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Financial Knowledge and Credit Card Behavior of College Students

Journal of Family and Economic Issues volume 32, pages 690–698 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between financial knowledge and credit card behavior of college students. The widespread availability of credit cards has raised concerns over how college students might use those cards given the negative consequences (both immediate and long-term) associated with credit abuse and mismanagement. Using a sample of 1,354 students from a major southeastern university, results suggest that financial knowledge is a significant factor in the credit card decisions of college students. Students with higher scores on a measure of personal financial knowledge are more likely to engage in more responsible credit card use. Specific behaviors chosen have been associated with greater costs of borrowing and adverse economic consequences in the past.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Alabama, 304 Adams Hall, Box 870158, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA

    Cliff A. Robb

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  1. Cliff A. Robb
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Correspondence to Cliff A. Robb.

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Robb, C.A. Financial Knowledge and Credit Card Behavior of College Students. J Fam Econ Iss 32, 690–698 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-011-9259-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-011-9259-y

Keywords

  • College students
  • Credit cards
  • Financial knowledge