Credit Card Usage | Credit Card Topics

Credit Card Ownership By Age, Income, Gender & Race in 2022

By: Erica Sandberg, 9/19/2022

Data on who applies for and receives certain credit cards and what they do with credit cards once they’re activated reveals interesting consumer trends. Credit card holders have different characteristics that vary in scope. All the collected facts and data paint a fascinating story about US consumers and their credit cards. Here are the most recent statistics on account ownership broken down into key demographic measures: age, income, gender, and race. Age | ... read more »

How Card Donations Help the Freedom House Museum Shine a Light on Alexandria’s History of Slavery

By: Sean Roderick, 8/3/2022

In a Nutshell: Freedom House, located in Alexandria, Virginia, began as a holding pen for enslaved African Americans waiting to be shipped to other cities to be sold during the 1800s. It was one of the largest domestic slave trading firms in the country at the time. Over the years, the building served other purposes until it was eventually used as office space. After being purchased by the state, the building was preserved as a historical landmark and currently operates as a museum.... read more »

Patronicity Promotes Transforming Communities Through Its Credit Card ‘Crowdgranting’ Platform

By: Sean Roderick, 8/1/2022

In a Nutshell: Patronicity is a crowdfunding platform dedicated to beautifying outdoor spaces in local communities. It provides a unique form of funding support that blends individual donations with matching government grants to ensure that projects are supported to completion. The platform also assigns coaches to each project so that there’s full support at every step of the way. Patronicity has recently started releasing resources and guidebooks to help inspire communities to... read more »

Best Secured Credit Cards to Build Credit

By: Eric Bank, 7/25/2022

It's true that the best secured credit cards to build credit carry some upfront costs. But for folks with bad credit, they are cheaper and generally better than subprime unsecured credit cards. In many respects, secured cards are very similar to unsecured cards. They allow you to charge in-store purchases without carrying around cash or a checkbook. Unlike debit cards, they let you stretch your payments over several months, a helpful feature for big-ticket purchases.... read more »

Best Credit Cards For Streaming Services

By: Eric Bank, 6/29/2022

COVID-19 changed the world in so many ways, including boosting the popularity of the best credit cards for streaming services. During the movie theater shut down, folks fought cabin fever by increasing their consumption of on-demand streaming video. About 85% of US households subscribe to at least one streaming service, and the share of subscribers using five or more services has quadrupled since 2019. Against this backdrop, several credit cards for folks with a high credit... read more »

How Credit Cards Can Support MEANS Database Reduce Food Waste and Facilitate Donations

By: Sean Roderick, 6/23/2022

In a Nutshell: Unused edible food is often thrown away in large quantities in the United States. Many charities and food banks would like to take in more food but lack the logistics to do so. MEANS Database has created an innovative platform that allows donors to connect with recipients for easy transfer of goods. The non-profit organization doesn’t charge for its services, and it provides donors liability protection and enhanced tax deductions. In the United States, the amount of... read more »

Using Credit Cards and Rewards to Support ICAN’s Women-Led Peacebuilding Efforts Around the Globe

By: Sean Roderick, 6/13/2022

In a Nutshell: ICAN is a non-government organization focused on resolving conflicts and political strife by recognizing the courage of and empowering women at the local level who are first to respond. The organization has helped the UN and foreign governments reshape conflict resolution strategies to be inclusive of women’s peace work. ICAN has also addressed how conflicts deeply impact women who are caught in the fray. Those who wish to donate to ICAN can do so through credit card... read more »

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 »

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