ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
08.10.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Student Credit Cards FAQ

Author: Robert Alan Author Ranking Gold | Posted: 01-05-2006 | Comments: 0 | Views: 293 | Rating:  (55) Article Popularity - Blue (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

Student credit cards can be a great way to start a student down the path of financial independence and becoming a responsible adult. Many parents of students decide to open up credit card accounts for their children or to add them to their own personal accounts. But, another great option is to help the young adult get his or her own personal student credit card.

Why Should I Get a Student Credit Card?

Since a student credit card is in the young adult's name, it helps to start building credit. The longer a person's credit history, the better his or her credit score. Therefore, the earlier a person can start building that credit history, the better. Conversely, college student with access to his or her parent's account can adversely affect the parent's credit rating if large debts are accumulated. So, not only do credit cards for college students help them build a credit history and learn financial responsibility, it also protects the parents.

Why do Credit Card Companies Offer Special Student Credit Cards?

Obtaining your first credit card can be difficult, particularly if you want to get a decent APR. Credit card companies realize the value of a college education and assume that a student with limited credit history is more likely to responsible with paying back credit card debt than a person who is not working toward a solid future. In addition, student credit cards are a great investment for credit card companies because many people tend to feel a sense of loyalty toward their first credit card. Therefore, credit card companies are hoping to establish a long term relationship with students by being their first card.

Do Student Credit Cards Have Benefits?

Besides the inherent benefits of teaching the student responsibility, many do have additional benefits. Some do have rewards programs and cash back programs. Yet others provide discounts in places that are meaningful to students, such as bookstores. Not all credit cards for college students have these benefits, however, so it is important to compare all of the cards closely before deciding which one you want.

What are the Different Kinds of Student Credit Cards?

When it comes to credit cards for college students, you have two main options: secured or unsecured. Secured credit cards for college students are ones that money is paid up front in order to use, which makes these cards more like debit cards. Many college students and their parents prefer this type of card because it is still in the student's name, it is reported to the credit bureaus, and the parents can provide the young adult with a regular "allowance." In addition, there is no chance of building up a terrible debt with a secured credit card because a line of credit is not extended.

Unsecured student credit cards are like traditional credit cards in that a line of credit is extended to the student. These cards offer more freedom because payments do not have to be made up front. They are also convenient for the college student if he or she requires loans to help get through school. On the other hand, these student credit cards need to be monitored closely to ensure the student does not get into a debt that is impossible to overcome.

Are There Any Differences Between Student Credit Cards and Traditional Cards?

Sometimes, a guardian needs to co-sign for a student credit card, which is not the case with traditional credit cards. In addition, student credit cards generally offer a lower credit limit than other cards. Often, these credit limits can be as low as just $500 or $1,00. Student credit cards also can have higher interest rates than traditional credit cards, though not necessarily higher than the APRs on other credit cards geared toward those with a limited credit history.

Rate this Article: Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/student-credit-cards-faq-25567.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:

For more on student credit cards, Robert Alan recommends that you visit CreditCardAssist.com.

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

Differentiating Between Credit Cards for College Students
By: Kim Stevens | 06/04/2006 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

How Will Student Credit Cards Help My Teen?
By: Kim Stevens | 06/04/2006 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

Is a Student Credit Card Actually a Credit Trap?
By: Kim Stevens | 06/04/2006 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

Pros and Cons of Secured Student Credit Cards
By: Kim Stevens | 06/04/2006 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

Identifying Student Credit Card Basics
By: Kim Stevens | 06/04/2006 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

Credit Cards for College Students - Building Credit Early
By: Kim Stevens | 09/04/2006 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

Lowdown on Credit Cards for College Students
By: Kim Stevens | 09/04/2006 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

College Student Credit Cards - How to Build Your Credit
By: Kim Stevens | 11/04/2006 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Finance Articles

Stock Market Advice - Be Careful Who You Listen To
By: Bruce Lipski | 08/10/2008
You can get stock pics almost everywhere including magazines, TV shows, radio shows, The Internet and probably many other places as well. One thing is for sure, there is no shortage of opinions.

Learning Proper Money Management For College Students
By: Jamie B. McIntyre | 08/10/2008
It is tempting for college students to just throw caution to the wind and enjoy life as it comes. I mean, you are only young once and there are so many things to enjoy while you at that age when you are totally energetic and feeling full of excitement and...

Off Shore Incorporation In Ras Al Khaimah Is The Quickest In The Middle East
By: Ramapati Singhania | 08/10/2008
Off shore incorporation in Ras Al Khaimah [RAK], one of the fastest growing emirates in one of the fastest growing economies of the world - the United Arab Emirates [UAE] is the easiest to do in the Middle East.

BVI Offshore Registration: All That You Need To Know To Get Started
By: Ramapati Singhania | 08/10/2008
BVI offshore registration is certainly cheaper than Lichtenstein or Luxembourg and extremely popular. More than 6,500 companies are incorporated in this jusrisdiction every month!

The History of the Global Forex Market
By: Orlando Thompson | 07/10/2008
In this article we explain what the global forex market is and how it came to be this is very insightful information that will help you in your forex trading system choices.

How To Go About Improving Your Credit Score
By: MIKE SELVON | 07/10/2008
While it'd be nice to live a "credit-free existence," it can be difficult to do so in today's world.

Self Directed IRA Possibilities With A Small Business
By: Jerry Glynn | 07/10/2008
It is normally not possible to set up a self directed IRA with a small business. This article describes a little known strategy that can be used in conjunction with a small business.

Understanding Debt Consolidation Loans
By: Richard Greenwood | 07/10/2008
It can be all too easy to end up in debt and especially during the current times of financial uncertainty you may find yourself unable to make repayments. Consolidating your debt can make your debts easier to manage and lower your interest charges meaning you become debt free faster.

More from Robert Alan

Credit Card Transfers: When Should You Use Them?
By: Robert Alan | 11/03/2008 | Credit
Credit card transfers can help you save money. Learn how to use them for your maximum benefit.

Networking Icebreaker - Compare Business Credit Cards
By: Robert Alan | 10/03/2008 | Credit
This article explains how a professional networking event can be made enjoyable when you opt to compare business credit cards with your peers.

2 Types of Air Miles Credit Cards
By: Robert Alan | 10/03/2008 | Credit
This article discusses the difference between air miles credit cards that are sponsored by airlines and those that are sponsored by banks. It provides insight into which is better for certain consumers and why.

0 Interest Credit Cards and the Law
By: Robert Alan | 10/03/2008 | Credit
This article describes how consumers interested in 0 interest cards can make better choices if they know credit card laws.

Frequent Flyer Credit Cards -- Save On More Than Air Travel
By: Robert Alan | 10/03/2008 | Credit
Frequent flyer credit cards are great for many people. Learn how to benefit from these credit card offers.

How to Spend Your Credit Card Cash Back Money
By: Robert Alan | 10/03/2008 | Credit
This article gives consumers some good ideas on how they can spend their credit card cash back money.

Think Short Term with Your 0 APR Credit Card Offer
By: Robert Alan | 09/03/2008 | Credit
This article advises consumers on how to make the most out of a 0 apr credit card offer by thinking about their short-term debt.

Using a Business Credit Card Makes Tax Time Easier
By: Robert Alan | 08/03/2008 | Credit
This article describes how doing your taxes is simplified when you've used a business credit card to make all of your purchases throughout the year.

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below