By age 25, just about everybody has a credit score, typically somewhere between 400 and 600. Although these credit scores are not bad, they are not the best scores either.
A good credit score is considered a score of 700 or above, a number thought to be unattainable by most people with credit scores between 400 and 600. They think ‘why bother? It’s impossible to achieve, and there’s no real benefit to having a higher credit score’. This must be the best-kept secret by people with good credit scores, because there are true tangible benefits to having good credit, and it’s easier to achieve then you think. Most importantly, the better your credit, the better your college student credit card offer.
For example, by having a credit score over 700, lenders are much more likely to not only approve your loan, but provide you with the best interest rate possible. This means you pay back less money than someone else with a lower credit score, who could only borrow the same amount of money for a higher interest rate. When considering your college student credit card offer, another example of good versus bad credit shines through. When looking over a college student credit card offer, you will find that different cards have different standards. The student credit cards with the best perks, usually require a good credit score.
If you have a good credit score, you will typically receive a college student credit card offer with low interest rates, and gain negotiation power for exisiting credit card accounts to lower your interest rate. Either way, a lower interest rate translates to more money in your pocket since it equates to less money you pay back to your credit card company.
Good credit scores can also mean bigger reward benefits on your credit card accounts. Many credit card companies invite you to apply for premium accounts when you have a high credit score, which means bigger rewards for you. The rewards range from frequent flyer miles to cash gifts, with some companies complimenting the rewards program with concierge or higher customer service options.
More recently, credit scores have had an unexpected use, making good credit that much more important; employers are now using this information to influence their hiring decisions. In some companies, credit scores are a standard piece of the background check equation; a tool employers use to help them decide whether to hire you. Luckily, the higher your credit score returns on your background check, the more positive influence it will have on the employer offering you the job. This is another reason why it is important to scrutinize your college student credit card offer and ensure it is the right one for you.
So how does one actually get good credit to reap these rewards? By monitoring your credit report, making timely credit card payments, and living within your budget, you will see vast improvements in your overall credit score. Over time, your credit will improve and other opportunities to improve your score will arise, eventually leading you to achieving that good credit score of 700 and opening up these types of benefit opportunities. Browse our comprehensive list of college student credit card offers to begin building your credit score today!