Student Credit Cards

Below you can compare different student credit cards. Student credit cards are an ideal way to start building up your credit score and they can give you a useful financial education – so that when you graduate you will have a good start on the finance ladder. A good credit score is essential, whether you want to buy a car, purchase a property or start a new loan. Student credit cards can help you build your credit rating. Most student credit cards carry great beneficial features including introductory offers, cashback schemes, and other exclusive offers. Remember that you should use student credit cards responsibly. Use the chart below to compare the main pros and cons of different student credit cards to find the right card for you and your finances.

Student credit cards can be very useful while you are studying but you need to be sensible!

What is a student credit card?

Just that! A student credit card is a credit card provided by banks and credit card providers aimed directly at students. However, even though these cards can be particularly useful there is a catch. These student credit cards do not have the same large credit limits as normal credit cards. The credit limit will be considerably lower than standard credit cards but this can help you not get into debt.

Are student credit cards a good idea?

Student credit cards can be extremely helpful providing you are sensible with them. Student credit cards are serious financial products and need to be treated as such. These cards can be extremely useful in tiding you over for any emergency you may have or for buying books and equipment at the beginning of the semester.

Student credit cards can also help you build your credit profile which is a good thing providing you make sure that all outstanding payments on your student credit card are made on time. This may seem obvious but if you do not make payments on time you could damage your credit score making it harder for you to borrow in the future.

What are the disadvantages of student credit cards?

As a student you are likely to have little income coming in which means it can become all to easy to rely on your credit card. However, if you are only paying the minimum amount each month then the interest on the outstanding balance on your card will grow and grow and become more expensive. If you do not make payments on your card on time it can harm your credit score and make it much more difficult to obtain credit later on. You should never use a credit card to withdraw cash. The credit card companies charge large fees if you try to take out cash with your card. There will often be extra charges for using a student credit card overseas so watch out for that.

Finding the right student Credit Card

As with any financial products make sure you read the terms and conditions thoroughly. There are many different charges involved and if there is anything you don’t understand seek some external financial advice. You can use the table above to easily compare some of the leading student credit cards weighing up all the different feature of each to find the one most suited to you.