Credit Card Usage | Credit Card Topics

Best Starter Credit Cards to Build Credit

By: Eric Bank, 4/19/2022

In this article, we review the best starter credit cards to build credit. Using a starter credit card is an efficient way to create and build your credit history. Many consumers who’ve never used credit are candidates for these cards, including students. In addition, you can work to rebuild a low credit score by getting a starter credit card and using it responsibly. These cards are easy to acquire and most offer cash back rewards. Whichever one you choose, resolve to pay your bill... read more »

Costco Credit Card Benefits of 2022

By: Eric Bank, 4/7/2022

Costco credit card benefits allow cardmembers like me to earn rewards on purchases in and out of the store. And I have to admit, having the card instills me with a certain loyalty. I can buy 12-packs of paper towels at half a dozen nearby stores, but I always seem to source them from Costco. On the other hand, I rarely use the card outside of Costco. I don't know if that makes me a lemming or an odd duck, but I am sure my Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi belongs in my... read more »

Best Credit Card Benefits of 2022

By: Eric Bank, 4/5/2022

I really appreciate having access to some of the best credit card benefits currently available. My upcoming family trip to Disney World will include freebies such as travel insurance, collision damage waiver on the car rental, access to airport lounges, and free checked bags, thanks to my favorite credit card. While some benefits only come with premium cards, many everyday cards offer perks to save you money. You can find cards that cover your purchased items against damage,... read more »

Chase Freedom vs. Discover it® Credit Card

By: Brittney Mayer, 3/31/2022

In the modern consumer marketplace, many industries are often dominated by two leading brands and their latest products. If you want a soda, for instance, you're likely choosing between some version of Pepsi or Coke. Similarly, most people likely carry a phone sporting the latest version of either Android or iOS. When it comes to cash back credit card rewards, two of the biggest names to beat are Chase Freedom and Discover it®. These are somewhat similar cards that pack a lot of... read more »

Credit Cards For Kids & Ways to Help Them Build Credit

By: Erica Sandberg, 3/28/2022

Children often want to feel more grown-up than they actually are, and that includes craving a certain amount of financial autonomy. Yet as much as kids may want to have their own credit card, minors cannot legally sign a contract. You must be at least 18 years old to get a credit card as the primary cardholder. Prepaid cards can bridge the gap. They let kids enjoy spending freedom without the risk of amassing credit card debt or credit damage. They can also help children... read more »

Instant-Approval Credit Cards With Instant Use in 2022

By: Eric Bank, 2/9/2022

If you navigate your life at warp speed, you’ll love these 15 instant-approval credit cards with instant use. Instant approval isn’t unusual, but not all credit card companies allow you to use your card instantly. That’s a shame because when we need a card, we need it now! Am I right, people? The cards reviewed here, for the most part, provide you with your actual card number instantly. This is separate from any temporary virtual account number issuers give you for added... read more »

Best Credit Cards For Gas and Groceries of 2022

By: Eric Bank, 2/8/2022

I didn't have a clue about the best credit cards for gas and groceries during my undergraduate days. In fact, I'm sure they didn't exist back then. Too bad because I spent most of my meager funds at the grocery store on delicacies like flaked tuna, semi-stale bread, and Vienna sausages. A little cash back would have helped back then, and for many, it still helps today. And even if I didn't drive a car when I was in college, you probably do and can benefit from a gas rewards... read more »

Which Credit Card Companies Report Authorized Users?

By: Erica Sandberg, 12/15/2021

One of the most compelling benefits of becoming an authorized user on another person’s credit card is that the account and all its activity shows up on your credit report. If you are trying to build or repair your credit rating, a well-managed account can add a steady stream of data to your reports and help your credit scores rise. Major and minor credit card issuers report information to authorized users’ credit reports, though some less prominent financial institutions... read more »

COVID-19 Pandemic Spurs New Trends in Credit Card Consumer Habits and Issuer Strategies

By: Adam West, 11/22/2021

In a nutshell: The COVID-19 pandemic changed the economic and financial landscape in the United States, and the credit card space has experienced challenges and rapid change as a result. According to MarketResearch.com data, issuers found themselves scrambling to incentivize cardholders to spend using co-branded cards with value propositions that became uncertain due to health concerns. They also faced new competition from buy now, pay later financing options. Many card companies were... read more »

6 Ways to Save on Credit Card Interest Fees

By: Andrea Woroch, 11/18/2021

A credit card can be a helpful financial tool when used wisely. These plastic forms of payment make it easy and convenient to pay for goods and services so you don’t have to carry cash. They offer robust reward programs so you can earn cash back, free flights, and hotel stays for all your purchases. Some cards even offer multiple layers of protection, including fraud alerts, extended warranties, extended return windows, and travel insurance. What’s more, you can use credit... read more »

Credit Repair Credit Cards of 2022

By: Eric Bank, 11/15/2021

Credit repair credit cards help consumers with bad credit boost their credit scores. That's important because a poor credit score -- below 580 on the FICO scale -- can relegate you to limited credit access, high interest rates, and unrewarding credit cards. Fair credit scores extend from 580 to 669, and your first goal is to raise your score from the bad to the fair credit range. The cards in this review allow you to increase your credit score, but you have to use them wisely to... read more »

How to Choose a Credit Card For Holiday Spending

By: Marcie Geffner, 11/11/2021

For many families, the annual year-end holiday season is synonymous with the year-end spending season. Whether you're buying groceries for holiday meals, gifts for family or friends, or new clothes for holiday celebrations, the costs can take a big bite out of your budget. And not only in November and December, but also well into the new year. Using the right credit cards can help cushion the blow to your budget. You'll get more time to pay for your holiday purchases, possibly with... read more »

Car Repair Credit Cards of 2022

By: Adam West, 11/4/2021

Car repair credit cards aren’t limited to the cards and credit lines offered by your local mechanic or body shop. Any reputable mechanic accepts credit card payments, which means that you can use just about any card to pay for your vehicle’s repairs or maintenance. By skipping your mechanic’s branded card and opting for a card with cash or point rewards — or one with a 0% interest promotional offer — you can pay for your repairs over time and get cash back and... read more »

How to Build Credit With a Credit Card

By: John Ulzheimer, 11/1/2021

Consumers tend to like credit cards for several reasons. Credit cards offer a convenient and safe way to pay for goods and services, both online and in person. Many credit cards also offer fee-free rewards programs or cash back that cardholders can enjoy courtesy of their everyday spending. And, finally, credit cards are one of only two common forms of credit where interest is entirely optional (the other being HELOCs). Credit card users receive another considerable perk... read more »

Is Discover a Good Credit Card?

By: Eric Bank, 10/12/2021

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 »

Best Secured Credit Cards For Car Rentals of 2022

By: Eric Bank, 8/30/2021

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. Best Overall | More Options | FAQs ... read more »

Best Credit Cards After Buying a House in 2022

By: Adam West, 6/30/2021

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?

By: Marcie Geffner, 6/21/2021

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 in 2022

By: Erica Sandberg, 6/17/2021

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 »

Credit Cards With Disposable Numbers in 2022

By: Eric Bank, 6/9/2021

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 »

Credit Cards You Can Customize in 2022

By: Ashley Dull, 6/1/2021

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 | FAQs Discover is the... read more »

Credit Cards You Can Use at an ATM in 2022

By: Eric Bank, 5/25/2021

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 »

Best Credit Cards For Purchase Protection in 2022

By: Eric Bank, 5/18/2021

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

By: Marcie Geffner, 4/20/2021

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 »

Credit Cards With Free Credit Monitoring in 2022

By: Eric Bank, 4/8/2021

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 »

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