Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

This device is too small

If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.

Skip to main content
Advertiser Disclosure Many of the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which The Motley Fool receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear) and may influence which products we write about, but our product ratings are not influenced by compensation. We do not include all companies or offers available in the marketplace. Websites may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened.
    |    Accessibility Options

Credit Card Articles

Articles about choosing the right credit card, and how to get the most from the ones you have.
 
All Topics Banks Insurance Personal Loans Brokerages Mortgages Credit Cards Cryptocurrency

Recent Articles

Shocked man looking at laptop
Aug. 13, 2019 | By Kailey Hagen

5 Mistakes That Will Scare Lenders Away

Lenders hesitate to give out loans to borrowers with an unreliable financial history. Avoid these pitfalls to make sure your loan request gets approved.
A woman looking at her finances with a laptop and phone.
Aug. 11, 2019 | By Motley Fool Money Staff

The 3 Types of Credit and Why You May Want All of Them

Carrying a mix of credit may help increase your credit score if you go about it the right way. Learn which habits can help increase your credit score the most.
Chalkboard that says Credit Score with decreasing levels of stars and a hand checking the box next to 5 stars
Aug. 11, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

5 Reasons to Get Your Credit Score Above 800

Life can be so much easier and cheaper with great credit. Read on to find out how a high credit score can affect your life.
Stressed man sitting in front of laptop with his hand on his face
Aug. 9, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

43% of Consumers With Credit Card Debt Are Making This Huge Mistake

Do you have credit card debt? Find out about one costly mistake that you need to avoid.
Man scratching his head and looking at a phone.
Aug. 8, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Capital One Data Breach

Capital One just announced a major data breach. Find out what happened and how you can protect yourself if your information was exposed.
Aug. 8, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

14 Things That Can Hurt Your Credit Score

There are lots of other things besides late payments that can damage your credit score. Find out some of the big ones here.
Data breach: web of locked padlocks and one unlocked padlock superimposed over person typing on a keyboard.
Aug. 7, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Part of the Equifax Settlement? Here's How to Choose Between Cash or Credit Monitoring

See whether cashing in or getting credit monitoring is the better deal with the Equifax settlement.
Pay Off Debt
Aug. 4, 2019 | By Motley Fool Money Staff

Does Debt Consolidation Help or Hurt Your Credit Score?

Consolidating debt can help put an end to overwhelming bills and help your credit score if you do it right. Learn how each debt consolidation method may affect your credit score.
woman-phone-credit-card
Aug. 2, 2019 | By Kailey Hagen

The 5 Worst Credit Mistakes You Can Make

Ruining your credit is all too easy. Here are five mistakes you don't want to make.
Man sitting in front of laptop, looking down, and holding the top of his nose in disappointment.
July 30, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

5 Costly Consequences of Having No Credit History

Find out all the ways that having no credit history can cost you money.
Smiling woman lying on her couch, using her cell phone, and holding her credit card.
July 26, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

4 Hacks to Reduce Your Credit Utilization and Improve Your Credit Score

Using less of your available credit is your ticket to a credit score boost. Learn new ways to reduce your credit utilization and jump start your score.
July 25, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Dining for Free at Airport Restaurants? The Right Credit Card Is All You Need

Find out which credit cards can help you chow down free of charge before your next flight.
couple traveling
July 25, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

6 Ways for Couples to Save Money on Travel

Trim your travel costs the next time you take a trip with your significant other.
Woman choosing one credit card from a handful of many cards
July 25, 2019 | By Kailey Hagen

Don't Use a Credit Card in These 4 Situations

Credit cards are a smart way to pay most of the time, but here are four times you should leave your card in your wallet.
July 24, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

How to Maximize Rotating Credit Card Rewards

Want to get more money back from your credit cards? Read on to discover how to get the most from your credit cards with rotating cash-back bonuses.
July 23, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Hotel, Hostel, or Vacation Rental: Which Is Best for Your Next Trip?

Figure out which type of accommodations will make you most comfortable the next time you travel.
July 23, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

What Happens to Your Credit Score if You Pay Off a Car Loan?

Are you about to make your last car payment, and are curious about what might happen to your credit score? Read on to find out.
July 22, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

How to Protect Your Credit Cards From Pickpockets and Fraudsters

Don’t let your credit card information fall into the wrong hands. Check out how you can protect your credit cards from physical and online theft
man holding a tablet with a screen that shows a credit score of 811
July 21, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Here Are the 2 Most Powerful Ways to Increase Your Credit Score

There are two credit behaviors that are more powerful than any others. Read on to find out what they are.
Woman looking at confusing credit card documents
July 18, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Chase Is Adding Binding Arbitration to Its Cards. Here's What This Means for You

Just received notice from Chase about some changes to your credit card account? Find out what all that fine print really means.
July 18, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Should You Redeem Your Credit Card Rewards Right Away or Save Them for Later?

Redeem your credit card rewards at the right time to get maximum value. Here's the ideal time to redeem your rewards, from cash back to travel points.
young man and woman smiling and dancing in kitchen
July 15, 2019 | By Dana George

How to Stay Happy While Paying Off Debt

A heavy debt burden can wear on your well-being. Here's how to stay positive while you get back in the black.
811 credit score displayed on tablet
July 15, 2019 | By Kailey Hagen

6 Habits of People With Excellent Credit

Want a perfect credit score? Here's what you have to do to get it.
Excited Young Woman Raising Hands In The Air Looking At Her Laptop
July 12, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Want to Get Your First Credit Card? Here Are 3 Ways to Make Sure You're Approved

Getting your first credit card can be tough if you don’t have a credit history yet. Make sure your application is approved by using one of these three methods.
Credit Report, Glasses, Calculator, And Income Analysis Paper Sitting On Table
July 11, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Can't Seem to Increase Your Credit Score? Here Are 6 Potential Reasons Why

Get your credit score moving in the right direction again by learning about the most common obstacles that can stop you from increasing it.