Starting college means dealing with a lot of new things: different people, challenging lectures, and of course, unfamiliar expenses. Luckily, having a credit card can help make the transition a little easier. Some credit cards are made specifically for students, like the 1st Financial Bank USA credit card. See how students use their card to help them tackle various college costs.
1. Textbooks
Most higher education courses require you to buy textbooks to keep up with homework and to properly participate in class. But many students are shocked by how expensive those books can be. Even if you planned for books and supplies in your budget, you might end up needing more (or more expensive ones) than you thought. If that happens, a student credit card can help cover the cost when money is tight.
“It made it very convenient and easy to pay for college textbooks online.” - Jeremy, cardholder from TX
2. Tuition & room and board
You might have a general idea of how much you should be paying in tuition and fees to attend college full-time, but the total cost of college goes beyond that. Characteristics like whether your school is public vs. private, in-state vs. out-of-state, or a two-year vs. a four-year college, can all affect how much you’ll spend. Even if your college offers grants, scholarships, and other financial aid, there may be times when they’re not enough. That’s when a credit card can help cover the extra costs.
“It helped me when I didn’t have enough to pay for my tuition for the spring semester.” - Paris, cardholder from MS
3. Gas
Transportation costs can really add up throughout the academic year, especially if you commute to work or live off-campus. Your credit card can come in handy when you’re in between paychecks but are in need of a full tank of gas. Just make sure to pay off the balance when you get paid, as it’s a smart way to build good credit in college.
“My credit card helped me when I needed to get gas and didn't have quite enough in my checking account at the time.” - Charli, cardholder from CO
4. Car repairs & maintenance
Taking care of your vehicle can get pricey, and repairs always seem to pop up at the worst times. If your mode of transportation breaks down and you have a large repair bill, a credit card may be able to save the day. You can also use your card to manage regular expenses, like oil changes or monthly car insurance payments.
“I have used my card before when needing to pay for tools to repair my electric scooter, my main way of transportation. - Christian, cardholder from FL
5. Cell phone bills
A cell phone is a necessity for college students. If you are paying for your own cell phone bill or another subscription, it may be smart to set up automated payments with your credit card. This will allow you to make consistent and timely payments while building your credit score.
“I was able to learn how to use a credit card to pay for my phone bill. Simple and easy.” - Kenzie, cardholder from CA
6. Traveling home
When it comes time to travel, it’s best to save for the vacation. However, that’s not always an option. Whether you plan a trip far in advance or book a flight the day before you leave, your credit card can assist with the costs. Make sure to always take your credit limit into consideration, as some travel expenses may be too costly to use your credit card.
“I was able to get a last minute flight home during my Spring Break.” - Bailey, cardholder from CA
7. Vet bills
If you have a pet while in college, you know that caring for your pet can be quite costly. Many expenses could come up, such as an emergency vet visit, new medication, or surgery. You’ll also need to cover your pet’s basic needs, such as food, toys, or grooming. Use your credit card to ensure that you can always take care of the cost of living with a pet.
“It was helpful to have my credit card when my puppy unexpectedly got sick and had to take a visit to the vet.” - Olivia, cardholder from MA
8. Online shopping
If you are a busy college student, you may find online shopping to be more convenient than going to a store. Plus, when you’re shopping online, you may qualify for exclusive deals or an array of student discounts. When you’re in need of some new clothes or a gift for a friend, don’t be afraid to use your credit card sparingly.
“I was able to order gifts off a wedding registry online, as well as save money on a pair of pants because they were online only.” - Nicole, cardholder from IL
9. Unforeseen emergencies
College can come with unexpected emergencies, like your laptop dying during a big project or needing to travel home suddenly. An emergency fund can help, but sometimes it’s not enough or not available right away. In those cases, a credit card can be useful. Just make sure you’re able to pay off what you spend later.
“It gives me peace of mind knowing it’s there just in case something unexpected comes up, like a last-minute purchase for a class or an emergency expense I didn’t plan for.” - Sebastien, cardholder from GA
These 1FBUSA reviews show that a credit card can help cover your personal expenses in college. While we’ve listed some smart ways to use your card, there are also things you should avoid charging to your card. No matter what you decide to use it for, getting a credit card is a big step toward financial independence and building your credit history.
