01/06/2009

What you should know about credit cards for students

Student life: Harvard Yard
Most credit card issuers have special credit cards for Students.  Usually these credit cards carry a higher interest rate because of the higher risk represented by students with little or no credit history and little or no income. At the same time, if used properly, student credit cards provide the best chance for young Americans to start a credit history that will ultimately give them a good credit rating.

From a student’s perspective, building a good credit rating is essential upon graduation to secure a car loan to commute to work, and to obtain a mortgage to buy a condo or a house instead of wasting money in rent.  Moreover, more and more employers are using credit score in their hiring process, and a good credit score will add an advantage against other candidates for the most prestigious positions.  And last but not least, insurance companies are starting to use credit scores as a way to assess risk and therefore rate, meaning that all other things being equal, individuals with a better credit score will pay lower premiums than individuals with lower credit score.

Of course a student credit card doesn’t come with all the perks as a regular credit cards.  Usually there are restrictions on credit limit, no-fee student credit cards are hard to come by, and there are few rewards offered.  Think of this as the “starter credit card”, you can use it to build credit and to make life on campus easier.  Use it to charge necessities like your books and school supplies and then pay off the balance in full at the end of the month. Parents also can benefit from their students carrying a credit card, so that instead of sending money and not having a good account of where the money was spent, they can better monitor expenses by checking the credit card bill, and then pay it on a monthly basis.  And in case of emergencies, like an unforeseen trip back home, when time is of the essence, the student can easily manage without worrying too much about having the parents send money, check clearing, or wiring fees.

It’s a very good idea for parents and student to discuss and plan the use of a credit card as a way to ease college life, to better manage the money aspect of education, and to prepare and educate the student to life after college.

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Photo Credits: Patrick Haney (cc)

College Students! Here’s The Card For You: Capital One Platinum for Students

Young adults just starting out in the world, mainly college students, lack the credit needed to qualify for a regular credit card. Or worse yet, they are offered high interest credit cards with high credit limits and college students just aren’t ready for that kind of responsibility.

Well now, Capital One Platinum for Students is offering college students with little or no credit history to begin the foundation of establishing a safe and affordable line of credit. This is the perfect beginners card; sort of like a credit card with training wheels. The Capital One Platinum for Students allows them to build their credit without putting them into financial ruins before the age of 21.

They offer a 0% APR on all purchases up until the end of 2008, then the rate increases to 19.55% APR. There are no fees for transferring balances and no annual fee.

The great thing about this card is they make it safe for college students starting out with a credit line that is manageable so you won’t get in over your head. So many times a college student will get their first credit card with a high credit limit. Before they know it, they have maxed it out and have no way to pay it back. This happens all too often. With the Capital One Platinum for Students they limit your spending so you can start slow and build your credit right. And if your card ever gets lost or stolen, there is $0 liability. How safe is that? Students can’t go wrong with the Capitol One Platinum for Students and parents will have the peace of mind knowing they aren’t going to have to mortgage their house to cover over spending that regular credit cards might make happen.

|| CLICK HERE TO APPLY ||

A creative way to look at credit and credit cards for back to school

Back to school season is a mixed blessing, new clothes, books, school supplies, the works.  No matter how well you have prepared there are always miscellaneous expenses and incidentals that creep out here and there, and then the real hassle begins: with little time to deal, how to pay shouldn’t add to the stress.

Include the Amazon.com Gift Card in your Back to School shopping, and it will come to the rescue when these emergencies will come to the horizon.

Some of the features:

  • Redeemable for millions of items;
  • Ships for free, never expires;
  • Available in any amount from $5 to $5,000.

Amazon.com has the most flexible way when it comes to gift cards, you can:

  • E-mail the gift card;
  • Print it at home;
  • Have Amazon.com send the gift card by (snail) mail.

And all without having to deal with the hassles and uncertainties of giving your kids your credit card.

|| CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR AMAZON.COM GIFT CARD ||

Amazon.com Gift Card via E-mail

Amazon.com Gift Card Print at Home

Amazon.com Gift Card by Mail

A credit card that rewards students for good grades? YES, thanks to Upromise

Credit Cards Mojo prides itself on navigating the credit card world to scout the best deal and match the best offerings with the best users.  If you are a good student, do you know what is the best card for you?

It might be the UPromise World MasterCard by Citi.  Why? you ask.  Here’s some reasons:

  • No minimum income required (*);
  • Extra points for getting good grades (*);
  • 10% EXTRA college savings on thousands of grocery and drugstore items (*);
  • 10% EXTRA college savings on 8,000+ Upromise Dining restaurants (*);
  • 1% college savings everywhere you shop (*);
  • No annual fee;
  • Low APR on balance transfers;
  • MasterCard® PayPass® Card, just tap and charge, no swiping, no signature required at participating retailers;
  • Year-end account statement;
  • 24-hour Global customer service.

No other card does more for students, and it’s good for parents too!

|| CLICK HERE TO APPLY ||

Upromise Citi World MasterCard

(*) See UPromise/Citi official web sites for details.

Back to school: get the card that’s cool for you

Do you have a plan of action for your back to school experience?

Is a credit card design with the needs of a student like you in mind in your strategy?  It should be!  Incidentals, emergencies, necessities like books . . . much more efficient to use Capital One’s Platinum Credit Card for Young Adults, a financial tool that meets the needs of both students and parents, and what a great way to prepare for the real world by also building a good credit history?

  • 0% intro APR– pay no interest on purchases until the end of the year;
  • Fraud protection–$0 fraud liability if your card is lost or stolen;
  • Exclusive benefits–enjoy free online account servicing, special shopping discounts, extended warranty protection, and more;
  • No annual fee–get the convenience of credit without paying an annual fee.

Presenting Capital One’s Platinum Credit Card for Young Adults, now in 6 styles to match your personality:

|| CLICK HERE TO APPLY ||

Capital One Standard Platinum Credit Card for Young Adults Design 1

Capital One Standard Platinum Credit Card for Young Adults Design 2

Capital One Standard Platinum Credit Card for Young Adults Design 2

Capital One Standard Platinum Credit Card for Young Adults Design 4

Capital One Standard Platinum Credit Card for Young Adults Design 5

Capital One Standard Platinum Credit Card for Young Adults Design 6


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