<p>I'm thinking of just getting a debit card for college instead of a credit card. How much hassle will this be? Do online stores that normally accept credit cards also accept debit cards?</p>
<p>The debit/check card that Bank of America gives with their CampusEdge checking accounts is branded as a Visa card, so I can use it as a "credit card" whereever Visa is accepted - I think a lot of banks are offering these types of cards now</p>
<p>They will be accepted everywhere because of the Visa or Mastercard symbol.</p>
<p>But, keep a couple things in mind: you will not build credit and it is not as secure for buying things online. It may be a good idea to open a credit card account (student, low credit line) and charge a couple things on there a month, pay it off in full (avoids interest), and build your credit. Also, to have your credit card for buying things online such as airline tickets, etc. There are many threads on this already...</p>
<p>I have both!</p>
<p>yeah I have that Bank of America Visa check card...anywhere Visa is accepted. pretty much everywhere</p>
<p>yup i've got both too - seems like a better option</p>
<p>Yes, it's more convenient.</p>
<p>Yupp, I have one. Just be aware that if you like to look at statements online right away, places that use your check card as a "credit card" and their purchases won't appear until some time later (a day or two?).</p>
<p>As long as it has a visa/MC/whatever logo you're fine.</p>
<p>FYI my car insurance rates ended up higher than I was quoted because I had "1 year or less of reported credit history". Had I literally gotten my credit card a month earlier, that wouldn't have happened. Just a note as to how hacing a credit card can help you in ways you may not expect.</p>
<p>yea its pretty cool..it actually teaches you to manage money cause you know exactly how much you have and how much you can spend</p>
<p>Debit cards are great for regular spending, but suck for emergencies, unless you have parents you can tap for instant cash to cover something like a replacement cell phone or computer if yours is stolen or broken, or something happens to your car.</p>
<p>Credit cards, while a huge hassle, can be useful, especially since it's important to build credit.</p>
<p>Debit cards rock hardcore</p>
<p>I think credit cards require you to have a certain amount of documented income to apply.</p>
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I think credit cards require you to have a certain amount of documented income to apply.
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<p>You'd be surprised.</p>
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Debit cards rock hardcore
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<p>The fact they don't build credit is the ONLY caveat.</p>
<p>Credit cards are totally superior. They have better rewards and build credit.</p>
<p>I have 0 income but I have a credit card! Small limit though...</p>
<p>I have a debit card, which i think is pretty necessary for college. I also have a credit card in case of emergencies, but I believed it is on my parents account. This is a great back-up option for those of you responsible with money. If I dont feel comfortable using my debit card somewhere, or if it is a large purchase, like books, I use my credit card and then I can pay my parents back from my checking account when I am able to.</p>
<p>I got my first credit card when I was 16... all I can say is if you can get one, get one, because it will be a LOT harder to get one later if you don't have credit established already.</p>
<p>This has been discussed many times on here before.</p>
<p>"The fact they don't build credit is the ONLY caveat."</p>
<p>Not at all. While it is becoming more popular for debit cards to offer protections similar to credit cards, credits cards are far superior in terms of protecting your money. The primary downside to debit cards is that money is immediately withdrawn from your account. This does two things:</p>
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<li><p>Cuts down on float. Instead of paying for your purchases 30 days from the purchase date and letting that money earn interest, you pay for it immediately and forfeit that interest. This also cuts down on financial flexibility--if you have an emergency later on, you can't get that money back. If you used a credit card, you can just pay the minimum if necessary.</p></li>
<li><p>If your card is stolen, lots of problems can result--from bouncing checks to overdraft fees. Many banks will refund the stolen money and cancel overdraft fees IF you catch it and report it within a small period time, but not all do that. Additionally, it can take time to process the claim, and you may not get use of your money for days. With a credit card, you simply call the company and file a claim and don't have to worry about anyone accessing your cash.</p></li>
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<p>I think that debit cards are great for ATM withdrawls. I think it's a terrible idea to use them for purchases, especially online and restaurant purchases (where the waiter walks away with your card). It's much safer to use a credit card for purchases and then just pay your balance online at the end of the month.</p>
<p>Most of all, though, it is extremely important to build credit as early as possible. I think that many students don't realize how important it is and, as fendergirl points out, it gets harder to get cards (and build credit) as time goes on if you don't take advantage of the offers you get when in college. Your credit report determines whether or not you get approved for (and how much you pay in interest) car loans, school loans and car insurnace. It can also determine whether or not you get approved for things like an apartment. I do know several people who didn't both to build credit in college and are having a terrible time doing a lot of basic things (like getting a car loan), despite the fact that they have well-paying jobs.</p>
<p>Most credit cards marketed to college students ask for household income (which includes your parents' income), not your individual income.</p>
<p>"Credit cards, while a huge hassle..."</p>
<p>Why are they a huge hassle? I don't agree at all.</p>