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

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.
Couple has card out to pay in a restaurant.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Little-Known Credit Card Strategy That Can Save You Hundreds in 2026

Couples can double card perks, earn two welcome bonuses, and avoid cash back caps by using the same credit card in 2026.
An air conditioner repairman uses a clipboard to explain the cost of repairs to the homeowners.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Spend More Than $5,000 on Your Credit Card

Large credit card purchases can affect your score, trigger fraud alerts, or lead to debt. Learn how to handle them smartly and maximize rewards.
Two people looking at credit score on phone.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By James McClenathen

What Happens When You Hit an 850 Credit Score? Here's the Truth

Is an 850 credit score worth chasing? See why perfect credit does not unlock better deals than an excellent score -- and what matters more.
Young woman about to step into private plane.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Why Premium Cards Are Worth It in 2026 -- Even With High Annual Fees

Scared off by the annual fee on premium credit cards? Here's how easy it is to get value from them -- using one of my favorite cards as an example.
A person holding a fan of credit cards.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

We Compared 100+ Credit Cards -- These 5 Made the Winner's List for 2026

These five credit cards won awards for simplicity, rewards, and long-term value in their category. Learn which 2026 picks made our expert-backed winner's list.
Young woman in coffee shop smiling at her credit card and phone.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Save on Travel, Earn Cash Back, and More: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, Jan. 31, 2026

A valuable welcome bonus can single-handedly make a card worth applying for. Explore our favorite credit card bonuses available now to see what stands out.
A young couple looking stressed while reviewing their bills.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Average American Has This Much Debt. How Does Yours Compare?

The average household debt just hit $105,056. Here's how it breaks down, plus tips to help pay off what you owe faster, starting now.
A person sitting at a table holding an envelope full of hundred-dollar bills.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Pay for Everything in Cash

Switching to a cash-only lifestyle might help you save more, but it also comes with surprising trade-offs that spark strong opinions.
young man using laptop and young woman holding credit card sitting next to each other on a couch.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Most Valuable Credit Card Bonus I've Seen This Winter

The no-annual-fee Prime Visa bonus quietly delivers outsized value this winter if you already shop Amazon or Whole Foods.
A woman pumps her fist and smiles.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Most Valuable Credit Card Perk in 2026 Almost Everyone Ignores

0% intro APR cards can help you skip interest while you pay off debt or finance big purchases. See how to use this underrated perk to your advantage in 2026.
Airplane lifting off over palm trees at sunset
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Forget the Amex Platinum: This Is My Favorite Travel Card Now

Don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for a top travel card? Here's how you can still get tons of value from my favorite $95 card.
Group of young men and women laughing at table holding credit cards
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Pay Nothing and Rack Up Rewards: The Best No-Annual-Fee Cards This Week, Jan. 30, 2026

Earn rewards without paying an annual fee. Explore our top no-annual-fee credit card picks and find the one that fits your spending style today.
A woman looking confused at her computer while holding a credit card.
Jan. 29, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Max Out Your Credit Card Once

Maxing out a credit card once can ding your score and flexibility, but the damage is usually temporary if you act fast.
Mother and daughter smiling as they go over some information together.
Jan. 29, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

This Discover Card Offers a Bigger Bonus Than Any Other No-Annual-Fee Card

Discover's first-year cashback match is one of the most lucrative welcome offers for any no-annual-fee card. Find out more.
Intrepid woman wearing backpack facing away toward mountain lake.
Jan. 29, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred Is Still My Top Travel Card in 2026

In 2026, this card still stands out for flexible points, strong everyday rewards, and an annual fee that is easy to justify.
Young couple looking at each other in stunned unpleasant surprise.
Jan. 29, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

These 3 Cards Come With 0% Intro APR Until 2027

Want an easier way to erase high-interest debt? Here's how you can get back on track with these three great balance transfer cards.
Trio of women in flannels and construction helmets looking at a credit card.
Jan. 29, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Save on Annual Fees This Year: The Best Wells Fargo Cards This Week, Jan. 29, 2026

Want to save on annual fees on credit cards? Most of my favorite Wells Fargo cards will cost you $0 to hold onto. Here's what to know.
GettyImages-1182745546.jpg
Jan. 29, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Save on Travel, Amazon Purchases, and More: The Best Chase Cards This Week, Jan. 29, 2026

Want to earn hundreds in cash back or travel rewards this year? See our list of the top Chase credit cards available now to see how to get started.
Person making a shocked expression while looking at laptop screen.
Jan. 28, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Amex Platinum Offers a Massive Welcome Offer. Find Out Your Offer Now

The Amex Platinum comes with thousands of dollars in annual perks alongside a super valuable welcome offer. Here's how to apply and earn it today.
A young man, sitting on a sofa, smiles as he holds a credit card in one hand and looks at his cellphone in another.
Jan. 28, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Get 2% Back on Purchases and a $200 Bonus With This Credit Card

Unlimited 2% back, a $200 bonus, and a 0% intro APR offer. See why this no-annual-fee card just won our Best Credit Card of 2026 award.
A woman with a suitcase crossing a street in a foreign city with the. sun behind her.
Jan. 28, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Act Fast: $250 Travel Credit + Earn 75K Mile Bonus. This Offer Won't Last Long

Planning travel in 2026? This limited-time Capital One Venture card offer gives you up to $1,000 in travel value. See how to qualify and maximize your rewards.
A smiling person holding a credit card.
Jan. 28, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card Is Our Top Pick for Avoiding Interest Payments in 2026

Our top 0% intro APR pick for 2026 offers nearly two years interest-free, making it ideal for paying down debt without rewards distractions.
Woman on sofa sitting on laptop beaming in celebration.
Jan. 28, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Unlock Elite Travel Perks and More: The Best Amex Cards This Week, Jan. 28, 2026

If you're looking to save on travel, a top Amex card should be one of the first places you look. Check out our favorites to see which one's right for you today.
Two Excited Women Sitting On Sofa Using Laptop As One Of Them Holds Her Credit Card
Jan. 28, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Earn 2% on Every Purchase: The Best Cash Back Cards This Week, Jan. 28, 2026

A great cash back credit card can reward you on every purchase, all year long. Explore our top picks and find the best option available today.