High school life is over. You’ve moved away from home and you’re starting a brand new chapter in your life with college. Independence feels great, but it’s sure to feel greater if you’ve got your own credit card, don’t you think?

8 Tips for College Students Wanting to Apply for a Credit Card

Here’s what you can do to make the credit card application process as hassle-free as possible.

Tip #1 Prepare proof of identification. Have your photos ready as well as all your valid IDs. Credit card companies will always have to verify that you are indeed who you say you are before you can proceed any further. IDs where your age is stated are also preferred because you have to prove you’re at least 18 years old as well. If you have any bills under your name, take them with you as well because they can serve as proof of residence.

Tip #2 Prepare proof of schooling. Credit card companies generally prefer to issue credit cards to students who belong to accredited colleges and universities. If you belong to such a school then you’re in luck. If not, you can compensate it by showing your previous records - if they’re excellent, that is. Just like when you’re applying for a driver’s license, credit card issuers also take academic and extra-curricular excellence as a sign of maturity and trustworthiness in your part.

Tip #3 Prepare proof of financial assets. Student credit cards tend to charge higher rates than usual, but you might be qualified for lower rates if you’re already working or you have money and a bank account in your name. Either way, make sure you can submit documentary proof of your work or assets.

Tip #4 Speaking of interest rates, the first thing you should look for in a credit card is the lowest possible interest rates. This might mean not being able to enjoy a reward-based credit card, but at your age, you might not yet afford the higher rates charged by credit cards offering reward points. If you see a 0% APR credit card, make sure to check how long the offer would last and what the standard APR is afterwards.

Tip #5 A number of credit cards allows you to apply even without a cosigner, but some of them tend to have stricter application requirements. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of submitting additional requirements, simply ask your parent or legal guardian to act as your guarantor when you apply for a credit card.

Tip #6 Always look for a credit card that allows you to manage your account online. This will allow you to check your account balance regularly and know when and how much you have to pay for your credit card every month.

Tip #7 There are a few additional perks that you might deem necessary. If you are fond of shopping online, look for a credit card that offers you fraud liability guarantee at no extra cost. Other credit cards offer you ‘thank you’ points for being a prompt payer.

Tip #8 Now that you know what you need from a credit card, find one that matches your preferences and then submit your application. Remember to be courteous and answer all their questions honestly. You’re sure to have your application approved in no time. Have fun with responsible swiping!

Does It Matter Where I Apply For A Credit Card?

When searching for a new credit card you have a couple options to take. You could apply with a small bank or a major credit card company. 

You Have No Need For A Credit Fix If…

Do not apply for more credit cards if you already have outstanding card payments to begin with. Every card application will reflect on your ability and responsibility to manage or handle debts. 

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Credit card issuance to minors is not prohibited. Credit card companies even see teenagers as a way to make their market more lucrative. As this is the reality, the question would be this: "Are Student Credit Cards Advantageous or Disadvantageous?"

Most parents believe that allowing their kids to have credit cards at a young age teaches them a lesson about managing their finances or money. The one thing that the parents should be aware of in terms of giving their children credit cards is to ensure that these kids are given guidance as well as support for them to be responsible in handling their credit. Having student credit card also helps in building the kids’ credit histories that are truly important in the future.

There are some financial institutions that have second thoughts when it comes to issuing student credit cards, and if they ever issue one, they only give a very low credit limit and when the student fails to pay on time or goes over the credit limit, these institutions charge a lot higher interest rates since they know how risky it is to issue credit cards to students knowing of their instability. Therefore, a student should learn that having a card is a big responsibility. In the event that the said teen has proven his or her maturity, then a good credit score is up for grabs at the credit bureau, giving them an established credit history after they finish school.

If a student wants to apply for a student credit card, what is the first step? The first step is to have credit since it is a fact that in order to get credit, you need credit. Here are easy ways to establish credit and be able to apply for a student credit cards: One step requires the student to open a checking account or savings account. Once the creditors see this information, they will, more often than not issue a credit card because they have seen that the student has an account that could be used to pay the purchases.

