upgradedpoints.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
2606:4700:20::681a:23d
Public Scan
URL:
https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/students-guide-to-credit/
Submission: On March 15 via manual from GB — Scanned from GB
Submission: On March 15 via manual from GB — Scanned from GB
Form analysis 10 forms found in the DOM
GET https://upgradedpoints.com/
<form role="search" method="get" class="up-search__form" action="https://upgradedpoints.com/">
<img class="up-search__icon" src="https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/themes/upgp/img/icons/search-icon.svg">
<input type="search" class="up-search__field js-up-search__field ui-autocomplete-input" placeholder="Search Upgraded Points…" value="" name="s" title="Search for:" autocomplete="off">
<button type="submit" class="up-search__submit btn"> GO </button>
</form>GET https://upgradedpoints.com/
<form role="search" method="get" class="up-search__form" action="https://upgradedpoints.com/">
<img class="up-search__icon" src="https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/themes/upgp/img/icons/search-icon.svg">
<input type="search" class="up-search__field js-up-search__field ui-autocomplete-input" placeholder="Search Upgraded Points…" value="" name="s" title="Search for:" autocomplete="off">
<button type="submit" class="up-search__submit btn"> GO </button>
</form>GET https://upgradedpoints.com/
<form role="search" method="get" class="up-search__form" action="https://upgradedpoints.com/">
<img class="up-search__icon" src="https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/themes/upgp/img/icons/search-icon.svg">
<input type="search" class="up-search__field js-up-search__field ui-autocomplete-input" placeholder="Search Upgraded Points…" value="" name="s" title="Search for:" autocomplete="off">
<button type="submit" class="up-search__submit btn"> GO </button>
</form><form class="custom-feedback__form">
<div class="custom-feedback__step custom-feedback__step--inline">
<div class="custom-feedback__label">
<label class="custom-feedback__label-text"> Was this page helpful? </label>
</div>
<label class="custom-feedback__checkbox">
<input class="custom-feedback__checkbox-input" type="radio" name="was_helpful" value="1">
<span class="custom-feedback__checkbox-mask">Yes</span>
</label>
<label class="custom-feedback__checkbox">
<input class="custom-feedback__checkbox-input" type="radio" name="was_helpful" value="0">
<span class="custom-feedback__checkbox-mask custom-feedback__checkbox-mask--secondary">No</span>
</label>
</div>
<div class="custom-feedback__step custom-feedback__step--hidden">
<label class="custom-feedback__label custom-feedback__label--positive"> What was helpful about this page? </label>
<label class="custom-feedback__label custom-feedback__label--negative" style="display: none;"> What did you <span class="h-underline">not</span> like about this page? </label>
<textarea class="custom-feedback__textarea" name="feedback" cols="30" rows="10" required=""></textarea>
<input type="hidden" name="action" value="custom_feedback">
<input type="hidden" name="post_id" value="1238">
<div id="upgp-custom-feedback-recaptcha"></div>
<p class="custom-feedback__recaptcha-validation">Please confirm that you're not a robot.</p>
<button class="btn custom-feedback__submit">Send Feedback</button>
</div>
</form>POST
<form id="sib_signup_form_1" method="post" class="sib_signup_form">
<div class="sib_loader" style="display:none;"><img src="https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-includes//images/spinner.gif" alt="loader"></div>
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_action" value="subscribe_form_submit">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_id" value="1">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_alert_notice" value="Please fill out this field">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_security" value="f3159b31ee">
<div class="sib_signup_box_inside_1">
<div style="/*display:none*/" class="sib_msg_disp">
</div>
<input type="hidden" id="sib_captcha_site_v3" value="6LeB7QofAAAAAAbjSUGPWyUBQsiKAPuvFsZ_ahF_">
<p class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area">
<label class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area">Name</label>
<input type="text" class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area" name="FIRSTNAME" placeholder="First name">
</p>
<p class="sib-email-area">
<label class="sib-email-area">Email Address</label>
<input type="email" class="sib-email-area" name="email" required="required" placeholder="Email">
</p>
<p>
<input type="submit" id="lead-gen-module" class="sib-default-btn" value="Join Now!">
</p>
</div>
</form>POST https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-comments-post.php
<form action="https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-comments-post.php" method="post" id="commentform" class="comment-form" novalidate="">
<p class="comment-form-comment">
<textarea required="" id="comment" name="comment" placeholder="Add a comment" "="" cols=" 45" rows="8" aria-required="true"></textarea>
</p>
<div class="comment-form-author-and-email">
<p class="comment-form-author">
<input id="author" name="author" placeholder="Name" required="" type="text" value="" size="30" maxlength="245">
</p>
<p class="comment-form-email">
<input id="email" name="email" placeholder="Email" type="email" value="" size="30" maxlength="100">
<span class="comment-notes">Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.</span>
</p>
</div><!-- close .comment-form-author-and-email !-->
<p class="upgp-grecaptcha__disclaimer__small"> This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google <a href="https://policies.google.com/privacy" data-wpel-link="external">Privacy Policy</a> and
<a href="https://policies.google.com/terms" data-wpel-link="external">Terms of Service</a> apply. </p>
<p class="form-submit"><input name="commentform_submit" type="submit" id="commentform_submit" class="submit" value="Post a Comment"> <input type="hidden" name="comment_post_ID" value="1238" id="comment_post_ID">
<input type="hidden" name="comment_parent" id="comment_parent" value="0">
</p>
