Applying for your first card as a college student can be a confusing process because most college students are new to the game.  Being new at anything can often raise questions.  The student credit card process is no different than any other credit card process but with college students, there are minor differences that you should know about.

Know your school – With a student credit card, it’s the only application that’s going to ask you where you go to school and how long you plan on going or how long you have been going.  Make sure that you know all the information about your school.  If you put in false information or lie, you may stall your application process.  If you think you’re not going to get approved because you’re attending school in six months, don’t think this because there’s a chance you’ll get approved.

Simply wait – Most students think that they are going to get approved instantly when they submit their application.  Instant approval credit cards usually don’t start until you develop a credit history.  The better your credit score, the more likely you’ll get approved on the spot.  As a college student, it’s important that you wait it out.

Don’t get discouraged- When you get denied for a card, don’t get discouraged.  Instead of giving up and not applying at all, apply for another student based card.  Every company works in their own way.  Try applying for at least three different cards but at all different times.  Once you get approved, stop applying for other cards.  If you keep getting denied, call up the credit card company and ask for an explanation.  Most of the times, they will write in the letter on why you got denied.

Check the mailbox – Once you get approved, wait for a few weeks.  It usually takes about two weeks to get your credit card.  Once you get the card in the mail, call up the toll free number and activate your card.  When you finally activate your card, place it in your wallet or purse in a safe place and start using it responsibly.

Credit cards aren’t a game.  Use your credit card wisely and spend only what you can afford.  Misusing your credit card will only lead to the debt path.  As long as you treat your new student credit card as a “cash card” or “debit card”, you’ll be just fine.