Student credit cards are often seen as the only way for students to get a card, but they aren’t always the best option. Using a student credit card responsibly is crucial to maintain good financial health and avoid hurting your credit score. Follow these steps to ensure you’re using your student credit card wisely!
- Keep balances low – Keeping balances low is one of the best ways to ensure your student credit card is working for you, not against you. The lower your balance, the fewer interest charges accrue each month and therefore reduce how much money it costs in total over time.
- Start using cash first before making purchases with your card – It can be hard to remember and easy to overspend, but try using cash first before purchasing with your credit card. By doing this, you’ll not only feel the actual cost of the items you’re buying as opposed to just swiping for it on an electronic device.
- Use online banking or text alerts to stay on top of payments due – It’s easy to forget when payments are due on your credit card, especially if you’re in college with a packed schedule! Setting up online banking or text alerts for payment dates will help keep track of those critical deadlines.
- Pay your bill on time – This one seems like a no-brainer, but so many students forget to pay their bills, making it even more difficult for them. By paying the minimum amount due by that payment date or at least setting up payments online, you’ll avoid late fees and preserve good credit!
- Keep a spending plan – When you’re in college, your schedule is never the same from one week to another. It can be difficult to budget for certain expenses with that kind of mix-up. Keeping a simple monthly or weekly spending plan will help keep track of where your money is going and when so there are no surprises!
- Avoid impulse purchases – It can be easy to get caught up in all the fun and exciting college life, but it’s important not to let that cloud your judgment on spending. Try setting a daily or weekly allowance for yourself, so there are no surprises when you go shopping!
Avoiding student credit cards while in college may seem difficult, but it’s an essential step towards building good financial health for when students graduate and head into the workforce. By following these easy steps using a student credit card responsibly becomes second nature!