| Creating good credit and getting student | | | | really do have a necessity and don't |
| credit cards is new territory for college | | | | overcharge any more than you need. |
| students. Your future is starting now and you | | | | |
| probably haven't given much thought to | | | | When choosing a card, you may have some luck |
| building your credit. Getting off on the | | | | going through your bank or credit union, but |
| right foot is crucial for your financial | | | | there are companies that have special |
| future. Making the wrong moves can haunt you | | | | previsions for students. It is generally best |
| for years and you should be aware of the | | | | to avoid companies that be preying on the |
| risks and rewards when it comes to your | | | | fact that you seem naïve about credit |
| credit score. | | | | cards. Beware of representatives that offer |
| | | | free t-shirts or any other types of prizes |
| Your credit score tells lenders if you are a | | | | for filling out an application. That freebie |
| low-risk person who manages their money and | | | | could end up costing you hundreds or |
| credit well, or if you are careless and | | | | thousands of dollars in fees and interest in |
| reckless with your finances. If your credit | | | | the long run. Look for good introductory |
| is good, you'll enjoy low interest rates on | | | | rates that don't balloon into something |
| loans and credit cards, lower minimum | | | | horrible after the promotion runs out. |
| payments than your peers and more lending | | | | Compare interest rates, fees and terms of |
| options will be available to you. This can be | | | | many cards before making a decision. |
| very important when it comes to making major | | | | |
| purchases such as vehicles or buying your | | | | You may need to start out with a secured |
| first home. Making bad choices and careless | | | | credit card. These are credit cards that |
| uninformed decisions can lead to a life of | | | | require you to put money up front, use the |
| high interest, high payments and simply not | | | | card and prove that you are responsible |
| qualifying for that car or house that you | | | | enough to make payments on-time. Making |
| need. The worse your credit gets, the more | | | | on-time payments is one of the best pieces of |
| you pay for everything that needs financing. | | | | advice you can get. Interest rates can |
| Trending in this direction can lead you on a | | | | fluctuate very quickly when a payment is |
| downward spiral of out of control debt. | | | | missed. Fees are usually extremely high and |
| | | | you can get yourself into a bind that you |
| You may not know exactly where to start to | | | | can't afford to get out of. Always pay more |
| ensure that you get the best deal and | | | | than the minimum required and pay off |
| establish the best score possible. You are | | | | balances as quickly as possible. Show your |
| probably starting out with no credit score at | | | | responsibility to your credit card company |
| all and applying for loans and credit cards | | | | and your credit score will reflect your |
| can be disappointing when you are rejected | | | | diligence. Once you establish your good |
| again and again. Make wise choices. Don't get | | | | credit score, it will pay off for years to |
| a credit card just to go shopping or on a | | | | come. |
| trip with your friends. Make sure that you | | | | |