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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

A suitcase with a book and pair of sunglasses on top of it.
June 3, 2023 | By Natasha Etzel

Checking a Bag? Here's How Much You'll Pay When Taking a Domestic Flight With These 5 Airlines

Before your next flight, be sure to review checked baggage fees to avoid surprises. Find out what it'll cost to bring a checked bag when flying domestically.
Someone frowns at their smartphone while holding up their credit card.
June 3, 2023 | By Natasha Etzel

Here's What Happens When You Carry a Balance on Your Credit Card

To avoid credit card debt, you should pay your entire credit card balance off regularly. Find out why letting a balance linger is a bad idea.
A man sitting in front of his laptop at a cafe table and looking stressed.
June 3, 2023 | By Emma Newbery

Here's What Happens When You Max Out Your Credit Card

There are a few consequences of maxing out your credit card, and none of them are great. Find out what to do if you've reached your credit card limit.
A woman sitting at her dining table and typing on her laptop.
June 3, 2023 | By Ashley Maready

I Canceled My Oldest Credit Card. Here's What Happened to My Credit Score

Changing the status of your credit accounts can impact your score. Read on to learn what happened when one writer ditched a long-standing credit card.
Man in blue checked shirt looks thoughtful with phone in one hand and credit card in the other.
June 3, 2023 | By Cole Tretheway

Here's What Happens When a Bank Rejects Your Credit Card Payment

My bank rejected my scheduled credit card payment at the last minute. Here's what happened next and how to protect your credit.
Two people looking worried while reviewing bills at their kitchen table.
June 3, 2023 | By Lyle Daly

Here's What Happens to Your Credit Cards if You Declare Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy allows you to discharge your debt and improve your financial situation. Learn what will happen to your credit cards if you declare bankruptcy.
A woman sitting on her couch at home making a phone call while holding a credit card with a laptop open in front of her.
June 2, 2023 | By David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®

Here's What Happens When You Ask for a Credit Limit Increase

Your credit score is impacted by your credit limit. Learn the pros and cons of a credit limit increase and how to get one.
A woman sitting next to her dog on her couch in the sun while holding a credit card and looking something up on her laptop.
June 2, 2023 | By Brittney Myers

Here's What Happens When You Transfer Credit Card Rewards

Transferring travel rewards can unlock huge value and great travel opportunities. Here's what to expect.
A person sitting on the couch in their living room surrounded by houseplants and typing on a laptop.
June 2, 2023 | By David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®

Here's What Happens When You Transfer Your Credit Card Balance

If you use your credit card frequently, it might not take long for the balance to pile up. Read on for the pros and cons of transferring your credit card balance.
Pillow
June 2, 2023 | By Lyle Daly

Can You Sleep in an Airport Lounge?

Travelers with early flights often wonder if they can sleep in an airport lounge. Here's what you need to know before spending the night at the airport.
A stressed woman sitting at her dining table and looking through her bills and receipts with her head resting in her hand.
June 2, 2023 | By Natasha Etzel

This Is Why Your Credit Card Debt Could Get More Expensive Soon

Do you have credit card debt? Credit card interest rates could rise soon, making your debt more costly. Find out how this news could impact your finances.
A green background with jester cap logos and a credit card image overlayed
June 2, 2023 | By Lyle Daly

Here's What Happens to Your Credit Score When You're Declined for a Credit Card

Some people worry about what a declined credit card application will do to their credit score. Find out why it actually isn't as bad as it may seem.
A man sitting at a desk and placing payment for a bill in an envelope.
June 1, 2023 | By Lyle Daly

Here's What Happens When You Pay Less Than the Minimum on Your Credit Card

Every credit card bill includes a minimum payment. Learn about the issues that occur when you pay less than the minimum on your credit card.
A distraught man sitting in a park and talking on his phone while holding a credit card.
June 1, 2023 | By Lyle Daly

​​Here's What Happens When Your Credit Card Info Ends Up on the Dark Web

Stolen credit card information often ends up on the dark web. Learn about what happens next and how you can protect yourself in this situation.
7 Cruise Expenses You Haven't Considered
June 1, 2023 | By Natasha Etzel

7 Extra Costs to Consider Before Booking a Cruise

Do you want to take a cruise? If you're not careful, it can be easy to overspend. Here are some extra cruise expenses to budget for before you set sail.
Two smiling people holding hands and standing in the grass in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
June 1, 2023 | By Natasha Etzel

Is a Trip to France on Your Bucket List? One Lucky Contest Winner Will Get 2 Tickets to Paris and $1,000

A free vacation is the best kind of trip. Find out how to enter a limited-time contest to try winning two, free round-trip tickets to Paris and cash to spend.
A worried couple looks at bills, with a laptop and a credit card on the table.
June 1, 2023 | By Lyle Daly

Here's What Happens When You Pay Off Your Credit Cards With a Loan

A loan can help you save money by consolidating your credit card debt. Find out what will happen next after paying off credit cards with a loan.
A homeowner looks worried as he reads through his household bills at the dining table.
June 1, 2023 | By Lyle Daly

6 Ways to Start Paying More Than the Minimum on Your Credit Cards

It's hard to get out of credit card debt when you only pay the minimum. Check out these strategies that can help you increase your monthly payments.
A cutout of the Earth against a green background.
June 1, 2023 | By Steven Porrello

Climate Change Credit Cards: What Are They and Are They Worth It?

Climate change credit cards reward you for carbon-light purchases. Read on to learn whether these cards deserve a place in your wallet.
A woman pauses working on her personal finances to enjoy a cup of coffee.
June 1, 2023 | By Lyle Daly

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

Some consumers pay their credit cards more frequently than required. Find out how paying your credit card bill every week could be beneficial.
A man holding a credit card and a woman look at a laptop
May 31, 2023 | By Brittney Myers

Here's What Happens When You Redeem Cash Back Rewards

Cash back rewards are the most popular type of rewards card. Part of their appeal is their simple rewards structure. Learn how to redeem them.
A young woman with a serious look on her face stares at her credit card.
May 28, 2023 | By Natasha Etzel

5 Things to Teach Your High Schooler About Credit Cards Before They Go to College

Is your teen starting college soon? Don't forget to teach them financial skills first. Find out why getting a credit card now could be a good teaching tool.
Parents giving credit card to excited teen daughter.
May 24, 2023 | By Natasha Etzel

4 Good Reasons for High School Grads to Open a Credit Card

A credit card could teach your high school grad valuable financial skills. Read on for a few reasons your grad may want to get a credit card.
A man standing in his living room and holding a pile of mail in one hand while looking at a single envelope in the other hand.
May 24, 2023 | By Ashley Maready

Should You Go Paperless With Your Credit Card Statements?

Want to ease your overstuffed mailbox? Here's why you might consider opting in for digital credit card statements and skipping the mailed ones.
Woman with credit card laptop
May 23, 2023 | By Ashley Maready

Here's What Happens When You Close a Credit Card

Got an old credit card collecting dust? Keep reading to learn what to consider if you opt to close the account.