Advantages and Disadvantages of Student Credit Cards

Having a credit card is a very convenient way of purchasing things in an instant without having to worry about cash. There are credit card companies that give opportunities to young adults. However, student credit cards come with limitations, even if they can be used just like any other regular credit card.

A lot of credit card companies and banks offer student credit cards and basically request a cosigner who would serve as a collateral. The consigner, who is usually a parent or guardian, would sign the loan together with the student. The consigner has to pay the student’s debt if the student can no longer pay his or her own bills. A consigner with good credit score gives the company peace of mind.

The interest rates of student credit cards are higher than that of regular credit cards to ensure the company. But student credit cards do give benefits to students who make huge purchases. To make a huge purchase, the student should have a good credit score. Credit cards would serve as a starter to build credit and to establish a good credit rating. When the student has good credit score, it is a big plus in applying for loans in the future.

Students who use credit cards should acquire enough knowledge about the risk of using the credit card. At a very young age, students might think credit cards mean free money. This would be very dangerous for them and could lead to bad credit records. The students could even be forced to work harder to be able to pay their debt. Plus, they can no longer apply for loans if they would have bad credit scores. This would force them to get bad credit credit cards. They might be one of those unlucky people who would end up getting credit cards for bad credits.

The company would go directly to the consigner if ever the student is unable to pay the credit card bills. This would affect the consigner’s name as well. A specific budget is highly recommended to avoid overspending.

Credit cards might be good for students because this would help them learn how to budget money. However, they must know and understand the dangers first before getting a credit card.