Although 90% of college students in Beijing rely on their parents as a primary source of income, 58% thirst for their own credit cards. About 30% of college students possess and use credit cards today.

MasterCard International conducted a survey of 600 college students at Peking University, Tsinghua University, University of International Business and Economics and the Beijing Foreign Studies University. Those surveyed have an average monthly income of 608 yuan (US$73). About half of the students surveyed have incomes ranging from 500 yuan to 800 yuan (US$60-96).

The survey shows that half of college students believe it necessary to apply for their own credit cards. Financing, emergency use and pushing back payments on normal expenses were the three major reasons given for needing a credit card. In addition, the respondent's level of consumption positively correlates to his or her desire for a card.

According to the survey, nearly half of a college student's monthly income is spent on food. Study, books, entertainment and fashion articles each take up around 15%.

(chinanews.cn April 22, 2005))