Mario JR Churchill asked:




Since education has become very expensive, students are turning to student credit cards. When allowances from home are not enough to cover for the expenses in college, student credit cards can help augment a student’s budget.

A student credit card is especially designed for students. This is a secured credit card which provides control over the expenses and prevents debt accumulation. The student credit card may cover for anything that the student needs. Many resort to this since student loans in schools usually do not cover expenses not related to school such as groceries, laundry expenses, transportation and many others.

The way a student credit card works is the same as any credit card in the market although the student card has some restrictions in comparison with the non-student credit cards. Application may either be through direct application to the credit company or through online services. Either way, the applicant must be at least 18 years old, should have a valid Social Security number and must be a college or graduate student.

In online applications, the student must furnish the following information: name in full, date of birth, citizenship and permanent residence address. Needed also are home address, email address and telephone number and a relative’s home address and contact details. Details of the college and enrollment details are also needed. The applicant must also state the address to which the card will be dispatched, billing address and the information about the bank account.

Best student credit cards are those that give high credit lines with very low interest rates. Initial credit line application would give a credit ranging from $500 to $1,000 and interest rates ranging from 10% to 19.8%. This interest range is based from the rates of good credit payers and those who have mishandled their credit.

When applying for student credit card online, choose credit companies that offer zero percent introductory APR, has no annual fee, has an interest free grace period and zero percent liability in case somebody uses the student credit card without the owner’s knowledge. Go also for those that give extra features such as cash back bonus, rewards program and competitive interest rates.

Before completing the application form online, be sure to look for the best credit companies offering better credit packages than the others. A few referrals may also help you choose the kind of credit line to apply for. Asking a friend or a classmate who has had experiences with online student credit cards can be the best way to get the opinion and help make decisions or choices.

In the internet, there are quite many companies offering different packages to entice more and more number of students resorting to student credit cards since applications online have been made easy. With just a few clicks and information, the student credit card may be granted within seconds. Just be sure to furnish the different information completely.

Be sure to read properly the terms and conditions of the student credit card before submitting your application. Counter-check the information that you have entered in the application form. Do not go into agreements if there are unclear terms. Inquire in the credit company immediately. Be sure also to have a clear payment term so as not to acquire huge debts that will be harder to pay if not properly handled.

Julio

Morgan Hamilton asked:




Most kids can’t wait to get that first credit card. While it can be an exciting moment in a young adult’s life, it is not something that should be rushed into without doing some homework first (after all you are students). Research the criteria and terms of the card, set some limits for yourself and, if applicable, admit that you’re not ready for the responsibility. The purpose of this article is to discus the questions you should ask yourself before filling out a student credit card application.

Am I Old Enough? This one may seem like common sense but every year credit card companies send pre-approved applications to seventeen years olds enrolled in college. If you are not 18 than it is not legal for you to have a credit card, even if the company sends you a application.

Are The Terms Reasonable? The main terms you want to look at are the annual percentage rate (APR), the late and overdraft fees, the grace period offered by the company, and whether or not there is an annual fee attached to the card. The APR on student credit cards usually aren’t very low so just shop around the lowest you can apply for. Late and overdraft fees (which you shouldn’t have to pay if you stay responsible) are usually pretty much the same. Avoid cards with no grace period since you’ll end up paying too much in interest and never get a card with an annual fee.

When Will I Use This Card? Idealistically you should only use your card for emergencies. Get a debit card or pay cash for everyday purchases and impulse buys (if you can afford it). If you state that you will only use the card for emergences, go one step further and define what an emergency is. If you consider a pizza craving on Friday night an emergency, stay away from credit cards for a while. Remember to do this before filling out the student credit card application, not after you have the card in hand when the temptation may be too great to resist.

Can I Really Handle This? In other words, have you been responsible in the past? Have you usually been good with money, saving until you really needed or wanted something? Or does money seem to burn a hole in your pocket until you just have to spend it on something, anything at all?

Samuel