<p style="display: none;"><input type="hidden" id="akismet_comment_nonce" name="akismet_comment_nonce" value="5468b765e6"></p>
<p style="display: none !important;"><label>Δ<textarea name="ak_hp_textarea" cols="45" rows="8" maxlength="100"></textarea></label><input type="hidden" id="ak_js_1" name="ak_js" value="1678891156630">
<script>
document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value", (new Date()).getTime());
</script>
</p>
</form>POST
<form id="sib_signup_form_1" method="post" class="sib_signup_form">
<div class="sib_loader" style="display:none;"><img src="https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-includes//images/spinner.gif" alt="loader"></div>
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_action" value="subscribe_form_submit">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_id" value="1">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_alert_notice" value="Please fill out this field">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_security" value="f3159b31ee">
<div class="sib_signup_box_inside_1">
<div style="/*display:none*/" class="sib_msg_disp">
</div>
<input type="hidden" id="sib_captcha_site_v3" value="6LeB7QofAAAAAAbjSUGPWyUBQsiKAPuvFsZ_ahF_">
<p class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area">
<label class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area">Name</label>
<input type="text" class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area" name="FIRSTNAME" placeholder="First name">
</p>
<p class="sib-email-area">
<label class="sib-email-area">Email Address</label>
<input type="email" class="sib-email-area" name="email" required="required" placeholder="Email">
</p>
<p>
<input type="submit" id="lead-gen-module" class="sib-default-btn" value="Join Now!">
</p>
</div>
</form>POST
<form id="sib_signup_form_1" method="post" class="sib_signup_form">
<div class="sib_loader" style="display:none;"><img src="https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-includes//images/spinner.gif" alt="loader"></div>
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_action" value="subscribe_form_submit">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_id" value="1">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_alert_notice" value="Please fill out this field">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_security" value="f3159b31ee">
<div class="sib_signup_box_inside_1">
<div style="/*display:none*/" class="sib_msg_disp">
</div>
<input type="hidden" id="sib_captcha_site_v3" value="6LeB7QofAAAAAAbjSUGPWyUBQsiKAPuvFsZ_ahF_">
<p class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area">
<label class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area">Name</label>
<input type="text" class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area" name="FIRSTNAME" placeholder="First name">
</p>
<p class="sib-email-area">
<label class="sib-email-area">Email Address</label>
<input type="email" class="sib-email-area" name="email" required="required" placeholder="Email">
</p>
<p>
<input type="submit" id="lead-gen-module" class="sib-default-btn" value="Join Now!">
</p>
</div>
</form>POST
<form id="sib_signup_form_1" method="post" class="sib_signup_form">
<div class="sib_loader" style="display:none;"><img src="https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-includes//images/spinner.gif" alt="loader"></div>
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_action" value="subscribe_form_submit">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_id" value="1">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_alert_notice" value="Please fill out this field">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_security" value="f3159b31ee">
<div class="sib_signup_box_inside_1">
<div style="/*display:none*/" class="sib_msg_disp">
</div>
<input type="hidden" id="sib_captcha_site_v3" value="6LeB7QofAAAAAAbjSUGPWyUBQsiKAPuvFsZ_ahF_">
<p class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area">
<label class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area">Name</label>
<input type="text" class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area" name="FIRSTNAME" placeholder="First name">
</p>
<p class="sib-email-area">
<label class="sib-email-area">Email Address</label>
<input type="email" class="sib-email-area" name="email" required="required" placeholder="Email">
</p>
<p>
<input type="submit" id="lead-gen-module" class="sib-default-btn" value="Join Now!">
</p>
</div>
</form>POST
<form id="sib_signup_form_1" method="post" class="sib_signup_form">
<div class="sib_loader" style="display:none;"><img src="https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-includes//images/spinner.gif" alt="loader"></div>
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_action" value="subscribe_form_submit">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_id" value="1">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_form_alert_notice" value="Please fill out this field">
<input type="hidden" name="sib_security" value="f3159b31ee">
<div class="sib_signup_box_inside_1">
<div style="/*display:none*/" class="sib_msg_disp">
</div>
<input type="hidden" id="sib_captcha_site_v3" value="6LeB7QofAAAAAAbjSUGPWyUBQsiKAPuvFsZ_ahF_">
<p class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area">
<label class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area">Name</label>
<input type="text" class="sib-FIRSTNAME-area" name="FIRSTNAME" placeholder="First name">
</p>
<p class="sib-email-area">
<label class="sib-email-area">Email Address</label>
<input type="email" class="sib-email-area" name="email" required="required" placeholder="Email">
</p>
<p>
<input type="submit" id="lead-gen-module" class="sib-default-btn" value="Join Now!">
</p>
</div>
</form>Text Content
Skip to content
UpgradedPoints.com Home
GO
Menu Search
* News
* Credit Cards
* Credit Card Guides
* Credit Card Reviews
* Best Credit Cards
* Best Business Credit Cards
* Best Travel Credit Cards
* Best Airline Credit Cards
* Best Hotel Credit Cards
* Best Credit Card Bonuses
* Best Cash Back Credit Cards
* Popular Categories
* Best Amex Credit Cards
* Best Chase Credit Cards
* 0% APR Interest Credit Cards
* Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access
* Best Luxury Credit Cards
