| High school life is over. You've moved away from | | | | work or assets. |
| home and you're starting a brand new chapter in | | | | Tip #4 Speaking of interest rates, the first thing |
| your life with college. Independence feels great, | | | | you should look for in a credit card is the lowest |
| but it's sure to feel greater if you've got your | | | | possible interest rates. This might mean not being |
| own credit card, don't you think? | | | | able to enjoy a reward-based credit card, but at |
| 8 Tips for College Students Wanting to Apply for | | | | your age, you might not yet afford the higher |
| a Credit Card | | | | rates charged by credit cards offering reward |
| Here's what you can do to make the credit card | | | | points. If you see a 0% APR credit card, make |
| application process as hassle-free as possible. | | | | sure to check how long the offer would last and |
| Tip #1 Prepare proof of identification. Have your | | | | what the standard APR is afterwards. |
| photos ready as well as all your valid IDs. Credit | | | | Tip #5 A number of credit cards allows you to |
| card companies will always have to verify that | | | | apply even without a cosigner, but some of them |
| you are indeed who you say you are before you | | | | tend to have stricter application requirements. If |
| can proceed any further. IDs where your age is | | | | you don't want to go through the trouble of |
| stated are also preferred because you have to | | | | submitting additional requirements, simply ask your |
| prove you're at least 18 years old as well. If you | | | | parent or legal guardian to act as your guarantor |
| have any bills under your name, take them with | | | | when you apply for a credit card. |
| you as well because they can serve as proof of | | | | Tip #6 Always look for a credit card that allows |
| residence. | | | | you to manage your account online. This will allow |
| Tip #2 Prepare proof of schooling. Credit card | | | | you to check your account balance regularly and |
| companies generally prefer to issue credit cards | | | | know when and how much you have to pay for |
| to students who belong to accredited colleges and | | | | your credit card every month. |
| universities. If you belong to such a school then | | | | Tip #7 There are a few additional perks that you |
| you're in luck. If not, you can compensate it by | | | | might deem necessary. If you are fond of |
| showing your previous records - if they're | | | | shopping online, look for a credit card that offers |
| excellent, that is. Just like when you're applying for | | | | you fraud liability guarantee at no extra cost. |
| a driver's license, credit card issuers also take | | | | Other credit cards offer you "thank you" points |
| academic and extra-curricular excellence as a sign | | | | for being a prompt payer. |
| of maturity and trustworthiness in your part. | | | | Tip #8 Now that you know what you need from |
| Tip #3 Prepare proof of financial assets. Student | | | | a credit card, find one that matches your |
| credit cards tend to charge higher rates than | | | | preferences and then submit your application. |
| usual, but you might be qualified for lower rates if | | | | Remember to be courteous and answer all their |
| you're already working or you have money and a | | | | questions honestly. You're sure to have your |
| bank account in your name. Either way, make | | | | application approved in no time. Have fun with |
| sure you can submit documentary proof of your | | | | responsible swiping! |