FAMU students sound off about new credit card law

Many see cards as an on-campus necessity, symbol of financial independence

By Skyy Sandifer

Florida A&M University is a four-year public university located in Florida's capital city. It is one of more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the country.

Founded in 1887 as the State Normal College for Colored Students, the school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the State University System of Florida.

FAMU is well-known in the South for its award-winning marching band. Academically, the school's pharmacy, journalism, computer information and psychology programs are popular majors.

Here's what some students at Florida A&M University have to say about the new credit card law and managing credit cards:

"I feel like, at a young age, it's really no point in having a credit card. I think 21 is a good age because it's closer to college graduation, and by then, you are much more responsible. It is then where you are more likely to consider buying things that really require good credit, too."
-- Taylar Barrington, 21

Florida A&M's entrance sign
Photo: Skyy Sandifer

"I think it's a good law. Most people get credit cards and are in debt before they finish their first year in college. I don't even like going to the mall sometimes because I will want to get everything, so a credit card will not be good for me."
-- Cierra Jackson, 21

"I got my Chase card at 18. I originally got it for gas and because my father wanted me to build my credit. If I didn't have it, I probably wouldn't go to class and wouldn't have any form of money. Financial aid isn't always that dependable, so having a credit card definitely comes in handy."
-- Kiara Wright, 21

Lee Hall Auditorium

"Most young people get credit cards and mess up their credit. They buy unnecessary things and then can't pay it back. They end up only paying the minimum balance."
--Bianca Flowers, 20

See related: Sample credit card contract for parents and their young adult children, Law alters cozy relationship between colleges, credit card issuers, Study: Undergraduates relying heavily on credit cards, A comprehensive guide to the Credit CARD Act of 2009, Obama signs new credit card reforms into law, Interactive timeline: How the credit card bill became law, when its provisions take effect, Will the new credit card law hurt more consumers than it helps?, Annual fees return in credit card mail offers, How to cope until the new credit card rules take effect, What the new credit card rules mean for you, New credit card rules don't cover business, corporate credit cards, Federal banking regulators finalize sweeping rule changes for credit cards

Published: September 30, 2009

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