* Best Credit Cards for Military
* Best Credit Cards for Rental Car Insurance
* Instant Use Credit Cards with Numbers
* Credit Card Reviews
* The Amex Platinum Card
* The Amex Gold Card
* Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
* Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
* Chase Freedom Unlimited Card
* Capital One Venture X Card
* Capital One Venture Rewards Card
* Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card
* EARN POINTS
* How To Earn Chase Rewards Points
* How To Earn Amex Rewards Points
* How To Earn Citi ThankYou Points
* How To Earn Capital One Miles
* USE POINTS
* How To Redeem Chase Points
* How To Redeem Amex Points
* How To Redeem Citi ThankYou Points
* How To Redeem Capital One Miles
* Credit & Finance Guides
* How to Improve Your Credit Score
* What is a Good or Bad Credit Score
* How to Repair Your Credit
* Credit Report vs Credit Score
* Business
* Business Credit Cards
* Best Business Credit Cards
* Chase Business Credit Cards
* Amex Business Credit Cards
* 0 APR Business Credit Cards
* Business Credit Cards for Advertising Purchases
* Business Credit Cards for Shipping Purchases
* BUSINESS CREDIT CARD REVIEWS
* Chase Ink Business Preferred Card
* Chase Ink Business Cash Card
* Chase Ink Business Unlimited Card
* The Amex Business Platinum Card
* The Amex Business Gold Card
* The Amex Blue Business Plus Card
* BUSINESS GUIDES
* Points & Miles for Business Owners
* Top Reasons to Get a Business Credit Card
* How to Apply For a Small Business Credit Card
* Maximize Rewards From Your Business Purchases
* Chase Business Checking Accounts
* Comparing Top 3 Chase Business Credit Cards
* Travel Guides
* Travel Guides
* Tourist Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
* How to Make a Travel Budget [Template]
* The REAL ID Act
* Travel Packing Checklist & Tips
* Buying the Best Travel Insurance
* Tourist VISA Requirements
* Product Reviews
* Best Checked Luggage Bags
* Best Carry-On Luggage Bags
* Best Travel Backpacks
* Best Laptop Backpacks for Travel
* Best Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots for Travel
* Best Crossbody Bags & Purses for Travel
* Car Rentals
* Best Websites for Cheap Car Rentals
* Best Car Rental Companies
* Guide to Car Rental Tolls
* Cheap Car Rentals in Las Vegas
* Cheap Car Rentals in LA
* Cruises
* Best Websites for Booking Cruises
* Cruise Packing Checklist [Printable]
* Viking Ocean Cruise Review
* Royal Caribbean Cruise Review
* Disney Cruise Review
* Air Travel
* AIR TRAVEL GUIDES
* Documents Required for Children to Fly
* How to Use Google Flights
* Airline Baggage Fees
* Global Entry Program
* The Best Websites for Cheap Flights
* A Guide to Flying with Family
* Airline Guides
* United Airlines Baggage Fees & Tips
* Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees & Tips
* American Airlines Baggage Fees & Tips
* Turkish Airlines Baggage Fees & Tips
* How to Cancel an American Airlines Flight
* How to Cancel a United Airlines Flight
* Airport Guides
* TSA PreCheck – Everything You Need to Know
* Denver International Airport [DEN]
* Chicago O’Hare International Airport [ORD]
* Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport [FLL]
* Dallas Fort Worth Airport [DFW]
* Orlando International Airport [MCO]
* AIRLINE POINTS
* How to Earn Virgin Atlantic Miles
* How to Earn United Miles
* How to Earn Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
* How to Redeem Virgin Atlantic Miles
* How to Redeem United Miles
* How to Redeem Delta SkyMiles
* Hotel Guides
* Hotel Guides
* Best Websites for Booking Affordable Hotels
* Best Hilton Luxury Hotels to Book With Points
* Guide to Hotel Status Matches and Challenges
* Marriott Bonvoy Hotel Brands
* A Complete Guide to Hotels.com
* Best Airport Hotels in the U.S.
* EARN & USE HOTEL POINTS
* Best Marriott Luxury Hotels to Book With Points
* Best Ways to Redeem Marriott Points for Hotels
* Best IHG Luxury Hotels to Book With Points
* Best Ways to Redeem Choice Hotel Points
* How to Buy Hotel Points & Airline Miles
* HOTEL LOYALTY PROGRAM REVIEWS
* Hilton Honors Loyalty Program Review
* Wyndham Rewards Loyalty Program Review
* Marriott Bonvoy Hotel Loyalty Program Review
* Choice Privileges Loyalty Program Review
* IHG Rewards Club Loyalty Program Review
Search
GO
GO
Advertiser Disclosure
Home › Credit Cards
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FINANCES: A GUIDE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
BY
Brian Graham
- Updated: December 16, 2022, 1:46pm CST
1. Credit Cards
In this Article
* How To Save for College
* When To Start Saving for College
* How Much To Save for College Each Month
* Different Types of College Savings Accounts
* How To Pay for College
* 1. File the FAFSA
* 2. Apply for Scholarships and Grants
* 3. Start Saving Early
* 4. Choose the Best School
* 5. Take Out Student Loans
* 6. Serve Your Country
* 7. Get Your Employer To Pay
* 8. Get Help From Your Family
* 9. Work While You Study
* Getting College Scholarships and Grants
* Types of Scholarships
* Types of College Grants
* Don’t Forget About Your Credit Score
* How Credit Saves You Money Throughout Your Life
* How Credit Is Measured
* How To Build Credit
* Additional Resources
* Profiles To Follow for Financial Advice
* Final Thoughts
We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our
advertising partners. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. Terms apply
to offers below. See our Advertiser Disclosure for more details.
College can be one of the busiest times of your life. You have to juggle
multiple classes, living on your own, and maintaining a social life, all while
trying to make big life decisions.
But there is one thing you may not have put a lot of thought into yet: your
finances. Your overall financial well-being includes many things, such as saving
for college, paying for college, finding scholarships and loans, and even
developing and improving your credit score. All of these factors will have an
impact on your everyday life and your financial future, even if you’re not aware
of it.
It’s important that you understand what resources are available to you to help
you get through your college experience with a head start on your finances!
