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.

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.

Student Credit Card Identity Protection

Student Credit Card Terms and Identity protection
From: StudentCreditCards.com


Student Credit Card Terms Defined

One of the first things a student hears when he or she is looking for a credit card is to “make sure you find the terms that are best for you.” This sounds helpful, but what does it really mean? In order to clarify what student credit card terms are right for you, you must first understand the different types of terms.

Perhaps the most important term is annual percentage rate (APR). The APR is the percent at which you are charged for using credit. Essentially, it is a measure of the cost of credit based on a yearly rate. The lower the APR, the better.

Another key term is periodic rate. This is the rate the card lender charges to the outstanding balance of the credit card on a monthly basis. Both the APR and periodic rate should be disclosed to the student before an application for credit is submitted.

Certain student credit cards offer what is called a variable rate plan. This type of plan allows the interest rate to change based on the current performance of the index. With a variable rate plan, the interest fee may increase or decrease. Again, everything revolves around the index. Variable rate plans can change monthly, quarterly, or annually. It is the card issuer’s responsibility to tell the student how often and when a variable rate plan is adjusted.

In general, it is a smart move to apply for student credit cards that offer a free period or grace period. The free period allows the student to completely avoid finance charges if the card’s balance is paid in full prior to the monthly due date. For example, if a student uses a credit card to purchase $100 in clothes and pays the creditor $100 during the free period, he or she is not subject to a finance charge.

Lastly, beware of annual fees. Not all credit card companies charge a yearly fee. The companies that do charge, typically bill $25 to $100 for simply owning the card..

Now, on to How To Protect Your Identity

Identity theft can create an unimaginable nightmare for the victim. By definition, identity theft occurs when someone uses another’s identity as his or her own. Identity thieves typically use the alias to apply for credit. Luckily, there are some things that can be done to protect against identity theft that everyone should consider doing.

When it comes to personal information, it is best kept personal. Bank account numbers, social security numbers, pin numbers should all be closely guarded. This information is gold to a would-be identity thief. Additionally, credit card numbers should be kept under wraps to prevent fraudulent purchases by a credit card bandit.

Along with protecting personal information, it is important to monitor your credit statements each month. For example, if you have a student credit card, know when to expect its arrival in the mail each month. With the statement in hand, review the statement’s charges closely and verify the charges are all legitimate. Contact the credit card company immediately if there are any unaccounted for transactions on the card.

Shredding documents such as pay stubs, credit card statements, and applications for student credit cards is another way to protect your identity. Whenever applicable, put passwords on important accounts such as college student credit cards and bank accounts. The password should be difficult to guess and include both numbers and alphabet characters.

As previously mentioned, an individual’s social security number is an important and valuable number. Do not carry your social security card on your person. Additionally, don’t give out your social security number unless it is absolutely necessary. If someone contacts you and requests your number, beware. E-mail and telephone scammers can sound very legitimate, therefore make it a personal policy to never give out vital information unless you are 100 percent sure it is safe.

Learn more or compare cards at http://www.studentcreditcards.com

Why You Need A Student Credit Card

Why You Need A Student Credit Card
by: Studentcreditcards.com

Owning a student credit card affords an individual luxurious those who pay with cash don’t necessarily have. To begin, using a credit card to make a purchase is hassle-free in comparison to paying by check or cash. In addition, when you carry a credit card around, it limits the amount of cash you have to keep in your purse or wallet. A credit card also simplifies the transaction process and allows the user to make Internet purchases.

College student credit cards are also great to have on hand in case of emergency. What happens if your car breaks down and you to have it fixed, but don’t have the cash? Having a card in case of emergencies provides a security blanket that can get you through most financial crunches.

When utilized responsibly, a student credit card can be used effectively to budget the consumer’s spending. Credit cards also let you cash in on special offers and sales when you otherwise wouldn’t have the cash. Along the same lines, if you have to go on a trip and accrue business expenses that will later be reimbursed, you can use the card to carry the expense until you receive funds.

Student credit cards also boast a certain amount of security. A lost credit card cannot be used by anyone. The card owner can even report the card stolen and have it turned off before it is used. If the card is used illegally, the card issuer cannot legally hold the owner responsible for the unauthorized charges. If you lose your cash, it is most likely gone for good.

While the advantages of owning a college student credit card cover a gamut of situations, benefiting from these advantages requires responsible spending. For example, it is a good idea to pay off the credit card debt on a monthly basis. Failing to do so will cost more money in the long run and take up precious emergency spending dollars.

