Holly Johnson

Choose between a balance transfer and personal loan by focusing on total cost, payoff speed, and how predictable you need payments to be. The right option depends on fees, your credit profile, and whether you can avoid adding new card debt.

Using multiple cash back credit cards strategically can help maximize rewards by leveraging different earning rates across various spending categories. However, managing multiple cards requires organization to avoid missed payments, overlapping benefits, and potential debt accumulation.

With a balance transfer credit card, you get the chance to consolidate and pay down your debt at a lower interest rate.

Balancing credit cards can be a dizzying experience, especially when the best offers come in different forms. One card promises a huge sign-up bonus, another has no annual fee and both claim to offer the “best” rewards. But once you dig into the details — including the annual percentage rate (APR), rewards structure and fees — the better choice often depends on how you actually use credit.

Paying a credit card annual fee can absolutely be worth it — but not every card deserves a permanent spot in your wallet. Maybe you signed up for a travel card when you were flying more often, or a premium rewards card made sense when the welcome bonus was on the table.

If you’ve ever tried to divvy up a big purchase — say, a family vacation or even just a pricey grocery run — you already know how awkward it can get. You wind up putting the whole charge on your own credit card, everyone promises to “pay you back” and suddenly you’re on the hook for the full cost until others fork over their share.

Total balances recently climbed to around $1.28 trillion according to recent data from the Federal Reserve, with the average person carrying more than $7,800 in credit card debt of their own. The fact is, Americans are practically drowning in credit card debt, and it is getting worse.

Will closing a credit card hurt your score? What you should know before closing your card.

Credit card rewards typically fall into four main categories: airline miles, hotel points, flexible travel rewards, and cash back, each with different redemption options and value. To maximize rewards, consider your spending habits, compare transfer options, and look for discounted award programs. Read the full article to explore expert tips on getting the best value from your credit card rewards.

One moment, winter feels endless; the next, the kids are back in school — and your trip still isn’t planned.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is frequently considered one of the top cash back credit cards on the market, and it's easy to see why. This rewards credit card doesn't have an annual fee. It earns a minimum of 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus offers accelerated cash back in a few popular bonus categories — namely, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases and 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.

If you're looking for a premium travel credit card but don't want to pay hundreds of dollars in annual fees, put the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card on your list. With a reasonable $95 annual fee, it offers generous rewards in everyday spending categories and a nice sign-up bonus.

If you're looking for a travel credit card with premium benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options available. This card earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points, transferable to partners like Air France (Flying Blue), British Airways, United MileagePlus, and Marriott Bonvoy.

If you're looking for a Chase business credit card that offers premium travel redemptions, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® is your best bet. Not only is the Chase Ink Business Preferred® the only business card from Chase that offers point transfers to airlines and hotels, but it gives you 25% more value for points redeemed for travel through Chase Travel — the same benefit you would get with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® for consumers.

The Ink Business Cash® from Chase is geared to small business owners and entrepreneurs who spend a lot at office supply stores, and on internet, cable and phone services each year. It has an intro 0% APR for new spending that can help small businesses improve their cash flow or pay down large purchases interest-free for a limited time. Other benefits like free employee cards make the Chase Ink Business Cash® an even better deal.

The brand new Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ offers similar benefits to the popular Chase Sapphire Reserve® for consumers. However, this new premium business credit card also comes with a sky-high annual fee of $795.