If a teen still is unable to get a student credit card from a credit card institution, another way of jump starting credit is to apply for a retail store card. It’s definitely easy to acquire a store credit card, and by using it in a wise and responsible way, one can start building up credit positively. In just a few months, the student can reapply for a student credit card in a major credit card company and would most probably be approved as soon as the creditors see how responsible the student has been with the retail store credit card.

Knowing that there are a lot of institutions offering student credit cards today, the student should select a card with the best offer and below are the basic features and benefits that should be present in the card applied for: there should be no annual fee, no co-signer requirements, no minimum income, zero percent introductory fee with a low APR after the introductory phase, and of course, a free rewards program.

There may be dangers present when a student is given a credit card but we should not forget the benefits there are. Student credit cards are tools for establishing credit, and careful and responsible usage helps build the student’s credit score. Student credit cards also offer a lot of great rewards that can benefit the users a lot.

 

Best Credit Card Deals: The Smart Way to Choose the Best Credit …

It may be easier to just search all the available credit cards in the market, but it’s best to look for something that is geared specifically towards college students. 

Our world of Credit Cards!

Even young adults are being lured into the world of credit cards. Student credit cards are widely available. Some link the parent to the card.

College Students And Credit | Student Credit Card

It is very exciting to know there are companies out there willing to provide a college student credit card to you. This is great but you only need one. 

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Student Credit Card: Tips and Precautions

A student credit card is useful in many ways. There are several such cards in the market and these have diverse features. Using such cards, the student fees of the universities can be paid.

A student credit card enables one to pay for expenses online like a degree, online courses, language-learning materials or music. Procuring such a card is facilitated by many companies. Using this a student can create a good credit history which can be utilized for larger purchases like a car or a home. However, students should beware of the fact that the interest rates are high and they may fail to pay the penalties on time. Also, the students may accrue a debt they cannot repay. A good option is to have a debit card that has a credit limit. The expenses are subtracted from the existing funds and when the credit limit is reached, purchases have to cease. The student must consider the pros and cons of the credit cards before finalizing on any one.

Role of parents in student credit card

There is a need of parents assistance for co-signing before getting a student credit card. The parents must be aware that their children are using it properly. They can guide them regarding comparing and selecting the right card. Some credit cards have low limits and this makes the students spend the money carefully. Some of these have no annual fee, 0% APR or a rewards program. Sometimes the reward may offer something for free, like a gasoline card for free gas.

Tips regarding some prominent student credit cards

There are several student credit cards available and these are associated with different tips and precautions. The facts mentioned below are garnered in November 2007. The Citi Dividend Platinum Select Card for College Students provides a 5% cash return on eligible purchases at gas stations, drugstores, supermarkets and convenience stores. This includes cable for 6 months and 2% further. Additionally, there is 1% cash return on all purchases whenever the MasterCard credit card is used. On all individual balance transfer transactions of minimum $1500, $5 cash is received back. On all cash advances taken at the standard cash advance rate , 1% cash is received back. This card has the following advantages:

• No minimum income required
• No co-signer needed
• Credit education tools
• The lost wallet service
• Citi Photocard option
• Citi Identity Theft solutions

The Citi mtvU Platinum Select Visa Card is issued by Citibank specifically for college students. This has a unique reward program that awards points to students for two reasons. For wise use of credit and attaining high grades. For general purchases, one point and five points for expenses at bookstores, record stores, restaurants, video rentals and movie theaters. If payments are done in time and do not exceed the credit limit, 25 points are added. From 250 to 2000 points are given and these depend on the student’s GPA. The maximum number of points that can be earned are 75,000 and these remain for maximum five years. An annual fee is not charged. However, the interest rate is more than average.

The Capital One Platinum Card for students has a purchase APR of 0% upto February 2008 and this will vary after this month. The credit limit is $300-$3000. There is 24-hour roadside assistance along with towing, lock-out service and flat repair. Also there exists collision, damage and loss insurance on rental cars. There is emergency card replacement or cash advance in case the card is lost or stolen. Online account service is available along with 24/7 customer support.

