As a Student, How Do I Know Which Credit Card Offer is Best?

Credit card companies make lots of offers to students. You are going to receive tons of glossy mail from such companies in an attempt to sway you to sign with them. College students represent big business for card companies. Students are one of the most soft after demographics.
In spite of the email and bulk mail propositions you receive, you need to pick the card best suited to your needs, as a student. Here are some pointers.
•Do not select a small, unknown bank. Pick from among the big name banks. Acceptance from these banks is noteworthy for future credit. All these banks track through the major reporting agencies.
•Do not pay fees charged up front. Never agree to place an application or membership fee on your card, as these fees will swallow most of your available credit line.
•Beware of interest rates. Always choose the card with the lowest interest rates and be aware that some card companies will greatly increase the interest after an introductory period. So, compare what the rate will level out to after this period as well as the introductory rate.
•Compare the grace periods. This is the amount of time the bank will allow you to make your payment. Most will offer somewhere around twenty-one to thirty days. Some may not allow single day.
•You will be offered bonus or reward cards. As a student, you will probably not spend enough to make the rewards program beneficial to you. Do not weigh rewards or bonus programs heavily when deciding the aspects that will help you choose a card.
•Don't apply with sub-prime issuers. These are the banks you've never heard about. They will entice you with appealing up front offers, but in the end they are a very poor choice due to attached interest rates and fees.
Do your due diligence and get as much information about the companies to whom you wish to apply beforehand. Find out all you can about interest rates, fees, restrictions, and limitations.
Then, determine which card best fits your needs.
A credit card is an important tool in establishing a good credit record. It can work very effectively in your favor, but if you mess it up, it can work very effectively against you as well.