Student credit cards bombard freshman every year. Parents should be sure to discuss the issue of student credit cards with their college student before they leave home. It is an attractive idea for a student to get their own credit card, especially if they are far from home. However, they need to be sure to get a good card and to use it responsibly.
Low Limits
The best student credit cards are those that have reasonably low limits. Giving a student their first credit card with a high limit is a mistake. Students should understand that since most of them are unemployed, they should not take out a high limit credit card. Student credit cards are meant for necessary items or emergencies, not new furniture or a huge shopping spree. Therefore, to ease the temptation, the best student credit cards have low credit limits.
Low Interest Rates
Another trait of the best student credit cards is a low interest rate. Most student credit cards will offer 0% APR for the first six months. This is a great deal and students should purchase whatever they need during this time. Be sure to check what the interest rate will be after those six months however. If it is unreasonably high, then it is not worth it to take the card, even with the great six month deal. It usually take students longer to pay their balances on their student credit cards, so the interest rate matters.
Rewards
Almost all student credit cards offer some type of rewards program. The wise thing to do is find one that you will be excited about using. The more rewards you can get from your student credit cards, the better. Many student credit cards will have rewards programs that allow you to accumulate points and later turn them into gift certificates. This can be a great option for students.
Online Account Management
Student credit cards with online account management are perfect for today