Paying for University

There are several universities that facilitate payment by using the student credit card. The Student Fee payment form has to be filled. This includes the student’s name, name on credit card, phone number, area code, student number, amount to be paid, whether Visa or Mastercard, credit card number, expiry date and the signature. Then, this completed form has to be faxed. Another method is to phone the credit card payment.

College Student Credit Card Debt

There’s no point in ending your college days with a ton of credit card debt. 

Is It OK to Bridge the Gap With Credit Cards?

A credit card can be used to help you make ends meet, but you’ve got to cut everything down to bare bones, first. It’s not for "blowout vacations, a closetful of expensive clothes, and going out four times a week.

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College Student Credit Cards

If you are a student that is looking to build your credit history while earning rewards from everyday purchases then a college student credit card is what you are looking for. Student credit cards are a great way for a student to start building their credit history while they are still in college. These types of credit cards also offer special features to their users such as fraud protection, travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance and travel emergency assistance just to name a few. You can also receive discounts and rewards for purchases made at select merchants and retailers. Rewards can be earned when you shop at select book stores, record stores, video rental stores and movie theaters with certain cards. Select college student credit cards also reward their users for on-time payments and maintaining a high GPA with bonus rewards points that can be for discounts towards purchases.

Citi mtvU Platinum Select Visa Credit Card for College Students
If you are a college student that is looking for a credit card offer with great rewards while building your credit then the Citi mtvU Platinum Select Visa card is perfect for you. The points earn from this card can be redeemed for gift cards, CDs, VIP mtvU Spring Break Passes, tickets to the MTV Video Music Awards, airline tickets and discounts on purchases at the MTV online store and the MTV New York City Store. Users will earn 5 points per dollar spent at participating restaurants, bookstores, record stores, movie theaters and video rental stores. College students using this card can also earn 25 bonus points for making payments on time and up to 2000 extra pints per semester for maintaining a high GPA. This card offers many platinum benefits along with an interest free introductory period and no annual fees.

Citi Driver’s Edge Card for College Students
If you are a college student that drives a lot then the Citi Driver’s Edge Card for College Students credit card is right for you. The Driver’s Edge card allows users to earn points for every mile they drive along with purchases made that can be used towards the purchase or lease of a new or used vehicle. You can earn $1 for every 100 miles you drive and the rebates can be used towards payments, maintenance, service and repairs on your vehicle. Aside from earning points for driving, you can also earn a 3% rebate for purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations and 1% on all other purchases. The Driver’s Edge credit card offers an interest free introductory offer for six months and no annual fees although the interest rate is slightly above average after the offer ends.

A College Student Credit Card Is A Good Thing

College Student Credit Cards! The benefits of a college student credit card are that they are very lenient with young people who have limited or no credit history. In addition, the rewards and benefits are tailored for the college student .

Secured Credit Cards For Students

Secured credit cards for students are the best way for students to build credit in today’s economic times.

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Travel Rewards Credit Cards And Airline Credit Cards

You’ve probably come to appreciate the convenience of credit cards and the ease they bring to many everyday transactions - as well as the protection for those occasions in which a merchant or service provider fails to honor some aspect of the transaction. Another advantage of credit cards is that should it be lost or stolen or you become a victim of identity theft, protecting yourself from unauthorized use is fairly easy to do.

There are many low APR travel rewards credit cards as well. These include among other types airline credit cards. These credit cards allow the holder to accumulate frequent flyer miles or other types of credits that can later be redeemed for discounts on air travel. Such travel rewards credit cards can also earn the cardholder points on travel purchases from certain carriers and/or their corporate partners, or points that can be used with the airline of your choice as well as sea cruises, hotels, car rentals and many other travel-related expenses.

In addition, some airline credit cards offer 0% introductory rates on balance transfers from high interest cards and purchases for periods ranging from six to twelve months.

Miles by Discover

This is one of the travel rewards cards that offers interest-free balance transfers and purchases for six months. In addition, cardholders earn one Frequent Flyer Mile for every dollar spent (no limits for active accountholders in good standing) as well as double miles on restaurants ($3000, max.). Unlike some airline credit cards, there are no restrictions on dates during which you may or may not schedule travel.

