Different Types of
Low APR Credit Cards:
Air Miles Credit Cards
Bad Credit Credit Cards
Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Business Credit Cards
Cash Back Credit Cards
Credit Cards with Rewards
Gas Rebate Credit Cards
Gold Cards
No Annual Fee Credit Cards
Platinum Credit Cards
Prepaid Credit Cards
Reward Credit Cards
Secured Credit Cards
Student Credit Cards
Unsecured Credit Cards
UK Credit Cards

Educating yourself about responsible credit card use now can eliminate the worry of having to get yourself out of debt after you graduate. In addition to the information listed on this page, we suggest you examine the 'smart credit card use for students' section.

What Are Credit Cards?
Credit cards give you protection for your purchases, allow you to shop online, and provide a cushion in case of emergencies.

In actuality, credit cards are really high interest loans in disguise. We recommend you view the credit card glossary page to familiarize yourself with some common terms associated with credit cards and their terms and fees.

Carrying a Balance Can Be Costly
Not paying off the entire amount in your account every month will result to large finance charges. Below is an example of the costly result of carrying a credit card balance.

Mike's average unpaid credit card bill over a year is $1000, and his finance charge is 20%. He pays a $40 annual fee plus a $25 late fee (he was out partying and forgot to mail the check the next day). Mike ends up owing $265 to his credit card company, and he has not even covered any of his purchase charges!

Your Credit Report Matters
It is very important to try and build a favorable credit history while in college. You'll need good credit after graduation when you apply for an apartment or to finance a car. Employers also often review a credit report when they hire and appraise employees for promotion, relocations, or retention.

** It is very important to know that problems with credit cards, such as late or missed payments, stay on your credit report for seven years.

Click here to get a free copy of your credit report.

Be Credit Smart
When you apply for a credit card, you need to make sure that you do not take advantage of the associated spending power that comes with it. It is also important to pay your monthly bill in a timely manner to avoid negative marks on your credit report.  Follow the credit management rules below and you'll lead a financially healthy life:

• Read the terms and conditions of the credit card you looking to apply for -- especially the fine print. Find out what kind of rated you can expect after introductory rates expire? What happens to your interest rate if you're late with a payment or fail to make a payment? What kind of interest rates are associated with cash advances?

• Use credit only if you're sure you will be capable of paying back the debt.

• Stay away from impulse shopping with your credit card.

• Use your credit card for emergency situations only.

• Carry only the cards you think you'll use.

• Pay bills on-time to keep finance and other charges to a minimum.

Examine the credit card offers for students.