In response to "Students with no income shouldn't be given credit" (Aug. 13), the letter does make some valid points if Bank of America was giving credit cards to high schoolers. In reality, they are targeting a college students ages 18 to 22. These kids have a good head on their shoulders if they made it to Penn State. Not every student is going to take that credit card and buy expensive items, especially when an average credit line for first-time borrower is about $500.
I will admit some students can't rub two nickles together while in school, however, there are students that balance part-time jobs, studies, and having fun. In my mind, that is a true student. Anyone can achieve high grades when nothing else is on their plate. The majority of students do have some source of income and a credit card is a great way to help build credit. Instead of using cash to make purchases, they should use their credit card and then pay it off in full at the end of the month. This will help them an incredible amount when they graduate and need to apply for loans, mortgages, or even other credit cards.
Do you really find Bank of America or Penn State at fault for trying to give responsible kids the ability to build a strong credit score so that they may be easily approved for financial services that they need once they graduate?
Matt Foell
Class of 2008