Table of contents [show]
* How To Save for College
* When To Start Saving for College
* How Much To Save for College Each Month
* Different Types of College Savings Accounts
* How To Pay for College
* File the FAFSA
* Apply for Scholarships and Grants
* Start Saving Early
* Choose the Best School
* Take Out Student Loans
* Serve Your Country
* Get Your Employer To Pay
* Get Help From Your Family
* Work While You Study
* Getting College Scholarships and Grants
* Types of Scholarships
* Types of College Grants
* Don’t Forget About Your Credit Score
* How Credit Saves You Money Throughout Your Life
* How Credit Is Measured
* How To Build Credit
* Additional Resources
* Profiles To Follow for Financial Advice
* Final Thoughts
* FAQs
Table of Contents [show]
* How To Save for College
* When To Start Saving for College
* How Much To Save for College Each Month
* Different Types of College Savings Accounts
* How To Pay for College
* 1. File the FAFSA
* 2. Apply for Scholarships and Grants
* 3. Start Saving Early
* 4. Choose the Best School
* 5. Take Out Student Loans
* 6. Serve Your Country
* 7. Get Your Employer To Pay
* 8. Get Help From Your Family
* 9. Work While You Study
* Getting College Scholarships and Grants
* Types of Scholarships
* Types of College Grants
* Don’t Forget About Your Credit Score
* How Credit Saves You Money Throughout Your Life
* How Credit Is Measured
* How To Build Credit
* Additional Resources
* Profiles To Follow for Financial Advice
* Final Thoughts
* FAQs
HOW TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE
Saving for college can seem overwhelming — there are so many options out there
and it’s also probably the biggest expense you’ll have faced so far in your
life. So whether or not you’ve had some help getting started, here are a few
tips on how to save for college.
WHEN TO START SAVING FOR COLLEGE
Ideally, the best time to start saving for college is when you are born. Thanks
to something called compound interest, periodic investments have the opportunity
to earn interest over 18 years — making it much easier to reach your savings
goals.
Unfortunately, not all of us have parents that were thinking that far ahead and
we might be starting late when it comes to saving. In that case, the best time
to start saving is now! While the compounding interest won’t be as beneficial,
every bit helps.
HOW MUCH TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE EACH MONTH
There are a few things that factor into how much you’ll need to save for college
each month:
1. TOTAL AMOUNT YOU NEED TO SAVE
Are you planning on attending an expensive Ivy League university or will you go
to your local community college? Do you qualify for in-state or out-of-state
tuition? Are you planning on taking out a student loan or do you want to be able
to get through college debt-free? Do you qualify for any scholarships or grants?
All of this will factor in when determining the total amount you’ll need to
save.
2. WHEN YOU START SAVING
The later you start saving for college, the more you’ll need to save each month.
On the other hand, if you start saving early, don’t forget about inflation!
According to SavingForCollege.com, “The cost of a college education roughly
triples over any 17-year period from birth to college enrollment.”
3. PROJECTED EARNINGS
Depending on the way you save your money, the interest you earn will vary. We’ll
go through the different saving options below.
Hot Tip: Here’s a great college savings calculator tool to get you started with
your estimations.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
There are many ways to save for college. Here are some of the most common:
1. 529 PLAN
529s might be the most traditional way to save for college. This is because 529
accounts offer the potential for tax-free growth and you can make withdrawals
tax-free (federal and possibly state and/or local) if used for qualified K-12
and higher education expenses. Also, most 529 plans have a lifetime contribution
limit of $350,000+ (depending on your state), giving you a ton of options on
when you can invest!
Also, the accounts are treated as your parents’ assets and don’t have to be
reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and thus won’t
affect your potential for financial aid when the funds are withdrawn to pay for
college.
Most often you’ll hear about the 529 savings plan, but there is also another
option called the 529 prepaid tuition plan. This plan allows you to prepay
future college costs today —typically by semester or “unit.” On the downside,
there are limited options when it comes to which states have this option (and
which are accepting new applicants).
2. COVERDELL EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT (ESA)
Similar to a 529 Plan, a Coverdell ESA is also a tax-free method to pay for
qualified K-12 expenses as well as higher education expenses. The main
difference is in the amount you can contribute annually, which is only $2,000,
and income limits also apply.
You’ll also find that any potential financial aid won’t be impacted by a
withdrawal from your Coverdell ESA.
3. TRADITIONAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
Whether you put your funds in an actual savings account at a bank, a mutual
fund, or into a Roth IRA, there are many “traditional” savings methods to save
for college. On the plus side, there is no limit to the amount you can save AND
there are unlimited investment options.
On the downside, there are no tax advantages, so you will both pay income tax
and capital gains on the amount earned in these accounts.
Hot Tip: The normal 10% early withdrawal penalty on earnings from a Roth IRA is
waived when the funds are spent on qualified higher education expenses.
4. UGMA AND UTMA ACCOUNTS
The Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) and the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act
(UTMA) are custodial accounts that allow money that is saved to be spent on
anything — mean that it doesn’t have to be used for education. This includes
things like cars and computers, so long as the funds are used for your benefit.
There is also no limit to the amount that can be saved in these accounts.
On the downside, these accounts are considered your assets and will count as
income when withdrawn. This means you will both pay income tax on this amount
and it can reduce the amount of financial aid you can qualify for from FAFSA.
HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE
Once you see the cost of attending college, you’ll probably start looking into
options to subsidize or offset these costs. Lucky, there are a lot of options
for doing this!
College is a great time, but don’t forget about your financial well-being! Image
Credit: G-Stock Studio via Shutterstock
1. FILE THE FAFSA
Fill out the FAFSA, even if you don’t expect to qualify for any aid due to not
meeting 1 or more of the eligibility requirements.
This is because submitting your FAFSA is the first step to qualifying for other
financial aid — including federal grants, work-study opportunities, student
loans, and some state and school-based aid.
Hot Tip: Fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible (typically around October 1 of
each year) because some colleges award money on a first-come, first-served
basis!
2. APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
We’ll go into more detail below about the different types of grants and
scholarships you might be eligible for, but know that billions of dollars are
given out each year!
There are tons of options out there available for college students and they
don’t have to be repaid like traditional loans — but you have to apply in order
to get them!
3. START SAVING EARLY
We’ve already talked about the benefits of compounding interest. This means that
the earlier you start saving, the more money you will earn in interest. It is
also easier to split up the cost over many years versus saving all at once.
Whether your family started a 529 plan for you when you were a child, or you are
investing in a mutual fund using the money from an after-school job, know that
the best time to start saving for college is now!
