Equipping children with a credit card there is no harm, even from one side to give a positive thing because it can train the child to manage finances. But there are some things which should be noted that parents will equip her credit card.
Of course everyone has different views about the provision of credit card supplementation in children aged adolescents.
“Giving credit cards to the training of children is a responsibility of trust and remarkable, both for parents and for children themselves,” said Maria Sukrisman, Vice President, Card & Strategic Marcom Head, Citibank NA Indonesia, Friday (21/05/2010).
He explained that credit card issuers in Indonesia in general allow supplementation for children who already had identification such as ID cards, namely the age of 17 years.
The majority of parents agree that children should learn independently. Early on they were taught to save and create a budget and, if necessary, be able to earn their own income. One way that can be taken in teaching children how to manage finances is to provide a credit card.
Enormous advantages of credit cards is to avoid the risk of carrying too much cash.
“Through the credit card, you also can control spending and your child’s ability to manage credit. You can see the transactions that they do through monthly bills, so you also can see the habits of children and thereby know what problems may arise in the future , “explains Maria.
Based on this information, he added, parents can discuss with children about ways in the proper use of credit cards, before they have it themselves later on when to have their own income.
Here are some tips from Citibank for parents who give credit cards to the child:
Teach children to use credit cards wisely
You should teach and give examples of the use of credit cards with either the child. If you do not have good habits, most likely your children will follow the habit. Reiterate that the credit card is a non-cash means of payment, rather than facilities for the debt.
Convey that the credit card is a Privilege
The first time you have a credit card, tell them that this card is a privilege that you give to him and therefore they should be fully responsible in using it. Tell also that you will constantly monitor the transactions made by the child.
Review and discuss the bill every month
When you receive a monthly credit card bill, sit down together and examine every expenditure made by your child. If you feel there are things that are unnecessary or inappropriate, straight talk and solve it with your son or daughter. Through the monthly bill, you can also teach children about the importance of interest and pay off their bills on time.
Have a clear payment plan
One important thing is to be discussed with the child how he would pay these bills. If they do not work, then you can impose a cut of the money monthly. Teach that they can only do the expenditure of the amount of money they have. If not, then they will not have the ability to manage credit cards well. If the kids buy something at great expense, you can just charge interest when he returned the money to you.
Specify the limit that can be used child
Parents should make a deal with a child on the limited use of credit cards. With this limit, both parties must be consistent in terms of this agreement has been made. Make sure you only give one credit card to the child.
If planning to send their children abroad, make a credit card as a payment facility that allows
Credit cards are very commonly used in foreign countries, so as to pay tuition, buy books, rent dormitory space and other needs can be made by credit card.
For children, she will feel secure that the parents in the country will meet the cost of education needed. As for parents, although far in the eyes of children, credit card bills can be a role model activity and spending habits of their children.
So, when is the right time for parents to give credit card facilities to their children?
“There is no absolute age limit in this case. Parents should be able to view and understanding of the needs of adolescents for a credit card. If the child is in need and understand the credit card function properly, then you can provide these facilities,” explains Maria.