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

All articles tagged Credit Card Usage (page 4)

12 Most Socially Responsible Credit Cards (Feb. 2024)

12 Most Socially Responsible Credit Cards (Feb. 2024)

Socially responsible credit cards not only provide consumers with the convenience that comes with plastic — swipe and go or make online purchases — but they also offer a simple way to support worthy causes in the process. While many of us are happy to do our parts to help protect nature, wildlife, and each other, it's often difficult to know how to really execute those goals. Even something that seems like a no-brainer, like reducing carbon output by driving an electric car, can... read more »

6 Pros & Cons of Owning a Credit Card (March 2024)

6 Pros & Cons of Owning a Credit Card (March 2024)

With a history that stretches back over 200 years, the versatile pro-con list has long been used to simplify the decision-making process. And while the pro-con list is not without its controversies — as described by this pro-con list about pro-con lists — it remains a popular practice for analyzing both parts of a problem to aid decision-making. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of a credit card. If you're on the fence about whether to get a new credit card, a pro-con... read more »

7 FAQs: The Different Types of Credit Cards & Which to Carry (March 2024)

7 FAQs: The Different Types of Credit Cards & Which to Carry (March 2024)

The types of credit cards available are vast and diverse. When I first discovered the world of credit cards, I was amazed at the breadth of the selection offered to consumers. Even today, after years of exploring the farthest reaches of credit cards and personal finance, I still occasionally come across an awesome card I never knew existed. While experienced cardholders and rewards churners may revel in the abundance and diversity of credit card types available to them, a novice to... read more »

What is a Good Credit Card APR? 5 Best Low APR Cards (March 2024)

What is a Good Credit Card APR? 5 Best Low APR Cards (March 2024)

While credit cards are popular among consumers for their perks and convenience, it's easy to forget that credit cards aren't only popular with consumers; the card issuers and banks love them too — but for different reasons. For instance, credit cards are a consistent (and abundant) source of income. In fact, according to the Federal Reserve, credit card interest fees account for nearly 10% of the income of credit card banks, and almost 3% of the income for the average commercial... read more »

12 Best Credit Cards for Everyday Use (March 2024)

12 Best Credit Cards for Everyday Use (March 2024)

For many of my friends, the search for the perfect partner centers around the idea of finding someone who isn't "crazy." What I always advise them to remember, of course, is that everyone is crazy, in their own ways. The key to a successful relationship isn't searching for someone "normal," but finding someone whose particular brand of crazy complements your own craziness. Coincidentally, my sagest bit of relationship advice parallels one of my most well-worn pieces of credit card... read more »

3 Ways Closing a Credit Card Can Hurt Credit (March 2024)

3 Ways Closing a Credit Card Can Hurt Credit (March 2024)

Closing a credit card account can be tricky — will it damage your credit score? Will you benefit in any way from having one less open account on your report? I still remember getting my first credit card in the mail. I can recall the feelings of wonder and excitement as I thought about everything I could now do and the huge sense of awe that such a little piece of plastic could hold so much financial power. No matter how fantastic your initial experience, of course, the novelty... read more »

9 Best Credit Cards for Large Purchases (March 2024)

9 Best Credit Cards for Large Purchases (March 2024)

Finding the best credit cards for large purchases may seem like a daunting task, with so many card options available to consumers these days. But we've narrowed the list for you to present our choices for just such cards. As ubiquitous as it's become, many of us likely take the credit card for granted, forgetting how much more difficult it was to make large purchases in the once-upon-a-time. To put it in perspective, consider this: if you were to purchase a new $5,000 furniture set... read more »

12 Best High-End Credit Cards (March 2024)

12 Best High-End Credit Cards (March 2024)

The phrase "high end" can mean take on different meanings for everyone. Some may envision luxurious fabrics and sparkling jewels, while others imagine fast cars and rivers of champagne. Or perhaps, as part of the digital generation, you picture the epitome of modern technology and automation. While the world of high-end credit cards doesn't have a lot of silk or octane, it is rich with exclusive perks and rewards that can make you feel like more than an ordinary consumer. These... read more »

3 Ways: Get a Lower Interest Rate on Credit Cards (March 2024)

3 Ways: Get a Lower Interest Rate on Credit Cards (March 2024)

Credit cards can be an excellent tool to easily and conveniently finance purchases without carting around a cumbersome collection of cash and coins. And rewards credit cards, in particular, can be a great way to get a little extra value out of your purchases. Unfortunately, credit cards can also be easy and convenient ways to swipe your way into credit card debt -- debt for which you will often pay two-digit interest rates to carry. Even if you make more than the minimum payment each... read more »

Compare Credit Cards: 18 Best Offers Today (March 2024)

Compare Credit Cards: 18 Best Offers Today (March 2024)

According to a 2016 Gallup survey on the future of cash, a full 62% of those surveyed felt it was likely that they would see the end of cash within their lifetimes -- including almost 60% of respondents 65 and older. The modern American is relying less and less on cash, and between the convenience, security, and usage rewards that come with using alternative payment methods, like credit cards, who can blame them? Yes, instead of wondering where they can find change for a $20 bill, the... read more »

How to Use a Credit Card: 5 Ways to Do So Wisely (Feb. 2024)

How to Use a Credit Card: 5 Ways to Do So Wisely (Feb. 2024)

