A lot of thought must be given when you consider getting a credit card, especially at this age.

I am here to tell you that getting one during your college years isn’t nearly as bad as most people make it out to be.

In fact, having one can actually bring about many benefits.

I’m sure you’ve heard plenty of credit card horror stories and advice like “Don’t get a credit card; you’ll have nothing but debt.”

Yes, serious debt can result in having a credit card, and this is generally the result after it has been misused.

Like with anything else, a credit card can have its pros and cons. Don’t count it out just yet.

Many of us enter college having little to no credit, but having credit is essential.

When we leave college, we will need credit for buying a car, qualifying for a loan or even when getting a job.

So, you will need to build credit to do this. Not just any credit, but good credit.

Building your credit isn’t as simple as applying, getting a card and then having good credit. It’s a process in itself.

According to an article from creditcards.com, “Before a student applies for a credit card, ‘he or she must do some research to find a card with the most benefits — a lower interest rate, no annual fees, reasonable credit limits and clear billing policies.’”

Researching the policies and benefits for each company is extremely important so you aren’t paying off that pizza you ordered last weekend for the next 10 years of your life.

Having had my first credit card for just a few months now, I’ve found it is best to use the card like a responsible adult, not like a little kid in a candy store buying as much as I can carry.

Creditcards.com notes using the credit card for “occasional, small purchases” and staying away from “big-ticket buys, except in case of emergency” as being two major factors in keeping yourself from landing in major debt.

This will also help to ensure you maintain good, strong credit.

As long as you make reasonable purchases and pay the bills on time, there shouldn’t be any worries attached to being a credit card holder.

“It comes in handy for certain purchases and helped me establish some good credit so far, since I always make sure to pay my balance on time each month,” said junior geography major Mariah Clifford.

This isn’t to say go out immediately and apply for as many credit cards as you possibly can find, but you don’t have to fear the them.

Just be responsible. Credit cards are only bad if you don’t use them wisely.