1st Financial Bank USA & Building Credit WISELY!
Welcome to CollegeData’s financial literacy page dedicated to articles and 1st Financial Bank USA (1FBUSA) videos and resources to help you learn how to manage your money and build credit wisely during and after college.
1FBUSA has provided the CollegeData® service for over 25 years. In the same way we hope that CollegeData will be valuable to you as you prepare for college, we hope 1FBUSA will be helpful to you as you begin to learn financial independence and responsibility.
Watch the video in this section to learn credit card basics and hear tips from a real student on how to use a credit card wisely in college!
Click "Apply Now" for rates, fees, and other important terms and conditions about 1FBUSA’s Student Credit Card and to apply.
Cash Access
Need emergency cash? Use your card at a designated automatic teller machine or present it to a bank displaying a Visa® sign.
Customer Service
Speak with a representative during business hours to get help with your account.
Mobile App
Manage your account 24/7 right from your mobile device and check your Available Credit, Current Balance, recent transactions and more.
Text Banking
Quickly and easily request and receive account information via text message, such as your Available Credit, Current Balance, and more -- without having to log into your account.
No Foreign Currency Conversion Fees
We do not charge a fee to convert foreign purchases and cash advances you make with your credit card to United States dollars.
Payment Flexibility
You can pay your balance in full each month, or pay the minimum payment due, or any amount in between – you choose.
Security and Convenience
Use your card at any of the millions of participating merchants around the world to purchase books, meals, gas, clothing, tickets, and more.
Zero Liability
Your card protects you with Zero Liability for Unauthorized Use – which means that “if you didn’t buy it, you don’t pay for it.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QuESTIONS
1st Financial Bank is a provider of credit card and financial services to college students and college graduates nationwide. 1FBUSA is also the provider of CollegeData, a free online college advisory website.
1st Financial Bank specializes in credit cards and has been helping students build credit for over 30 years. With a 1FBUSA credit card, you’ll have access to benefits like credit building, zero liability, mobile app banking, payment flexibility, and more. Many of our customers voice their satisfaction and remain with us for many years.
In order to open a 1st Financial Bank credit card account, students can fill out a 1FBUSA credit card application form.
If your 1FBUSA card is lost or stolen and you need to request a new one, call customer service at 1-800-733-1732. A representative will walk you through a series of questions and complete a lost/stolen report. You will then be issued a replacement card.
Your 1st Financial Bank account number can be found on the front of your credit card. If you are having trouble locating your credit card, please contact customer service at 1-800-733-1732.
1FBUSA periodically reviews its customers’ accounts and may increase your credit limit from time to time. You can also call customer service at 1-800-733-1732 to learn how you can qualify for a credit limit increase.
"It helped me get home when l didn't have money in my bank account and on top of that l had to use it to get to work and home because l haven’t gotten paid yet."
– Aniyah, Michigan
"My credit card helped me when I reached an important payment deadline and I didn’t have any cash/debit currently."
– Jenny, Georgia
"I have used it to buy groceries and gas when needed and it’s helped me out a ton knowing I have a credit card to use to fall back on when I need it!"
– Hailey, Wisconsin
"It has helped tremendously. I was struggling to keep a stable college flow due to my car and expenses with my dorm. And 1fbusa has provided a great assistance for me so now I can save and build up my credit."
– Diamond, Florida
"I was thinking I’d had to wait a month before getting a book for a class but the card helped me get that book on time."
– Regina, Oklahoma
"My credit card help me because school started three days before I got my paycheck and I needed a lot of school supplies."
– Charles, Indiana
"I've been trying to get a car for so long and this card is really helping me build my credit up for that."
– Zhykeria, Georgia
REady to apply
Are you a College-Bound or College Student seeking a student credit card as you transition to and through college?
Click “Apply Now” for rates, fees and other important terms and conditions about 1FBUSA’s Student Credit Card and to apply.
Start to build a good credit history by making payments on your account in a timely manner and by never exceeding your credit limit. Learn more by watching the video in this section.
Managing your money in college isn’t always easy. Read the articles below about managing your money wisely and saving for your future.
Learn more about student money matters on 1st Financial Bank's Blog!
Check out the Department of Education’s Loan Simulator to see your Federal Student Loan repayment options. Calculate your student loan payments and choose a loan repayment option that best meets your goals. You can also use the Loan Simulator to decide whether to consolidate your student loans.
Credit Education Resources
Understanding credit is crucial for your financial future. CollegeData's Glossary of Credit Card Terms can help you get clear, concise definitions of essential credit terms - from APR to credit utilization, we've got you covered.
For a bird's eye view of the credit-building journey, our "Mapping Credit" infographic presents a visual guide that maps out the steps to building and maintaining good credit.
Whether you’re just starting your credit journey or looking to improve your score, these downloadable resources will equip you with the knowledge you need to manage your finances responsibly, and to make informed financial decisions with confidence.