Popular Credit Card Articles from Motley Fool Money

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.

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.

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.

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.

April 11, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Credit Card Strategy That Feels Illegal (but Isn't)

If you and your partner are sharing one credit card, you're leaving sign-up bonuses on the table. Here's the strategy more couples should be using.

A young man on his couch holding a credit card and his phone.

April 10, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Pay Your Taxes With a Credit Card

You can pay your federal taxes with a credit card, but there's a processing fee, and whether it's worth it depends entirely on your card and your situation.

April 9, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What to Expect When You Apply for Your First Credit Card

First-time credit card applicants often don't know what they're walking into. Here's what happens when you apply, and what to do if you get denied.

Calculator on top of money with a screen that says interest

April 9, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

How Long Can You Actually Pause Interest With a Balance Transfer Card?

Learn how long you can pay 0% interest with a top balance transfer credit card, plus how to choose the right one for you today.

A chalkboard resting on a desk with a piggy bank and the words Credit Score drawn on it.

April 7, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

How Long Does It Take to Improve Your Credit Score? Here's What to Know

Trying to level up your credit? Learn how long it takes to improve your score -- and what you can do now to get started.

April 6, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

The 3 Most Practical Reasons to Have a Credit Card Even if You Never Use It

Learn why keeping a credit card open, even if you rarely use it, can help your credit score, improve financial flexibility, and more today.

Father handing a credit card to daughter.

April 6, 2026 | By James McClenathen

Can You Add a Teenager to Your Credit Card? Here's What Parents Should Know

Adding a teenager to your credit card account can give them a head start on building credit. Here's what parents should know before making them an authorized user.