Is It A Good Idea For High School Students To Have A Credit Card?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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While obtaining a credit card is a big responsibility, it is also a

really good way to introduce your children to the practice of handling money

. Teenagers can learn from carrying . They can learn about credit scores, paying bills on time, staying out of debt and much more.

Which credit card is best for high school students?

  • Overall: Capital One Platinum Credit Card.
  • College Students: Journey Rewards from Capital One.
  • Travel Rewards: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students.
  • Secured: Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
  • No Credit Check: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.

Is it a good idea for a college student to have a credit card?

A credit card can be much more than just a convenient way to pay for today's college expenses. It can

provide peace of mind in emergencies

, allow you to accumulate rewards and cash back, and be a useful tool to help college students establish life-long good financial habits.

Is it illegal for high school students to use credit cards?


The law prohibits issuers from offering credit cards to anyone under 18

. And even then, you'll need your own income to qualify. … You won't be responsible for bill payments as an authorized user, but you will build credit as long as the primary cardholder pays on time.

Is it worth getting a credit card as a student?

“Yes,

college students should get credit cards

. There is no better way to start your credit history. … If you know you won't be able to manage the demands of paying off your credit card each month, or if you think you'll be tempted to spend more than you can afford, it's better to wait.

Do student credit cards build your credit?

Student credit cards are

designed to help you start building credit

. They function like regular credit cards, except they tend to offer lower credit limits and little to no incentives.

Why credit cards are bad for college students?

The reason is that credit card debt is painful for anyone, but it's especially troublesome when you're still in college because

you're most likely to already have student loan debt

. … Your credit score will start to go up as your balance starts going down.

Do 17 year olds have a credit score?

While

many minors will find they don't have a credit report or credit score established

, those who do can check their credit just like an adult. The government-mandated website to get your credit report for free is AnnualCreditReport.com.

Can you get a credit card at the age of 16?

  1. Get a Job. …
  2. Get Added as an Authorized User. …
  3. Get a Secured Credit Card. …
  4. Get a Student Credit Card. …
  5. Use Good Credit Card Habits.

Can a college student get a credit card with no job?

If you don't have any form of income, you can

open your own credit card account by having a family member co-sign

. If your parents or other family members are willing to do so, opening a joint account can help build your credit while giving you access to the rewards and benefits that a student credit card offers.

What happens to student credit cards when you graduate HSBC?

What happens to your HSBC student credit card when you graduate? Once you have graduated, you can still continue to use your HSBC student credit card but you may find that you are

now eligible for a better APR credit card

which may even offer better rewards and a better introductory period.

How can a student use a credit card?

  1. Don't Spend More Than You Can Afford. …
  2. Consider A Co-signer Or Becoming An Authorized User. …
  3. Start Budgeting. …
  4. Keep Your Credit Utilization Low. …
  5. Pay Off Your Balance Each Month. …
  6. Carefully Consider Cash Advances.

How can I build my credit at 18?

  1. Open a Credit Card or Be Added to a Credit Card as an Authorized User.
  2. Consider a “Secured” Credit Card.
  3. Apply for a Student Credit Card.
  4. Handle Your Starter Credit Cards Diligently.
  5. Branch Out and Get a Small Loan.
  6. Check Your Credit Report Regularly.

What credit score do you start with?

If you haven't yet built a credit history, there's no information on which to base that calculation, so there's no score at all. Once you begin to establish a credit history, you might assume that your credit score will start at 300 (the lowest possible FICO

®

Score



).

How can I get a credit card for the first time?

  • Overall: Capital One Platinum Credit Card.
  • Secured Rewards: Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
  • Rewards & No Fee: Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card.
  • Cash Back: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
  • No Credit Check: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.
Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.