07.14.09 | The Forward Thinking College Student
When I shuffled off to college back in the early 90’s my mom handed me a crisp hundred dollar bill and told me to tuck it away for an emergency. As bad luck would have it I was in need of those emergency funds the very next day when a flat tire left me stranded several miles from school. Like a fool I had been driving around without a spare. A tow and 25″ Goodyear later and my emergency funds were depleted. My security blanket was gone.
I didn’t have the heart to tell my mom the hundred had been spent in the first twenty four hours. Had I informed her I know she would have scrounged up more money she didn’t have. As a single parent she routinely did without. I actually found out later in life that her dinner on many occasions consisted of what was left on my plate (we were on a very tight budget). It was at that moment while waiting for my tire to be fixed that I first wished I had a credit card to help ease the burden.
Credit cards are ideal for emergency situations. In fact, even if you never use the card there is an implicit value as well. The peace of mind one derives from having a card, should they get in a bind, is equally important. But with so many cards to choose from it can be difficult selecting the right one, which is why I’m here. Citi’s Forward card rewards forward thinking students like you.
Citi’s Forward card is designed specifically with students in mind. You can earn rewards points by maintaining good grades and even drop your APR up to eight times for making on time payments. You benefit by simply being responsible. And with so many ways to benefit this card is at the top of our list.
Key Benefits
- The credit card that rewards you for good grades
- Up to a 2% purchase APR reduction when you make a purchase, stay under your credit line and pay on time 3 billing periods in a row
- 6,000 bonus points after $50 in purchases are made within 3 months of account opening
- 5,000 bonus points when you sign up for paperless statements within 3 months of account opening
- 5 rewards points for every $1 you spend on dining, books, movies and music.
- 1 reward point for every $1 you spend on other purchases
- 0% APR for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers
Points Program
- You can redeem your rewards points for gift cards, music and electronics, but also for student loan rebates, statement credits and charitable donations.
- But here’s the best part, if you don’t find a rewards benefit that you like, call Citi and they’ll come up with a unique plan just for you. It’s called Your Wish Fulfilled. How cool is that?
ScholarshipPoints code: FWDTHINK
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Is this an offer to apply for a credit card?
July 14th, 2009 | #
I think this would be a great card to have. However, I was not allowd to recieve this card because I have no credit.
July 14th, 2009 | #
I can’t qualify, Wells Fargo won’t accept my parents as a co-signer
July 14th, 2009 | #
I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE CARD
July 14th, 2009 | #
I will be able to get the card
July 14th, 2009 | #
I’m in need for money for my education.
July 14th, 2009 | #
Credit cards in college are part of why screwed up my whole situation in the first place. No Thanks.
July 14th, 2009 | #
This sounds like a really good idea, but alot of times I dnt really understand the billing part of a credit card and that’s why I’m so afraid to get one!
July 14th, 2009 | #
I dont think i need a credit card at this moment in time
July 15th, 2009 | #
I can’t qualify – no co signer
July 15th, 2009 | #
The Citi forward card is great – definitely get one.
July 15th, 2009 | #
Not six months after I received my first credit card in college I was scammed; beware of deals that seem too good…especially magazine subscriptions that go for $50 but magically show up as $500 on your credit statement. Grrr! Lesson learned!
July 15th, 2009 | #
Citi card sounds great
July 15th, 2009 | #
Citi card sounds great but not for me
July 15th, 2009 | #
Not in need of any more cards.
July 15th, 2009 | #
citi card sounds great im going to apply for one today.
July 15th, 2009 | #
seems great..
July 15th, 2009 | #
cool
July 15th, 2009 | #
GREAT SOLUTION FOR COLLEGE!!!
July 15th, 2009 | #
I have to many now.
July 15th, 2009 | #
i dont think this is the right card for me
July 15th, 2009 | #
I have no credit, this doesn’t apply to me.
July 15th, 2009 | #
I am a student and I have high balance on my student loans and credit card+no sufficient income, because I go to school full time. I will not be approved for this card. Although it sounds great to help me in last year of my education.
