What credit card should I look into getting?
I am looking into getting a credit card for emergencies only, though slowly building up my credit is a bonus. I am mainly looking to get a credit card because I will be studying abroad in Ireland in January and would like the security of a credit card for emergencies. What types of cards would be best for a 19-year-old college student that would be accepted in Ireland and what types of things should I look for in my search for the best credit card for me? Again, this card would only be used for emergencies. Thanks!
Find one that offers zero interest for 6 mons to a yr. THEN, when it is about to reach its time (the interest rate will JUMP), close it and open another one like it.
Instead of using a credit card, you should open an account when you get to ireland, it would be much easier and cheaper
Get either Visa or Mastercard. Be sure it is free. Interest rates only matter if you are going to carry a balance. I would get into the habit of always paying the balance in full each month. Rates are too high for long term loans.
If you are going to be in Ireland for a long term it may be better to get one at a bank there. With an American card you will have conversion fees for each charge and you will have to pay the bill in dollars back in the US. It would not be very convenient for long term.
Go to the link I included in my response. It has a Q&A section and some really good advice.
Credit cards are international, so your main consideration will be the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) you will have to pay. If you don’t have a credit history, you might wind up paying a higher APR, sometimes over 20% of the amount owed.
You also might wind up paying an annual membership fee, which might not be avoidable.
But, if you intend to use the card conservatively, then that might not be an issue.
Also, research what travel-related services are available with the credit card. If you do get into trouble, CCs offer a variety of services for travelers.
But, your attitude is good. Starting to build your credit history now is a good thing.
Take your time, read what the CCs have to offer, and have safe travels.
stay away form credit cards. If you play with snakes you are gonna get bit. they make all the rules and change them in the middle of the game for any reason.
Save up an emergancy fund. do a written budget. it works.
American Blue express credit card: Apart from no annual fee feature of the American Blue Express it also gives cash returns on specific purchases. Users of the American Blue Express also enjoy protection against fraud for online credit card transactions. This card tries to right the various wrong notions about the American Express credit cards, one of which is that it is a credit card only for rich or those who have money to keep a credit card.
You should get a card with NO annual fee and one that is affiliated with VISA or MasterCard (for international use). The APR shouldn’t be a big deal since you will probably be paying the card off every month (highly recommended). But you might as well look for a rewards card that give you cash back for your purchases.
Check websites like citicard.com and bankofamerica.com to see the usual offers.
the book here is a great resource for money issues, especially credit cards and banks.
Good luck with the trip and your personal finances!
As the name suggests, a student credit card is specially designed for students and is very different from your regular credit card. Because it may be the first time for college students to apply for a credit card, most credit card companies designed their student credit cards to be a form of secured credit cards.
It will help a student to avoid accumulating high amounts of debt because of reckless spending. If you need groceries, or that recommended book but you don’t have the money for it, then it may be time for you to use your student credit card. It is good if you start learning good financial habits from your student life itself. Don’t use the card to pay for everything and anything. Use it judicially or it will land you in a debt to repay after the college finishes.
It is not unusual to find the representatives of credit card companies promoting student credit card in college campuses. However, finding a right card will take much more than contacting the representative of credit card company. Develop a habit of shopping around and getting the best deal out there. Though the interest rates on student credit cards are relatively low, they also offer a low credit amount. If used judicially student credit card can become the perfect means to build a credit history and jump start your financial wellbeing. Check out a list of popular student credit card at: and choose a best one according to your credit.