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Are you part of the class of 2016? Whether you are finishing high school or graduating from college, many new grads look to apply for a credit card during these times of transition. But with dozens or card issuers offering hundreds of different products, it can be difficult for new graduates to find the card that best meets their needs.
As students receive their high school diplomas and look forward to college, they should look for a card that will help them to build a strong credit history and stay out of debt. Fortunately, some banks offer credit cards specifically for the needs of college students. Remember, however, the CARD Act of 2009 requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to repay a loan or to have a willing co-signer before being approved for a new account.
This basic credit card from Bank of America offers students Bank of America’s lowest standard interest rate, as well as a benefits such as digital wallet technology that’s compatible with Apple Pay, Android Pay or Samsung Pay. Other features include overdraft protection (to linked Bank of America checking accounts), online and mobile banking, and account alerts to help stay on top of balances and due dates. There is no annual fee for this card.
Capital One’s Journey Student Rewards card (see full review here) offers 1% cash back on all purchases, plus an additional 0.25% when payment is made on-time. Other benefits include extended warranty coverage, auto rental insurance, and 24-hour travel assistance services. There is no annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees.
When students graduate from college and enter the “real world,” they will want to have access to the security and convenience that credit cards offer. And since most college graduates are over 21, they are able to qualify for their own credit card account with fewer restrictions. At the same time, college graduates with a limited credit history should be looking for simple cards that are easy to manage.
The Citi Simplicity card (see full review here) offers new applicants 18 months of interest-free financing on both new purchases and balance transfers, with a 5% balance transfer fee. It also offers no late fees or penalty interest rates, so the consequences of making a mistake are not too severe. There is no annual fee for this card.
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The innovative Barclaycard Ring (see full review here) can appeal to recent grads who want not just simple terms, but the chance to actively engage with the community of cardholders and even the card’s product managers. This card users a crowdsourced method that allows users to help shape the card’s policies and engage in discussions about how the card works. In addition, it offers excellent terms including a APR for purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers. There is no penalty interest rate, no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Before signing up for any credit card, it is a good idea to look at the terms and conditions so you understand what you’re agreeing to. Once you find the right card for you, it’s a good idea to track your credit score so you don’t harm the work you’ve done over the years. You can view two of your credit scores every 14 days, for free, on Credit.com.
At publishing time, the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One, the Citi Simplicity, Chase Slate and Barclaycard Ring cards are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply and ultimately sign up for these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly..
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