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Off to college: Your first credit card

Getting a credit card is relatively easy -- especially for college students. Card companies are probably on your campus offering free T-shirts or CDs if you sign up for their card. If used wisely, credit cards can help you establish credit and make it easier to purchase a car, rent an apartment, even buy a home when school is over. If used haphazardly, a credit card gets you into a heap of trouble. Did you know that 21 percent of undergraduates who have cards have high-level balances between $3,000 and $7,000?

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7 steps to your first card, Understand your contract, Beware of identity thieves, FAQ about credit cards, Check your know-how before swiping your plastic, How to avoid late fees, Pop quiz: Do you know about credit cards?, Despite debt dangers, college students need a credit card, A college student drowns in debt, Understanding credit

-- Posted: Jan. 20, 2003

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