Learn how to read your student credit card statement

Use your student credit card to learn how credit works and how to successfully manage a credit card account. For at least the first month that you use your credit card, keep the reciepts for all purchases made with the card so you can compare them against the bill. This will help you know if you are getting charged for any extras. If you are carrying a balance from month to month, and only paying the minimum monthly payment, look at how that is affecting how much you owe overall. If you aren't paying down the principal at all, increase your monthly payments. If you have taken out a cash advance, look at the fees associated with that and decide if it was worth it. Most importantly, pay attention to the payment due date. Ideally, you should pay the entire amount due before the due date each month. This will get you on the road to an excellent credit score that will benefit you for years to come.