Students - Be Careful With Credit

So, you're a student attending college, and you've been tempted by the idea
of credit cards. Nothing unusual there, most of us from all walks of life
have the same temptation. The difference for you the student is, as you're
just starting out, the way you deal with credit now can affect you in many
ways, for a long time into the future. In years to come you may need a
mortgage, a car, etc, and establishing a good credit record now will be very
useful. These days your credit history can even affect the way potential
employers look at you.

For a lot of young people getting a credit card when they have no credit
history is nigh on impossible, but fortunately college students are in a
better position. They are seen as less of a risk by the credit card
companies than certain other groups of youngsters, and so are more likely to
be offered a card. Using this first credit card responsibly is extremely
important.

The reason you have to be careful is that your use of the student credit
card is monitored very closely by the issuing company and the credit
bureaus, and because you don't yet have a good credit history behind you,
any slip-ups like late payments etc are viewed rather seriously. So, it is
absolutely vital that you make at least the minimum payment every month.
Even better, if you could manage to pay a bit more than the minimum each
month then that would stand your account in very good order.

As it's your first credit card, you will probably be paying a high rate of
interest. This is why it's important to use your credit card wisely. Once
you are viewed as a responsible user of credit, you should be offered credit
cards with much lower interest rates. Also, further down the line you will
be able to attain better deals from the aforementioned mortgage companies,
loan companies, etc.

If you take liberties and misuse your credit during your college years, then
you could well live to regret it. Never mind the scary tales of students
getting into trouble with credit cards, if you have some common sense and a
bit of self control you should definitely get yourself a credit card and
start building that credit.

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About The Author: James Hunaban is the owner of
http://www.credit-cards-aplenty.com/ and http://credit-cards.jims-info.com/
sites full of Credit Card information.