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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 delivery man handing over a bag of takeout food to a customer.
Feb. 14, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

This Is How Much Impulse Spending Is Costing Millennials Every Month

Nearly half of millennials admit to spending more than $100 a month on impulse buys. Here's what that really adds up to and how to stop it.
A bride and groom kissing underneath a flower arch.
Feb. 14, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Get Married

Quick answer: Nothing immediately happens to your credit score when you get married. But joint accounts and smart habits can lift both partners' profiles.
Computer screen showing credit score of 811
Feb. 13, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Actually Changes When Your Credit Score Hits 800

Hitting an 800 credit score bumps you into the exceptional range. Here's what that means, and how to keep your place in the top tier.
An unhappy woman sitting in an airport next to her suitcase.
Feb. 13, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

This Might Be Controversial but Most Travel Cards Aren't Worth It

Travel cards look glamorous, but for most people they underdeliver. Here's why cash back quietly wins.
Hooded figure at laptop
Feb. 13, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

5 Steps That Dramatically Cut Your Risk of Identity Theft in 2026

Identity theft is rising again. Here are five simple steps that dramatically cut your risk in 2026 and help stop fraud before it starts.
Concerned older woman looking at a credit card while on the phone.
Feb. 12, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Credit Card Fraud Is Up 54% -- These 5 Habits Make You a Hard Target

Credit card fraud is rising fast. These five easy habits can make you way less vulnerable to scams, breaches, and identity theft.
Bills and coins sitting on calendar
Feb. 10, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

This Might Be Controversial but Cash Back Cards Beat Travel for Most People

Cash back is simpler, more flexible, and often more valuable than travel points for how most people actually spend and redeem.
woman holding credit card and piece of paper looking at calculator
Feb. 7, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's How Much Interest a 21-Month 0% Intro APR Card Can Really Save You

See how much you can save by transferring your credit card debt to a 0% intro APR card -- plus tips to make the most of this type of credit card.
Woman looking at her cell phone in frustration as she holds a credit card in her other hand.
Feb. 7, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

What Most People Get Wrong About 0% Intro APR Credit Cards

Many 0% intro APR credit card users make the same three mistakes. Here's how to avoid them and use balance transfer cards to actually pay off your debt.
Person upset or confused over what she sees on her laptop screen.
Feb. 6, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Single Biggest Mistake People Make With Balance Transfer Cards

Treating 0% intro APR cards like free money is a common mistake. Here's how to use balance transfer cards the right way, and what to avoid.
A young woman nervously holding a credit card up to her mouth while looking at her phone.
Feb. 4, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Close a Credit Card With a High Limit

Closing a credit card with a high limit can drop your credit score. Here's how it affects your credit utilization, history, and what to do instead.
Calendar page that reads payment due on the 19th.
Feb. 4, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Change Your Credit Card Payment Due Date

Changing your credit card due date won't hurt your credit. Here's how it affects billing cycles, autopay, and late-fee risk.
A smiling man working on a laptop in a room full of plants.
Feb. 3, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Pay Your Credit Card Bill Every Week

Paying weekly won't boost your credit by itself, but it can keep balances lower, reduce interest drag, and make spending easier to manage.
A person holding his head in his hands while looking disappointed at his laptop.
Feb. 3, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Pay Your Credit Card Bill One Day Late

One day late on a credit card payment usually won't hurt your credit, but it can still trigger fees and interest. Here's what happens.
A man sitting on his couch with bills and a laptop on the coffee table in front of him.
Feb. 2, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Only Make the Minimum Credit Card Payment

Paying only the minimum keeps your card current, but it can trap you in debt for years and cost thousands in interest.
Credit cards on a desk.
Feb. 1, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Have Too Many Credit Cards

Carrying too many credit cards can hurt your credit score, cost you money, and make debt more likely. Here's what to watch for -- and how to fix it.
A desk with a chalkboard with drawing of a piggy bank and a checkmark next to Excellent Credit Score.
Feb. 1, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's Why You'll Probably Never Hit a 'Perfect' 850 Credit Score

Achieving a perfect 850 credit score takes decades. But you can copy the same habits and still get top loan rates and credit cards.
Mature woman working from laptop with documents in hand.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

4 Traits of Americans With a Perfect 850 Credit Score

People with top credit scores have multiple cards, keep utilization tiny, payments perfect, and their credit history strong over time.
Couple has card out to pay in a restaurant.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Little-Known Credit Card Strategy That Can Save You Hundreds in 2026

Couples can double card perks, earn two welcome bonuses, and avoid cash back caps by using the same credit card in 2026.
An air conditioner repairman uses a clipboard to explain the cost of repairs to the homeowners.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Spend More Than $5,000 on Your Credit Card

Large credit card purchases can affect your score, trigger fraud alerts, or lead to debt. Learn how to handle them smartly and maximize rewards.
Two people looking at credit score on phone.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By James McClenathen

What Happens When You Hit an 850 Credit Score? Here's the Truth

Is an 850 credit score worth chasing? See why perfect credit does not unlock better deals than an excellent score -- and what matters more.
A young couple looking stressed while reviewing their bills.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Average American Has This Much Debt. How Does Yours Compare?

The average household debt just hit $105,056. Here's how it breaks down, plus tips to help pay off what you owe faster, starting now.
A person sitting at a table holding an envelope full of hundred-dollar bills.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Pay for Everything in Cash

Switching to a cash-only lifestyle might help you save more, but it also comes with surprising trade-offs that spark strong opinions.
A woman pumps her fist and smiles.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Most Valuable Credit Card Perk in 2026 Almost Everyone Ignores

0% intro APR cards can help you skip interest while you pay off debt or finance big purchases. See how to use this underrated perk to your advantage in 2026.
A woman looking confused at her computer while holding a credit card.
Jan. 29, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Max Out Your Credit Card Once

Maxing out a credit card once can ding your score and flexibility, but the damage is usually temporary if you act fast.