Times are changing for credit card companies. Gone are the days of handing out free gifts and hoping you take the bait and sign up for a new credit card. I know this makes you college students very upset to know you will now have to buy your own XXL t-shirts and plastic coffee mugs. Nowadays credit card companies are well aware of their negative press on campuses and are trying to counteract that with financial education geared to college students. Don’t be fooled though, their ultimate goal is still to get you to fill out that credit card application on the spot.

Since new legislation has been passed by many states and campuses, credit card companies have had to adapt to the changing times. Students are now more aware than ever of the credit card scams that can destroy their credit forever. Big round of applause to the national media as well as student groups who have done a great job passing along that message.

Counter Marketing the Marketers 

Volunteers from the Public Interest Research Group have created a program called Feesa (yes, that is a play on the company name Visa). This group of students is determined to “counter-market” credit card scammers on campus. Their tables look just like the average credit card manned table, except these tables are stocked with education materials with a built in warning to be weary of credit card marketers.

Look for these Feesa tables on your campus in the near future. This program is ramping up over the next 18 months. If you see a Feesa table on your campus, stop by and say hello. After all these guys have your best interest in mind.