Card Advice Guides for Young People

Statistics gathered by APACS reveal that 86 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds hold some kind of plastic card. These guides highlight and explain the range of options available to young people and identify the advantages of choosing a certain type of card over another - as different cards will be suitable for different people. They outline what young people can buy, and offer a series of top tips on how to keep safe from card fraud.

APACS statistics also show that:

• 16 to 24 year olds who have a debit card make an average of 69 payments on the high street each year with their card, or almost six a month.
• Only 37 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds hold a credit or charge card, compared to 66 per cent of all adults.
• Credit/charge card holders aged between 18 and 24 hold on average 1.72 credit/charge cards, compared to 2.3 for all adults.

Sandra Quinn, director of communications at APACS, says: "Young people are spending ever-increasing amounts of money and it is therefore vital that they make a considered decision before choosing which product they use. The guide for under 18s provides straightforward advice for young people thinking about getting their first plastic card.

"We're also releasing a guide for parents, as parents are in the best position to educate young people on how to use plastic cards. It is important that they are aware of the different options available, and how to keep their children safe from fraud.

"Being able to manage their personal finances is one of the most important life skills a young person can acquire, and these guides give both young people and their parents a useful introduction to some of the issues that they will face."