Chase Flexible Rewards

This one also offers an interest-free introductory period for six to twelve months on balance transfers. Cardholders earn points that can be redeemed for discounts on airline tickets, hotel rooms and rental autos.

Alaska Airlines VISA Signature

By applying for this card online, one can obtain up to 6,000 miles right away; in addition, this one is unique among airline credit cards in that cardholders receive 2,000 bonus miles each year. These miles can be redeemed with Alaska Airlines as well as any of its ten corporate partners.

Hawaiian Airlines VISA Platinum Credit Card

This is one of the most generous travel rewards cards, offering 10,000 bonus miles when the cardholder makes his/her initial purchase. Cardholders can earn up to 100,000 miles per calendar year in addition to 2,000 miles awarded annually for active accounts in good standing.

Blue Sky From From American Express

Like the Chase airline rewards card, this one allows the cardholder discounts on a range of travel-related services from any provider, with no restrictions on dates. The Blue Sky travel rewards card offers a 0% introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers for the first six months as well as Travel Accident Insurance and purchase protections.

4 Ways to Get More From Your Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Most travel comes with strict cancellation policies that will cause you to lose a portion if not all of your money if you have to cancel.

Credit Card Offer

If you frequently travel by air, a co-branded airline credit card might be more suited to you than the general purpose one. These airline credit cards offer discounts, rebates and other kind of rewards.

Use the free rewards from your credit card

The first time I used my credit card’s travel rewards, I saved $600. Using my discounts, I’ve saved thousands on travel, auto purchases, computers, clothes, and home decorations. 

By: Susan Slobac

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Susan Slobac is a personal financial advisor. She specializes in working with individuals to improve their credit rating, build assets and maximize the benefits of cash back credit cards.

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Apply For A Credit Card: Choosing Your Reward Card

If you are thinking about getting a credit card the most important thing to look at is obviously the lowest interest rate. Most people cannot pay off their bill on time each month so this is very important. However, there are many cards that offer low interest rates. So the other thing that you should look at is any type of incentive rewards. You may find a few cards that offer you the same rates, minimum monthly payments and fees and the only way to distinguish them is by the other incentives they can give you.

One good incentive to look for on a credit card is an interest free credit card for a period of up to 12 months or a card that you don’t have to make payment on for up to 12 months. This can be good for many people who need a credit card to help them make it through for a few months while they are looking for another job or are in college.

Another type of popular incentive program is an airline miles program. If you like to travel a lot or simply wish that you had more money to travel this might be the type of card for you. You can accumulate miles for every dollar that you spend. Often times you can spend these miles not only for airline tickets but also for car rental, hotels or cruises. You may be able to also earn discounts on certain things if you carry one of these cards.

Some cards offer cash back bonuses. This is a very enticing feature for those who pay their credit card balances in full every month. Credit cards will offer a cash back bonus from 1% to 5% of all purchases made on the credit card. It may not seem like a lot, but it will definitely add up over the course of a year.

There are many other types of credit card incentive programs out there. Some of the other popular ones are getting discounts on gasoline or earning points that you can redeem for restaurant coupons or other things.

If you are looking at credit cards and you find a few that offer you what you want and the only difference is the incentive program they offer then you’ll need to make your decision on this program. Choose one that will most suit your needs or desires. If you travel a lot then getting airline miles might be for you. If you drive a lot then you might want to consider one that gives you discounts on your gasoline. No matter what your interests are or the lifestyle that you lead you will be able to find an incentive program on a credit card to match it.

By: Marlon Dirk

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Here at www.applyforcreditcard.com, you will get to receive all kinds of reliable tips and information on how and where to get the best offer when applying for credit cards.

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Getting The Most From Your Rewards Card

Using a rewards card can be a smart way to cover your normal expenses. And if you’re going to spend the money anyway, you might as well get something back from it. Depending on the card issuer’s rewards program, rewards may be used for anything from cash-back, gift cards, merchandise, travel, or donations to your favorite charity.

