Students are traditionally associated with poor finances and poor levels of responsibility, but this stereotype is not altogether accurate. It is a huge endorsement when one of the major banks in the country offers credit cards to college-goers. In fact, issuing specially packaged Chase credit cards for students shows just how valuable college-goers are seen as customers.
At first glance, it may seem that Chase Bank is taking on quite a risk, and while there certainly is an element of risk, the move itself is rooted on sound marketing. It is a viable student financing option, allowing them to pay bills and buy essential supplies while also establishing a relationship with professionals of the future.
And it can be argued that, while this new relationship arises more from marketing than a sense of care, getting a Chase credit card does provide young people with a chance to master the skills required to properly manage a credit card and avoid financial hardships.
VISA and MasterCard Options
Of course, there is a variety of Chase credit cards for students, with the right one clearly dependent on individual budgets. Provided through VISA or MasterCard, they come with a range of incentives and reward schemes that actually help to lower the cost of living while in college.
VISA, for example, are offering two kinds: the Student Free Cash Card; and the Student Flexible Rewards Card. They are rather similar in terms of their use and credit limit, with points gathered when used that can be redeemed either through free merchandise or a cash-back scheme.
The Student Mastercard offers another student financing option, and in the process offers users a chance to build a positive credit history. As a result, cash-backs, gift vouchers and other such incentives are not as prominent. Chase credit cards do not offer any free money scheme.
Competitive Interest Rates
Paying the credit card balance is a challenge for even the most experienced cardholders, so it can be a huge task for low-income students. But, if the interest rate charges are low, then the expense in repaying these debts is not so great. By designing Chase credit cards for students, the bank is providing an opportunity to college-goers to learn this responsibility.
Of course, this student financing option comes with an introductory offer of 0% APR for the first 6 months, and a repayment term of 20 days once the bill is issued. This means students have plenty of time to get used to handling the card and its temptations.
Neither VISA nor MasterCard offer rock bottom interest rates, with a variable APR of up to 23%. When repayments are delayed, the interest rate increases by 9%, up to 32%. This may seem extremely high for Chase credit cards, but the same rule applies as for normal cards. So, the interest is avoided if the balance is paid on time.
How Students Benefit
The several reasons for offering Chase credit cards for students. From the point of view of the card issuer, they are connecting with future valuable customers. And from the point of view of the students, it means accessing another source of financing to helping them secure low-cost items through cash-back and points systems.
The points systems can vary slightly depending on the card package, but in principle are the same. With every dollar spent on a Chase credit card, points are earned that can be redeemed. A minimum 3,000 points must be gathered before any can be converted, but once that level is reached, discounts become available on purchases at department stores and supermarkets.
So, credit cards are a very useful student financing option, provided the credit card bill is paid on time, of course.
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