Extra Credit

By Carole Buia

Students heading off to college are increasingly accessorizing their library and ID cards with a third card--one that gets them credit. A recent report by Student Monitor found that 52% of current undergraduates use a credit card. Credit companies looking for future big spenders have been attracting the other 48% with cool new designs, including transparent cards, a glow-in-the-dark card (already recalled) and the new kidney-shaped Discover 2GO card that can be worn on a key chain. "Teens today want to customize their credit cards as they do their cell phones," says Michael Wood, vice president of Teenage Research Unlimited. But the most stylish cards aren't necessarily the best deals. A student card should offer a rate from 10% to 18%, even if the introductory offer is lower. Starting credit lines are usually from $500 to $1,000 but can be lowered at parents' request. If that's not enough security, a worthy alternative is a prepaid card, like the Visa Buxx. Parents "prefund" the card, giving students access to a limited amount of money. Should an undergrad have a card at all? Depends. If used wisely, it can establish a credit history. Below are four cards that may be only moderately stylish yet offer good deals for students. --C.B.