In the event of your application for credit is denied because of “insufficient credit file” and you are a full-time student, you can contact the lender and ask if they are aware of your student status. In certain cases, companies will extend you a student credit card offer with a lower than normal credit line to get your student credit history underway. As you pay your bills on time, the company will then slowly increase your credit line accordingly. In other words, you are rewarded for responsibly managing your credit.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, all consumers are protected under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act that states financial instructions must make fair decisions when it comes to determining in an applicant is creditworthy. An individual’s color, race, religion, fender, ethnicity, age, and marital status should not affect their ability to gain credit.

To learn more, or to compare student card offers visit 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

Are Students Good Credit Card Customers?

College is usually that time in your life that comes between childhood and adulthood. For most, it acts as a buffer zone between being under your parents’ protection and being totally on your own. Your parents may bail you out now and then, but you won’t be able to rely on them forever. The time to start taking care of yourself, physically and financially, is now, while you’re in college. Sometimes student credit cards are the first step towards learning financial responsibility.
It used to be that very few students had credit cards. It was considered a privilege and not a right. Credit cards were very hard to obtain due to the lack of credit history, income and responsibility. Now days, credit card companies are realizing that college students can be their best customers. Student credit cards can be very easily obtained and require little steady income and little or no credit history. Credit card companies target students for many reasons. First off, they know that students generally haven’t learned how to manage their finances effectively, and they’ll make a lot of money off of late fees and unpaid balances. Second, students are generally unaware of what is a good interest rate. They may not take the time to read and understand all of the fine print in the credit card agreement. They may not notice that they are being charged certain fees, such as annual fees.
Students are more easily convinced to open credit card accounts. Credit card companies will set up booths with free t-shirts and other give-aways that entice students to apply for a credit card. You may not have the self-control that it takes to only use your credit card for real emergencies once you have it in your hand. Credit card companies see you as an easy target. They know that you most likely won’t take their information and then go research other student credit card offers before applying. They also know that historically, students have used credit cards for clothing and nights out with their friends. This habit is a hard one to break and you can get yourself into debt that lasts for years beyond college. Students make loyal customers and usually keep using the same card for a very long time.
Student credit cards can be very useful and help you through tough times. They can get you out of a financial emergency when you have no other options. Most importantly, you can build a good financial history by using your student credit card wisely and responsibly. Make all of your payments on time and always pay more than the minimum. Shop around before applying for any student credit cards. Look for the lowest interest rate, consider all fees and consider the card that you choose an emergency card only. Building your credit is very important at this age, but you can also really hurt your credit and pay for it for years to come. Be smart and learn financial responsibility by being responsible. Don’t take risks with your credit and stay on top of your budget. When you graduate, you’ll remember the good things about your college years as opposed to regretting the mess that you’ve made of your credit.

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

Tips for Students to Build Credit

Creating good credit and getting student credit cards is new territory for college students. Your future is starting now and you probably haven’t given much thought to building your credit. Getting off on the right foot is crucial for your financial future. Making the wrong moves can haunt you for years and you should be aware of the risks and rewards when it comes to your credit score.
Your credit score tells lenders if you are a low-risk person who manages their money and credit well, or if you are careless and reckless with your finances. If your credit is good, you’ll enjoy low interest rates on loans and credit cards, lower minimum payments than your peers and more lending options will be available to you. This can be very important when it comes to making major purchases such as vehicles or buying your first home. Making bad choices and careless uninformed decisions can lead to a life of high interest, high payments and simply not qualifying for that car or house that you need. The worse your credit gets, the more you pay for everything that needs financing. Trending in this direction can lead you on a downward spiral of out of control debt.
You may not know exactly where to start to ensure that you get the best deal and establish the best score possible. You are probably starting out with no credit score at all and applying for loans and credit cards can be disappointing when you are rejected again and again. Make wise choices. Don’t get a credit card just to go shopping or on a trip with your friends. Make sure that you really do have a necessity and don’t overcharge any more than you need.
When choosing a card, you may have some luck going through your bank or credit union, but there are companies that have special previsions for students. It is generally best to avoid companies that be preying on the fact that you seem naïve about credit cards. Beware of representatives that offer free t-shirts or any other types of prizes for filling out an application. That freebie could end up costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars in fees and interest in the long run. Look for good introductory rates that don’t balloon into something horrible after the promotion runs out. Compare interest rates, fees and terms of many cards before making a decision.
You may need to start out with a secured credit card. These are credit cards that require you to put money up front, use the card and prove that you are responsible enough to make payments on-time. Making on-time payments is one of the best pieces of advice you can get. Interest rates can fluctuate very quickly when a payment is missed. Fees are usually extremely high and you can get yourself into a bind that you can’t afford to get out of. Always pay more than the minimum required and pay off balances as quickly as possible. Show your responsibility to your credit card company and your credit score will reflect your diligence. Once you establish your good credit score, it will pay off for years to come.

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.