There are many reasons why you might want to give your child a credit card. Some people think it’s a good way to teach kids about money and how to use credit cards responsibly. Others believe that it can help kids build up their credit score early on, which can be extremely helpful later in life when they need to borrow money for a car or a house.
If you’re thinking about giving your child a credit card, here are a few situations where they can really come in handy.
Teaching Financial Responsibility
If you give your child a credit card and set spending limits, it can be a good way to teach them about money management and how to use credit wisely. You can also help them learn about budgeting by having them track their spending and see where they may be able to cut back.
Building Credit History
If your child uses the credit card responsibly and pays the bill on time each month, they can start to build up a good credit history and enjoy a higher credit score. This is helpful later on when they need to borrow money for a major purchase, like a car or a house. Generally, a higher credit score leads to lower interest rates on loans and a higher credit limit.
Emergency Fund
If your child has a credit card, it can act as an emergency fund in case they need to make an unexpected purchase such as a car repair or an unforeseen travel expense. Making sure they have the means to deal with an emergency situation can help put a parent’s mind at ease.
College Expenses
Heading off to college is an exciting time in a child’s life and marks a major shift in responsibility and freedom. Many parents choose to help support their children through this transition by granting a monthly allowance. If you are a parent who wishes to contribute monetarily to your child while they’re in school, a credit card could be the best way to help cover costs from a distance. After all, you won’t be living in their dorm with them!
Setting Your Child Up with a Credit Card
There are a few things to consider before you give your child a credit card. But if you think it could be a good idea for your family, it’s worth looking into. Talk to the team at RMLEFCU to get started today.