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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 group of college students walking out of class.
Feb. 11, 2021 | By Natasha Etzel

Here's Why I Opened My First Credit Card Before I Went to College

Having a credit card before going to college can be a smart choice. Find out why I opened my first card early in life and how it can help you.
One woman packing clothes into shipping boxes while the other checks her laptop at a table in a clothing store storeroom.
Feb. 8, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

I'm Finally Eligible for Chase Cards Again, and Here's the First on My List

Find out which Chase card I'm getting that offers over a bonus worth over $1,000.
A man and woman looking at furniture in a department store with sales signs hanging from the ceiling.
Feb. 5, 2021 | By Brittney Myers

How I Made the Most of a Store Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus

Although store cards aren't known for their awesome sign-up bonuses, you can still turn a small bonus into a big win. Here's how a discount for new cardholders helped save over $100.
Men watching football on a television.
Feb. 1, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

This Credit Card Earns Points Toward Super Bowl Tickets

Learn about the rewards credit card that can help you score free tickets to the Super Bowl.
credit report showing score of 765
Feb. 1, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

7 Things That Don't Affect Your Credit Score (but Seem Like They Would)

There's plenty of misinformation about what affects your credit score. Here are the factors you don't need to worry about.
A man sitting on the couch and looking at his laptop while his toddler daughter peeks over the top of the screen.
Jan. 28, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

Here's How Much My Credit Score Went Up by Not Applying for New Cards

Applying for credit cards too often could lower your credit score. Find out how much it affected mine and what happened when I stopped.
A man sitting on a couch and holding a credit card in one hand and a phone in the other.
Jan. 27, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

This Was My Biggest Credit Card Mistake When I Reached Good Credit

I made one of the most common credit card mistakes. Find out what it was and what you can do to avoid it.
Suitcases plane
Jan. 26, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

Spirit Airlines Launches 2 New Credit Cards With Up to 40,000 Bonus Points

Here's a first look at the new Spirit Airlines credit cards. See what they have to offer for frequent flyers and find out if it makes sense to apply.
A smiling mom and dad sitting on the floor with their young kids playing in their laps.
Jan. 26, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

One of My Credit Cards Is Older Than I Am. Here's How

Learn how I have a credit card that's older than I am on my credit file and the ways this benefits me.
Credit cards fanned out on a table
Jan. 25, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

6 Drawbacks of Opening Too Many Credit Cards

Opening lots of different credit cards has its perks, but it can also lead to problems. Here are the downsides you could face if you get too many credit cards.
A father and son looking at a laptop and a credit card.
Jan. 25, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

4 Ways to Help Your Kids Start Building Credit

With your help, your kids could get a head start on a good credit score -- and good credit habits. Here are the best ways you can lend a hand.
A man handing his credit card to a waiter at a restaurant while sitting at a table with his friend.
Jan. 22, 2021 | By Kailey Hagen

Give Your Credit Score a Boost in 2021 With These Simple Strategies

A high credit score can save you money and unlock access to the best credit cards. Here's how to raise yours.
A man standing at a restaurant bar holding his phone and a credit card.
Jan. 19, 2021 | By Brittney Myers

Why You May Not Get Approved for a Citi Card -- Even With an 800 Credit Score

Sometimes great credit isn't enough for credit card approval. Here's a look at some other reasons you may not get approved for a Citi card.
A woman handing her credit card to the employee at a cashier stand in a department store.
Jan. 15, 2021 | By Brittney Myers

How These 3 Store Credit Cards Save Me Hundreds Each Year

Store credit cards that complement your spending can lead to big savings, especially if used wisely. Here's a look at three cards that led to great rewards.
credit report showing score of 765
Jan. 10, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

5 Tips to Boost Your Credit Score by Over 50 Points in 2021

Upgrade your credit this year by learning how to quickly add lots of points to your credit score.
A smiling woman tapping her credit card on a payment terminal being held out by an employee at a glasses store.
Jan. 9, 2021 | By Dana George

How I Got Over My Fear of Credit Cards

Credit card debt is a trap that most consumers want to avoid. Read more about how to make credit cards work for you instead of the other way around.
A man sitting at a desk and placing payment for a bill in an envelope.
Jan. 8, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

5 Steps to Fix Bad Credit in 2021

Learn what you can do to significantly improve a bad credit score this year.
A smiling woman handing her credit card for payment while seated at an outdoor cafe table.
Jan. 7, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

5 Ways to Start Building Your Credit in 2021

If your credit history is too thin to give you a credit score, explore your best options to start building a good credit history this year.
A man and woman shopping online with a credit card
Jan. 4, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

The 5 Biggest Perks of Discover Credit Cards

See what makes Discover credit cards special with this look at the card issuer's best perks.
A woman sitting in front of her couch with her laptop and celebrating with her hand in the air.
Jan. 4, 2021 | By Brittney Myers

How 1 Amex Membership Rewards Point Saved Me $20

You can occasionally find some interesting deals for redeeming your rewards points with specific retailers. Here's a look at one such Amazon and American Express deal.
A woman looking worried, at a table with papers and a laptop.
Dec. 31, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

How Medical Debt From COVID-19 Could Impact Your Credit Score

With millions infected, medical debt from COVID-19 continues to rise. Here is how that debt could influence credit scores.
Happy couple sit in front of computer with paperwork .
Dec. 31, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

3 Credit Score Goals to Set for 2021

The start of a new year is a good time to set new goals. Take a look at three credit score goals for 2021.
A woman looking frustrated with a credit card in her hand while looking at a laptop.
Dec. 30, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

I Have an 800 Credit Score, but I Can't Get a Chase Card. Here's Why

Chase rewards cards are a popular pick, but you might not qualify -- even if you have great credit. See how the 5/24 rule could impact your approval.
A woman holding a credit card and making a phone call.
Dec. 30, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

How 1 Phone Call Can Help Protect Your Credit Score

Falling behind on credit card payments can mean late fees and credit damage. Here's why it can help to call your card issuer before you miss a payment.
A woman smiling and holding up a credit card.
Dec. 29, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

Why It May Be Harder to Get a Credit Card in 2021

Everyone is tightening their belts during the pandemic -- including credit card issuers. Here's how that could make it harder to qualify for a new card.