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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

Man and woman sitting on couch looking worried with paperwork in hand
Dec. 13, 2018 | By Lyle Daly

5 Hacks to Prevent Falling Into Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt can wreak havoc on your finances. To stay safe when you use your card, check out these hacks that can keep you out of debt.
Wallet sitting open showing credit cards
Dec. 13, 2018 | By Lyle Daly

5 Reasons Not to Consolidate Your Credit Card Debt

Debt consolidation isn’t always the best option. Check out these common reasons why you wouldn’t want to consolidate your credit card debt.
Woman sitting at outdoor cafe with laptop and credit card
Dec. 12, 2018 | By Lyle Daly

A Surprisingly Simple Way to Make Credit Cards Work for You

Your credit card doesn’t have to put you on the fast track to debt. Learn about one simple method that allows you to reap all the rewards and other credit card benefits without being at risk of overspending.
Man in suit holding letter blocks that spell out "rewards"
Dec. 12, 2018 | By Lyle Daly

Cash Back vs. Points: How to Choose the Right Credit Card

Not sure if you should go with cash back or points? Find out the advantages of each and how you can choose the right type of credit card.
Smiling man and woman sitting on yacht
Dec. 11, 2018 | By Lyle Daly

How Wealthy People Use Credit Cards Differently Than Most Americans

The wealthy make their credit cards work for them, not against them. See how a change in your payment habits can help you do the same.
2 credit cards and wallet with cash
Dec. 11, 2018 | By Lyle Daly

Bank of America Credit Card Application Rules: What You Need to Know

Before you try to get a credit card with Bank of America, read up on the issuer’s application rules.
two women high fiving in front of a laptop
Dec. 11, 2018 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

How to Achieve a Perfect Credit Score

What do people with perfect or near-perfect credit do that you don’t? Find out now.
padlock and credit cards
Dec. 10, 2018 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

When Should I Freeze My Credit?

A credit freeze can be a great way to prevent identity theft, but it isn’t necessary in all cases.
man in suit touching floating money icon
Dec. 10, 2018 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

You'll Be Shocked by How Many FICO® Scores You Really Have

The FICO® Score isn’t the only credit-scoring method, but it is certainly the most common.
five-star credit score on chalkboard
Dec. 10, 2018 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

The Fastest Way to Raise Your Credit Score

If you have credit card debt, this move could boost your score by more than you think.
Piggy bank next to a sign that says "bad credit"
Dec. 4, 2018 | By Motley Fool Money Staff

6 Financial Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Credit

Mistakes that are ruining your credit are more common than you might think.
Dec. 4, 2018 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

4 Times It Makes Sense to Use a Prepaid Credit Card

Prepaid cards don’t come with the perks and benefits you get from debit and credit cards, but they can be useful.
Visa and MasterCard credit cards sitting in a pile
Dec. 4, 2018 | By Dan Caplinger

2 Types of People Who Should Always Carry Credit Cards

Credit cards are tools, and those who can master them shouldn't shy away from them.
Stacks of coins next to alarm clock
Dec. 2, 2018 | By Eric Volkman

How to Increase Your Citi Credit Limit

There’s a Citibank credit card for nearly every type of customer. And for prudent Citi cardholders, it’s not hard to score a credit limit increase.
Stacks of coins
Dec. 2, 2018 | By Eric Volkman

How to Increase Your American Express Credit Limit

Certain American Express cards have enormous buying power. We’ll show you how to crank that power even higher.
Dec. 2, 2018 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

12 Ways to Accumulate Credit Card Rewards and Points Faster

Whether you’re a rewards junkie or a credit card newbie, these easy tricks will have you sitting on a pile of points in no time
Man Taking Keys When Buying New Car
Dec. 2, 2018 | By Lyle Daly

How to Protect Your Credit When Buying a New Car

Don’t let car shopping put a dent in your credit score. Learn how you can protect your credit while you get your new car.
Nov. 30, 2018 | By Dan Caplinger

Is Credit Card Interest Tax Deductible?

There are a few cases in which people can deduct credit card interest. Do you fall into one of the categories?
Pile of credit cards
Nov. 23, 2018 | By Eric Volkman

4 Things to Ask Yourself Before Getting a New Credit Card

Applying for a credit card without doing your homework can be a big mistake. Here are 4 questions to ask yourself before applying for a new credit card.
Women sitting along a river in Italy
Nov. 22, 2018 | By Eric Volkman

How to Plan Your Next Vacation With Credit Card Points

Want to get away on the cheap? Find out how to plan your next vacation entirely with credit card points.
Map of Europe with laptop, phone, passport, and notebook
Nov. 22, 2018 | By Eric Volkman

This 1 Credit Card Tip Changed My Life

The right credit card for you really comes down to how much travel you do. Follow this 1 tip to develop your own credit card strategy.
Magnifying glass over a paper house
Nov. 22, 2018 | By Lyle Daly

5 Sneaky Ways Your Credit Score Affects Your Life

Your credit score impacts a lot more of your life than you realize. Here are 5 sneaky ways your credit score can impact your life beyond simply applying for credit cards.
Airplane lifting off over palm trees at sunset
Nov. 21, 2018 | By Eric Volkman

Here's How Many Points You Need to Get a Free Southwest Flight

Want to travel for free on Southwest Airlines? Find out which credit cards you should be using to rack up points, and how many points you'll need for a free flight.
man looking at computer frustrated and confused
Nov. 20, 2018 | By Motley Fool Money Staff

5 Ways Other People Can Ruin Your Credit Score, and How to Protect Yourself

Safeguard yourself against these blows to your credit.
Nov. 20, 2018 | By Motley Fool Money Staff

Is a Joint Credit Card Right for You?

A joint credit card account may seem preferable to adding an authorized user to your account, but it comes at the high cost of fewer credit card rewards and perks.