Learning to manage credit sooner rather than later holds big benefits. It seems as if getting a credit card is something that only adults should do. In reality, college students should be considered responsible enough to control a credit card. Credit card companies are not taking advantage of students and students should look into getting a credit a card because building credit early has its advantages, it can be a teaching tool, and being responsible with credit use can come with rewards.
Firstly, having a credit card in college has many advantages. "Graduates with a healthy credit score have a distinct advantage over others," says Bruce McClary, the vice president of communications for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. "Similar to a high-grade point average, a high credit rating will open doors to opportunity when the time is right. Preserving that advantage often means waiting to build a strong financial foundation before making a lifestyle upgrade (Papandrea)." In order for students to be independent in the future- moving out or buying a car- they need to have positive experiences with their credit. Card users need to learn how to handle credit
…show more content…
A credit card can be a handy tool for students when an emergency situation calls for more money than what is available. We have to remember that most students are not near their parents often enough when they go off to college. This means that mom and dad cannot always come to the student’s side when they are in need of money. Credit cards provide a convenient way for students to buy things without having to reach out to their parents every time. As long as the student is educated on what exactly an emergency is, then a credit card could be a beneficial idea. For example, it is easy to use the card to take a trip with friends, but that is not smart usage. Basic money management skills are learned through credit