Basic Information on Student Credit Cards
Credit cards today have become an integral part of our lives. They have become a necessity for college and school students also. A student credit card facilitates everything that a normal credit card does. The only difference is that a student credit card is designed to meet the needs of school and college students, with some restrictions.
Some companies make it mandatory for a guardian or parents to sign so that they are accountable for fulfilling the debts the student is not able to pay off. A student credit card usually has higher rate of interest, which reduces the financial risk for the credit card issuing company. Lastly, since hardly any student has established any credit ratings, the spending limit is substantially lower than the normal credit card. The usual limit is between $500 and $1000.
However, the student credit card also offers many advantages. A student can take the first steps towards financial independence through these credit cards. You can establish a good credit rating. This credit rating is very helpful if you plan to borrow money for financing a car, a house or a world cruise. If the credits are paid off regularly and in time, you will gradually gain a good credit rating and this will improve your chances of getting the entire loan improved.
A student learns managing money in a responsible manner through the student credit cards. It is necessary for a student to be adept at managing the use of credit card, which in turn teaches how to manage money in future. You will have to stick to a budget. This will gradually develop into a habit. So the earlier you start to learn how to manage your money and your debts, the better you will be off.
The student credit card with all its advantages has some pitfalls to be careful of. This can be easily avoided if the student is made aware of such situations. It is best for the student to carve out a budget and stick to it so as to keep overspending in check. It is good to have a practical idea of the spending and income. It is good and necessary for the student to stick to the budget.
It is good to not opt for a student credit card if you cannot afford it. However, a student credit card has marvelous power. It gives you the power to buy at the same moment a concert ticket, a dinner or the latest fashion attire. It is easy to ignore the need to think about it but it should be planned well in advance.
As said earlier, a student can become financially independent but only if the student credit card is used judiciously and wisely.
