Introduction
As a student, it can be challenging to juggle your classes, social life, and a part-time job to pay off your credit. Credit cards for students are thoughtfully created to pay off debt or save money for college to maintain a good credit history. You may even have to buy a car, avail student loans without the highest interest rate, or find your apartment in the future.
According to the 2022 Statista Global Consumer Survey, 44% of students aged between 18 and 29 years are using student credit cards in the US. Sallie Mae estimates that about 24% of students have acquired top-notch money management skills by using student credit cards. [1][2][3]
Taking control of your finances has never been easier with the Bright Money app. Bright Money's app can help you develop a financial plan if you want to pay off debt or save.
Best Credit Card Options for a College Student
These are some of the best credit card options available for US students. Note that the benefits shown below can change over time.
Top Benefits of Using Credit Cards for Students
Some significant benefits of using a student credit card are discussed below.
1. Aids in Credit Building
To get a head start on building your credit score, opt for a student credit card to handle unexpected expenses and overcome financial constraints. The earlier you focus on building your credit, the more positive will be your credit history. The length of your credit history portrays the tenure of credit reports recorded by the three credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. The longer your credit history, the better its effect on your credit score will be while trying to build credit. [4] [5] [6]
2. Handle College Expenses
As a college student, you can't have separate funds as emergency savings to tackle some of the unexpected expenses. These expenses may arise when buying necessary supplies or bearing a project cost, which can be duly met using a student credit card. However, remember to pay off your credit card after using it for an expense, as you are just borrowing money. Also, try to use it responsibly by keeping track of your expenses to make minimum payments every month.
3. Develop Money Management Skills
With responsible usage of credit cards for college students, you will be able to grasp positive credit habits, which will portray your trustworthiness to your issuer. You can also hone your financial management skills while learning to avoid the highest interest rate when settling credit card debt. For expert tips on financial management, check out the Bright Money website today.
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt?
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York report, Americans are facing a credit card debt worth $1.03 trillion this year. Accumulating credit card debt is stressful and can hurt your credit score. Though it might seem impossible, paying off your credit debt is possible by following a few tactics or strategies mentioned below. [7] [8]
- Follow The Snowball Method: Through the snowball method, paying off huge to small credit card debt within a short period is possible. Based on the report by CreditCards.com, around 17% of people have used snowball methods when answering a question on how to pay off credit card debt. With this technique, you can make minimum payments on your credit cards, pay extra on your credit card debt, and move the next biggest debt to grow the “snowball” amount as and when you pay off credit card debts.[9]
- Opt for Balance Transfer Credit Cards: If you have maintained perfect credit despite having credit card debt by making timely minimum payments, you can choose balance transfer credit cards with zero interest. You can transfer the balances with the highest interest rate to the new card with an introductory offer of zero interest for a period between 12 and 21 months.
- Consider Debt Consolidation Loans: If you have multiple credit cards, then exploring debt consolidation loans to combine them into one with a fixed monthly payment will be beneficial. The survey by CreditCards.com states around 8% of people have used debt consolidation loans by requesting a bank transfer. Consider the debt consolidation option if you are wondering how to pay off debt apart from your credit card debt.
Conclusion
Using a student credit card while in college will help you develop good financial habits that can pave the way for a better financial future. Choosing the best credit card is a big first step for every student, as it will help build better credit while enhancing your trustworthiness image to the issuers. Also, ensure that you pay off debt or save by choosing a feasible strategy when paying off a credit card to rebuild your credit score and avail better loans or upgrade your credit card with a high limit.
Sign up with Bright Money today to pay off your debts quickly and build better credit. You can download the Bright Money app to get financial advice.
Additional Suggested Readings
1. https://www.brightmoney.co/blog/the-evolution-of-todays-financial-sector
2. https://www.brightmoney.co/blog/building-a-scalable-financial-technology
3. https://www.brightmoney.co/blog/bright-crash-course-in-all-things-finance
4. https://www.brightmoney.co/blog/how-does-economic-growth-happen
FAQs
1. Which credit card is a better choice for students?
Choose the credit card for students that provide services at the best rates with zero annual fees and the lowest fees to save more. Also, the card you select must offer excellent perks and rewards after your first sign-up.
2. What should you look for before choosing a student credit card?
Every credit card will have a unique fee structure. Though it is impossible to avoid such fees, choosing the right student credit card and handling it responsibly will help you avoid most of them. Most often, the issuers will charge fees for balance transfer credit cards, cash advance fees, annual fees, and late fees.
3. Can I have more than one student credit card?
Usually, college students like you should use one credit card first to get the hang of managing and spending every month. Once you can handle paying off and spending without issues, you can opt for a second one to increase your credit limit.
4. Can I use my student credit card even after I graduate?
It is based on your credit card issuer's decision. You might be asked to use the same or get a standard credit card. However, consider the credit limit, fees, and benefits when trying to upgrade.
Reference
1. https://www.statista.com/global-consumer-survey
2. https://www.statista.com/statistics/228373/users-of-credit-cards-usa/
3. https://www.salliemae.com/content/dam/slm/Media/images/Research/Majoring-In-Money-Report-2019.pdf
5. https://www.transunion.com/
7. https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc.html
8. https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/credit-card-debt-reaches-all-time-high/
9. https://www.creditcards.com/statistics/credit-card-debt-increase-poll/
10. https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/student-cards
11. https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/ways-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt/#consolidation
12. https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/student/#faqs
13 https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/college-student
14. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/starter-credit-card-student-card-vs-secured-card
15. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/student-credit-cards-101
