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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 young adult pumps gas with a concerned expression on their face.
July 4, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

These 10 States Pay the Most for Gas as Prices Remain Elevated

Drivers in high-mileage states spend the most on gas, not those with the priciest pumps. See the 10 states topping the list in 2026.
A salesman handing over the keys to a new car.
June 28, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Do I Need a Credit Card to Rent a Car?

No, you can rent a car with a debit card at most agencies. Here's what rental car companies require and why I still recommend using a credit card.
Woman with glasses making calculations.
June 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's How to Pick the Right Balance Transfer Card for Your Debt Amount

How much you owe can change which balance transfer card is right for you. Here's how to match the intro period, fee, and credit limit to your debt amount.
A woman standing in front of a green while while thinking about a decision with her finger resting on her chin.
June 21, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

How Often Should You Apply for a New Credit Card?

There's no universal rule for how often you should land a new credit card -- but there are a few important things to consider. Here's what to know.
Woman smiles while holding credit card in one hand and phone in the other.
June 13, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What It Takes to Get the Best Credit Cards Now

Card issuers weigh income, debt load, and recent activity, not just your score. Here's how banks decide who earns top rewards.
Woman laying on the floor using her cell phone.
June 11, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What Actually Changes When Your Credit Score Hits 800

Hitting an 800 credit score is a big accomplishment, but it's not the end-all, be-all. Here's what actually changes when you do it -- and what doesn't.
A woman reading paperwork at a desk.
June 10, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

7 Things Business Owners Should Never Charge on a Personal Card

Mixing company costs into personal credit can muddy tax deductions and create accounting headaches. Here's what belongs on a business account instead.
Mature couple smiling with cellphone in hand while sitting outdoors among background of mountains
June 9, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

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

Keeping a credit card open for a decade does more for your finances than you might think. Here's what actually changes (and what doesn't).
woman holding credit card and piece of paper looking at calculator
May 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

How to Decide if a Credit Card's Annual Fee Is Worth It

Here's a practical framework for deciding if a credit card's annual fee pays off, plus a personal take on running the real math before applying.
A couple smiles as they use a contactless credit card reader in a restaurant.
May 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

5 Reasons (Besides Rewards) to Buy Nearly Everything With a Credit Card

The bigger wins when using credit cards are fraud protection, purchase coverage, payment flexibility, dispute rights, and travel insurance.
A person looks concerned at their financial documents and laptop.
May 29, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Credit Card Debt Is the No. 1 Financial Stress of Every Generation. Here's How to Get Out of It

Money stress hits every generation, and credit card debt is one of the biggest drivers. Here are practical, proven ways to break the cycle and start fresh.
Person using cell phone and laptop to check credit score with a result of 765.
May 29, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 (Perfectly Legal) Hacks to Improve Your Credit Score

Most credit score hacks are myths or shortcuts that don't work. These three are perfectly legal, free, and can actually move your score upwards.
Woman looking at her empty wallet and a table with credit cards, coins, a calculator, and paperwork strewn about.
May 28, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Reasons Americans Can't Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck in 2026

Three big forces -- rising essentials, record household debt, and slowing wage growth -- are keeping most Americans living paycheck to paycheck in 2026.
A mom giving her young son a piggyback ride in front of their house.
May 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's Why 'Credit Piggybacking' Can Sometimes Backfire -- and When It's Worth It

Adding someone as an authorized user can boost their credit score, but only in the right situations. Here's when credit piggybacking works and when it backfires.
A woman making a budget in a notebook with her laptop open at the kitchen table.
May 21, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's Why the Best Balance Transfer Cards Have No Rewards Programs

No-rewards balance transfer cards beat the ones offering both 0% intro APR and cash back for most people in heavy debt – here's the math that proves it.
Woman sitting in front of her laptop cutting up a credit card.
May 17, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

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

Closing your oldest credit card isn't the credit-score disaster most people fear. Two overlooked details explain why your real risk is somewhere else entirely.
An upset person with a creased brow looks at their smartphone screen.
May 16, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

My Friend's Credit Score Dropped 50 Points Overnight. Here's Why

Your credit score can drop quickly without warning -- but there's always a reason. Here's what can happen and how to diagnose the problem fast.
Man looks thoughtful while holding credit card and using laptop.
May 15, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Reasons Not to Open a Balance Transfer Card in May 2026

A balance transfer card can save $1,000 in interest for the right person, but it isn't the perfect solution for every situation. Here's when to skip it and when to apply.
Three people sitting in consecutive aisle seats on an airplane.
May 13, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Airfare Is Up 15% -- Are Travel Credit Cards Worth It in 2026?

Airfare is up 15% in 2026 and average domestic tickets hit $570. Here's how to decide if a travel credit card is worth it for you.
Person paying for items at a store with a credit card.
May 11, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What Happens When You Only Use Credit Cards

What actually happens when you ditch cash and debit entirely for credit cards? I tried it. Here's what I learned: the good, the bad, and the tricky.
Young man puts his hand to his face in frustration while holding his phone and looking at laptop.
May 11, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

5 Things People Get Wrong About Balance Transfers

A balance transfer can save you $1,000+ in interest -- but common mistakes can wipe out those savings. Here's what to watch out for before you transfer.
A young couple looking up information on a laptop while sitting in their kitchen.
May 10, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Things to Do Before You Apply for a Balance Transfer Card

Avoid wasted hard inquiries and transfer fees that eat your savings. Here are three steps to take before applying for a balance transfer card.
A man on a phone call while sitting in front of his laptop.
May 9, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Why Closing a Credit Card 'Responsibly' Can Still Hurt You a Decade Later

Closing a credit card the "right way" doesn't protect you from the long-term credit damage that can follow. Here's what most guides won't tell you.
A man holding several credit cards.
May 8, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What Happens When You Open 5 Credit Cards in One Year

Opening five credit cards in one year is a bold move. Here's what actually happens to your credit score, rewards, and finances when you do it.
Man looks thoughtful while holding credit card and using laptop.
May 8, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Think You Need to Carry a Small Credit Card Balance Every Month? Here's Why That's a Myth

Carrying a credit card balance does not help your credit score. Here's what it actually costs you -- and what really builds credit over time.