Maybe you received assistance from a family member to help start saving for
college. This gives you a huge head start! Image Credit: Monkey Business Images
via Shutterstock
4. CHOOSE THE BEST SCHOOL
The “best” school can mean any number of things. For example, are you hoping to
get your common classes out of the way and start at a community or technical
college before transferring to a larger university? Maybe your parent works for
a college that qualifies you for reduced tuition? These are valid things to
consider when choosing the best school.
WORK-STUDY
The federal work-study program (which is part of your FAFSA application) funds
part-time jobs for college students with a financial need. If you qualify,
you’ll see “work-study” listed on your financial aid award.
Even though you are eligible, you will still have to find a work-study job on
campus AND work enough hours to earn all of the aid!
WORK FOR YOUR SCHOOL
Many schools offer free or reduced tuition for employees and staff of the
school. In addition, if your parent works for a college, you may be eligible for
a full or partial waiver! This is a huge incentive to get an on-campus job!
The terms and conditions will obviously vary by college, so it’s best to contact
the financial aid office directly if this is something you are considering.
ATTEND A “FREE-TUITION” COMMUNITY OR ONLINE COLLEGE
Currently, 19 states, including California, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, and
Washington, have implemented programs where many community colleges offer free
tuition programs.
While each state’s requirements vary, there are typically minimum requirements,
such as completing high school and enrolling in classes full-time. You may also
have to commit to staying in the state for a number of years after graduation.
While tuition is covered, there are some things you might still have to pay for,
like textbooks, supplies, and room and board.
5. TAKE OUT STUDENT LOANS
If you’ve done everything you can to go to college for free and you’ve even
tapped into your savings accounts, student loans can help cover the remaining
financial gaps.
Whether you go with federal or private student loans, take out only what you
need. You’ll have to repay all the amounts you take out — and with interest.
This means that the more you borrow now, the more you’ll end up paying back
after you graduate (or drop below the required enrollment levels).
Lastly, even though you might apply for the FAFSA and other student loans, you
don’t have to say yes to all the aid you’re offered. For instance, you’ll
typically only want to accept if the student loan payments are less than 10% of
projected after-tax monthly income your first year out of school.
FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS
If you need to borrow to pay for college, prioritize federal loans before
private ones. Federal student loans have benefits that private loans don’t,
including access to income-driven repayment plans, loan forgiveness programs,
deferment, and forbearance.
PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS
If you don’t qualify for federal student loans, or if you’re still struggling to
pay for college even after you’ve reached your federal loan limit, you might
need to use private student loans. These loans have low interest rates but fewer
protections.
There are a ton of options here, so be sure to compare many different loan terms
before you choose a lender. Shop around to find the lender that offers you the
lowest interest rate as well as the most generous borrower protections. Be sure
to ask about terms like flexible repayment plans or the option to put your loans
in forbearance if you’re struggling to make payments after you graduate.
» Related: Can You Pay Student Loans With a Credit Card? [6 Best Cards]
6. SERVE YOUR COUNTRY
The U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force, Military, Merchant Marine, and Naval Academies
offer free college opportunities to students who serve after college.
Additionally, if you’ve served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001,
you may also qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill that helps cover the cost of
in-state tuition and fees and also provides an allowance for living expenses,
books, and supplies for up to 36 months.
7. GET YOUR EMPLOYER TO PAY
Many employers, large and small, will provide tuition reimbursement or pay for
costs up to a certain amount to help offset your total college costs. For
example, Starbucks has a partnership with Arizona State University to provide
workers with full tuition for their online programs and degrees.
In order to get your employer to pay for college, you’ll likely need to be in a
field that is in high demand and quickly evolving.
If you aren’t sure if your employer (or potential employer) offers tuition
reimbursement, don’t be afraid to reach out to the HR department or your
recruiter for more details.
Hot Tip: As a note, up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement each year is tax-free
for both employees and employers!
8. GET HELP FROM YOUR FAMILY
While you might not feel totally comfortable relying on the bank of mom and dad,
having parents who are willing to support your dreams is not something to take
lightly. One report from Bloomberg found that parents paid as much as $26,373 on
average for their kids’ tuition fees in 2021, which accounted for more than 50%
of the average total fee of $50,770.
In a lot of cases, parents will start a savings account as soon as their child
is born — or even before they have kids at all. With tuition fees continuing to
rise every year (up 2.1% in 2021-22 alone), the need to rely on parents and
other guardians is shifting from a handy support system to a necessity.
9. WORK WHILE YOU STUDY
For those who aren’t fortunate enough to be in a position to get external
support, paying for college is a viable option. One report found as many as 43%
of full-time U.S. students are employed while in school.
Of the total students in college systems, 39% were paying all of their own
expenses, 29% were partially paying for their education, and the remaining 32%
weren’t having to pay their own way at all.
While working while you study is definitely a challenge, it does provide you
with valuable experience of the professional world. This is something which
employers will often look for in graduates, giving you a one-up on the
competition as soon as you earn your degree.
GETTING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
If you complete the FAFSA, you are automatically considered for state and
institutional scholarships, as well as the federal Pell Grant. There are also
many other options for both grants and scholarships!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GRANT AND A SCHOLARSHIP?
In general, grants are given based on a financial need, while scholarships are
awarded based on merit — whether through your academic achievements,
extracurricular activities, projected field of study, etc.
TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS
The best way to approach your scholarship search is to think carefully about
what you love to do or what you’re great at, and then search for scholarships
based on that.
If you have something unique about yourself, such as being a first-generation
American, having a learning disability, or being a roller derby MVP, look into
scholarships specifically for you! You might be surprised by what you can find.
