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

May 16, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Why Getting Your Credit Score Is Harder Than It Should Be

Find out why it can be such a challenge to check your credit score, and then learn about a few free ways to get yours.
Woman painting home blue with a roller.
May 15, 2019 | By Jordan Wathen

Should You Charge Home Renovations to a Credit Card?

Here’s how to decide whether it makes sense to pay for a home renovation by credit card, and some credit cards you should avoid entirely.
Couple eating breakfast looking at laptop and papers concerned.
May 15, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

4 Reasons You Need to Repair Your Credit Now

Your credit score can open doors to lower interest rates and better offers. Find out why you should start repairing your credit today.
Man in suit signing paperwork on desk.
May 12, 2019 | By Jordan Wathen

Credit Card Cosigner vs. Authorized User: What’s the Difference?

Here’s the difference between cosigners and authorized users on credit cards and why you should tread carefully with them.
A happy couple with paperwork looks at a laptop.
May 12, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

8 Ways to Get Your Credit Score for Free

Don't know your credit score? Find out about the many ways you can get your credit score free of charge.
Desk with papers and pencils and a chalk board that says credit score excellent
May 12, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

How to Get Your Teenager Building Credit Now

By following these simple steps, you can jumpstart your teenager’s financial future and help them build their credit now.
Wedding couple holding hands sitting on wooden deck beside bouquet.
May 6, 2019 | By Jordan Wathen

Does My Spouse’s Credit Score Affect Mine?

Your credit score won’t be affected by simply marrying someone with good or bad credit, but there are scenarios where their credit behavior can affect your credit score and your ability to get a mortgage.
The Financial Timeline of Relationships: 1,000 People Describe Reaching Monetary and Romantic Milestones
May 1, 2019 | By Motley Fool Money Staff

Study: The Financial Timeline of Relationships

The financial milestones of romance include everything from lending your partner money for the first time to saving for retirement together, but how and when should these things (and everything in between) happen? We surveyed 1,012 people in relationships to find out.
April 29, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Too Many Credit Cards? Here's How to Spring Clean Your Wallet

Figure out how you can decide which credit cards to keep and which to cancel when you're cleaning up your wallet.
April 25, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Should You Keep Your Student Credit Card?

A student credit card may not be as good as some of the industry-leading products, but it could still be worth keeping.
Man pulling suitcase behind him in an airport.
April 22, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

5 Things to Look for in a Travel Rewards Credit Card

There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all travel credit card, but here are five things that can help you decide on the best one for you.
April 11, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

How to Protect Yourself From Travel Disasters Like the WOW Air Failure

When WOW Air went bankrupt, it left thousands of passengers stranded. Find out how you can make sure this kind of travel nightmare doesn't happen to you.
April 8, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Should You Go All-In on Paying Off Your Debt?

Decide if it's worthwhile to pay off your debt as quickly as possible or if you can afford to take it slower.
April 8, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

How Good Does Your Credit Score Really Need to Be?

A perfect credit score is good for bragging rights, but not much else. Find out how good your credit score really needs to be.
April 4, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

6 Reasons Why You Should Give Your Teenager a Credit Card

Find out why giving your teen a credit card by making them an authorized user on your account could work out well for you and them.
April 3, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Are Your Credit Card Rewards Taxable?

Find out if you could be in for an unwelcome surprise at tax time because of your credit card rewards.
April 2, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Why Credit Card Companies Want You to Get a Premium Credit Card (and Why Retailers Don't)

Learn how credit card companies benefit big-time at the expense of retailers when you use a premium credit card.
A sheet of paper title Your Credit Report showing an Excellent rating and a score of 790.
April 1, 2019 | By Motley Fool Money Staff

Achieving a Perfect Credit Score Is a Lot Easier Than You May Realize

Just 1% of Americans have a perfect credit score of 850, but achieving a perfect credit score isn't that difficult if you follow these strategies.
April 1, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Can You Get Out of Your Credit Card's Annual Fee?

Find out whether you can get your credit card's annual fee waived and what steps you'll need to take to make it happen.
Disappointed woman sitting in airport chair next to her luggage.
April 1, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Don't Be Fooled by This Fancy Travel Card Perk

Learn why you shouldn't get a credit card just because it has airport lounge access, which has become the most overrated travel card perk.
Defining the Middle Class: Exploring Perceptions of the Bourgeoisie
March 29, 2019 | By Motley Fool Money Staff

Study: How Americans Define the Middle Class

Who is the middle class? We surveyed Americans to get to the bottom (or middle) of the story, and here's how they financially defined the middle class.
March 27, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

5 Things I Learned About Credit Cards Too Late

Plenty of consumers make mistakes when it comes to credit cards. Find out the things I wish I had known about credit cards sooner.
Woman holding three credit cards and holding her head in dismay.
March 25, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

Are You Ignoring the Most Costly Credit Card Fees?

Are you aware of all the fees your credit card could be charging? Find out how to identify -- and avoid -- them.
March 25, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

4 Predictions for the Credit Card Industry in 2019

The credit card industry is evolving to meet today’s consumer needs and expectations. Here’s what 2019 has in store for us.
Different hands holding up various credit-card-sized nondescript note cards.
March 25, 2019 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

7 Signs It’s Time to Ditch a Credit Card

If you find yourself putting a check mark next to these scenarios, it’s time to get rid of your current credit card.