The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

All articles tagged Credit Card Usage (page 2)

Is Discover a Good Credit Card? (March 2024)

Is Discover a Good Credit Card? (March 2024)

We wax poetic whenever we are asked, “Is Discover a good credit card?” It’s a very good card, with rewards that are easy to use and customer service nothing short of excellent.  If you are looking for a straightforward, convenient credit card that never charges an annual fee, check out the lineup of cards sporting the Discover logo. Why Discover Is a Good Credit Card Company Discover is the third largest payments network (after Visa and Mastercard but ahead of... read more »

5 Best Secured Credit Cards For Car Rentals (Feb. 2024)

5 Best Secured Credit Cards For Car Rentals (Feb. 2024)

If you have bad credit, our review of the best secured credit cards for car rentals can help you avoid myriad hassles the next time you try to rent a car. You’ll find very few rental agencies that don’t demand a debit or credit card before handing over the keys. With one of these secured credit cards in hand, you can confidently request a rental car and enjoy the rewards and benefits each card offers. Navigate This Article: Best Overall ... read more »

12 Best Credit Cards After Buying a House (March 2024)

12 Best Credit Cards After Buying a House (March 2024)

The best credit cards after buying a house can help you move into your new home with style. Whether you need to upgrade old appliances, furnish your new living room, or give your bedroom a modern makeover, these cards can increase your spending power and pay you rewards in return. After all, purchasing a new home is a defining moment in your life. So why not take that moment to redefine your financial portfolio by adding a new and improved credit card to your wallet? With the cards... read more »

What Does It Mean For a Credit Card to Be in Good Standing?

What Does It Mean For a Credit Card to Be in Good Standing?

If you're confused about what it means to be "in good standing" on your credit card accounts, you're probably not alone. Confusion naturally arises when terms aren't well defined, and "in good standing" should be on any list of terms that lack a clear, consistent definition. Issuers Use Different Definitions of "Good Standing" One reason for the confusion is that card issuers don't all define being in good standing the same way. In the broadest sense, this term may be used to... read more »

How to Leverage Credit Cards to Build Wealth (March 2024)

How to Leverage Credit Cards to Build Wealth (March 2024)

Whether you currently have a negative or positive net worth, credit cards can help you create and increase your wealth when used the right way. All cards have credit lines you can use to your economic advantage, and many have valuable rewards programs that can result in a bigger bank account balance. Here are nine proven strategies that can leverage the power of credit cards. Put even a couple of them into action, and your net worth can grow faster than you think. 1. Maximize Big... read more »

11 Credit Cards With Disposable Numbers (Feb. 2024)

11 Credit Cards With Disposable Numbers (Feb. 2024)

If you prioritize cybersecurity (and you should!), this review of 15 credit cards with disposable numbers should soothe some of your concerns. Disposable (or virtual) card numbers are designed to frustrate the efforts of hackers and shady merchants because any credit card information they steal will be of little or no use. Read on to see how five different credit card issuers implement their disposable card number strategies, followed by descriptions of their top-rated cards. Capital... read more »

8 Credit Cards You Can Customize (March 2024)

8 Credit Cards You Can Customize (March 2024)

Credit cards you can customize let your personality shine. You can upload your own photo or choose from several designs so your credit card matches your unique style. Card customization has become less common over the years. Some card issuers have removed the option altogether, whereas other banks only allow debit cardholders to customize their cards. Read on to see which issuers still allow custom card designs and on which cards. Major Issuers | Bad Credit | FAQsDiscover is the Only... read more »

12 Credit Cards You Can Use at an ATM (March 2024)

12 Credit Cards You Can Use at an ATM (March 2024)

If you’ve ever needed cash when your bank account was low, you’ll be interested in credit cards you can use at an ATM. These cards let you use an ATM to borrow money without ever touching the balance in your checking account. The credit cards that have this superpower use one of the big four payment networks (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Amex). Store credit cards that use secondary payment networks don’t offer ATM-based cash advances. You’ll need a PIN to unleash an... read more »

