Student Credit Card and Credit Education Blog

As a Citi carholder I’m embarrassed to admit I had no idea what the Citi Private Pass was or how I could benefit from it until recently. In fact, it may be the best kept secret in the industry, but that’s all about to change. I want to make sure all my Citi friends cash in on the incredible benefits, namely $5 tickets to one of the hot concerts of the summer!

Now through the end of August Citi has teamed up with Live Nation to offer its valued members lawn seats for just 5 bucks to shows like Depeche Mode, blink-182, Crue Fest 2, Nickelback, Mayhem, Festival, and The Fray among others! This deal is open to all Citi cardmembers. Simply visit the official private pass site to retain the access code which allows you to buy $5 tickets! How easy is that?

The unprecedented access Citi cardholders enjoy with their private pass is second to none.

Citi Card members – Become a Private Pass member today and let the savings begin!

Don’t have a Citi card? – Become a card member and enjoy VIP access to a world of entertainment and experiences that are unmatched!

If your pleas to convince Mom and Dad that you’re responsible, and that you will not abuse a credit card or debit card have been met with sadistic laughter and your least favorite word, “No,” than perhaps it’s time to try a new strategy. Look at things through their eyes.

They were young once too (believe it or not) and felt the temptations of the mighty plastic themselves. They know how easy it is to run up a huge debt or deplete a savings account. They basically view your request as another bill they’ll have to pay in a time when most are trying to pay down outstanding balances and ride out the economic storm. What I would suggest doing is to speak their language. Tell them about the Discover Teen Prepaid Debit Card with built-in parental controls. It’s not only great for you, but probably your best chance at getting your own debit card and proving just how responsible you are.

Why it’s great for Teens

• No previous credit needed
• Make purchases online, over the phone, & in stores
• Withdraw cash from ATM’s
• Exclusive discounts at your favorite merchants
• Unique card designs

Why it’s great for Parents

• Easily to add funds from a credit card or bank account
• No APR
• Daily, Weekly, and monthly Spending limit management
• Restrict use in unwanted shopping categories (e.g. Liquor Stores, Tobacco Stores, Hotels, etc)

Additional Card Details

• $0 Fraud liability (safe way to keep and spend money)
• Free Direct Deposit for Parents and Teens
• $5 monthly fee or $50 annually

Discover’s prepaid card really is a win-win for all. Teens get the financial independence they crave (up to the maximum on the debit card of course) while parents maintain control over the daily, weekly, and monthly limits, as well as the shopping categories.

Teens and parents don’t see eye to eye on many things, so relish this rare moment of nirvana.

Special code for scholarshippoints.com members: LUVPREPAY

With a federally charted pedigree firm in hand, and safeguards to ensure safety and privacy for their customers that would make ADT quiver with envy, it’s easy to overlook the extraordinary benefits ING extends to its valued customers.

Take ING’s world class checking account, which is one of the best in the market today. I converted at the end of last year, and got my old school Dad to see the light last month (read the blog post here). The only regret I have is that I didn’t do it sooner. Below I’ve listed the top 5 reasons ING checking accounts kick butt.

1. Earn Interest

That’s right. A checking account that earns interest. Depending on the amount you have in your checking account you may earn from 0.24% to 1.63%.

2. Overdraft Protection

I’ve been hit with a few $30.00 overdraft charges in my day, which made this benefit very appealing to me. ING doesn’t charge you a flat fee, provided you fall within your qualified protection line. Here is how it works: let’s say you have a $200 protection line and buy a computer for $800, while only having $650 in your account. The $150 will be pulled from your protection line and then you will pay interest (based on the ING Prime rate) on that $150 until your next deposit is made. Pretty sweet deal. We all make mistakes, but it’s good to know with ING it won’t cost you a steak dinner.

3. Free Bill Pay

Say goodbye to paper bills and checks. Bill Pay works like a wire transfer. If the business you want to send payments to is set up with the popular Bill Pay banking system ING will simply transfer money electronically to that business. You can expect payment to arrive within 3-5 business days.

4. Send Paper Checks

Writing out checks from home, putting a stamp on the envelope (stamps just went up to 44 cents by the way), and mailing them out is so archaic. If the business you want to send payments too is not set up with Bill Pay this is your next best option. It works just like a paper checkbook, only you are writing them online and it doesn’t cost you a dime. The check is then sent out first-class the next business day.

5. Free ATM

You can access your cash for free at over 35,000 Allpointâ„¢ ATM’s nationwide. Allpointâ„¢ is America’s largest Surcharge-Free ATM Network and is located in all 50 states.

So if your aim is to save time each month, while keeping more money in your pocket, your search is over. The ING checking account is the perfect fit for you. The proof is right there in the pudding. And the pudding tastes oh so good.

Open a FREE ING Checking Account Now!

