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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

Pensive elderly man on sofa.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Who Is Responsible for Credit Card Debt After You Die?

Credit card debt doesn't disappear when you die. Learn who's actually responsible -- your estate, joint holders, or family -- and what steps to take now.
Young woman holding a credit card in her hand as she uses a laptop.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's the Average American's Credit Limit. How Do You Compare?

The average American has a $29,855 credit limit, but Gen Z averages just $13K and boomers nearly $42K. Here's how to compare -- and raise your limit.
Woman using cell phone with concerned look on her face.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Dispute a Charge on Your Credit Card

Disputing charges is easier than most people think. Here's what actually happens behind the scenes -- and when to contact the merchant first.
Woman holds up megaphone to make announcement.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Our Experts Just Awarded the Best Credit Card of 2026, and You May Have Never Heard of It

Our favorite credit card of 2026 flies a bit under the radar. Here's what to know about it -- and why it's a fit for basically everyone's wallet.
Stack of colorful credit cards.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The 5 Most Underrated Credit Cards of 2026

These rewards cards offer sneaky-strong value, simple earning, and flexible perks in 2026. Here's who each one fits best.
Happy woman hiding half her face with a fan of cash.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

These 3 Cards Have Bonuses Worth $655+ After Annual Fees

These rewards credit cards deliver serious value even after annual fees, with bonuses worth $655 to $900+ for new cardholders.
A woman sitting at a cafe table with tea and a laptop and holding out her credit card.
Feb. 24, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Pay for Everything With a Credit Card

Swiping for everything can earn hundreds in rewards. Here's what really happens when you put your whole life on a credit card.
A couple withdraws money from an ATM machine.
Feb. 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

I Love Credit Cards -- but Here Are 3 Times I Recommend Against Them

Credit cards aren't always the right move. Here are three situations where using your debit card (or cash) is the smarter financial choice.
Well dressed woman in first class on flight.
Feb. 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

These 3 Premium Cards Are Actually Worth the Annual Fees

Premium credit cards can easily justify their annual fees -- if you use the included perks correctly. Here are three cards with strong value right now.
Happy couple celebrate while looking at laptop screen.
Feb. 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Venture X Offers the Chance to Earn a Massive Sign-Up Bonus. See if You Qualify Now

Packed with premium travel perks, flexible rewards, and the chance to earn a big welcome offer, the Venture X can deliver big value -- especially in the first year.
A woman sitting in her living room with a calculator, notebook, and laptop on the coffee table.
Feb. 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Balance Transfer Fee vs. Interest: Which Costs More?

Balance transfer fees are usually a fraction of what you'd pay in interest. Here's how to do the math and decide if a transfer makes sense for you.
A man sitting at his kitchen table with a calculator and bills.
Feb. 23, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Forget Debt Consolidation: This Is the Best Way to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Carrying credit card debt? A 0% balance transfer card can pause interest and save you thousands faster than consolidation loans.
A bakery customer swiping a credit card next to a plate of muffins and a teapot.
Feb. 23, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Stop Using Cash

Ditching cash changes more than how you think about spending. It changes how you split bills, handle emergencies, get paid back, and even how you travel.
Yellow signs labeled "Scam Alert"
Feb. 21, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

90% of Credit Card Fraud Comes From Accounts You Never Opened

Most credit card fraud doesn't start with a stolen card. It starts with a brand-new account you never opened.
Woman placing flowers at grave site
Feb. 21, 2026 | By James McClenathen

Here's What Happens to Your Credit Cards When You Pass Away

When a cardholder dies, accounts stay open, balances must be settled, and rewards may be lost. Here's how to prepare and protect your loved ones.
A woman holding a lot of shopping bags.
Feb. 21, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Why Americans Waste So Much Money Without Realizing It

83% of Americans admit to wasteful spending. Learn the hidden triggers behind impulse buys and the simple system that protects your savings.
100 dollar bill burning -- wasting money cash
Feb. 20, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Nearly 40% of Millennials Waste Money Multiple Times a Month

Nearly 40% of millennials admit they waste money multiple times a month. Here's where it goes and how to stop it.
Delivery person delivering packages to homeowner.
Feb. 20, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

1 in 4 Americans Regret Using Buy Now, Pay Later. Here's Why

BNPL feels harmless at checkout. But new data shows 1 in 4 users regret it later, often because the small payments add up fast.
Person with coffee and credit card online shopping on laptop.
Feb. 19, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

I'm 41 and Have Never Used Buy Now, Pay Later -- Here's Why

Buy now, pay later is popular with younger shoppers, but credit cards offer better rewards, protections, and credit building.
A woman sitting comfortably on her couch looking at her phone and holding a credit card.
Feb. 18, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens if You Never Cancel a Credit Card

Closing a card can change your credit score. But keeping one open forever changes it too. Here's what actually happens.
Money on bait hook.
Feb. 18, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

7 Hidden Traps of Buy Now, Pay Later -- and How to Avoid Them

BNPL services seem convenient, but hidden fees and debt can pile up fast. Learn the traps and how to protect yourself.
Woman with laptop and phone quietly celebrating
Feb. 17, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

How to Check if You're Eligible for a Credit Limit Increase

Most issuers let you request a higher credit limit without hurting your score. Learn how it works, what you'll need, and why it can actually improve your credit.
Mature couple appears distraught while looking at laptop.
Feb. 16, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Nearly 1 in 4 BNPL Users Pay Late. Here's the Simple Fix in 2026

Nearly 1 in 4 buy now, pay later users paid late. Here's a simple four-step plan for using BNPL wisely and avoiding regret in 2026.
A mature woman smiles while sitting at her table. She is holding a cellphone and a credit card.
Feb. 16, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What Happens When You Keep a Credit Card Open for Over 10 Years

Looking to hold onto a credit card for years, or even decades? Here's what to know about what can happen when you do, good and bad.
A smiling person holding a credit card.
Feb. 15, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

What Does It Take to Get the Best Credit Cards?

You'll need more than a high credit score to get approved for top rewards cards. Here's what card issuers look for -- and how to improve your odds.