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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

Money on bait hook.
Feb. 18, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

7 Hidden Traps of Buy Now, Pay Later -- and How to Avoid Them

BNPL services seem convenient, but hidden fees and debt can pile up fast. Learn the traps and how to protect yourself.
Woman with laptop and phone quietly celebrating
Feb. 17, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

How to Check if You're Eligible for a Credit Limit Increase

Most issuers let you request a higher credit limit without hurting your score. Learn how it works, what you'll need, and why it can actually improve your credit.
Mature couple appears distraught while looking at laptop.
Feb. 16, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Nearly 1 in 4 BNPL Users Pay Late. Here's the Simple Fix in 2026

Nearly 1 in 4 buy now, pay later users paid late. Here's a simple four-step plan for using BNPL wisely and avoiding regret in 2026.
A mature woman smiles while sitting at her table. She is holding a cellphone and a credit card.
Feb. 16, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What Happens When You Keep a Credit Card Open for Over 10 Years

Looking to hold onto a credit card for years, or even decades? Here's what to know about what can happen when you do, good and bad.
A smiling person holding a credit card.
Feb. 15, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

What Does It Take to Get the Best Credit Cards?

You'll need more than a high credit score to get approved for top rewards cards. Here's what card issuers look for -- and how to improve your odds.
Man using laptop to view his excellent credit score of 811.
Feb. 15, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Is There Any Point in Chasing a 'Perfect' Credit Score? Here's the Truth

Only 1.76% of Americans have a perfect credit score. Here's why you don't need one, and what matters more for your financial life.
An overjoyed young couple pumps their fists while reading good news in a document together.
Feb. 15, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

How to Check if You're Eligible for a 0% Intro APR Credit Card

Most 0% intro APR cards require good credit and quick action. Here's how to check eligibility, avoid mistakes, and make the most of a no-interest period.
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.