Credit Card Freebies

Posted by: Meredith K. | Apr 09,2008


Here’s a very interesting study that was recently done showing just how students are taken in by credit card offers.  Though the study shows that the majority of students are for increased restrictions on credit card marketing on college campuses, that doesn’t mean credit card sign-ups are slowing.  

One of the major reasons that credit card companies are so successful on campus is the promise of free merchandise when signing up for a credit card offer.  These offers can be as lowly as a free Subway sandwich, but still this reels students in.  Argh, this makes me annoyed.  Really?  A sandwich.  You mean you’d sign up for a credit card with terrible APR terms and fees for a three dollar sandwich?  This is precisely why credit card companies love marketing on campuses.  Students are, shall we say, impetuous.  

This seems strange too because if you think there’s a generation who’s accustomed to using the Internet it’s today’s crop of college students.  There is really no reason to sign up for with a credit card company that just happens to be on campus that day – no matter how hungry you are for a sandwich.  The best way to get a good credit card offer is to surf around online via a site like LowerMyBills, or right here on Experts on Credit.  

Be certain there are varying deals out there for students.  It’s very possible that the credit cards with the worst terms also have the nicest free prizes at sign-up.  Ask yourself how much you need a totebag, iTunes gift card, the aforementioned sandwich, or anything else a credit card issuer is offering.  You should be thinking long-term.  Both what you’ll be paying in terms of interest and fees on a monthly basis, as well as for the life of the card.  

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