Posts Tagged ‘bank credit card’
When you apply for a student credit card, look before you leap!
January 9th, 2010 | 
Author: In the early 1970s, banks were eager to introduce the consumer public to the then-new concept of the credit card. Prior to this time, people would have charge-accounts at their favorite department stores, but that was about the extent of living on credit. Unsolicited credit cards were sent out by the millions and consumers eagerly accepted this new way to buy what they wanted on time. Lots of people got in trouble, overextending themselves and facing debt consolidation that might take years to pay. Today, both banks and consumers are smarter. When you apply for a account credit card, there are a few things you should know before you accept an offer of credit.
Applying for a credit card is ultra easy these days. You can apply for a credit card online and be approved in just minutes. What you may not know is that as soon as you’ve entered your information and submitted it for approval, the issuing bank runs a credit check which determines what your lending rate will be.
If you have no credit history, or your credit record is not so great, you may well be approved, but the lending rate will knock your socks off. Be sure to read the fine print before you apply for a credit card. What’s the APR? Should you be late on a payment, how much is the late fee? Is the rate offered an introductory rate which reverts to a much higher rate a few months down the road? Make sure you have all these questions answered before you sign on the dotted line. Otherwise, your initial excitement in receiving the credit can turn into future disappointment and a worse credit rating.
Some banks offer a balance transfer arrangement, whereby you can consolidate other credit card debt into a single payment to their company. This can be a good solution, assuming your credit is good and you can afford the monthly payment. Again, check for introductory rates, the APR and late fees.
When you apply for a credit card, keep in mind that you’re making a serious commitment. Your credit rating is important. Getting into a position where you are late on payments or can make only the minimum payment each month is not desirable. You also need to realize that if you are late, even once or twice, both your lending rate and the dollar amount of a late fee will increase.
Finally, do not assume your payment date remains the same each month. Sometimes the bank adjusts the billing cycle with the result that your usual due date of the 5th of the month becomes the 4th. If you don’t look each month and make your usual payment on the 5th, you’ll end up with a late fee and perhaps a higher rate.
Be a smart consumer when you apply for a credit card. You’ll then build a good credit score ratings and enjoy the many advantages of credit.
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Helping College Students Get A Bank Credit Card
It is important for college students to be able to pay for their tuition, books, fees and living expenses while they are attending post-secondary school. A student loan and a scholarship can cover most of the associated costs, but there are still other day to day expenses to consider. If an emergency occurs and the student needs extra cash, then they need a financial back-up plan. A bank credit card can help with these unforeseen expenses and it will also help them to build their credit score.
A bank credit card is a great way for a student to begin improving their credit score, while at the same time teaching them to be responsible. Just like unsecured credit cards, bank cards are based on how good or bad their credit rating is and can be difficult to obtain if they have no credit history. This is a common complaint among individuals. How can you get credit without having credit? It’s a catch-22 and can be extremely frustrating.
If having a credit card is your goal, then you need to start off small. There is a card for bad credit that many people utilize. It may require a deposit to assure the lender that funds are available to match the credit limit. Many people who have bad credit or no credit rating will utilize these cards, as a way to start or re-build credit scores. The downfall is being forced into paying high interest rates and a yearly membership fee that is often ridiculous. Use these as a last alternative.
If you are determined to have a credit card from your bank of choice, then you may want to consider asking your parent to co-sign the application with you. You will have the card in your name, but your parent’s credit score will determine your interest rate and your credit card limit. This is a great way to get a 0 APR credit card and start to build your own credit rating.
A bank credit card is a great way to begin building your credit score. It can teach you financial responsibility as well as pay your bills on time. This is the first true test of being an adult and you do not want to fail. Student credit card debt can be a real issue that can detract you from your studies and that is the last thing you want hanging over your head.
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