a deposit account attached to it. This means that you will be required to deposit money to get the card. You will usually be asked to deposit up to five hundred dollars. This can usually get you a credit limit of between five hundred and one thousand dollars. The credit limit is the amount that you can charge up to.
Secured credit cards show great responsibility and can build your credit very quickly. Basically it tells the credit card company that you have the foresight to save money and use it to build your credit, investing in your future. You must make every payment on time and pay more than the minimum amount that is due. If you don’t, then you run the great risk of damaging your credit very early in the game. Consider your credit card the catalyst for proving your responsibility. Don’t run your credit card up to the limit unless it is absolutely necessary. If you do, then pay it back down as soon as possible. Holding a balance that is close to the limit can hurt your credit score.
Shop around and choose wisely when selecting which card you want to apply for. Apply only for the ones that you really believe you’ll be approved for. Watch out for extra fees or high annual percentage rates. Take advantage of special deals offered to students, but disregard them if they turn into high rates and high fees after the promotional period is over. Be responsible and always make your payments on time. Proving yourself now can lead to the best deals on major purchases in the future. If you do well and keep your credit score high, then you’ll enjoy special deals and the best interest rates for years to come. Your student credit card could be the start of your successful financial future.

About the Author: Mary Wallace, a retired teacher, is the editor for studentcreditcards.com, a provider of student credit cards and information plus consolidation of student credit cards. For more information, please visit http://www.studentcreditcards.com.

College Students and Money

We live in an increasing more material world. We have grown to expect instant gratification in every way. We no longer need to go to the bank and stand in line to get to our money. We wave tiny keychain devices in front of a receiver to pay for items at the store. Computers start up in no time and internet information is available on just about any subject that we can dream up in a snap. We don’t even have to walk to the mail box to pay a bill anymore. Remote controls, cell phones and MP3 players ensure that we can get where we need to go, talk to whomever we choose and listen to whatever we want in an instant. Our lives as Americans are full of conveniences and luxuries that our ancestors and people in other countries never dreamed of. So how does all of this convenience affect college students?
Current college students have spent their entire lives in this world of instant gratification and automated convenience. They have access to student credit cards to get them out of a bind, but credit cards can also get them into one. This is actually one convenience that can really help college students get by and help them prepare themselves for the future. Building your credit early is important in this day and age. Soon they’ll be out in the real world, needing to open cell phone contracts in their name, buy vehicles and ultimately buy a house. Keep in mind that most long-term big loan contracts, such as a home mortgage, can require up to an eight year good credit history to qualify. As long as they act responsibly, starting on a credit building financial journey while in college is necessary for those who will eventually buy a home.
Building credit can be accomplished if the right steps are taken. Signing up for a secured credit card is a relatively safe way to teach college students the responsibilities of owning a credit card. Secured credit cards require a deposit and the deposit dictates the amount of credit available. If you deposit $500, then you can spend up to $500. This is a great way to establish credit, or repair credit that has been damaged in the past. When you make your payments on time and when you are overall responsible for your finances, you will build your credit and you’ll usually be rewarded for your efforts. Banks and credit card companies keep track of your history and may offer you a line of unsecured credit or simply increase the amount that you are able to spend on that credit card. You will establish a credit score and be eligible for future loans and unsecured credit cards. Secured credit cards are a great way to teach college students about the discipline of paying off something long-term.
If they learn to avoid the instant gratification trap that they’ve been raised to expect and really only use the credit card for emergencies, then they will be better off in the future. Having a credit score and history that says good things about them will help them take pride in what they have learned and accomplished during their college years and will lay the groundwork for a successful financial life.

About the Author: Mary Wallace, a retired teacher, is the editor for studentcreditcards.com, a provider of student credit cards and information plus consolidation of student credit cards. For more information, please visit http://www.studentcreditcards.com