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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 man looking distressed while reading his credit card bill.
April 25, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

4 Reasons You Can Get Denied for a Credit Card That Have Nothing to Do With Your Score

Think an 800+ credit score guarantees card approval? Here are four reasons you can still get denied for a card that have nothing to do with your score.
A woman sits on the floor next to her French bulldog and looks at a pile of bills.
April 25, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's the Smartest Way to Pay Off Credit Card Debt in 2026

A balance transfer card gives you up to 21 months at 0% APR to pay down debt interest-free. Here's how to use one the right way.
Person packing suitcase in hotel room.
April 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Citi Strata Premier Is One of the Most Underrated Travel Cards Right Now

The Citi Strata Premier earns 3X points on groceries, gas, dining, and travel -- plus a $100 annual hotel credit that nearly offsets its annual fee.
Gas pump fueling blue car.
April 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Costco Visa Earns 4%-5% Back on Gas -- Here's What That Adds Up to in a Year

The Costco Anywhere Visa earns up to 5% back on gas with no annual fee beyond your membership. Here's how much that's worth annually.
A man sitting in a restaurant swiping his credit card in the card reader being held by a waitress.
April 25, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

The Amex Gold Card Has $524 in Annual Credits. Here's How to Use Every Dollar

The Amex Gold Card comes with over $500 in potential annual credits. Here's how to actually use all of them year after year.
young man and woman with shopping bags looking at a credit card and a tablet.
April 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Unlock 75,000 Bonus Points: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, April 25, 2026

Want to earn a whole bundle of points with one of the best travel cards out there? Here's why now's the time to apply for this elite Chase offering.
Smiling woman with suitcase typing on phone in airport
April 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Travel Prices Are Spiking. These 3 Cards Could Save You $800+ This Year

Airfare prices are rising fast in 2026. These three travel credit cards can help offset the cost with welcome offers, everyday rewards, and built-in perks.
Father using laptop while on cell phone with young daughter coloring in his lap
April 24, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Dispute a Credit Card Charge

Disputing a credit card charge triggers a formal process that usually ends in your favor. Here's what actually happens.
An older adult sitting crosslegged on the couch while typing on a laptop.
April 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Is the Amex Platinum Worth It if You Don't Travel Much? Here's the Honest Answer

The Amex Platinum carries a steep annual fee, but non-travelers can still come out ahead -- if the right credits already fit their lifestyle.
Someone standing next to a dropped cell phone with a broken screen.
April 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

5 Things Your Credit Card Probably Covers That You're Paying for Separately

Many credit cards include hidden perks like cellphone protection, rental car insurance, and travel credits. Here's what you might already be paying for twice.
People with luggage in line at airport.
April 24, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's How to Get $800+ in Value From a $95 Annual Fee Credit Card

Learn how this $95 annual fee travel card can get you $800+ in value in your first year -- and whether the card's right for you today.
Financial advisor discusses credit scores with a client.
April 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

What 'Credit Utilization' Really Means -- and the Number You Should Never Cross

Credit utilization makes up 30% of your credit score. Here's what the ratio means, how to calculate yours, and how to keep it low.
A smiling person holding a credit card.
April 24, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

I've Owned 5 Credit Cards in My Life. Here's the Only One That's a Must-Have

I've had a handful of credit cards over the years, but only one of them takes the cake. Here's what to know and how you can save with it.
Woman appears to be stressed while looking over grocery receipt.
April 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's How Much the Average American Spends on Food Every Month (and One Savvy Way to Lower It)

Americans spend an average of $847 per month on food. The right rewards card can turn that everyday spending into real cash back year after year.
Couple dressed for tropical weather in a hotel room with luggage looking out the window.
April 24, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

The Hilton Honors Surpass Has a Low Annual Fee. Here's What $150 Gets You

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has an annual fee -- but offers plenty of value to make up for it. Here's how to know if it's right for you.
Group of friends enjoying food at a restaurant and using a mobile phone.
April 24, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Earn 3X on Dining and 20,000 Bonus Points: The Best No-Annual-Fee Cards This Week, April 24, 2026

Want to earn 3X points on dining, a solid welcome bonus, and more? Here's the no-annual-fee card worth getting, plus four other cards we love.
Woman on the phone and holding several credit cards in her free hand.
April 23, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What to Do When a Card's Annual Fee Is No Longer Worth It

Got a credit card that's not pulling its weight? Here's what to do about it -- and when canceling might not be the best idea.
A man sitting with a laptop and notebook late at night.
April 23, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Pay Down $5,000 in Credit Card Debt at Once

Paying down $5,000 in credit card debt at once affects your interest charges, credit score, and monthly cash flow. Here's what changes and when.
woman holding credit card and piece of paper looking at calculator
April 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When Your 0% Intro APR Period Ends and You Still Have a Balance

Carrying a balance when your 0% intro APR expires means interest hits immediately. Here's what to expect and how to protect yourself.
A smiling person sitting at an outdoor cafe table and looking at their cellphone.
April 23, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's the Biggest Reason the Chase Sapphire Preferred Beats Other Travel Cards Now

With just one perk, the Chase Sapphire Preferred can unlock over $750 in first-year value. Here's what to know.
Person very interested in what she's ready on tablet screen.
April 22, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

6 Credit Card Benefits Almost Always Worth More Than the Annual Fee

These credit card benefits often add up to more than the annual fee -- before you've earned a single point. Here's what to look for.
A person sitting at a sunny dining room table and typing on a laptop.
April 22, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Apply for the Amex Platinum Card

Applying for the Amex Platinum Card doesn't automatically hurt your credit score. Here's how the process works and what to expect.
Person paying for items at a store with a credit card.
April 22, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Credit Card That Makes Every Purchase a Little Cheaper

Wells Fargo Active Cash earns unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. No categories, no annual fee.
Two young adults outdoors smiling and pointing at tablet screen.
April 22, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

3 Credit Cards Worth Getting in Your 20s

Just because you're only in your twenties doesn't mean you can't save with credit cards. Here are three great options worth looking into today.
A happy family in eating lunch in their sunny backyard.
April 22, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

This Credit Card Can Earn the Average Household $500+ a Year

The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card earns unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, and just won our Best Overall Credit Card award for 2026.