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Getting your first credit card has become a rite of passage in this modern age. Despite the excitement that surrounds the event, it is not something to be taken lightly. A credit card in the wrong hands can be dangerous. That's why it is important to study and compare terms of the college credit card offer before deciding to open an account. Throughout this article, we will discuss five valuable tips for understanding your college credit card offer before you sign on the dotted line.

Know The Terms

Read all of the terms, including the interest rate, fees, and cash advance policies. If there is something you want more information on, ask your parents or another knowledgeable person. You should be sure you understand what you are agreeing to before accepting any college credit card offer.

Know The Benefits

If you are applying for a card with incentives or a reward program, make sure you know exactly what you are getting. If you are earning points, check out how many you need before you qualify for the reward. If it's a rebate incentive, find out what percentage of your purchases apply for the incentive.

Know Yourself

Be honest with yourself before agreeing to a college credit card offer. Are you good with money? Are you responsible enough to pay your bills on time? Will your current job pay enough to afford the card? Better admit that you're not ready for the responsibility before you get into trouble than end up like so many other college students, graduating from school already in debt.

Beware Of The Free Gifts/Promotions

Many credit card companies will try to lure you into accepting less than favorable terms by offering free gifts, fancy card designs or other promotional items. Some of these promotions center around school loyalty such as engraving your college name or logo on the card or offering to donate a certain amount of your purchases to the university. Don't fall blindly for these ploys. Read all the terms of the cards and base your decision on fact, not school spirit.

Never Get More Than One

This is the most important tip of all. You do not need more than one credit card to get through college. And that card really should only be used for emergencies.

By following these five tips, you will be able to get the best college credit card offer available and not worry about ending up in uncontrollable debt.