HOW TO FIND THE BEST SCHOLARSHIPS
As we’ve noted above, when you complete your FAFSA, you’ll automatically be
entered for certain scholarships. There are scholarships for everything under
the sun, but to get started, here are some great resources for finding
scholarships:
* Financial aid office at your college
* High school counselor
* U.S. Department of Labor’s Scholarship Finder
* College Board’s Scholarship Search platform
* Your current employer or your parents’ employers
* Local foundations, religious or community organizations, or civic groups
(like the Rotary or an LGBTQ group)
* Local businesses or organizations related to your field of study (including
professional organizations)
* Ethnicity-based organizations
TIPS FOR APPLYING FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
1. Check Eligibility Requirements: Each scholarship comes along with a unique
set of requirements you’ll have to meet before (like grades,
extracurriculars, etc.) and even requirements after (like maintaining a
certain GPA). Make sure you’ll eligible AND willing to comply before
submitting your application.
2. Check Application Deadlines: Some deadlines are as early as a year before
college starts, so you should start researching and applying for
scholarships during the summer between your junior and senior years.
3. Assemble Requirements: You’ll typically need to obtain a few things such as
your high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, a completed FAFSA,
and a résumé. Pulling all of these together beforehand can help you save
time on your application process.
4. Write a Compelling Essay: Here’s where you can really make your case. Your
essay allows the scholarship’s awards committee to get a sense of who you
are as a person. Make it personal and compelling. Here are some tips for
writing a killer scholarship essay.
5. Small Awards Add Up: Just because the scholarship won’t cover all of your
costs, you should still apply. Any amount helps, especially if you receive
multiple scholarships.
ACCESSIBLE SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE U.S.
If you’re someone who has a medical condition, you might be able to benefit from
a scholarship that is targeted at helping those with accessibility requirements.
Some of the best scholarships currently available include:
* AG Bell College Scholarship Program — This merit-based scholarship is
available to students who are either deaf or hard of hearing that are looking
to study at a mainstream college or university.
* Flora Marie Jenkins Memorial Disability Scholarship — This scholarship has
kindly been made available to any students who suffer from a disability.
Naturally, there are limited funds available, so you’ll need to write a
detailed essay explaining the impact your disability has had on your life.
* Google Lime Scholarship Program — If you want to study a degree in computer
science or computer engineering at a Canadian or U.S. college, Google also
offers its own scholarship.
* Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship — Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the sponsor
of this scholarship, the DisAbility scheme is focused on those looking to
pursue an interest in a technology-based degree. It’s available to any high
school seniors (even if they’re not from the U.S.) who are looking to attend
an American college or university.
These are just a small collection of grants currently available to students.
Make sure to research if there are any opportunities available to people with
the specific condition you have.
TYPES OF COLLEGE GRANTS
Grants are usually offered at the federal, state, and collegiate levels and are
typically need-based.
* Federal: These grants are funded by the U.S. government and are available to
students attending 4-year colleges, community colleges, and trade schools.
The federal government offers 4 types of grant programs through FAFSA.
* State: Each state has different grants, but many states also offer grant
programs for traditionally underrepresented groups, such as ethnic
minorities, women, and students with disabilities.
* Collegiate: If you don’t qualify for governmental grants, check your college.
Collegiate grants are often privately funded and have a more diverse set of
requirements.
* Private: Private grants are also available for underrepresented groups such
as international students, minorities, and women.
TIPS FOR APPLYING FOR COLLEGE GRANTS
* Fill Out Your FAFSA: Even if you’re not sure you qualify, apply!
* Fill Out Your College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) Profile: Your CSS
Profile is only used at select schools for institutional aid. Check if your
college requires it.
Advertisement
DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR CREDIT SCORE
Credit is something that you should be interested in since it takes into account
your entire financial history, especially if you’ve recently taken out student
loans! It’s extremely important to set yourself up for a stable financial future
and good credit is part of that stability.
Credit is a measurement of your financial trustworthiness. Credit can affect
many different aspects of your life, like controlling how much money you can
borrow, limiting what interest rates you receive, and even limiting which jobs
you can hold.
The earlier you begin to build your credit, the earlier you can take advantage
of having good credit. This can save you large amounts of money in the future,
which allows you to save more money or spend it on something more important to
you.
Hot Tip: Check out our complete guide: What Is Your Credit Score, How Does It
Work & Why Is It Important?
HOW CREDIT SAVES YOU MONEY THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE
Credit affects things like the interest rates you can get on loans, including
mortgages on your house, car loans, and any other loans you may want to get in
the future.
One percentage point of an interest rate might not seem like a lot, but take a
look at the math. Over a 30-year, $200,000 mortgage, the difference between a 3%
and 4% interest rate could save you over $40,000 in interest.
To purchase a home or a car, you will likely need to get loans, and many loans
require a credit history in order to obtain them. Image credit: Cranach via
Shutterstock
Once you have established your credit, you can acquire additional credit more
easily than someone without any credit history.
Established credit translates into lower annual interest rates on your credit
cards, which is useful if you don’t pay your balance off each month. Having a
higher credit score can also earn you better bonuses and benefits if you are
using credit cards to earn points and awards.
HOW CREDIT IS MEASURED
Your credit is measured as a credit score: a number from 300 to 850. You can
utilize financial tracking websites like Mint or a number of credit cards that
offer a monthly score report as a free part of their service.
But your credit score is only part of the picture. You should also check your
credit reports, which give you an entire map of your financial history. These
reports include any credit card account you’ve had or currently have, how much
debt you had at a given time, and any derogatory marks that may be hurting your
credit.
There are 5 categories in total and each has a different weight on your overall
score:
* Payment History: a measure of how often you pay on time
* Credit Utilization: a measure of how much of your credit you are using
* Credit History: a measure of how long you’ve had credit
* Types of Credit: a measure of the different types of accounts and your total
number of accounts
* Credit Inquiries: a measure of how many new accounts you added or requested
recently
Hot Tip: Credit reports can be obtained annually for free through websites like
AnnualCreditReport.com.
There are 3 main credit bureaus in the U.S. Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax
give potential lenders information about your credit history, including all of
your accounts and their own credit score calculation.
While other scores are available, these 3, along with FICO, are the most widely
used for determining creditworthiness. Your credit score is calculated and
updated on a monthly basis, although it may be recalculated for other reasons.
