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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 at her laptop with papers on her desk.
Dec. 2, 2019 | By Kailey Hagen

What Information Is on a Credit Report?

Your credit report is a comprehensive record of your financial life. What does yours say about you?
A young couple moving boxes and plants into a new apartment.
Dec. 1, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

How to Find a Place to Live With Bad Credit

Is bad credit making it tough to find a home? Learn about the best ways to get around this problem.
Nov. 30, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

Credit Card Late Payments Are on the Rise -- 5 Ways to Make Sure You're Never Late

These handy tips will help you avoid ever missing a credit card payment again.
A laughing man swinging his daughters in the air in their backyard.
Nov. 30, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

4 Reasons Why Homeowners Have the Highest Credit Scores

Discover why there's a link between owning a home and having a high credit score.
A woman holding a handful of credit cards.
Nov. 29, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Fact or Fiction: What Does and Doesn't Affect Your Credit Score

Keep your credit score in good shape by learning what factors do and do not affect it.
A forest of trees shooting up into the sky.
Nov. 28, 2019 | By Kailey Hagen

The Average FICO® Score Is Climbing -- Is Yours?

Credit scores are designed to give lenders a long term view of your ability to manage credit. If you're struggling with yours, follow these steps to improve it.
Nov. 28, 2019 | By Kailey Hagen

4 Reasons to Be Thankful for Credit Cards

It's the season of gratitude. Here are a few reasons to be thankful for those credit cards in your wallet.
Nov. 27, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

Keep Your Credit Utilization Below This Number If You Want Good Credit

The latest CFPB reports spell out exactly where you should keep your credit utilization if you want good credit.
Nov. 26, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

The Safest Way to Pay When Shopping Online This Holiday Season

If you want to avoid online shopping fraud this year, pay with a digital wallet.
Nov. 24, 2019 | By Kailey Hagen

People in These 9 States Have the Best Credit Scores in the Nation

Some states have better average credit than others. Here are the nine that are leading the pack.
Middle-aged man in suit confidently leaving his enormous house in the morning.
Nov. 23, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

4 Reasons Why Older Americans Have Higher Credit Scores

Discover all the reasons why there's a strong correlation between age and the average credit score.
A bunch of young adults leaning against a wall on their phones.
Nov. 23, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Why Young Adults Have the Lowest Average Credit Score

See why young adults have lower credit scores and learn what you can do to improve yours.
Man sitting on floor surrounded by bills.
Nov. 22, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

6 Stats That Show Why Americans Are Bad With Debt

Do you think Americans don't have a major debt problem? These statistics might make you think twice.
A man and woman arm wrestling.
Nov. 20, 2019 | By Dana George

Why Is My Spouse's Credit Score Better Than Mine?

We share finances, so how is it possible for my spouse to have a higher credit score than I do?
Woman shopping with credit card
Nov. 19, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

Don't Make This Expensive Credit Card Mistake While Holiday Shopping

This store credit card trap can make your holiday shopping bill even larger.
A table of four paying the bill with a credit card at a restaurant.
Nov. 18, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

5 Stats That Show We're Getting Smarter With Our Credit Cards

The latest credit card market report is full of hopeful signs that we're learning from our credit card mistakes.
A pair of hands holds a credit card and phone over a notebook and some holiday garlands and chestnuts and fruits.
Nov. 18, 2019 | By Kailey Hagen

5 Hidden Holiday Costs That Can Ruin Your Budget

Prepping for the holiday season involves more than buying gifts. You also have to plan for all those extra costs.
A pile of US states cut out of a map.
Nov. 17, 2019 | By Kailey Hagen

These 5 States Have the Worst Average Credit Scores in the Nation

Average credit scores are rising, but they're still pretty dismal in these five states.
A woman using an ATM on a sunny street.
Nov. 15, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

Americans Agree This Is the Biggest Waste of Money. Here's How to Avoid It

Paying avoidable fees and excessive interest is a waste of money. Use these tips to make sure you don't fall prey.
Nov. 14, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

3 Ways Those Exciting Credit Card Offers Could Cost You Money

Take a look at the potential downsides of popular credit card offers before you apply.
A smiling young woman leaning against a wall.
Nov. 13, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

Want to Waste Less Money? Start With These 4 Good Money Habits

Practice these good habits of people who waste less money and you'll be saving more in no time.
Nov. 13, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Here's What Happened When I Lost My Credit Card Abroad

Find out everything you need to know about losing your credit card during international travel, from how to be prepared to getting a replacement.
Woman paying waiter credit card
Nov. 12, 2019 | By Dana George

Why American Express Lowered Its Merchant Fees -- and How You Can Benefit

Why did American Express lower the fees they charge merchants? And how will that affect consumers?
A woman sitting at a computer desk pumps her fists into the air.
Nov. 8, 2019 | By Kailey Hagen

7 Underrated Credit Card Perks You Should Take Advantage Of

Rewards points aren't the only credit card perk worth having. Here are seven lesser-known ones that can be even more valuable.
A computer keyboard featuring a golden return key marked with a stack of coins and a percentage sign.
Nov. 6, 2019 | By Dana George

How to Snag Cash Discounts at Local Stores

How would you go about snagging a cash discount from a local store? Here's how we suggest you begin.