Student credit cards What you need to know
* Don't charge more just to get rebates or points. It's tempting to spend a few more dollars so you'll earn enough for a rebate check, but the interest you'll pay will cost you far more than the rebate check is worth. (That's why they have rewards programs. ) * Avoid extra fees by paying your credit card bills on time every month. Between the average late fee of $35 and the way credit card companies jack up your interest rate when you miss payments, you can accrue hefty extra debt just by not paying on time.