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Credit Card Articles

Articles about choosing the right credit card, and how to get the most from the ones you have.
 
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Recent Articles

Casket being carried by men in suits.
Dec. 24, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens to Your Credit Cards When You Pass Away

Planning ahead for your credit cards can spare your loved ones stress. Here's what really happens to your accounts after you pass away.
Content woman in glasses laying back in office chair with hands behind her head.
Dec. 24, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

4 Traits of Americans With a Perfect 850 Credit Score

Only a tiny group hits an 850 credit score. Here are four habits they share, and how you can borrow them to boost your own score.
Computer keyboard with "apply now" button
Dec. 23, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Why I Open at Least 1 New Credit Card Every Year

Opening a new credit card each year helps me earn bonuses, unlock perks, and save real money, as long as I stick to smart rules.
People partaking in sports gambling
Dec. 23, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

5 Everyday Expenses You Should Never Put on a Credit Card in 2026

These five common charges can cost you way more than you think when paid with a credit card. Here's how to avoid expensive payment mistakes.
folder labeled "myths"
Dec. 22, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

5 Common Credit Score Myths That Hurt People Every Year

These credit score myths can sabotage your finances. Here's what to believe (and what to ignore) if you want to build better credit.
Woman and dog on floor with papers and calculator
Dec. 22, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

The Average American Has This Much Debt. How Does Yours Compare?

The average U.S. household now carries over $105,000 in debt. See how your balances compare, and what options can help.
A small business owner packing a box on the desk in their home office.
Dec. 21, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Little-Known Perks of Opening a Business Credit Card

Business credit cards can simplify expenses, boost points, and build credit. Learn which card might be the best fit for your business.
Mature woman using laptop with earbuds in.
Dec. 21, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Keep a Credit Card Open for Over 10 Years

Keeping a credit card for 10+ years can help your credit score, shape your spending habits, and even change rewards over time. Here's what to expect.
Woman paying waiter credit card
Dec. 19, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Tip With a Credit Card

Tipping with a credit card works a little differently than cash. Here's where your tip goes, how workers get paid, and what most people don't realize.
Two people holding shopping bags take money from an ATM machine while out on the town.
Dec. 18, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Withdraw Cash With a Credit Card

Withdrawing cash using a credit card (aka cash advance) can trigger instant fees, high interest, and credit risks. Here are smarter alternatives to consider.
A woman with a concerned look on her face sits looking at a bunch of shopping bags.
Dec. 18, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

You Might Not Realize What Happens When You Spend More Than $10,000 on Your Credit Card

Charging $10,000+ to a credit card can trigger fraud checks, raise utilization, and rack up interest. Here's what happens, and how to avoid the downsides.
Family pays for restaurant meal with a credit card.
Dec. 17, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Only Use Credit Cards

Credit cards offer rewards and protection, but using them exclusively has downsides. Here's what to know before going all-in on credit.
A couple sitting at a table and looking through paperwork together.
Dec. 16, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

The 4 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Paying Off Credit Card Debt

Don't let these four mistakes wreck your debt payoff plans in 2026. Learn how to outsmart them and ditch your balance faster.
Woman checking in to hotel.
Dec. 16, 2025 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Use a Debit Card at a Hotel

Hotels treat debit cards very differently from credit cards, and the behind-the-scenes process can lock up your cash for days.
A woman looking at her laptop with papers on her desk.
Dec. 15, 2025 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Carry a Small Credit Card Balance by Accident

A small unpaid balance can trigger interest charges, score shifts, and reporting issues even if you pay your bill on time.
Couple eating breakfast looking at papers and laptop confused.
Dec. 14, 2025 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Close Your Oldest Credit Card

Closing your oldest credit card can trigger a drop in your credit score for reasons most people never see coming.
Person and child shopping warehouse store with shopping cart
Dec. 14, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

6 Amazing Costco Buys for Under $15

Want to save money on all sorts of items at Costco? Check out this list of great Costco buys for under $15.
credit score with calculator.jpg
Dec. 13, 2025 | By Jake FitzGerald

3 Little-Known Perks of Having a Credit Score of 750+

A 750+ credit score quietly unlocks better rates, higher limits, and faster approvals without you doing anything extra.
Woman using tablet and writing on a notepad.
Dec. 13, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What Happens When You Pay Your Credit Card Bill Every Week

Paying off your credit card every week definitely isn't a must -- but it comes with some sweet upsides you may not have heard about. Here's what to know.
Woman shopping for items in grocery store aisle.
Dec. 13, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

6 Little-Known Perks of Dollar Store Shopping

Dollar stores are known as one of the best ways to save on shopping -- but there are a few hidden upsides you might not know about. Here are six of them.
Business people triumphantly running through red ribbon.
Dec. 11, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's How Many Americans Have a Perfect 850 Credit Score in 2025

Only 1.76% of Americans have a perfect 850 FICO® Score in 2025. Here's who they are, what they do differently, and why perfection doesn't actually matter.
Couple loading grocery bags into vehicle.
Dec. 11, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

6 Ways to Stop Wasting Money at the Supermarket for Good

It can be hard to stay disciplined on an empty stomach. Here are a few simple tips to save money on your next grocery run, including: Eat beforehand!
A closed wallet with a card sticking out the top on an orange background with yellow dollar signs.
Dec. 11, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

7 Valid Reasons to Dispute a Charge On Your Credit Card

You can dispute credit card transactions and get your money back in some situations. Learn about the valid reasons to dispute a charge on your credit card.
Woman paying for purchase with cash.
Dec. 10, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Pay for Everything in Cash

Paying only in cash can change how you spend, save, and even think about money. Here's both the real-world upside and some sneaky downsides.
Woman lying down sliding credit card into wallet with other cards spread out on her hair.
Dec. 8, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Little-Known Perks of Having Multiple Credit Cards

Learn how you can earn more rewards, boost your credit score, and protect yourself if one issuer freezes your account by carrying multiple credit cards.