New credit card regulations are slated to go into effect early next year which some say will help consumers with mounting credit card debt, but before this law goes into effect some young adults are trying to get their hands on plastic.

With the new regulations putting limits on how those under the age of 21 can access credit cards, Dallas NBC affiliate KXAS-TV notes that some teens are looking to get a credit card in their name in order to establish credit and a credit score.

For those about to head off to college, or moving out on their own for the first time, having a credit history can be a big issue.

“[Without a credit history] I can’t turn my utilities on,” 19-year-old Nicole Anderson told the TV station. “I can’t turn my cell phone on.”

Student credit cards have become a big problem for many college students, especially those already dealing with student loans. According to a recent study from student lender Sallie Mae, the average graduating senior has $4,100 in credit card debt.

It’s something that Connecticut is trying to put a stop to with a new law that will prohibit credit card companies from marketing their cards on campus during orientation and registration and force the companies to also hand out educational information about the dangers of credit card debt.

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