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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 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.
Woman smiling holding cash.
March 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Easiest Way to Earn $500+ a Year From Credit Cards

A no-annual-fee flat-rate cash back card can earn $500+ a year with zero strategy required. Here's how to maximize what you're already spending.
A woman standing in front of a green while while thinking about a decision with her finger resting on her chin.
March 24, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

800 vs. 850 Credit Score: Is There Really Any Difference?

Learn whether an 800 vs. 850 credit score makes a real difference, and what benefits you actually get with each score.
Someone signing loan paperwork and being handed money.
March 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Can't Get a 0% Intro APR Card? Here's the Next Best Thing

A personal loan for debt consolidation can beat a high credit card APR -- but your rate depends heavily on your credit score. Here's how to do it right.
Woman and child pushing cart loaded with two flat screen tvs inside electronics store.
March 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

5 Things to Know Before You Make a Big Credit Card Purchase in March

Before your next big credit card purchase, check your APR, credit utilization, cash discount options, card rewards, and one easy issuer tip.
Man wearing hoodie with his face in shadow using a laptop.
March 21, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What Happens if Someone Opens a Credit Card in Your Name

Learn what happens if someone opens a credit card in your name and the steps to fix it fast and protect your credit.
Young woman in coffee shop smiling at her credit card and phone.
March 19, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Reasons Travel Cards Beat Cash Back Cards

Travel credit cards can offer bigger sign-up bonuses, more perks, and more valuable rewards than cash back cards. Here's when they're worth it -- and when they're not.
Couple eating chocolates and drinking wine together
March 18, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Things My Wife and I Do With Money That Most Couples Don't

Nearly half of couples argue about money. Here are three simple habits my wife and I use to stay on the same financial team -- and keep building wealth together.
A stressed young woman sitting with her hands covering her face.
March 18, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's How Much a $10,000 Credit Card Balance Can Really Cost You

A $10,000 credit card balance costs you way more than interest. Here's the full financial, emotional, and opportunity cost -- and how to pay it off faster.
Woman uncomfortable by what she's reading on her phone.
March 17, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Bad News for Citi Cardholders: Point Sharing Ends May 17

Citi's point-sharing feature is disappearing soon. Learn what the change means for cardholders, and what you may want to do before that happens.
Parents giving credit card to excited teen daughter.
March 16, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

6 Reasons You Should Give Your Teenager a Credit Card

Giving your teenager a credit card as an authorized user can help build their credit score and teach real money skills. Here's why it works.
Woman looks skeptically at her cellphone.
March 16, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

This Is Why Some Credit Card Payments Take Days to Post

Paid your credit card on the due date but still got hit with a late fee? Here's why payments take time -- and how to make sure you never miss a due date again.
A young woman makes an online purchase while sitting outside.
March 15, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's Why Americans Are Switching Back to Simple Credit Cards

More Americans are skipping premium high-fee credit cards for simple, no-annual-fee options -- and the math often backs them up. Here's why simpler cards win.
A travel credit card sits atop a stack of four hundred dollar bills.
March 14, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Average Household Earns Around $500 a Year in Credit Card Rewards

The typical household earns about $500 a year in credit card rewards. Here's how the math works and why simple cash back cards make it easy.
A man is sleeping contentedly while holding lots of money.
March 12, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Lazy Way to Maximize Credit Card Rewards

Maximizing credit card rewards doesn't have to be complicated. Here's the surprisingly lazy system that works for most people.
Business people triumphantly running through red ribbon.
March 10, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's Why an 850 Credit Score Isn't All It's Cracked Up to Be -- and What You Really Need

You don't need a perfect credit score to be financially stable -- or exceptional, for that matter. Here's a better number to aim for today.