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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 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.
A man walking outside an office building while holding a coffee and looking at his phone.
Dec. 24, 2020 | By Kimberly Rotter, AFC®

9 Things You Can Do Today to Prevent Credit Card Fraud

The pandemic is pushing more business online, and credit card fraud is higher than ever. Find out how to protect yourself from digital criminals.
Close up on wallet containing various credit cards.
Dec. 18, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

Our Experts' Best Credit Card Advice of 2020

Check out the best credit card advice we had in 2020. You'll find ways to earn more rewards, improve your credit score, save money, and much more.
A waiter wearing an apron and holding up a credit card reader awaiting payment.
Nov. 14, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

5 Costly Sign-Up Bonus Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a New Card

Introductory bonuses are a great reason to open a new credit card. Before you do so, see which sign-up bonus mistakes will cost you money and how to avoid them.
A woman holding a shopping bag and handing her credit card to the store cashier.
Nov. 12, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

The 5 Most Popular Credit Card Companies

See which credit card companies are the most popular with consumers and why they rank at the top.
A smiling person holding a credit card.
Nov. 6, 2020 | By Kailey Hagen

Don't Use a Credit Card If You Don't Know These 3 Things

Credit cards can be useful, but they can also be costly if used incorrectly. Here are three key things you need to know about them.
Stack of colorful credit cards
Nov. 5, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

How to Properly Disinfect Your Credit Cards

Credit cards can harbor all kinds of bacteria and viruses, including the novel coronavirus. Follow these guidelines to minimize the risk of illness from a contaminated card.
Cashier watching as customer pays with a credit card.
Oct. 30, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

44% of Americans Could Be Carrying the Wrong Type of Credit Card

Learn which type of credit card is popular with consumers even though better options are available.
A man sitting on his couch at home and typing on his laptop on the coffee table.
Oct. 28, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

Why You Shouldn't Pay With Points at Checkout

Paying with points at checkout can be useful, but it has a few downsides. Our experts explain why you should avoid paying with points.
Suitcases plane
Oct. 23, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

Spirit Airlines New Loyalty Program Offers Big Points on Extras

Get a first look at the big changes Spirit Airlines is making to its Free Spirit program on Jan. 21, 2021 to celebrate its 30th birthday.
A female clerk at a clothing store swiping a credit card on a payment tablet.
Oct. 23, 2020 | By Kailey Hagen

Is a Store Credit Card Right for You?

There are hundreds of retailer-branded credit cards out there. Here's how to know if you should make room for some of them in your wallet.
A stressed woman sitting in a cafe with her chin resting in her hand.
Oct. 22, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

What to Do if Your Parents Ruined Your Credit

Learn about the steps you can take to fix your credit if your parents damaged it by stealing your identity. Here are some identity theft do's and don'ts.
A woman writing a gift list while holding a credit card and phone with oranges and spices on the table in front of her.
Oct. 21, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

How to Rack Up Credit Card Rewards (but Not Debt) This Holiday Season

There are plenty of ways to earn extra credit card rewards with your holiday spending. Here are a few tips that could earn you hundreds of dollars in rewards.
A smiling woman sitting on the hardwood floor of her living room and playing with her dog.
Oct. 21, 2020 | By Dana George

How I Used a 0% intro APR Credit Card to Pay for New Floors

Here's how a 0% APR credit card can help you finance the things you need and want.
A woman asking a man questions in a job interview in a casual office setting.
Oct. 19, 2020 | By Dana George

6 Huge Benefits of a High Credit Score

The perils of a low credit score are well known. Read on to find out about the benefits of a high credit score.
A male college student studying alone in a library.
Oct. 16, 2020 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

Study: America's Most Educated Have the Most Credit Card Debt

People with a college degree are less likely to have credit card debt, but when they do have it, they have a lot more.
Young man riding a bike with a young woman laughing on the handlebars.
Oct. 14, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

6 High-Value Redemptions for 80,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Ultimate Rewards points offer plenty of redemption options and some big sign-up bonuses. Explore the best ways you can use them and maximize their value.
A woman placing cash in a check folder while sitting at a table in a restaurant.
Oct. 14, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

The Only 2 Expenses You Should Never Put on Your Credit Card

With most of your spending, it's a good idea to pay by credit card, especially if you earn rewards. This isn't the case for two expenses -- find out which.