When we mention credit cards and students in the same sentence many people make that little involuntary gasp and reel in the horror of such thoughts. Credit cards for college students seems to be a bad mix. The image of wild party’s and frivolous behavior fly through the mind of many adults and a look of dread passes quickly over their face.
The reality is that credit cards and students can be a good thing. Like many grown adults, not every college student needs a credit card, but, on the other hand, building credit while trying to bridge the gap between being a child and becoming an adult is a responsible ambition. Without building credit, how else can one go out in the world and rent an apartment or buy a car, etc? There has to be a happy medium between reckless abandon and being responsible.
Credit Cards For College Students-Finding The Balance:
The credit card industry is helping to bridge the gap by offering some of the best credit cards for college students that can actually be beneficial. This is most likely because of the economy and the rate that people are turning away from credit cards and consumer debt. Banks, such as, Chase and Bank of America are offering student credit cards. Some cards come with rewards programs that offer lucrative prizes for making payments on time and spending money responsibly. These incentives make up some of the perks that go into a best student credit card.
What are some of the attributes that would go into defining what is the best credit cards for college students? The biggest perk is no annual fee. Traditionally, credit cards for people who have no credit history have typically come with high annual fee. Because the market is competitive, some banks are doing away with the annual fee. These are some of the best credit cards for college students. This is a attraction to college students who are looking for the best student credit cards.
How about adding in no annual percentage rate? In today’s credit world, no APR for a limited time is a reality. Typical time frames are for the first six months. This feature alone makes a credit card worthy of a second look. For parents, the no annual percentage rate can be a time to help students understand how credit works. It is also a good time to measure how well the student may do with a credit card.
Being able to work with college students is a benefit for the bank, the student and in many cases parents too. Take a child into the realm of being an adult is sometimes a difficult task. These credit card benefits provide the opportunity for students to grow. They can also offer parents the option of monitoring spending.
Credit Cards For College Students That Work:
Credit cards that work, or in this case work with students. Several banks are offering credit cards that offer students rewards based on applying sound purchasing and on-time payments. Students are given points for each purchase they make. The purchase location depicts that amount of points that are given. Buying books at the college bookstore gives more points than spending money at the local music store. Making payments on time gives a significant number of points, and at the end of the year a bonus set of points is awarded depending on the students ability to pay their bills on time. So, if someone was late on a single payment they would still be eligible for some of the bonus points but not all. The trend continue all the way down to the student who only managed to make one payment on time. They too get a little bit of a bonus. The points can be traded in on various high interest items the student may covet, but the incentive seems to work. These types of incentive programs teach students how to plan ahead, and how to work towards a goal. When looking for credit cards, the best credit cards for students help them to be responsible shoppers.
Another great feature to think about, while considering which are the best student credit cards, is cash back. Cash back is different than a cash advance. Cash back is a percentage based rewards program that offers card holders a percentage of their total spending back in cash. Usually this cash award is around 1%, but like everything else that will depend on which credit card company and the rules that may apply to the card of choice.
Credit Cards For College Students-The Basics:
The first thing to look at with any Credit Cards For College Students is the interest rate. Some times, despite the bonus plans and all the bells and whistles, its best to just say no thank you. Using a credit card responsibly begins with understanding disposable income. Students should be encouraged to use a workable budget. Workable means that there is room built into the budget that allows for overages, savings, and some fun. Using a budget is one of the best ways to learn about credit cards and proper uses for them. This is a lesson that many adults could stand to learn. Credit cards for college students should be listed on a budget as an emergency source of funding. When the budget is short, then the credit card should be used. Cards that give back can be considered one of the best credit cards for college students.
Credit Cards For College Students-Conclusion:
Despite the warning signs and red flags, the best credit cards for college students can be beneficial for college students. Like many things in life, the foundation for responsibility comes before the responsibility is needed. Given all of that, there are credit card companies out there that will offer a credit card that has benefits, or may be considered one of the best student credit cards. Consider rewards that work when the student is responsible enough to pay their bill on time. Consider no annual fee. Nothing like saving some money while building credit. Limited time no annual percentage rate is also another perk that is being offered. All of these incentives can help students learn how to build credit and manage credit responsibly. Everyone needs credit, At some point, college students are going to graduate from school, find a job and then need credit to rent an apartment or buy a car.
