Choosing the Best Credit Cards for College Students With Rock bottoms APR Fees Even A With Bad Credit Score
College students who are looking for credit cards with the lowest APR fees to pay for school fees, supplies, and everyday things seems like it gets harder and harder to find every school year. In this list we will go over how to find and apply for the rock bottom APR credit cards fees no matter how bad or good your credit score is.
Picking the best credit card for college students with the lowest fees can help prevent racking up expensive debt and damaging their credit standing according to the comparison site CreditCards.com.
Credit Cards for College Students #1: Discover It Chrome
Discover It Chrome for students is the top choice for students going back to school this fall.
The rewards card pays 2% cash back for restaurants and gas stations plus 1% on everything else. There are no foreign transaction fees and the first time you are making a late payment, there is no late charge.
The 101 feature is an online resource that answers many novice card users’ FAQ.
Credit Cards for College Students #2: Bank of America Cash Rewards
You receive 3% cash back on gasoline, 2% on groceries, 1% on everything else, and provides a $150 sign-up bonus when you spend $500 within the initial three months the account becomes active. This card provides a student-tailored tool to also help card users manage credit better.
Wallethub editors also agree that student credit card is a useful way to introduce credit and the first step toward becoming a savvy credit user is by choosing the right card.
What to look for when searching for a college student credit cards?
Students should look for generous rewards, 0% intro rates, low fees, and the card that best suits their spending patterns. Before the student applies for a credit card,
“He or she must do some research to find a card with the most benefits — a lower interest rate, no annual fees, reasonable credit limits and clear billing policies.” says, Local Records Office
And even though a reward card sounds cooler, the higher annual percentage rate (APR) and annual fees, is not worth it. Most students should try starting out with a retail credit card, they come with fewer benefits and lower spending limits, says Clarky Davis, but when you are paying the bill regularly it will build good credit.
Secured Credit Card is attached to your savings account, and is for those who cannot qualify for a retail card or a regular credit card. When the student pays the bill responsibly and on time, he or she will be eventually eligible for a regular credit card.
College students can use the credit card responsibly
A credit card is a great way to help you build a good credit history while at the same time, must be managed responsibly for it to benefit you. However, at the same time, do not leave the plastic hanging out in your wallet, because getting a credit card means you are starting credit history and you must use the card to show your on-time payments.
Consider a small recurring charge that you will not have trouble paying at the end of each month, such as Netflix, or groceries.
Avoid using a credit card on big buys, unless it is an emergency
Students must be able to keep debt levels low and so when there is an emergency expense, you will be prepared for that credit line accessible. This way you can still manage a purchase when something happens, without exceeding your credit limit.
Pay off your credit card balance in full every month
Do your best not to carry a balance, especially when first starting out. Do your best to only use the card for purchases that you can afford, and pay off the balance each month. When you are living beyond your means that signifies you should not be making those purchases.
Credit cards are specially meant for those who have income coming in to support this financial too, Davis explains. And why owe interest fees when you don’t have to?
Pay all of your bills on time
Other fees, such as taxes and library fees, to utility payments, will also affect your credit. So pay all your other bills on time because credit can get ruined from when you failed to pay a traffic fine. Davis notes, “Paying all your bills – from apartment rent to your Internet service – consistently and on time is essential.”
Do not co-sign your friend to get a credit card
As soon as your friend slips up by taking too much debt or missing payments to the bank – the cosigner will quickly see their own credit being ruined. Therefore, it becomes your liability to pay everything charged, or “it could blemish your own credit record”, says Edgar Dworsky, founder of the website ConsumerWorld.org.
Making the risk of having your friend be an authorized user means their mistakes will hurt your credit, although –unlike cosigning on a card – an authorized user can be easily removed.
Being a college student you shouln’t apply for several credit cards
When you apply for too much credit all at the same time, it will make your score drop. When you build credit over the years, it will hurt you a lot less, “but if you barely established credit and apply for multiple cards, it can hurt your credit score significantly,” says Sullivan.
One credit card should be enough for most college students. To prevent excessive debt it is better to have as few as cards as possible and students having one card is more ideal, investing as a student for the future is crucial.
Student loans for education purchases only
Student loans are a great way for students to help them build and maintain good credit explains Davis. That is when used correctly.
Purchasing unnecessary items like a Delorean will make the loan go up, and the key to student loans is by borrowing only what you need to go to school, says Sullivan.
The key to keeping your loans healthy is to stay on top of at least paying the minimum payments. And when you can pay more than that minimum, it will help you pay off that loan much faster.