College students are constantly feeling the pressure of credit card companies vying for their business and wanting them to apply for a credit card. MasterCard or Visa credit cards are all around and continuously try to offer incentives for students so they will sign up. They want you to save your cash and instead use their plastic for your school purchases, but far too many students find out too late how quickly this can become a bog of quicksand.

Instant approval credit cards may be a godsend when you find yourself in desperate need of school supplies or in need of the basic essentials. However, far too often the ability to easily apply and get one can lead to massive financial problems. Student credit card debt is out of control. Students are inundated with bank credit cards, MasterCard or Visa credit card offers and many do not consider the ramifications of how easy it is to abuse their use.

No one doubts that college is expensive. Tuition, room, board and associated fees can wipe out savings very quickly. You, as a student, may have such an immense class schedule that makes working part time impossible. This is especially difficult if you are involved in school activities, such as sports or academic organizations. Most parents cannot afford to pay for all the extra expenses a student incurs, not to mention if there are off campus expenses and luxuries wanted.

The key to understanding how to use a college student credit card, is one based on “need” only. Most students must have some form of money in case of an emergency and it comes down to the student knowing the difference between an emergency and a simple want. Apply for a credit card and when you receive it, put it aside in case of real emergencies. Do not go around applying for every credit card offer you receive. Pay attention to the interest rates and any associated fees that the lending company requests.

Apply for a credit card and use it when you absolutely must. Do not continuously apply for those college student credit cards just because you can save 10% off your purchase. Eventually, you will have to pay back the balance and you may not have the funds available should a real emergency happen. Try to remember that going out with your friends for a night on the town does not qualify as an emergency!