Credit cards, when used wisely and used when it is most needed, can be a very helpful financial tool for the self-supporting student who is struggling to make ends meet. Credit cards are known to have their disadvantages, yes, but credit cards, when in the right hands, can become helpful financial aids too.

There are some truths about student credit cards that a self-supporting student applying for a credit card should know about. It is important to know what these credit card benefits are so that as a student, one may be able to enjoy and maximize these benefits to their fullest.

1. Credit Card Bonuses- student credit cards have bonuses. These bonuses come in the form of rebates, cash-back on purchases made on daily commodities such as food, grocery, and gas. These are truly beneficial for students who pay their debts on time, allowing them to get rebates on some items charged.

2. Credit Scores- Credit scores are important. Credit scores are credit scoring system done by FICO to determine a consumer's ability to pay back any debts made. There are five criteria which affect credit scores, and these are the credit holder's payment history, the amounts owed to credit companies, length of credit history, application or acquisition of new credit lines, and the overall mix of credit types. When a student is applying for new credit lines, loans and other credit cards, credit scores are reviewed by credit companies before credit application is granted. The higher the credit score, the more chances that new credits will be extended by the credit company.

3. APRs- APRs are the annual percentage interest rate of the credit cards. This is how much interest you pay for every charges you make using the card. There are credit cards that offer 0 APR for the first year, or credit cards that charges you with nothing into the first year. The lower the APR, the better.