7 Best Credit Cards For Purchase Protection (March 2024)

7 Best Credit Cards For Purchase Protection (March 2024)

If you find peace of mind in short supply, check out our rundown of the best credit cards for purchase protection. It, along with other consumer-oriented benefits like price protection and extended warranties, can save you money on items you purchase with your card. While purchase protection doesn’t receive the same attention as flashier benefits, you’ll be exceedingly grateful to have it if you ever experience theft or damage to a recent purchase. Unfortunately, many credit cards... read more »

8 Credit Card Protections You Didn’t Know About

8 Credit Card Protections You Didn’t Know About

Every time you make a purchase with a credit card, you get the basic benefits that all cards offer: fast, easy credit, and convenience. Depending on which card you use, you may also be getting a long list of very valuable transaction protections, including some you may not even know exist. The details vary from one card to the next, so it pays to read the disclosures when you apply for and use your cards. Some cards offer a lot of protections, while others only offer a few or none... read more »

7 Credit Cards With Free Credit Monitoring (March 2024)

7 Credit Cards With Free Credit Monitoring (March 2024)

Credit cards with free credit monitoring are a big assistance to consumers interested in building, rebuilding, or maintaining their credit scores. These cards let you stay on top of changes to your credit score and are often augmented with credit alerts for factors that can impact your score. When choosing one of these cards, make sure you understand exactly which free credit score is being monitored and what other information you will receive for free. Cash Back | Travel | Students |... read more »

9 Ways to Make Money Using Credit Cards (March 2024)

9 Ways to Make Money Using Credit Cards (March 2024)

It’s amazing to discover how many ways you can make money using credit cards. We think of credit cards primarily as a convenient alternative to cash when we shop in stores, in apps, and online. But these nifty plastic rectangles can actually help you earn and save money without creating credit card debt, as long as you pay your full balance each billing cycle and only charge what you can afford. Earn a Signup Bonus Earn Cash Back Convert Points to Cash Plan Purchases ... read more »

7 Best Credit Cards For Building Credit (Feb. 2024)

7 Best Credit Cards For Building Credit (Feb. 2024)

The best credit cards for building credit won’t just help you improve your credit score — they’ll also provide benefits that last long after you’ve achieved the excellent credit you strive for. And whether you’re a student, consumer, small business owner, or all of the above, you can maximize your credit-building potential while developing a positive relationship with a bank and possibly earn some rewards along the way. Every one of the cards below will report your... read more »

What Happens to the Balance of a Closed Credit Card?

What Happens to the Balance of a Closed Credit Card?

There are a few circumstances when a credit card may be closed even when an outstanding balance remains on the account. As nice as it would be for the debt to disappear with the terminated credit line, the cardholder remains liable for the balance until it is paid. Here is how and why a card with an amount still due can be closed, what it means to your credit rating, and how you can deal with the balance you owe (and the rewards balance that’s owed to you) appropriately. You Are... read more »

8 Best Credit Cards Accepted Everywhere (March 2024)

8 Best Credit Cards Accepted Everywhere (March 2024)

If you’ve ever tried to pay for dinner with a credit card that the restaurant didn’t accept, then you’ll be very interested in our rundown of the best credit cards accepted everywhere. As it turns out, not all cards are accepted by all merchants. Most often, the reason why some merchants say no to cards from particular payment networks boils down to relatively high fees charged by those networks. Fees are the lifeblood of the four payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, American... read more »

9 Trends: Credit Cards During the COVID-19 Pandemic

9 Trends: Credit Cards During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected just about everything in 2020, and credit cards were no exception. From account balances to rewards offered and customer satisfaction among credit card issuers, the pandemic has altered the way consumers utilize credit. Here's a quick summary of what you need to know about credit cards during the COVID-19 pandemic. 1. Credit Card Balances Decreased Consumers paid down credit card debt in the early months of the pandemic. Credit card balances for... read more »

7 Best Virtual Credit Cards (March 2024)

7 Best Virtual Credit Cards (March 2024)

Identity theft shows no signs of abating, which explains the usefulness of the best virtual credit cards as protective tools. Most cardholders can access virtual account numbers these days thanks to digital wallets. Using virtual card numbers provides you with an extra layer of security without compromising your ability to pay for, return, exchange, or earn rewards on the items you buy. Normally, there is no monthly fee for generating virtual account numbers. Capital One | Chase |... read more »

