When it comes to getting credit cards, college students are the one who can apply for the cards without income check, or parent's signature to get a card. All they have to do is apply, sign and the card will be in the mail. Most financial institution and banks believe that the college students will tend to keep the cards after graduation and they are good customers who pay their bills on time. Then which one to choose?
- American Express Card: Besides business people, American Express's primary marketing targets is: college students. For the college students who hold a green card receive much special treatment from the company. They produce a special magazine just for the students. The company offers discount merchandise, invite them to special entertainment events, cheap airfare and may more other offers. The annual fee that they charge the college student is generally lower than regular cardholders. Some requirement for college student regarding in payment: they must be paid back in full at the end of each month. Some disciplined student may welcome the requirement of payment and others may not.
- VisaŽ, Master CardŽ: Citibank is the top college card issuer. It is relatively easy to get a card from Citibank as long as you show evidence that you are a student. Another requirement Citibank will issue a card to you when you show some type of income whether from a part-time job, saving account or even allowance. As a student and your are thinking of building a credit rating, a bankcard is a good way to start. However, just remember that the cads usually carry high interest rates. If you always pay your bill on time and you will be more likely to get additional credit if you need it.
- Department Stores Card: Sears, J.C.Penney, Filenes are few example of department stores offer cards to students. Department store cards can be only used in the store with the name bear on the card. These cards generally issue with low credit limit and usually charge very high interest rate. If you are thinking of building the credit rate, department store cards do not provide as valuable a reference as a bankcard or American Express.
- Gasoline Cards: Even for students, gasoline cards are usually easy to obtain. Like American Express Card, gasoline cards you to pay the entire amount in full each month. Some companies offer revolving credits for car repairs and tires. Most gasoline companies do not report your payment histories to credit bureaus in a regular basis; they may not much of a use as a credit reference.
