Credit Card Usage | Credit Card Topics

15 Credit Card Tips & Tricks

By: Erica Sandberg, 1/10/2023

Using a credit card advantageously is within everybody's capability. You just need to learn the tricks of the trade. There are some strategies you can employ to make sure you are always on top of your account and are using it to your benefit. You can also protect your account against fraud, establish a positive relationship with the issuer, and just make life easier for yourself. If you falter, though, it can cost you both fees and credit damage. The following 15 tips... read more »

9 Best Unsecured Credit Cards For Building Credit

By: Eric Bank, 1/3/2023

Do you toss and turn at night worrying about your lousy credit score? You don't need a better mattress; you need better credit. We hate to see you dragging your sleep-deprived self around in the morning, so we've assembled a list of the best unsecured credit cards for building credit. You can obtain any of these cards without a security deposit (typically $200 or more). The card issuers designed these products for folks with less-than-good credit (i.e., FICO scores below 670).... read more »

Credit Card Donations Support DoSomething in Accelerating Youth Activism and Meaningful Change

By: Sean Roderick, 12/15/2022

In a Nutshell: The nonprofit organization, DoSomething, educates and equips young people to create positive change and become future civic leaders. The nonprofit operates globally and engages with the youth in both online and offline social campaigns. Unlike many other organizations, DoSomething inspires young people to learn by doing and provides opportunities to give back in their community while being part of a global collective of change makers. The nonprofit also leverages... read more »

How Cardholders Can Support High-Impact Activism Through the Climate Emergency Fund

By: Sean Roderick, 12/7/2022

In a Nutshell: While the planet is experiencing the associated impacts of continued climate change, governmental policies have not kept up with worsening conditions. The Climate Emergency Fund is a nonprofit organization that understands the critical need to bring about more awareness and helps support proactive transformative activism. By donating to the nonprofit through credit cards and rewards, supporters are helping in the fight to reach zero emissions and reverse the sixth mass... read more »

United Plant Savers Promotes Conservation of Native Medicinal Herbs and How Cardholders Can Help

By: Sean Roderick, 11/22/2022

In a Nutshell: As over-harvesting and habitat loss put many vital medicinal plant varieties in danger of extinction, United Plant Savers spearheads conservation efforts to ensure species are readily available for generations to come. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization conducts research, develops programs, publishes educational materials, and invites anyone interested in sustainability to join the mission. Cardholders can support the cause by making a one-time or recurring donation,... read more »

Credit Card Ownership By Age, Income, Gender & Race in 2023

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. Navigate This... 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 »

10 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 2023

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 2023

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 »

12 Instant-Approval Credit Cards With Instant Use

By: Eric Bank, 2/9/2022

If you navigate your life at warp speed, you’ll love these 12 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 »

11 Best Credit Cards For Gas and Groceries

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 2023

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 2023

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 »

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