To help reduce discrimination in credit scores, the U.S. government passed the
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which helps ensure the fairness, accuracy, and
privacy of your credit information.
» Related: What Is the Difference Between a Credit Report and a Credit Score?
HOW TO BUILD CREDIT
There are many ways to build credit. Here are some of the easiest ways to do so
as a college student:
1. OPENING CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards get a bad reputation because they can be a very dangerous tool if
used incorrectly. However, if used wisely, utilizing a credit card to build
credit is both incredibly easy and smart.
If you have a little credit, then you may be able to open a basic credit card.
Also known as an unsecured card, many providers offer cards specifically for
students for this purpose. However, if you have no credit history, or you’ve
already had credit issues, then you can start by opening what is called a
secured credit card.
This is a card that you typically pay an annual fee for each year and has a very
low spending limit that is tied to a deposit in a bank account. These
cards’ main purpose is to help you rebuild your credit.
Hot Tip: For an in-depth look at your best bets, check out our article on the
best student credit cards and how to find special card offers, as well as the
easiest credit cards to get approved for.
To build credit with either type of card (secured and unsecured), you simply
need to make small purchases using your card, then pay off your balance in full
each month.
This is the dangerous part: don’t be tempted to put everything on the card,
don’t leave balances on the card, and especially don’t miss or skip payments.
By utilizing credit cards and paying off your balance, you will find your credit
score improving within months.
Bottom Line:Responsible use of credit cards helps to build your credit score.
This includes paying them off each month or at least making the minimum payment.
Credit cards are a great way to build credit, but don’t hurt your financial
position by putting money on the cards and accruing interest. Pay off whatever
you use each time for the best results! Image Credit: xtock via Shutterstock
2. STUDENT LOANS
Student loans are an outstanding way to build credit given that student loans
are flexible and can be easily opened while you’re in school.
These loans are easier to get due to the fact that they’re specifically for
students trying to build a future for themselves with an education, which
typically signals more trustworthiness.
Even if your parents are paying for your schooling, you might consider asking if
you can take out the loan in your name and have them pay it off for you so that
you can build your credit.
Bottom Line:Paying off your student loans every month is a great way to build
your credit score.
3. PAYING OFF OTHER LOANS
Student loans aren’t the only type of loan that builds credit. In fact, all
loans build credit. So if you need a loan for a car, personal project, house, or
anything else, then you’ll be building credit.
The issue with these other types of loans is that they rely on credit scores for
approval more so than student loans. So if you don’t have any credit, you may
have trouble getting these types of loans.
But if you can secure a loan, even a small one, then you will be on your way to
building your credit score so that any future borrowing will be easier.
4. WITH THE HELP OF PARENTS OR FAMILY
This option is a combination of the other options. Your parents or family can
help you build credit in a few ways.
First, they can add you to their lines of credit as an authorized user. This is
a much easier way to get access to a credit card, and you will build your own
credit when using the card. Simply use the card wisely, pay it off each month,
and your credit score will improve.
Similarly, your family can cosign loans that would otherwise be difficult for
you to obtain. This simply means they are guaranteeing you’ll pay your loan. By
doing this, you can obtain a loan and begin building credit by paying it off.
Know that using this option is a risk for the cosigner: they are financially
responsible if you don’t pay your bills.
5. PAYING BILLS AND UTILITIES
Bills and utilities are a bit of a mixed bag. While your typical utility and
household service companies (electric, gas, cable/internet, cell phones, etc.)
can report your payment history, most do not. This is simply because it costs
them extra money and gives them extra responsibility in reporting and
maintaining these records.
However, by not paying these bills, you open yourself to lowering your credit
score. By paying bills on time, you are showing that you’re financially
trustworthy. If a utility company happens to report your monthly payments,
consider yourself lucky since this will be a positive thing for your credit
report!
Bottom Line:Bills may not improve your credit score, but they can hurt it if you
don’t pay them off.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Make sure to check out this handy list of secondary reading materials for more
information on managing your finances as a college student:
* Consumer Finance provides more clarity on some of the best ways to fund your
college experience
* Education USA provides a handy set of tips for financing your studies
* Top Universities highlights some of the best scholarships for students with
disabilities
* U.S. News & World Report assesses some of the best part-time jobs for college
students and offers a guide to understanding financial aid
PROFILES TO FOLLOW FOR FINANCIAL ADVICE
If you’re someone who gets a lot of their information from social media, be sure
to check out these useful Twitter profiles as a source of guidance for saving
and managing your money while at college.
* College Xpress — A profile full of campus advice you can really use, as well
as a whole other bunch of cool things.
* Get Schooled — This profile helps you get to college, find a job, and succeed
in both!
* HBCU Lifestyle — Your 1-stop shop for black college living, from finances to
frats and schools to scholarships.
* MONEY on College — This profile is all about college finances: what college
costs, what it gets you, and how to pay for it.
* Nitro — This profile is for anyone paying for college or looking for help.
FAFSA, scholarships, grants, or student loans… it’s got you covered.
* StraighterLine — This student success and college readiness company helps
students save money on their degrees – and helps schools admit and graduate
more students.
* Saving for College — A leading source of unbiased information on 529 college
savings plans and student loans, this profile has been helping families save
and pay for college since 1999.
Bottom Line: The best method to take is to be a constant learner: never stop
trying to improve your knowledge of your finances. Ultimately, the more you know
regarding your financial options and how they might impact your credit score in
the future, the better decisions you can make!
Advertisement
FINAL THOUGHTS
College can be the biggest expense you’ve encountered so far in your life, so
being knowledgeable about all of the different options available to you in order
to finance your college education is incredibly important. We hope this guide
has helped prepare you for some of the things you’ll need to think about, as
well as thinking about how the choices you can make might impact you and your
financial future later on.
