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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 woman looking over her bills with a laptop and notepad at her kitchen table.
April 12, 2026 | By Brooklyn Sprunger

Longest 0% Intro APR Credit Cards This Week, April 12, 2026: Give Yourself a Real Chance to Catch Up

This week's longest 0% intro APR cards give you up to 24 months with no interest. Pay down debt that actually shrinks -- plus rewards and no annual fee.
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.
Couple excited, high-fiving.
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.
Young woman using laptop on the couch
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.
Person holding credit card
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.
woman holding credit card and piece of paper looking at calculator
April 4, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's How Long It Takes to Pay Off $5,000 Making Only Minimum Payments

The answer is a lot longer, and a lot more expensive, than most people expect.
A line of tombstones with flowers in a cemetery.
April 4, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens to Your Subscriptions After You Die

Your Netflix doesn't know you died. Neither does Spotify. Here's what actually happens -- and what to do about it.
A pen next to a piece of paper that says credit report.
April 4, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

5 Little-Known Things Your Credit Card Company Reports to the Bureaus Every Month

Most people know their payment history matters. Here's what else goes into that monthly report -- and how to use it.
A man is sleeping contentedly while holding lots of money.
April 3, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The 5 Laziest Ways to Be Good With Money

Being good with money doesn't have to be complicated. Here are the easiest high-impact moves you can make.
Smiling woman working in a bright office.
April 3, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's Why People With Good Incomes Still Carry Credit Card Debt

High incomes don't make credit card debt impossible. Here's why smart people carry balances, and what actually gets them out.
A man behind a counter holding a credit card reader.
April 2, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Want to Increase Your Credit Score? Here's How Much You Should Actually Use Your Card

Learn how much of your total credit you should be using to boost your credit score -- and when you're spending way too much.
Woman laying on rug with hair spread out around her head and various credit cards laying on her locks of hair while she also holds one in her hand.
April 2, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

I've Never Closed a Credit Card in My Life. Here's Why

There are plenty of good reasons -- other than nostalgia -- to keep your old credit cards open. Here's what to know.
A young adult refuels their car while looking worried at the high gas prices at a gas station.
March 31, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When Your Debit Card Gets Skimmed at a Gas Station

What happens when your debit card gets skimmed? Your money's at risk. Here's what to do immediately.
Calendar page that reads payment due on the 19th.
March 31, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Paying My Credit Card Bill Weekly Keeps My Finances Under Control

Paying your credit card bill weekly keeps your utilization low, catches issues early, and creates a spending feedback loop monthly payments don't.
A smiling couple standing outside and holding a phone and credit card.
March 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What 2% Cash Back Looks Like at Your Spending Level

A 2% flat-rate cash back card might be more powerful than you think -- and a lot less work than juggling multiple rewards cards. Here's the math.
A woman using an ATM on a sunny street.
March 28, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Do You Even Need a Debit Card? The Truth in 2026

Learn whether you still need a debit card in 2026 -- and why credit cards and mobile wallets may be safer and more rewarding.
Young man with money flying out of his wallet.
March 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The 7 Fastest Ways People Ruin Their Finances

These seven money mistakes can wreck your finances -- from spending money you don't have yet to panic-selling investments at the worst possible time.
A person looks concerned at their financial documents and laptop.
March 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Things to Do Right Now if Your Credit Card Debt Feels Unmanageable

Credit card debt feels unmanageable for millions of Americans. Here are three practical steps you can take right now to start getting it under control.
A woman on a phone call while sitting at her desk in her office.
March 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's Exactly What Happens When You Call a Nonprofit Credit Counselor

Nonprofit credit counselors offer free, judgment-free help with debt. Here's what to expect on your first call -- and why it might be the best 60 minutes you spend.
A woman in her kitchen sits at the island, using her phone and laptop.
March 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Are We Over-Optimizing Our Finances?

The 80/20 rule applies to personal finance too. Here's where optimization actually moves the needle -- and where it's just burning your time.