Thursday, December 14, 2006

The Three C's College Students Love Best - College Credit Card

Moving out. This is the term often connotated when you turn 18 and go off to
college. College equals independence. Mom and dad aren't around so you could
do things you've always wanted to.
You don't have to worry about them looking over your shoulder because
chances are, you'll be miles away from them. Your only concern is cash.
Since your parents aren't there on your beck-and-call, you have to earn your
own moolah and fast.

Just as how one is entitled to be on his own in college, this is also the
perfect time for one to start off his credit history. Credit cards are often
offered to individuals who are heading off to an independent stage of their
young lives.

Tips on handling a college credit card well:

1. Don't be overwhelmed on the bonuses you get when choosing a credit card
that is appropriate for you. Some issuers include discounts on novelty
stores that are of interest to their targeted clients. The catch is their
consumer is too excited to what he can get less to notice that he is
actually paying more because there is a higher interest rate.

2. There are offers that are only good at the beginning. Later on, there is
actually a credit limit and it is not as much as the other competing credit
cards.

3. The minute you have a credit card in your wallet, you have to use it
wisely. Regard your credit card limit as the amount of cash you have in your
wallet. You can only spend this much.
There's no mom or dad telling you to stop spending. The conscience is all
yours. Remember that if you do go overboard your credit card limit, you
wouldn't be able to use it for some time - not unless you pay the
withstanding balance. Dilemma is what if you are in dire need of cash the
time your card got temporarily cut off.

4. Statistics show a majority case of credit cards getting cut up are from
college students. The repercussion of this matter is that because of their
bad credit card history, they will have a hard time applying for loans such
as home insurance, car insurance and the like when they are already working.
It is as if their reputation on the credit department is already tainted and
unlikely to be erasable.

5. If you are going to sign up for a credit-card, make sure that you have
ways paying for it. Most student credit-card holders have part-time jobs.
Some make the mistake of having a credit card but then run to mommy and
daddy when they can't pay for it.

It's because if you don't have money coming in and you have money going out,
then there is no balance. We suggest that you have a part-time job for the
reason of your credit card history. Learn to budget your money and also the
time when you pay your bill. It looks good on your statement if you pay your
bill on time and in full.

6. Read and understand the contract before you sign. If you are not that
knowledgeable on business matters, you could ask a trusted friend or family
member to explain terms such as interest, credit limit, balance, interest
fee, annual fee, grace period and due date to you.

7. Just like shopping for things you like, look around and browse through a
number of credit card issuers before deciding on one that you will be
getting. Signing up for a credit card is a commitment you make because not
only does it involve money, it involves your credibility as a consumer.

8. Be aware of your credit score. On average, a college student has at least
one credit card. Go online and check your statements whether it's accurate
or not. By using your credit card like an adult and not like a shopaholic,
there's a possibility that you get big rates in the long run. This is
because financial institutions that loan money check on your credit history
and the moment they see that you pay on time and in full, they will have no
qualm lending money or insurance to you.

It's always best to start early in life. Why not do so in college? Those who
are successful in their 30s have good credit card history. It's like their
reputation of being responsible is reflected on their bank statements and
look how far it has gotten them.


About The Author: Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over
200 articles on various subjects. For more information checkout
http://www.supercreditcardoffers.com and
http://credit-card-offersonline.info.

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