If you are considering applying for a student credit card, you will most likely be applying for secured credit cards. Secured credit cards are a way of borrowing against collateral. The collateral is in a bank account that is held by the credit card company that issues the student credit card.
It is easy to get a student credit card if you are willing to get secured credit cards. You can apply online after you find the student credit card that is right for you. When you borrow money on secured credit cards, you have to pay it back just as you would with an unsecured card. You pay interest on any outstanding balance. The bank account is usually held as collateral in case you default on your loan.
Secured credit cards are not like debit cards. Whereas a debit card is preloaded with your own money but has a credit card logo, secured credit cards are not preloaded. They also go on your credit report, unlike debit cards. If you are considering getting a student credit card, you can get either secured credit cards or a prepaid debit card easily. The difference is how you will pay back the amount that you owe. Secured credit cards offer an advantage to someone who is responsible enough to write a check to pay off the card each month, or at least pay towards it in a very timely manner. The advantage of using secured credit cards as a student credit card is that you can build your credit score.
The disadvantage of using secured credit cards as a student credit card is if you do not pay on time. This can end up causing you to have a bad credit score, not a good idea for someone who is just starting out with credit.
If you decide to apply for a student credit card, weigh your options. Secured credit cards are a great way to establish credit in your own name and to build up your credit score to the point where you have solid borrowing power. This can benefit you after you get out of school and get a job. You will be able to buy a car or a home with a low interest rate if you have good credit.
If, however, you are irresponsible and tend to make late payments, you should consider debit cards instead of secured credit cards for your student credit card. Until you are ready to take on the responsibility of spending wisely and paying off your debt, you should not get a student credit card.
Being taken to small claims court for credit card put into collections 5 years ago. What are my options?
I ran into trouble paying my credit cards about 5 years ago after I made the decision to go to graduate school. Long story, but my financial aid counselor screwed up my student loans and I could barely afford to put food on the table for myself and my newborn daughter much less pay off these old credit cards. It took me over a year to finally get my student loans, and my credit cards were all either charged off or in collections by that time. I just suddenly got a summons to small claims court for one of these credit cards for $2100 ($1100 of which is interest which has accrued since 2002). What are my options? What is going to happen? What is the best way of handling this?
UPDATE: I checked my credit report and the original debt was charged off as bad debt. It is NOT past the statute of limitations-thanks to those who brought that up, though-I never even thought of that.
Answer
If you have actually received a summons, be sure to show up in court. If you don't, the collector will receive a default judgment. Be wary if the collector tells you not to bother. Some old debt collection agencies are less than honest. Double check with the court.
If the debt is beyond the SOL, use that defense in court.
Since this is your debt, you could work out a settlement agreement BEFORE going to court. You could probably settle this for 40% or 50%. A lump sum payment would get the best deal and any payment plan would have to be short term. Get any settlement agreement in writing and don't give them access to your bank account.
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