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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

An older gentleman sits on a park bench, looking at his phone while also holding his credit card.
March 9, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Keep a Credit Card Open Forever

People with 850 credit scores keep accounts open for 30 years on average. Here's what happens when you keep a credit card open forever -- and how to do it right.
A person holding a smartphone that says 811 credit score.
March 9, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

3 Perks of Having an 800+ Credit Score

Curious what a sky-high credit score can get you? Here's the rundown, plus a few tips on how to get there faster.
A young couple sitting on a bench at a mall with a phone and credit card in their hands.
March 8, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

My Wife and I Have 8 Credit Cards Between Us. Here's Why That's Not Crazy

Having multiple credit cards isn't reckless -- it can be smart. Here's how to build a card setup that protects your credit and maximizes rewards.
Woman taking notes while using a laptop
March 7, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

This Simple Change Could Raise Your Credit Score -- and Save You Money

Paying your credit card balance more regularly can have some great upsides you might not know about. Here's why it's worth doing now.
A man on a phone call while sitting in front of his laptop.
March 7, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Ways to Get Rid of That Pesky $95 Annual Fee on Your Credit Card

Paying a $95 credit card annual fee you can't justify is a money leak. Here are three ways to get rid of it -- starting with a simple phone call.
A man sitting at his dining table and opening a stack of bills.
March 7, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's the Average American's Credit Card Debt. How Do You Compare?

The average American carries $6,523 in credit card debt -- and it's rising. See how you compare by generation, plus ways to start paying it down faster.
credit card being cut by a pair of scissors
March 6, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What to Do With Your Old or Expired Credit Cards (Please Don't Microwave Them)

Before you pull the scissors out, here's exactly what to do with your old credit cards -- from safe disposal to surprisingly creative second uses.
Mature woman holding her phone and a credit card while commuting with a backpack.
March 6, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

4 Good Reasons to Keep a Credit Card Open for 10+ Years

Learn how keeping a credit card open for over a decade can help your credit score, maximize credit card rewards, and more.
A smiling young barista counts cash in coffee shop.
March 6, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Quit Using Credit Cards Cold Turkey

Going cash-only has real perks -- but your credit score may pay the price. Here's what to expect and how to protect old accounts.
Interest spelled out on a calculator
March 5, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's the Annual Cost of Carrying a $5,000 Credit Card Balance

Carrying a $5,000 credit card balance can quietly cost you over $1,000 a year. Here's the math and how to stop it.
Family emerging from a beach house.
March 5, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

5 Things That Can Happen When You Charge $10,000+ on a Credit Card

Charging $10,000+ on a credit card? Here's what actually happens -- from credit score dips to big rewards wins -- and how to handle it smartly.
Woman on the phone and holding several credit cards in her free hand.
March 5, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

How Many Credit Cards Is 'Normal' in 2026?

The average American has multiple credit cards. Here's what's actually normal in 2026 and how many you really need.
Woman using laptop and smartphone at home
March 4, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Credit Card Issuers See That You Don't

Credit card issuers track far more than your balance. Here's what they actually see and why it matters for your rates, limits, and approvals.
An older couple pays bills at the kitchen table using a laptop.
March 4, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens to Your Authorized Users When You Pass Away

When a primary cardholder dies, authorized users should stop using the account immediately -- but they're not responsible for any outstanding debt.
A notepad with "Pay off debt" written in black marker.
March 3, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

America's Top 2026 Money Goal Is Eliminating Credit Card Debt -- Here's How to Speed It Up

37% of Americans want to pay off credit card debt in 2026. Here are three proven strategies to pay it off faster -- including one that pauses interest entirely.
Man looks saddened by paper that he's reading.
Feb. 26, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Do Authorized Users Inherit Credit Card Debt?

Wondering what happens to credit card debt when someone passes away -- and who's responsible? Here's what to know.
Pensive elderly man on sofa.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Who Is Responsible for Credit Card Debt After You Die?

Credit card debt doesn't disappear when you die. Learn who's actually responsible -- your estate, joint holders, or family -- and what steps to take now.
Young woman holding a credit card in her hand as she uses a laptop.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's the Average American's Credit Limit. How Do You Compare?

The average American has a $29,855 credit limit, but Gen Z averages just $13K and boomers nearly $42K. Here's how to compare -- and raise your limit.
Woman using cell phone with concerned look on her face.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Dispute a Charge on Your Credit Card

Disputing charges is easier than most people think. Here's what actually happens behind the scenes -- and when to contact the merchant first.
A woman sitting at a cafe table with tea and a laptop and holding out her credit card.
Feb. 24, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Pay for Everything With a Credit Card

Swiping for everything can earn hundreds in rewards. Here's what really happens when you put your whole life on a credit card.
A couple withdraws money from an ATM machine.
Feb. 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

I Love Credit Cards -- but Here Are 3 Times I Recommend Against Them

Credit cards aren't always the right move. Here are three situations where using your debit card (or cash) is the smarter financial choice.
A woman sitting in her living room with a calculator, notebook, and laptop on the coffee table.
Feb. 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Balance Transfer Fee vs. Interest: Which Costs More?

Balance transfer fees are usually a fraction of what you'd pay in interest. Here's how to do the math and decide if a transfer makes sense for you.
A man sitting at his kitchen table with a calculator and bills.
Feb. 23, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Forget Debt Consolidation: This Is the Best Way to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Carrying credit card debt? A 0% balance transfer card can pause interest and save you thousands faster than consolidation loans.
A bakery customer swiping a credit card next to a plate of muffins and a teapot.
Feb. 23, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Stop Using Cash

Ditching cash changes more than how you think about spending. It changes how you split bills, handle emergencies, get paid back, and even how you travel.
Yellow signs labeled "Scam Alert"
Feb. 21, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

90% of Credit Card Fraud Comes From Accounts You Never Opened

Most credit card fraud doesn't start with a stolen card. It starts with a brand-new account you never opened.