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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

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.
Man holding credit score scorecard.
April 19, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

These 2 Numbers Can Make or Break Your Credit Score

Your credit score mostly comes down to two numbers: utilization ratio and delinquencies. Here's what they mean and how to manage them.
A nervous young woman biting her fingernail while sitting in her kitchen with her phone and laptop.
April 18, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's How to Downgrade Your Credit Card Without Losing Your Rewards

Downgrading a credit card lets you keep your rewards and credit history without paying an annual fee. Here's how to do it the right way.
young man holding cellphone to his ear and holding his hand to his forehead like he made a mistake
April 16, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

6 Credit Card Mistakes First-Time Cardholders Almost Always Make

First-time cardholders make the same expensive mistakes. Here's what they are and how to avoid them.
Two people talking next to a washing machine in an appliance store.
April 15, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Why I'd Never Put a Large Purchase on a Debit Card -- Even With the Money in the Bank

A debit card puts your real cash at risk with less legal protection than a credit card.
Cancellation Note
April 14, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Cancel a Credit Card With a $10,000 Limit

Canceling a credit card with a $10,000 limit can raise your utilization ratio and ding your score. Here's exactly what happens and what to do instead.
man and woman sitting at opposite ends of a couch and looking upset
April 13, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens to a Joint Credit Card When a Couple Separates

A divorce decree doesn't mean anything to your credit card issuer. Here's what actually happens to joint cards when a couple separates, and what to do about it.
Man in suit running away from a wrecking ball that says DEBT
April 13, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's Why $10,000 of Credit Card Debt Can Feel Impossible to Pay Off

On a $10,000 credit card balance, your first minimum payment is $200 -- and $175 of it is interest. Here's why the math is so hard to escape.
A person talking on the phone while sitting at a home office desk with a puppy in their lap.
April 13, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's How to Ask Your Credit Card Company for a Retention Offer (and What to Say)

A retention offer can mean bonus points, a statement credit, or a waived annual fee. Here's how to ask your card issuer for one.
A credit card and dollar bills.
April 12, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Have Two Balance Transfer Cards at the Same Time

Learn what happens when you use two balance transfer cards at once, including the credit impact, transfer limits, and how much you can save.
Convertible in the driveway of a modern home.
April 12, 2026 | By James McClenathen

3 Things That Make Someone Look Rich -- but Could Make Them Go Broke

Some of the finer things in life can quickly wreck your finances, even if you can "afford" them. Here's how -- and what real rich people do instead.
A man on a phone call while sitting in front of his laptop.
April 12, 2026 | By James McClenathen

Here's the Right Way to Cancel a Credit Card Without Hurting Your Credit Score

Thinking about canceling a credit card? Here's what actually happens to your score -- and the step-by-step process to avoid unnecessary damage.
A female clerk at a clothing store swiping a credit card on a payment tablet.
April 11, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Types of Credit Cards That Are Almost Never Worth It

Find out which credit card types to avoid and what to look for in a card that actually works for you.
A man checking in to a hotel.
April 11, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Use a Debit Card for a Hotel Deposit

Hotels place a hold on your card at check-in, and with a debit card, that's real money out of your account. Here's what to expect and how long it takes to get it back.