July 15th, 2009 | #
Great story. I spend way too much on my credit card. Wish I didn’t
July 15th, 2009 | #
I already have credit card debt that I need to get out from under.
July 15th, 2009 | #
sounds great but have enough cards as it is….
July 15th, 2009 | #
Yeah I have on to many credit cards and I am in debt up to my chin but hey why no get another
July 15th, 2009 | #
Yeah why not
July 15th, 2009 | #
Well that was easy I just signed haha, as long as you know how to manage your money you shouldn’t have any problems with credit cards anyways. DON’T BUY THINGS THAT YOU CAN’T PAY BACK, ITS AS EASY AS THAT.
July 15th, 2009 | #
Oh and I just applied for one too
July 15th, 2009 | #
I went to college with no credit. I was lucky enough to take out a loan to aquire credit. Now I have three loans and a credit card to pay off. Kinda of a messed up world we live in
July 16th, 2009 | #
This would be great, but I think people are in enough debit as it is and don’t need to create anymore.
July 16th, 2009 | #
Alot of you are saying that you don’t need credit these days. Its more important than EVER to have good credit. Credit cards can hurt your score if you don’t manage them correctly, but using the card for emergencies and paying it off each month can improve your score. For more information about your credit score, read the article “The Importance of Your Credit Score” here – http://www.studentplatinum.com/student-credit-card-blog/2009/07/16/the-importance-of-your-credit-score/
July 16th, 2009 | #
Sounds like a great credit card if you’re gonna get a card while still in college!
July 16th, 2009 | #
Sounds perfect if only i had a credit : (
July 16th, 2009 | #
It is a great idea for college as I did when I first started, but unless you can work during to pay it off, it doesnt go so well.
July 16th, 2009 | #
I have way too many maxed out cc cards they wont approve me.
July 16th, 2009 | #
It does sound like a great card and I wish I could, but I’m already in debt with cards and student loans. I’d rather take care of them, then try and fix my credit.
July 16th, 2009 | #
I can’t qualify don’t have a no co signer.
July 16th, 2009 | #
Credit Cards do help in tight situations, but you also need to have discipline with it.
July 16th, 2009 | #
sounds super for college students who want a credit card in college to help boost their credit score for future purchases.
July 16th, 2009 | #
You do not need a cosigner for a credit card – yet. Changes in law will make this a requirement for students, but you still have a few months to get one without a cosigner, if you have decent credit. If you do not have credit, visit http://www.studentplatinum.com/poor-credit-cards/
July 16th, 2009 | #
credit cards are to be used with lots of care.
July 16th, 2009 | #
I do not need a credit card right now.
July 16th, 2009 | #
i don’t need another credit card
July 16th, 2009 | #
Credit cards are to be used only in emergency’s, and paid back as soon as possible.
July 17th, 2009 | #
There is no mention of the monthly percentage rate
July 17th, 2009 | #
im really interested in this credit card..but i think i need a bit more information
July 17th, 2009 | #
cool!
July 17th, 2009 | #
interesting
July 17th, 2009 | #
Kids dont need credit they need cash
July 17th, 2009 | #
I don’t need a credit card as of now however, I do hope I get the 15pts for reading this
July 17th, 2009 | #
i have bad credit
July 17th, 2009 | #
wow!
July 18th, 2009 | #
awesome
July 18th, 2009 | #
this would not be as good as others that you can get without credit…
July 19th, 2009 | #
Yes, credit cards are handy and are good to build your credit… Just be careful how often you use them, and
pay off the balance.
July 19th, 2009 | #
Citi Forward is great for college students. 6000 ty points for $50 purchase and 5000 ty points for paperless statements, thats just easy and awesome!
July 19th, 2009 | #
great cc company but not able to apply right now. trying to get rid of other cc’s.
July 19th, 2009 | #
I find it interesting that this credit card offers rewards for students with good grades.
July 20th, 2009 | #
I am extrememly interested in this credit card. I like that it offers rewards for good students
July 20th, 2009 | #
Thank you, but I already have a credit card.
July 20th, 2009 | #
Credit cards are great, but they don’t advertise how the rate shoots up if your credit score goes down.