Rewards cards typically give you one point for every dollar spent, and some cards give you bonus points if you shop at particular merchants, or for certain types of purchases like gas and groceries.

Read and understand the details of your card’s rewards program to ensure you actually benefit from it. Also, pay attention to special promotions that may help you accelerate your points earnings; my rewards card occasionally gives me 5x the points when I use my card for bills within a specific time-frame.

Consider the cost of your rewards
Those with excellent credit can often qualify for a generous rewards card with no annual fee. People with average to good credit may have to pay an annual fee to get the rewards card they want. It may be still be worth paying a fee to earn rewards that you can use if you use your card often enough to benefit. Do some calculations and figure out if your annual credit card spending justifies paying a reasonable annual fee.

Keep in mind that a rewards card is not the best choice for those who normally carry a balance. The APR on rewards cards tend to be significantly higher than a similar card with no rewards; the higher interest charges could easily cancel out any benefit you’d get through the rewards program, and can even cost you more than they’re worth. Pay your full balance every month by the end of the grace period to avoid finance charges and to ensure you really get the most from your rewards card.

And a rewards card is often not a good choice for "emergency only" usage. Definitely not worth it if there’s an annual fee, since you wouldn’t use the card often enough to build enough points in a year’s time to redeem for much of anything. Even if there’s no annual fee, it could possibly takes years to earn a blender or toaster or $25 gift card, and you’re paying for it with a higher APR than a non-rewards card.

Racking up rewards points is good, as long as you would have spent the money even without the rewards. But don’t spend any more than you would if you had to pay cash. This advice really applies to any credit card, but some consumers find it even easier to justify over-spending when they’ve got their eye on a gas grill or a luxury weekend vacation on the card issuers’ reward-redemption shopping site.

And what are your rewards really worth?
Let’s put the value of rewards into perspective. You get one point for one dollar spent. And, generally, a point is supposed to be worth about a penny’s worth of reward, meaning you get back one cent for every dollar you spend, one dollar for every hundred, and ten dollars for every thousand. That doesn’t sound like much, and it really isn’t - especially when you consider that many card issuer’s don’t even give you the full value of the rule-of-thumb penny for a dollar.

Point values can vary by the card issuer, so check your card’s rewards program guidelines for the full details.

Cash-back rewards often require you to reach a certain spending point before you can redeem your points for cash. Or, you may not get back a full percent for each dollar you spend until you reach a certain level. Even if they don’t give you a penny for a point, at least you’ll always know the full value of what you’re receiving. It really isn’t a lot of money for the amount of spending required to "earn" it, but it’s cash. And you were going to spend the money anyway, even without the rewards. So it really is free money.

Gift card rewards can be the best deal if you get a gift card for a merchant that you normally shop with. Save up your points for gift cards of larger denominations; low-value cards typically cost more on a per-point basis. For example, a $10 gift card may cost 1500 points, but a $100 gift card may be 10,000 points. Compare the different denominations with your card issuer, and delay redeeming your points until you’ve reached the level where you won’t be losing by redeeming too few points at a time.

Merchandise rewards are fun, you can occasionally pamper yourself with some of the luxuries you may not have bought outright. But before redeeming your rewards points for merchandise, check around to see what the items are really worth. You’ll often pay a premium for the merchandise; I checked directly with the merchants online for some of the items that my card’s rewards program offered. Some examples:

ADIDAS Tour 360 II Golf Shoes cost 23,000 points but retails for $180,
and many dealers currently have them on sale for $120.
Razor RipStik costs 15,500 points but sells for about $75 at most
retailers.
Beer of the Month 3-month subscription looks like a $125 value at 12,500
points, but actually sells for $99 at the company’s website.
The Fossil Classic Sport Watch, retailing at about $115 was actually a
good deal at 7750 points, equivalent to $77.50 in rewards points.

Travel rewards may offer a good value on a per-point or per-mile basis, but they can also be difficult to use. Before redeeming your points on travel discounts, check on blackout dates, fees to book your travel, and other restrictions that may complicate your travel plans.

