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For most college students, cash is a scarce commodity. Living expenses, tuition, transportation, and other expenditures add up quickly, and part time jobs only pay so much.

Realistically, credit cards are a dangerous weapon to arm the wallet of a college kid with. The immediate satisfaction of spending usually outweighs the fiscal responsibility of the individual, which can lead to a mounting debt by the time they get their degree.

Although there are many obvious dangers to credit card usage, there are also many beneficial aspects to them if they are used appropriately.

Pros:

1). Credit cards provide a financial cushion for struggling college students.

Sometimes unexpected costs arise, and whether these costs are high or low, a credit card is a convenient problem solver for situations like these, especially for college students who are low on cash and resources.

2). Establishing credit at a young age will pay off in the future.

Generally speaking, it takes about two years to establish reputable credit. If payments are consistently made on time and the spender has proven that they can responsibly manage a credit card, it will be look better on their credit report. In the future, this can be an invaluable asset in buying their first new car or home.

3). By teaching college students how to manage their credit, they are better prepared for the fiscal responsibilities of the real world.

The real world is a far different game than college life. The level of responsibly that immediately comes to a post-grad is daunting. Excuses no longer work after college, and there is no where to place blame but upon yourself. But learning to handle one's finances is one of the smartest things a college kid can do. If equipped with this knowledge already, the transition into the real world will be that much easier.

Cons:

1). Credit cards can easily be abused.

Many college students misunderstand credit cards as a legitimate substitute for cash. Instead of making dinner, many will charge their expensive restaurant meal, sky-high bar tabs are taken care of with a simple swipe and without a second thought, and a new outfit is bought for every party. Eventually, these little costs add up to hundreds, and students find themselves in a deep debt that they can't dig out of.

2). They don't read the small print.

Many kids are so eager to get their first credit card that they don't realize the restrictions that apply to them. Often times, the first credit card a young person gets has a low limit

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