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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 person sitting at a desk in a sunny home office and typing on a laptop.
July 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

What the Chase 5/24 Rule Means and How It Affects Your Next Card Application

The Chase 5/24 rule blocks most new Chase card approvals when you've opened five or more cards in the past 24 months, no matter which bank issued them.
A young man in a suit using an outdoor ATM.
July 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Using a Debit Card in These 3 Places Could Be a Big Mistake

Booking travel, making big purchases, and using unknown card readers each expose debit card users to risks a credit card helps avoid.
A man sitting at his kitchen table with a calculator and bills.
July 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Balance Transfer Card That's Right for You Depends on One Thing: Your Debt Amount

A longer 0% intro APR period lowers the monthly payment needed on the same balance. Your debt amount decides how many months you should look for.
Senior woman looking at laptop with frustrated expression
July 22, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

What Happens if You Miss One Payment on a Balance Transfer Card?

A late payment on a balance transfer card can end your 0% intro APR, trigger a penalty rate, and hit your credit score once it's 30 days past due.
A woman holding shopping bags and a credit card.
July 22, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Best Cash Back Card That Also Gives You 0% Intro APR -- and Why Most People Don't Know About It

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards is a no-annual-fee card that earns cash back and offers a stretch of interest-free spending.
Smiling woman lying on her couch, using her cell phone, and holding her credit card.
July 22, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

My Top 3 Balance Transfer Cards for People With Good Credit: July 2026

A 0% intro APR can pause interest while you pay down a balance. Here's how this month's top balance transfer cards compare on time, fees, and rewards.
Financial advisor discusses credit scores with a client.
July 21, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

4 Reasons to Get Your Credit Score Above 800

An 800 credit score does more than look good. It cuts borrowing costs across loans and insurance, and gives your score room to breathe.
Credit report that reads 765 on a desk where someone is typing on a calculator and their holding glasses
July 20, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

You'll Probably Never Hit 850. Here's the Credit Score That Actually Gets You the Best Rates

The best loan terms and credit perks kick in around a credit score of 780, not a perfect 850. Here's the number to aim for and how to reach it.
A chalkboard resting on a desk with a piggy bank and the words Credit Score drawn on it.
July 19, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

How to Pick the Right Balance Transfer Card if You Have Less-Than-Perfect Credit

You can still get a balance transfer card with fair credit, but options are limited. Here's how to pick the right one and what to watch for.
smiling young man holding a coffee mug and handing cash to a waiter
July 13, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Is Cash Safer Than a Card?

A credit card is usually safer than cash for everyday spending because of fraud protection. Cash's only real edge is privacy.
Person outdoors celebrating with fist raised while holding cellphone.
July 10, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What Happens When You Pay Down $5,000 in Credit Card Debt at Once -- and What to Do Next

Just paid off $5,000 in credit card debt? Learn whether to close your old card, how long your score takes to update, and what to do with your money next.
A couple sitting on the floor of their living room organizing paperwork.
July 7, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Can You Do a Balance Transfer More Than Once?

Yes, you can do a balance transfer more than once. But qualifying, transfer fees, and your credit limits all shape whether multiple balance transfers are worth it.
Two people sitting at a desk and going over papers while typing in a calculator.
July 5, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

How Long Does It Actually Take to Pay Off $10,000 With a Balance Transfer Card?

A balance transfer card stops the interest and starts a clock. Learn how to set a monthly payment that clears $10,000 before the intro window ends.
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 man sitting at his kitchen table with a calculator and bills.
June 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Things People With Perfect Credit Scores Never Do

A perfect credit score comes down to autopay, low reported balances, and opening multiple accounts over time. See the three things high-score earners never do.
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).
Man in shock yelling at laptop with hands in the air.
June 5, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's Why You'll Probably Never Hit a 'Perfect' 850 Credit Score

A perfect 850 credit score sounds great in theory, but chasing it is mostly a waste of energy. Here's why -- and the number to focus on instead.
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.