2024 Cash Advance Limits by Issuer (March 2024)

2024 Cash Advance Limits by Issuer (March 2024)

It’s a good idea to know the cash advance limits on your credit cards before asking an ATM to start spitting out money. As it turns out, each card and card issuer has set limits on the maximum cash advance you can get, further tempered by factors such as your current balance and daily ATM withdrawal limit. Read on for a rundown on how several popular credit card companies control how much cash you can borrow from their cards. Amex | BoA | Capital One | Chase | Citi 1. American... read more »

The Average Number of Credit Card Transactions Per Day & Year

The Average Number of Credit Card Transactions Per Day & Year

Editor's note: The figures in this article use 2020 and earlier data and were originally published on Nov. 9, 2020. Credit card users make a mind-boggling number of daily transactions every year. The figures are astounding, whether you're looking at what’s happening in the United States or in countries across the globe. Credit card payments in 2018 totaled $44.7 billion in the U.S. alone, according to The 2019 Federal Reserve Payments Study. The speed at which these transactions... read more »

5 Ways to Use Your Credit Card for Social Action

5 Ways to Use Your Credit Card for Social Action

Credit cards may not seem like an obvious tool for social action. But in fact, credit cards provide multiple opportunities to make a difference and support causes you care about every day. Whether your aims are social, political, or charitable, here are five ways to use your credit cards to promote a cause. 1. Donate Your Cash Back or Card Rewards One way to support a cause with your credit card is to donate your cash back, miles, points, or other rewards to an organization that... read more »

12 Best Credit Cards for Electronics Purchases (March 2024)

12 Best Credit Cards for Electronics Purchases (March 2024)

Many consumers struggle over whether to purchase a store’s extended warranty plan when buying a new electronic gadget. But, if you carry one of the best credit cards for electronics, you can confidently decline the offer and still feel safe. That's because you can automatically extend your warranty without having to pay an extra fee when you use any of the cards listed below to make your purchase. Some cards will even offer price protections that refund part of your purchase price... read more »

7 Best Credit Cards for Buying Money Orders (Feb. 2024)

7 Best Credit Cards for Buying Money Orders (Feb. 2024)

Money orders are handy alternatives when you want to send money. You can buy them at the U.S. Post Office as well as at retail stores and online. You prepay the money order with cash, a debit card, or with one of the best credit cards for buying money orders, so there is no chance that the money order will bounce. When you pay with a credit card, the transaction is considered a cash advance. The 10 cards in this review are best for purchasing money orders because they charge no or... read more »

How to Use a Credit Card Responsibly

How to Use a Credit Card Responsibly

When you’re smart about the way you use credit cards, they come with fantastic benefits. When you’re not smart about the way you use credit cards, they can become problematic. Responsible credit card usage will save you money, build your credit reports and scores, and even help you earn valuable rewards or cash back. Irresponsible usage of credit cards can lead to defaults, debt collector calls, and even bankruptcy. Credit cards, along with student loans, have become the most... read more »

7 Heaviest Credit Cards (March 2024)

7 Heaviest Credit Cards (March 2024)

The heaviest credit cards are metal rather than plastic, giving them an air of permanence and solidity. Just holding one in your hand can make you feel, well, good. Modern plastic credit cards weigh around 5 grams (5g). The heaviest metal card is more than five times heavier. Of course, a heavy card is not necessarily a great card, and that's why we review here the best of the heavyweights.  If you are going to weigh down your wallet, you may as well get the most value per... read more »

8 Best Credit Cards to Use at Costco (March 2024)

8 Best Credit Cards to Use at Costco (March 2024)

In the interest of full disclosure, I am one of the more than 100 million people who are Costco members. I love shopping for huge packages of paper towels and seedless grapes, and the prices are great. Our experts took a look at the best credit cards to use at Costco and identified a few strong candidates. And while you may think you can use any credit card you want to pay for Costco purchases, that's not correct, because Costco only accepts cards on the Visa payment network. Read on... read more »