July 20th, 2009 | #
sounds good to know for future refrences.
July 20th, 2009 | #
god willing
July 20th, 2009 | #
The credit cards sound good, but I would rather keep using my check card.
July 20th, 2009 | #
Sure sound good.
July 21st, 2009 | #
cool but really im old school i perfer CASH!!!!!!1
July 21st, 2009 | #
nope- i spend way to easily for a credit card
July 22nd, 2009 | #
Credit Cards are scary and I only wish money appeared whenever I needed it without any strings attached or people to go through.
July 22nd, 2009 | #
Cool, but I’ll stick with my check card instead.
July 22nd, 2009 | #
not bad
July 23rd, 2009 | #
Once again, this is a great opportunity for those who are willing to take it. Thank You for letting us know all about such great opportunities
July 23rd, 2009 | #
too bad credit cards freak me out
July 23rd, 2009 | #
i don’t think this is a great idea. i have debt already and don’t need anymore.
July 23rd, 2009 | #
Like everyone else has stated. It sounds like a great idea. Its just not a good one for me at this time
July 23rd, 2009 | #
I think this card is like the rest of the credit cards in the way that if you do not use it right you will have trouble with it but if you use it right then you can get some great benefits like a good credit score, points to earn stuff, an emergency backup plan, and a faster way to pay bills then cash.
July 23rd, 2009 | #
Thanks, but I already have a card.
July 24th, 2009 | #
thank you
July 24th, 2009 | #
gota win the lotteryyy
July 24th, 2009 | #
Hi,
Thanks for sharing a good piece of information here.
July 25th, 2009 | #
I can’t get a credit card.
July 25th, 2009 | #
yea dude
July 25th, 2009 | #
I’m not interested in another credit card offer.
July 26th, 2009 | #
i dont think im prepared to handle a credit card at this time…it would be too tempting;)
July 26th, 2009 | #
get one when you are ready! it would be great!
July 27th, 2009 | #
get one.
July 27th, 2009 | #
Good deal, but no job right now, no one will give me a card until I get a job
July 28th, 2009 | #
always a good back up plan
July 28th, 2009 | #
I can’t get a credit card…..already have bad credit thanks to credit cards……no more, thanks.
July 28th, 2009 | #
Sounds good, but credit cards can get you into a lot of trouble.
July 28th, 2009 | #
No thanks.
July 28th, 2009 | #
credit cards can be helpful when you need them most.
July 29th, 2009 | #
wow, but getting more debt in todays society is not a good idea
July 29th, 2009 | #
can you get one if under age and in college
July 29th, 2009 | #
I cannot apply for one at this moment I do not meet the requirements. And I am only just starting out in college. I don’t want to get into debt as of yet.
July 29th, 2009 | #
i cant get the card. but i wish i could
July 30th, 2009 | #
get one when its the right time!!
July 30th, 2009 | #
Is this for applying for a credit card? I really don’t think I need one. Whenever I go to the mall, I pay with cash. Safer for me.
July 30th, 2009 | #
cool!
July 30th, 2009 | #
I have always been afraid of credit cards because of the HIGH interest rates and my spening habits
July 30th, 2009 | #
sounds like a good idea.
July 30th, 2009 | #
Credit cards are great, only if used when absolutely necessary.
July 31st, 2009 | #
Use cash. If you use a credit card, whatever you buy you should be able to pay it off within a month.
July 31st, 2009 | #
I could never have a credit card though! I would go crazy with it!
July 31st, 2009 | #
I have no credit, therefore I won’t be approved. Mom won’t co-sign, she says I don’t need it. I agree
July 31st, 2009 | #
debit cards are better than credit cards for college students
July 31st, 2009 | #
Use cash or debit card. Credit cards will just get you into trouble.
July 31st, 2009 | #
it sounds great
July 31st, 2009 | #
wow very interesting… Love it
July 31st, 2009 | #
I don’t need a credit card.