Charity donations don’t give much bang for your points. You won’t be able to deduct the amount of the donation on your taxes because the donation will be made by your card issuer, and not in your name. If you itemize your deductions, you would be better off if you used a cash-back rewards card, donate the cash reward, and take your charitable contribution deduction.

One or Many Rewards Cards?
Look into rewards cards that offers bonus points; some cards give you 2-5 points on purchases that qualify for bonus points, and then one point for everything else. You can really rack up points by using a couple of different rewards cards based on the types of purchases you make most, and then use the card that gives you the biggest benefit for any given purchase.

A cardholder with a large family and a spouse that often travels for business can accelerate their point accumulation with two rewards cards, one that gives bonus points on gas and groceries and another that gives bonus points for hotel stays and travel costs.

Or, consider using only one rewards card regularly, rather than several. Using one all-purpose rewards card can make it easier to keep track of your balances and due dates, as well as earn the bigger-ticket rewards faster, since all your points or miles will be concentrated on the one card. Too many rewards cards, and you may dilute your efforts in point-building. One card may suit you if it offers bonus points on the types of purchases you spend the most money on.

Maximizing your rewards
Be aware of any restrictions on redeeming your rewards, including expiration dates, maximum point limits, blackout dates on travel.
You can use your rewards card for many types of expenses: gas, groceries, shopping, entertainment, travel, utility and medical bills.
Paying other debts and some utilities with a credit card may be possible, but there may be fees associated with making a credit card payment. Paying a "credit card processing fee" could easily cost more than the value of your rewards.
Only use your rewards card for purchases you were going to make anyway.
Pay your balance each month to eliminate interest charges and to ensure you are actually being rewarded by your normal spending.
Rewards points are not usually earned on cash transactions, including cash advances at an ATM or at check-out, convenience checks, or balance transfers.

By: financeglobe-14426

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Finance Globe

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This article briefly explains the dangers associated with credit cards issued to students and the credit card companies that don’t care.

It’s no big surprise that major credit card companies are aiming their marketing campaigns towards our countries up and coming generation. To credit card companies, no consumer is more profitable than today’s college students.

Students are big business to them, and for good reasons. Why? Simple, teens like to spend money they don’t have! Were you poor when you left the house and took your first shot at the big University? Yeah, so was I. In fact the majority of today’s college students live off of loans and a minimum wage job, leaving them very little to spend on merchandise. This is where the credit card companies make their killing. Instead of saving up for that cute pink shirt on the clearance rack, or that shiny new watch, students can charge it to the new "low" APR student card they just received in the mail. In fact, by opening up credit card booths Nationwide, credit card companies are making it easier than ever for students to get their feet wet.

So in answer to the topic question: yes, students are most definitely getting in over their head when it comes to credit and debt management. If your part of the younger generation you may recall getting your very first shiny gold/platinum card in the mail. Do you remember skipping all the fine print mumbo jumbo? Well, most students today are in the same boat. The only thing we cared about is that little line at the bottom that tells us how much we can spend: our line of credit. The fact is, Most "Student" credit cards come with a ridiculously high APR and crippling late fee charges, which in most cases, cause the APR to soar even higher!

This may seem a little redundant and obvious to you and I, but to students, the phrases "APR", "late fees" and "interest rates" aren’t an established part of their vocabulary yet. This is where things get sticky. The statistics don’t lie, and research has it that nearly 11 percent of people who seek credit counseling are under the age of 24. According to Colorado Public Interest Research Group, 49 percent of Colorado’s college students have more than one credit card, which is higher than the national average of 37%!

The solution should be obvious. Students should be taught about credit and debt management. In fact, most students don’t even know that free nonprofit credit counseling agencies are at their disposal, nationwide. Counseling can help make budgets or stop students from sinking further in debt. They also re-teach young students the "value" of the dollar bill, a concept slowly diminishing in our day and age. It’s obvious credit card companies care very little about this. The more we don’t know, the more they make.

About the author:
Adam Boulton is currently enrolled as a full-time student and has seen first hand the damages student credit cards can cause. If you would like more info about the pros and cons of student credit cards please visit his website at StudentResourceCenter.com

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