The Extra Credit Students Don't Need

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The senior at Spelman even spent a recent semester in South Africa. Some might have advised her -- in case of an emergency -- to get a credit card. No need.

When she needed money, it was simply deposited into her bank account and she used her debit card.

I hope this campaign does have a major impact. At the very least every college ought to sign on to ban the giveaways by the credit card companies. The administrators of these schools shouldn't let their students be taken down the path of plastic bondage lured by a T-shirt giveaway.

¿ On the air: Michelle Singletary discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" program and online athttp://www.npr.org.She also has a personal finance call-in show that airs from 8 to 10 p.m. Sundays on XM Satellite Radio, Channel 169 "The Power."

¿ By mail: Readers can write to her at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

¿ By e-mail:singletarym@washpost.com.

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