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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 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.
A person inserting a credit card into a credit card chip reader.
May 4, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Forget the Afterpay Card. Use This Instead.

The Afterpay card works anywhere Google Pay and Apple Pay are accepted -- but it earns no rewards and doesn't build credit. Here's a smarter way to pay.
Man holding credit card and using laptop.
April 28, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

I've Never Paid Credit Card Interest. Here Are the 3 Rules I Live By

I've carried multiple credit cards for over a decade and never paid a dollar in interest. Here are the three rules that make it work.
A woman reading papers at an office desk.
April 28, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

What a Credit Card's 'Grace Period' Really Means

A credit card grace period is the window between your statement closing and your payment due date. Here's how it works and what happens if you miss it.
Travel items like a camera, headphones, suitcase, and passport spread out on a wooden surface.
April 28, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Don't Leave the Country Until You've Checked These 5 Things on Your Credit Card

Your credit card may cover foreign fees, trip insurance, and perks like lounge access. Here's what to check before you head abroad in 2026.
A woman holds a generic gift card.
April 27, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Why Scammers Ask for Gift Cards

Gift card scams cost Americans hundreds of millions annually. Here's why scammers demand gift cards -- and how to spot the red flags before it's too late.
A customer hands a credit card to a cashier in a coffee shop.
April 27, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens in the Seconds After You Swipe Your Credit Card

From tap to approval, a credit card transaction involves multiple companies and dozens of decisions -- all in under two seconds. Here's how it works.
Couple excited, celebrating, while looking at laptop.
April 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Smartest Time to Apply for a New Credit Card (Most People Get This Wrong)

Timing a credit card application can mean the difference between a huge welcome offer and a wasted hard inquiry. Here's when the stars actually align.
Stack of credit cards
April 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

What Happens When You Apply for Too Many Credit Cards in One Year

Applying for too many credit cards in a short window can hurt your credit score and raise red flags with lenders. Here's what actually happens.
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.
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.
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.
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.