Scholarshippoints.com members can enter the code INGFORME for 15 mouth watering points to apply toward monthly scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000!!!

“I know training this old dog wasn’t easy.” That’s a direct quote from my Dad after I converted him over to an ING Checking account last month. You should know getting my Dad to do anything new (with the exception of venturing off to a new restaurant) is a daunting task. In fact, he still wears the same plaid shirt he wore to my high school graduation 16 years ago. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it has always been his belief in many facets of life. So when I tried to convert him to the world of online checking I knew he would look at me as if I was asking him to write a thesis on quantum physics.

Still, because I am his son, he placated me and heard out the reasons I believed it would benefit him. After I was done my jaw nearly dropped when he said, how do I get started? Although now that I look back I guess I really shouldn’t have been all that surprised. I knew what his concerns were and addressed them immediately.

As an old school guy the whole online banking concept scared my Dad because of the identity theft potential. He pictured some computer Wiz Kid hacking into his account, much like Ferris Bueller did when he changed his absentee record, and stealing all his money. Knowing this I reminded him that he’s been purchasing gifts online for friends and family with his credit card for nearly 4 years issue free. He hadn’t done it sooner because he feared his card number may get stolen. But more importantly I read ING’s Privacy Policy in advance and knew the proper precautions had been taken.

The ING Checking account has two safeguards in place to ensure safety and privacy. They have implemented security standards and processes-including physical, electronic and procedural safeguards. They also limit access to customer information to employees, registered representatives or agents who may need it to do their job only. No other company, including affiliates, have access to borrowers personal details.

Another hot button issue for him was if ING was a federally chartered bank, and the answer is yes. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor just as they are at any federally chartered bank you walk into.

So with security and insurance questions out of the way it was time for me to turn my focus to the cool benefits that I knew he’d love.

Continue here…

Open a FREE ING Checking Account Now!

With the number of defaulted credit cards on the rise in the U.S. it’s no surprise that student credit cards are in trouble. Banks have remained deathlike while trying to rebound from the sub-prime mortgage crisis, and have proactively sought ways to insulate themselves from further losses. Those ways include lowering credit limits, being more selective with applicants, and closing accounts, which have hurt students badly. But through the dense fog of the student credit card industry shines a beacon of light. Citibank is offering the Citi Forward Card for College Students.

We were so impressed with the Citi Forward card that it instantly earned the title of Best Overall student card (a StudentPlatinum first).  So why all the hype?

The hallmark of any great card lies within its benefits package, and the Citi Forward card does not disappoint with a wide array of benefits. From good grade rewards to having your APR dropped up to eight times for responsible use of your card, they have it covered from A to Z.

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?

Important Note:  The Citi Forward student card is for students who have decent credit.  If your credit is subpar check out the best card options for you here.

ScholarshipPoints members, enter code  FRWDTHINK for 10 entries toward a free scholarship!

Got your own checking account? If so, do you love it or just feel it’s a necessary part of becoming an adult? I love mine and let me tell you why.

1. I hate ATM fees so I never pay them.
2. I hate to pay for a checking account so I don’t have to.
3. I hate paying for checks; I don’t do that.
4. I hate to keep a minimum balance, I don’t bother.
5. I hate to worry about where my bank is if I move.
6. I love free ATM Debit cards.
7. I love to earn interest on the money in my checking account.
8. I love to make free online payments for things.
9. I love to be able to get direct deposit from my employer.
10. I love free online banking so I can manage my money from home.

Are you feeling checking account envy? Don’t because there are banks out there which offer students all of this and more. If you don’t have a checking account- get one! When you apply for loans you will be asked if you have one and they help boost your credit score.

Consider opening a new checking account ASAP to save money at ATMs and make money on your balance. If you already have a checking account, switching is easy. Just open the new one for free and keep the old one open for a little while. Gradually start depositing and paying bills from the new one so there is a smooth transition.

Below are the best options to start 2009 with a smarter checking account.

If you are a scholarship point collector try CHECKBABY for 10 points at www.ScholarshipPoints.com.

-Sigh-

Well, this is my second blog and so far I haven’t saved up much money. To be honest with you all, I haven’t saved any money. I’m currently in the process of finding a part time or full time job depending on what the hours are like. This semester of college has been extremely busy for me. Especially considering the fact that I resigned from my previous job the same week school started back. There was a serious conflict in my school and work schedule so I had to chose which one was more important. Don’t count me out though, I still plan on actually opening up an ing account and saving up $500 before this year is over. My plan is to make at least $300 a week. From every check that I receive I’ll take out $50 to keep for my own personal use and deposit the $250 into my ing account. That way I’ll have the $500 already saved up within 2 weeks! I know I can do it, I just have to be persistent with it. The real challenge for me right now is trying to find a job! Well, that’s all I have to type for now my fellow scholarship pointers. Unitl now, then and later. ;O—-PEACEEEEE. OUT!