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The "ABC's of Credit Card Finance" program targets young adults about to step into the wide world of credit card use and financing opportunity,
and is available to high school seniors throughout Idaho. The program helps students become aware of the relationship between
budgeting, spending, and credit card use. It also offers helpful tips on how to evaluate credit card offers, understanding the costs
associated with credit card use, and the importance of building and maintaining good credit.
This education program encourages parents and graduating seniors going off to college to be smart consumers when
signing up for a credit card, urging them to be mindful of the “do’s, don’ts, and pitfalls” of credit card ownership.
Many seniors will take their first steps on a college campus this fall and credit card companies will be ready to sign them up
immediately, without their parents as co-signers. Most credit card companies will be offering cards with high rates,
fees, and penalties. Armed with this knowledge young adults can find better deals by "shopping around" and by knowing the
right things to look for.
The Idaho State Treasurer's Office offers these tips when choosing a credit card:
- Look for low annual percentage rates (APR) - the interest rate at which you are borrowing the money.
- Get a card with no annual fees.
- Make sure the card has a grace period of at least 20 days - the amount of time between your purchase and when finance charges are applied.
- Shop for low penalty rates/fees for late or missed payments.
The “ABC's of Credit Card Finance” program was expanded to high schools statewide in the fall of 2005.
To inquire about having this free educational program presented to graduating seniors of your school, interested
teachers and principals should contact the Idaho State Treasurer’s Office by using the link listed below.
Submit ABCs of Credit Card Finance Comments or Questions
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