These options include merit and need-based options, like scholarships and
grants, traditional saving methods (like a 529 plan or savings accounts),
student loans, and even employer-funded options. Planning ahead is key to
starting your financial future on a positive note.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Featured Image Credit: Rawpixel.com via Shutterstock
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I START BUILDING CREDIT?
To start building credit, you can secure any type of loan or open a credit card.
When used responsibly and paid off each month, you will send positive signals to
the credit bureaus and your score and report will improve.
You can also have your parent or family member include you as an authorized user
on their accounts.
WHAT IS A GOOD WAY TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE?
Saving early is key, but regardless of when you start, you’ll have many options
including:
1. 529 plans
2. Coverdell education savings account
3. Traditional savings methods (savings accounts, mutual funds, etc.)
4. UGMA and UTMA accounts
See our article for more details on how to save using each of these methods.
HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE?
There are a few important factors to determine when deciding how much you’ll
need to save for college. These include:
1. How Much Do You Need To Save? Where are you going to school and how much
does it cost? For example, the costs to attend a community college are much
different than those of an Ivy League school. Do you qualify for financial
aid or scholarships?
2. When Did You Start Saving? Did your parents start a 529 plan for you as a
child or are you starting to save now? This will determine how much you’ll
need to put aside each month.
3. How Much Interest Will You Earn? Some accounts earn more interest than
others and this will impact how much you need to save. Compounding interest
is also a huge factor in determining how much you’ll need to save.
HOW DO YOU PAY FOR COLLEGE IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD IT?
There are many ways to offset college costs. These include:
* Applying for grants. These are need-based and don’t need to be repaid.
Submitting your FAFSA is a great place to start.
* Apply for scholarships. These are merit-based, but also don’t need to be
repaid. See our tips above on how to apply for scholarships.
* Work for your college. Some colleges offer reduced or even free tuition for
workers.
* Take out student loans. Loans need to be repaid but can be a huge help in
postponing the cost of college.
See our full list above for other ways to pay for college.
HOW DO YOU GET FINANCIAL AID FOR COLLEGE?
To start, you’ll have to apply to receive financial aid. There are some options,
like grants, that are need-based. This means that you’ll have to demonstrate a
financial need for aid. Other options, like scholarships, are merit-based.
Either way, starting with the FAFSA is a great option. Also, be sure to check
other organizations in your local community to see if they are awarding grants
or scholarships.
Was this page helpful?
Yes No
What was helpful about this page? What did you not like about this page?
Please confirm that you're not a robot.
Send Feedback
Sending feedback...
Your feedback has been sent. Thank you!
We take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site.
If you'd like to add a comment to this article and share your valuable feedback
and opinions, please click here to leave your comment.
We really appreciate it!
- Alex & Erin
An error occurred please try again later
ABOUT BRIAN GRAHAM
Brian's first ever airplane ride was in a private turbo-prop jet. He was merely
an intern boy trying to make a good impression, but it turns out the plane made
an impression on him. It wasn't until Brian relocated to Dallas, TX, and
moved in with an American Airlines employee that he truly discovered how
incredible travel could be.
Read More
INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™
Travel is changing fast... Stay on top of all the points strategies, exclusive
offers & pivotal news - and lock in huge savings along the way.
Name
Email Address
We respect your privacy. Please view our privacy policy here.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of
Service apply.
WE RECOMMEND
CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED® CARD
Learn More
CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED® CARD
WELCOME OFFER: 60,000 points
* Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3
months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase
Ultimate Rewards®.
* Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on
travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all
other travel purchases, plus more.
* Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and
cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth
$750 toward travel.
* Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision
Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
* Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower
service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31,
2024.
Show More
POST NAVIGATION
Korean Air Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses
Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have
they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the
bank advertiser for these comments.
ANY THOUGHTS OR QUESTIONS? COMMENT BELOW! CANCEL REPLY
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of
Service apply.
Δ
RELATED POSTS
* Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card — Full Review [2023]
* Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card — Full Review [2023]
* Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card — Full Review [2023]
* Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit - Review
INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™
Travel is changing fast... Stay on top of all the points strategies, exclusive
offers & pivotal news - and lock in huge savings along the way.
Name
Email Address
We respect your privacy. Please view our privacy policy here.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of
Service apply.
INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™
Travel is changing fast... Stay on top of all the points strategies, exclusive
offers & pivotal news - and lock in huge savings along the way.
Name
Email Address
We respect your privacy. Please view our privacy policy here.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of
Service apply.
INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™
Travel is changing fast... Stay on top of all the points strategies, exclusive
offers & pivotal news - and lock in huge savings along the way.
Name
Email Address
We respect your privacy. Please view our privacy policy here.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of
Service apply.
INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™
Travel is changing fast... Stay on top of all the points strategies, exclusive
offers & pivotal news - and lock in huge savings along the way.
Name
Email Address
We respect your privacy. Please view our privacy policy here.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of
Service apply.
* News
* Credit Cards
* Business
* Finance
* Travel Guides
* Air Travel
* Hotel Guides
* Beginners
* About
* Contact
* Press & Mentions
* Jobs & Careers
Follow us on Facebook UpgradedPoints on Twitter UpgradedPoints on Instagram
UpgradedPoints on Pinterest
© 2023 Upgraded Points™, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
* Advertiser Disclosure
* Privacy Policy
* Sitemap
* Terms & Conditions
Disclaimer: Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides
information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary
information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for
informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal
advice.
Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on
the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on
UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit
cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction
fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering
their own individual financial position.
Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site
are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. This
compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including,
for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all
credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information
on our advertisers, see here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from
qualifying purchases.
Editorial Disclosure: The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been
influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any
and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the
author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing
redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would
pay to buy these points.
ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE
Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card
companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may
impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the
order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we
publish has been written by experts who know these products inside out, and what
we recommend is what we would (or already) use ourselves. This site does not
include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are
on the market. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with.
Close
Notifications