College credit cards can also be known as student credit cards. A student card is a new term for young people attending college. Older people are aware of credit cards, which are used for various purposes.
College students mostly use these types of credit cards, which are somewhat similar to normal credit cards. A student might have a credit card that had links to his/her parent’s account.
Distinctions From Normal Credit Cards:
1. The major difference in these types of credit cards is they are exclusively for school purposes.
2. The second difference is students are not aware about the usage of these cards, as a result, they start spending on unnecessary expenses.
3. Money spent on cards is to be paid back.
4. Students need to be aware of the details of card usage.
Credit card companies require a caretaker (parent or guardian) on part of the student applying for such credit card to keep that student away from all hassles. One advantage is that the credit added to such type of credit cards is much lower than credit cards used by working adults.
Students need to undergo training on managing such cards and their overspending habits. They also need to be aware of the importance of good credit rating. Good credit history helps in getting benefits such as possessing credit cards for financial purposes.
Another crucial fact is college students are at great risk with credit cards. One main reason for this kind of trouble is that many student credit cardholders start using such credit cards at a very young age with little knowledge of finance management.
These credit cards give students a liberty to spend on whatever they like. It takes time to understand that you need to have a good credit rating right from the start. It will help you in future, when applying for regular credit cards for loans. Students also need to know that positive credit ratings will help them in their careers, when they finish their graduation. Undergraduates can take care of their scholarships and grants given to them by educational institutions with the help of these credit cards.
Avoid Overspending:
It is the responsibility of college students to maintain their card usage limits. You can maintain it easily by understanding the five signs of overspending:
1. Delay the minimum payment only once.
2. Spend within a set budget.
3. Make use of one credit card to pay the balance of another card.
4. Work towards covering your credit limit.
5. Always, make minimum payments on time.
Four prime reasons for student credit card debts are increasing educational expenses, insufficient knowledge about credits, peer pressure to expend, and offers of impractical credit lines.
College students using these types of credit cards have an option to take the help of a financial counselor to get rid of their financial troubles. Taking this step early in life will help you in understanding the importance and impact of credit on your future.