August 1st, 2009 | #
Stay away from credit cards. You can pay on time every day of your life, but if anything happens to your job and you are as little as a DAY late they will rais your rate through the roof and you will be miserable. They put the automatic dialers on and call to hound you every fifteen minutes within the exact paramaters of the law, starting at 8 AM 7 days a week (including holidays) and ending at 8:30 PM. Torture. DON’T be fooled. You are not “a true adult” if you have a credit card. You are trapped and foolish.
August 1st, 2009 | #
i don’t like the idea to use a credit card to tempting.
August 2nd, 2009 | #
Awesome.
August 2nd, 2009 | #
credit cards will put you in hole……debit cards are way better
August 3rd, 2009 | #
Sounds like a great deal if you can just be responsible with a credit card.
August 3rd, 2009 | #
Thanks for the info. I will consider it.
August 4th, 2009 | #
Only spend what you have unless emergency.
August 4th, 2009 | #
so soo close to getting one but… not old enough yet!! Best offer I have found though!
August 4th, 2009 | #
This is really helpful, thanks!
August 6th, 2009 | #
this sounds like a great credit card.
August 6th, 2009 | #
too bad im not old enough
August 7th, 2009 | #
still fixing my credit at 22
August 7th, 2009 | #
Credit card are what got me in trouble my first year in college
August 7th, 2009 | #
My mother already gave me a credit cared for emergency purposes. As long as I borrow the money with the intention of paying it back immediately, I should not have a problem.
August 8th, 2009 | #
Credit cards are great, if you use it properly. This one sounds like a good one!
August 8th, 2009 | #
i would like to apply for this card.but i dont want to make my credit bad.
August 8th, 2009 | #
I am not too sure if this is for a credit card or something else…
August 9th, 2009 | #
I want one.
August 9th, 2009 | #
good offer but i dont want one right now but is sounds like a really good credit card
August 9th, 2009 | #
I have no co-signer, though the offer seems to be a great one….
August 9th, 2009 | #
Only spend what you will be able to pay back.
August 10th, 2009 | #
I don’t trust myself with credit cards..they ruin lives
August 10th, 2009 | #
Cool.
August 10th, 2009 | #
Im not sure about the whole credit card thing they are all trouble for you credit if you realize it or not
August 11th, 2009 | #
that’s a really neat idea
August 11th, 2009 | #
Good for future reference.
August 11th, 2009 | #
Not sure I need another credit card right now but looks cool.
August 11th, 2009 | #
definitely need this card
August 11th, 2009 | #
i will not get a credit card
August 11th, 2009 | #
COOL =]
August 12th, 2009 | #
If you don’t have the money, don’t get the card. It says it will give you piece of mind, but if you get behind on payments, it will only give you more stress.
August 12th, 2009 | #
I would get it if I needed it right now…sounds like a good offer.
August 12th, 2009 | #
I don’t need a credit card. Thx anyway.
August 12th, 2009 | #
good deal but i don’t need a credit card at the moment
August 13th, 2009 | #
dont need a card already have one thanks anyway
August 13th, 2009 | #
I would get it,but I know I will spend too much money. Money that I can’t pay back
August 13th, 2009 | #
I have credit cards already and I don’t need one more…
August 13th, 2009 | #
This sounds like a good card but I have too many already.
August 13th, 2009 | #
I really don’t have a need for a credit card at the moment.
August 14th, 2009 | #
no deal
August 14th, 2009 | #
This is a good idea
August 14th, 2009 | #
I already have enough debt now with students loans and the cc that I do have, thanks but not thanks.
August 20th, 2009 | #
I have enough cc now and student loans, thanks but no thanks.
August 20th, 2009 | #
Have to think about this.
August 22nd, 2009 | #
don’t need another credit card at this time
August 29th, 2009 | #
Its a good thing to have a credit card it helps build your credit score, but you have to be smart with it and balance your statements all the time so you dont go in to debt.
August 31st, 2009 | #
I still say that putting a credit card in the hands of a young person who has not been taught budgeting skills is just irresponsible! Parents should start teaching their children about the world of credit cards long before freshman year.
September 15th, 2009 | #
Ughh…no thanks!
September 15th, 2009 | #