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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.
 
All Topics Banks Insurance Personal Loans Brokerages Mortgages Credit Cards Cryptocurrency

Recent Articles

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.
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.
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.
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.
Two people in a casual public space discuss financial documents on a laptop and notepad.
April 21, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Apply for Two Credit Cards on the Same Day

Applying for two credit cards in one day is more common than you think. Here's what actually happens to your credit score and approval odds.
Man in suit carrying boulder labeled DEBT to edge of cloudy precipice.
April 21, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Average American Will Spend 21+ Years in Credit Card Debt if Only Making Minimum Payments

Making only minimum payments on $6,523 in credit card debt costs over $10,000 in interest and takes 21+ years to pay off. Here's how to escape faster.
A stack of bills labeled “Past Due” and “Account Closed”
April 21, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

The Easy Way to Avoid Late Payments in 2026 (It's Not Just Autopay)

Autopay alone might not save you from late payments. Here's how to build a system that actually works in a few simple steps.
Woman cutting a credit card with scissors
April 21, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Does Closing a Credit Card Really Hurt Your Score? Here's the Truth

A closed account in good standing stays on your credit report for 10 years. Here's what closing a card actually does to your score.
A couple smile and look at a laptop together.
April 20, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Add Your Spouse as an Authorized User

Adding a spouse as an authorized user to a credit card can boost both credit scores and simplify finances – but there are some risks to know first.
A serious young man working on his computer at home.
April 19, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

A Tech Developer's 5 Rules for Keeping Your Finances Safe Online

A tech developer shares five things everyday people should do to protect their finances.
Mature couple appears distraught while looking at laptop.
April 19, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Credit Card Debt After 60: What Your Options Actually Are

From balance transfer cards to retirement withdrawals, here's a practical breakdown of how to tackle high-interest debt in your 60s.