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Motley Fool Money Articles

Learn more about applying the principles of money management to help stay in control of your finances.

Recent Articles

April 27, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Why Scammers Ask for Gift Cards

Gift card scams cost Americans hundreds of millions annually. Here's why scammers demand gift cards -- and how to spot the red flags before it's too late.
April 27, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens in the Seconds After You Swipe Your Credit Card

From tap to approval, a credit card transaction involves multiple companies and dozens of decisions -- all in under two seconds. Here's how it works.
April 27, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

I Travel a Ton, Here's Why the Amex Platinum Still Doesn't Make Sense

Traveling a lot doesn't automatically mean the Amex Platinum fits your lifestyle. Here's why a simpler, cheaper card works better for me.
April 27, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Banks Do With Your Income and Spending Data

Banks collect and share your financial data in ways most people don't realize. Here's exactly where it goes and who sees it.
April 27, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

I Just Canceled My Chase Sapphire Preferred After Years -- Here's What Finally Pushed Me Over the Edge

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a classic travel card, but it stopped making sense for my type of spending. Here's what changed and what replaced it.
April 27, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here Are the Only Two Wells Fargo Cards You Need in 2026

With our two favorite Wells Fargo cards, you can cover all sorts of spending categories for no annual fee. Here's what to know.
April 27, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

3 Credit Cards Worth Keeping Open Forever (and 2 Worth Downgrading)

Some cards are worth holding for life. Others are worth swapping for a cheaper version. Here's which is which.
April 27, 2026 | By James McClenathen

Best CD Rates This Week, April 27, 2026: These Rates Won't Be Around Forever -- Act Now

This week's best CDs pay up to 4.20% APY. It could be a wise move to lock in a solid return as we head further into 2026.
April 27, 2026 | By James McClenathen

Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, April 27, 2026: Give Yourself a Real Shot at Hitting Zero

Stop fighting uphill against interest. These balance transfer cards offer 0% intro APR for up to two years and no annual fee to help you reach zero.
April 27, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Best Savings Account Rates Today, April 27, 2026: Earn up to 5.00% APY

The best high-yield savings accounts continue to offer up to 5.00% APY -- for now. Grab one while you can in case rates slide further in 2026.
April 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

7 Money Habits That Feel Harmless but Cost You Thousands Over Time

Convenience apps and auto-renewing insurance can drain hundreds per year from your savings. Here are seven money habits that add up fast.
April 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Smartest Time to Apply for a New Credit Card (Most People Get This Wrong)

Timing a credit card application can mean the difference between a huge welcome offer and a wasted hard inquiry. Here's when the stars actually align.
April 26, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Amex Platinum Has $3,500 in Annual Value. Here's How to Use Every Dollar.

The Amex Platinum now carries a $895 annual fee and over $3,500 in annual value. Here's how to actually use every dollar.
April 26, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's When a CD Beats a High-Yield Savings Account

High-yield savings accounts get most of the attention. But there are specific situations where a CD is the smarter move.
April 26, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

The 3 Best Travel Cards for People Who Only Take 2 or 3 Trips a Year

Want great travel perks without the sky-high price? Here are three travel cards for people who only travel a few times a year.
April 26, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

We Compared 100+ Credit Cards -- These 3 Offer the Best 0% Intro APR in 2026

Need the longest 0% intro APR out there? Here are three great options that can help you save for almost two whole years.
April 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Credit Cards That Can Help You Save on Ozempic (and Other Rx Costs)

Ozempic can cost hundreds per month without full insurance coverage. These three credit cards earn meaningful cash back on drugstore and pharmacy purchases.
April 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Unlock $400 in Bonus Cash: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, April 26, 2026

This easy-to-open savings account is offering one of the best bonuses out there and a boosted APY for a limited time. Here's what to know.
April 26, 2026 | By Brooklyn Sprunger

Longest 0% Intro APR Credit Cards This Week, April 26, 2026: Finally Get Ahead of Your Balance

This week's longest 0% intro APR offers give you up to 24 months with no interest. Pay down your balance without fees getting in the way -- plus perks.
April 26, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

How Using the Wrong Credit Card Cost Me $700 in One Weekend

I booked a $1,000 Vegas trip on my cash back card -- and left serious money on the table. Here's how much more I could've made with a top travel card.
April 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

What Happens When You Apply for Too Many Credit Cards in One Year

Applying for too many credit cards in a short window can hurt your credit score and raise red flags with lenders. Here's what actually happens.
April 25, 2026 | By James McClenathen

This Simple Mistake Can Cost You $8 Every Time You Buy Groceries

Using the wrong card at the supermarket costs the average family hundreds a year. These two no-fuss rewards cards fix that fast.
April 25, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Only Want One Credit Card? Pick One of These 3

Don't want to juggle multiple credit cards? These three award-winning picks do it all. Here's how to find the right one for you today.
April 25, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

4 Reasons You Can Get Denied for a Credit Card That Have Nothing to Do With Your Score

Think an 800+ credit score guarantees card approval? Here are four reasons you can still get denied for a card that have nothing to do with your score.
April 25, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's the Smartest Way to Pay Off Credit Card Debt in 2026

A balance transfer card gives you up to 21 months at 0% APR to pay down debt interest-free. Here's how to use one the right way.