Credit cards for college students are easy to come by, as long as you meet the minimum criteria for lending and don’t have a bad record of paying of not paying off your student loan interest.

However, a recent study by USA Today showed that more and more students are using credit cards for all the wrong reasons.

These include paying for books and tuition, which should be done using the money from student loans as they carry a much lower interest rate.

Aside from this, most banks are interested in offering credit cards for college students because it makes these students more likely to turn to the same bank when it comes time to finance their first vehicle purchase or take out a mortgage.

So Which Credit Card Should I Choose?

If you’re on a major college campus, you shouldn’t be able to go from one class to the next without encountering somebody offering you a free t-shirt or a book bag just for taking a leaflet about a credit card.  But beware, because banks like to prey on students who do not have keen credit acumen, and it can be very easy to end up with a credit card that charges too much interest, or doesn’t give you the freedom you need.

On the surface of it, most credit cards look the same.  However, there are subtle differences in the rates, charges, limits available, and the penalty charges for missing payments. Take a look at our American Express credit card review to get an idea of the things you should be looking for. Take the time to speak to a number of banks in person before signing up online.