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| Cards for College Students | Nowadays, more and more teens and college students have credit cards. Like the population at-large some have good deals, some do not. So it is no surprise that credit card companies target both groups because they are a fast-growing section of the population as they have money to spend. You will see rates that are in general higher than usual cards. Look carefully, because while cards are easy to get the card companies frequently propose heftier fees and interest rates, and smaller credit limits, with these cards.
Parental responsibility They are easy to get because parents are often obliged to back up their children's buying in the event the kids run a little short. Even if they are not officially obligated to, parents generally come to the save and pay those bills. So parents, make sure you read all the terms, particularly with co-signed cards. You will almost certainly be there for the children, but it is good to know the rules earlier. Which brings up another golden rule: Specialists in debt and credit management say definitely that students should use the cards only for emergencies. If not they are paying a high premium for everyday purchase s, running the risk of broken credit and learning some bad credit patterns at an early age.
Consider voluntary limits Think about putting an unpaid limit of less than the card company will allow. After all, if the card is used for emergencies only, you do not need all those thousands of credit dollars out there attracting you. If a young person has a credit history and can qualify for a regular credit card, it may work out to be a better deal.
All students and teens should remember that a credit card is a stepping-stone to a solid credit history something of main significance to their futures. Distorted, it can add a stain on their credit records that will take years to remove.
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