Credit Card Usage | Credit Card Topics

10 Best Starter Credit Cards to Build Credit

By: Eric Bank, 3/4/2020

In this article, we review the 10 best starter credit cards to build credit. Using a starter credit card is an efficient way to create and build your credit profile. Many consumers who’ve never used credit are candidates for these cards, including students and unbanked millennials. 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... read more »

13 Best Credit Cards for Electronics Purchases

By: Adam West, 12/17/2019

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 »

5 Best Credit Cards for Buying Bitcoin

By: Matt Walker, 12/16/2019

Early 2018 was a rough time for speculators who regularly purchased cryptocurrency using their credit cards. In a single two-week period, just about every major credit card issuer banned the purchase of Bitcoin and other alternative currencies using their cards. But a select few of the best credit cards for buying Bitcoin are still available. American Express remains the lone holdout among major issuers to enable the purchase of cryptocurrencies. The others referenced the lack of... read more »

10 Best Credit Cards for Buying Money Orders

By: Eric Bank, 12/6/2019

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

By: John Ulzheimer, 12/2/2019

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 »

13 Best Credit Cards for Buying Furniture

By: Anna Baluch, 11/26/2019

While getting new furniture is exciting, it’s often an expensive endeavor. The good news is that you can pay with one of the best credit cards for buying furniture if you don’t have the cash for it upfront. Maybe you recently moved into a new home and need to furnish it. Or, maybe you’re tired of that 10-year-old couch in your family room and are looking for something new. Whatever your reasons for buying new furniture, these cards all offer 0% financing and rewards for your... read more »

12 Heaviest Credit Cards in 2020

By: Eric Bank, 11/15/2019

If you are of a certain age, the word "heavy" may rekindle fond memories of your college days when, sitting in a smoke-filled room, you would respond to a friend’s unexpected minor confession with a heartfelt “heavy, man.” In the here and now, heavy means weight, which brings us to the topic of the heaviest credit cards. These cards are fabricated from metal rather than plastic, giving them an air of permanence and solidity. Just holding one in your hand can make you feel,... read more »

10 Best Credit Cards to Use at Costco

By: Eric Bank, 10/28/2019

In the interest of full disclosure, I am one of the more than 94 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 10 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 »

Is it Bad to Cancel a Credit Card?

By: Erica Sandberg, 10/23/2019

You may eventually want to purge one, some, or even all of your credit card accounts. Whether it's out of need or desire, you have every right to back out of the deal. There are potential drawbacks to canceling a credit card, however, so it’s important to learn what they are before ending the relationship. The downsides may inspire you to keep an account active. Of course, there are times when it makes sense to kiss your card goodbye, too. Here’s what you need to know to make... read more »

21 Best Credit Cards for Shopping

By: Matt Walker, 9/27/2019

Most people have experienced heading out to the supermarket, a department store, or the mall, to pick up one or two items and leave instead with four bags full of stuff. Sometimes a sale is just too good to pass up. That’s why consumers often look for the best credit cards for shopping. And while 90% of retail shopping in the U.S. still takes place in brick-and-mortar stores, experts forcast that online shopping will account for 20% of all sales by the year 2025. That means having... read more »

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