Student Credit Cards
STUDENT CREDIT CARDS
With graduate debt averaging over £12,000, the ability to spread the cost of further education using a student credit card is obviously attractive. Adding to their appeal is the fact that these cards are relatively easy to obtain. Unlike many standard credit cards, they are available to people who do not have a regular, minimum income and credit history. They often come with tempting offers including low rates for an introductory period, shopping discounts and free CDs. Flexing student plastic has the additional benefit of creating a credit history that can be used to support future loan and mortgage applications.
So, with no regular income and credit history, what exactly is the attraction of students for the credit card companies? Well, the fact that graduates can expect to earn, on average, £400,000 more over their lifetime than the national average, means that financial institutions are eager to attract this extra earning potential. Banks and credit card providers know that the general public are reluctant to go through the hassle of changing accounts, so by attracting students early in their career, they are likely to stay with them for life.
Student credit cards can have drawbacks. If balances are not paid off in full each month, most cards aimed at students notch up higher interest charges than their regular counterparts. These additional charges often cancel out the benefits of store discounts or free CDs. Credit cards aimed at those in further education may not attract the useful bonuses that regular plastic does, for example air miles, cash back on purchases and interest-free periods.
Credit cards aren't free money. Flashing plastic creates a debt that must be managed alongside the repayment of tuition fees, bank overdraft and student loan repayments. Handled well, a student will benefit in the future from a good credit rating. Managed poorly, students may end up with a bad history that will adversely affect subsequent credit applications.
It's also important to note that some standard credit cards do not require the holder to have a minimum regular income or credit history. Students working part time and holiday jobs may earn enough to apply for a range of standard cards. So, it is important for students to check out all suitable credit card deals, not just the ones aimed at people in further education.
A little research before signing on the dotted line can really pay off. By taking the time to compare the deals available on all suitable credit cards, interest repayments can be minimised and the benefits of holding a card maximised. And that really is good news for students.
Please click here for more information of student credit cards available for the UK
Phil Edwards is a Business analyst in the city of London, freelance writer for several finance magazines and websites and co-owner of http://www.1st-uk-credit-cards.co.uk and http://www.1st-uk-loans.co.uk.
Related Articles:
Bank Of America Credit Card Special Programs
Partnered With Hundreds
Apply Online For A Credit Card - Instant Online Credit Card Application
The Internet has changed the lives of many of us in lots of different ways and we can now do our shopping, book flights, download music, software and ebooks, and even apply online for a credit card. Making an instant online credit card application is quick and efficient and comparison charts make it simple to find a low interest rate credit card, or the best credit card deal to suit your personal needs.
Online Credit Card Processing - How to Accept Credit Cards - Ecommerce 101
Back in 1998 (through 2000 or so), I worked for a small company (called PaymentNet / then Signio) that handled online transactions. Verisign later purchased this company, and the product team I led integrated the "client" - the portion that took the credit card information and sent it to our servers for processing.
Online Credit Card Application: The Fastest And Most Convenient Way To Get A Credit Card
Thanks to the advancement of technology, particularly the internet, people now has a way to communicate cheaply, and even do some shopping. In fact, applying for credit cards is now possible through the internet. You will see that applying for a credit card online will be much faster and easier than ever before.
England will win the World Cup Before Banks Admit to Excessive Credit card Charges
"I have now received a reply from (your credit card provider). It says it does not accept that its charges are unlawful or unfair. ? It accepts no liability, but nonetheless says it will pay £907 (plus interest of £247.52) to settle the dispute. They say that its offer represents a full refund of all the charges [and interest that your client disputes ?."
Using The Bank?s Money With Credit Cards
Cardholders can take advantage of money received from the bank to pay the balance on their credit card. The key steps are to first figure out a way to get money from the bank, then use the money for the credit card.
Credit Card Application: How To Get The Best Credit Card Deals
When you go shopping, you will see that most people are now using credit cards to purchase the things they need. You have to consider that the credit card is now one of the most important and also one of the widely used financial tools that people are using. Besides, with credit cards, you can purchase the things that you want even if you still don?t have the money for it.
Banking and Company Credit Card Policies for Small Business
Does your small business have a banking and credit card policy? If not, perhaps you might wish to think on it. Developing such policies and procedures is not a difficult task.
Bank Of America - Make-A-Wish Visa Credit Card Is A Boon All The Way
The Bank of America is well known for its financial products and services around the world. Bank of America - Make-A-Wish Visa credit card is one such financial-service from the Bank with a philanthropic angle to it.
Credit Cards In An Instant: Getting An Online Approval For Your Credit Card Application
Credit cards offer the ultimate ease and convenience in shopping and purchases. With just a swipe, you get to buy even the most lucrative items on the shopping rack. They're the prolific things these days; these miniature cards people use to buy things - from shoes to dresses, to food, to cars and appliances. What makes them so prolific? It's the fact that they can now be easily acquired with the help of the Internet. Anyone can now apply for a credit card online. And more importantly, anyone can have their applications approved in just a matter of seconds - this is what one calls instant credit card approval online.