Student credit card guidelines

If you're a college student, you know how expensive books, movies and tuition can be. Fortunately, a student credit card can help. To get a student credit card, follow these guidelines:

Credit card companies often set up tables and booths at college fairs. Be sure that the cards you're considering are specifically student cards. Credit cards aimed at students tend to have more lenient credit score and credit history criteria, and they also tend to have lower interest rates.

Not all credit cards are created equal! Since your student credit card is probably your first, educate yourself a bit about the terms and jargon you'll encounter. Choose one with a low interest rate, since that's the "extra" amount your credit card will tack onto your balance each month. Other things you should look for is a card with no annual fee and a low late payment fee.

You'll need to reveal all the basics, like your name, current address and phone number. The application will include lines for information about your school, your school's address, your enrollment status and your year of graduation.