Many consumers assume they know how to use a credit card (swipe and go, right?) — and while they may know the basics — diving deeper to learn more about rewards, strategies, and card varieties is certainly worth the time. Credit cards are the most popular way to shop online and in-store, and it’s no wonder why. With the ability to securely shop at almost every location nationwide, plastic is quickly replacing cash and checks as a method of payment. While some stores have... read more »

13 Coolest Credit Card Designs (Feb. 2024)

13 Coolest Credit Card Designs (Feb. 2024)

When most of us choose a credit card, design is rarely at the top of our minds. Honestly, there are so many other features to consider. Perks, interest rate, intro APR, and card protections are considered more often when selecting an aesthetically cool credit card. But what if all things were created equal? Could a card’s look persuade you to apply? Card companies know that looks aren’t everything — but flash any one of these 13 cards the next time you go out, and get noticed!... read more »

How Do Credit Cards Work? Expert’s Guide (March 2024)

How Do Credit Cards Work? Expert’s Guide (March 2024)

Credit cards have become such an ingrained part of our modern society that most of us don’t give them much thought. But how many of us could really provide a thorough answer to someone who asks, "How do credit cards work?" Credit cards are easy to use, widely accepted for making purchases, and as long as we pay at least the minimum amount owed when the bill comes due, they’re ours to use as we please. It’s a convenient way for us to buy things now and pay for them at a later... read more »

3 Do’s & Don’ts: Buying a Car with a Credit Card (March 2024)

3 Do’s & Don’ts: Buying a Car with a Credit Card (March 2024)

Though credit cards have been around for decades, they have, as things do, changed and evolved during that time. So, it's only natural that some of the most common questions people ask when it comes to credit cards revolve around what, exactly, can be purchased with one. For example, one popular question people ask is, "Can you buy a car with a credit card?" At the end of the day, the answer to that question is (un)simply: maybe. The ability to purchase a new or used car with a credit... read more »

4 Best Credit Cards for Jewelry Purchases (March 2024)

4 Best Credit Cards for Jewelry Purchases (March 2024)

Shopping for the right piece of jewelry — be it a diamond engagement ring or simple pearl necklace — can be daunting enough. Besides the high cost that may take years to save for, the quality measurements used by jewelers can seem arbitrary and overly complicated. Adding to the complication is how to pay for the purchase. While your first inclination might be to write a big check or even hit the ATM for some big bills, those are actually the last options you should consider.... read more »

5 Common Credit Card Blunders (and How to Fix Them)

5 Common Credit Card Blunders (and How to Fix Them)

More than 160 million Americans carry credit cards. Unfortunately the vast majority of those consumers are misusing their credit cards, resulting in a national average of $15,000 in credit card debt per card-carrying household. "Irresponsible credit card use leads to financial loss, either through interest and fees or increased cost when your credit profile is damaged," said ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions credit counselor Thomas Nitzsche. Whether it's overuse or misuse,... read more »

How Credit Card Companies Calculate Your Minimum Payments

How Credit Card Companies Calculate Your Minimum Payments

One of the first things you should consider when exploring new credit cards are their methods for calculating minimum payments because there are multiple techniques the credit card companies use. The minimum payment is the amount you must fork over each month based upon your unpaid balance, interest and fees. The Credit CARD Act of 2009 created new rules regarding how issuers must report information about minimum payments. Percentage Methods Typically, credit card companies... read more »

3 Reasons to Never Miss a Monthly Payment

3 Reasons to Never Miss a Monthly Payment

For better or worse, your credit card tells the world a lot about you. It can tell a happy story when you make your payments on time — you're someone who can handle your current credit debt and probably more if you need it. However, miss a payment and the story sours. Your costs can go up and your access to further credit is threatened. Credit counselors often point out the wisdom of paying back more than the monthly minimum amounts on your credit cards, because otherwise it... read more »

5 Credit Card Travel Secrets from the Airfarewatchdog

5 Credit Card Travel Secrets from the Airfarewatchdog

Thinking about buying some plane tickets and taking a trip some exotic locale? Or maybe you just want to fly across state to visit some family? Wherever your destination, we assume you want to save as much money on travel as possible. That's where your credit card comes in. To entice their customers to spend more, many credit card issuers offer their customers convenient ways to cut back their travel costs through incentives, reward programs and other perks. I spoke with... read more »

How We Improved Our Credit Score

How We Improved Our Credit Score

I am a credit agency’s dream — I have never made a late payment, I always pay my bills early, and I have ample savings. My husband, on the other hand, did not take his credit as seriously as I did. He missed a couple of payments, only paid the minimum amount due and even paid an annual fee for a credit card. These things did not sit well with me — we needed to initiate "Operation: Improve Your Credit Score." I was determined to help my husband raise his credit score so... read more »

Could You Be Addicted to Credit Cards?

Could You Be Addicted to Credit Cards?

With one look at statistics, it would be easy to think that credit card addiction is widespread in our society. After all, when you see the average debt per card over $8,200, it is easy to see that credit cards can be a problem – but is it really an addiction? Credit cards can make buying painless When I struggled with credit card debt, it seemed so painless to swipe that little piece of plastic. It is almost a mindless act, as virtually most retailers have card readers. ... read more »