The guides have been compiled following APACS’ research into the credit card habits of young people after statistics revealed that 86 per cent of 18 to 24 year hold a credit or charge card.

Those young people with credit or charge cards make an average of 69 debit card payments on the high street each year – almost six a month, and APACS hopes that the guides, entitled: ‘Choosing cards – a guide for the under 18s’ and ‘Using cards – a guide for parents’, will help simplify the often complex issue of personal finance.

Sandra Quinn, director of communications at APACS, explains: “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.”

By highlighting and explaining the range of options currently available to young people, the guides offer useful and practical information to help identify the advantages of choosing one type of card over another. They also offer financial tips and advice on how to keep safe from card fraud as well as advising young people on purchases they can make with their cards.

“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,” adds Quinn. “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.”

The downloadable guides are available at www.apacs.org.uk.

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