Credit Cards Articles & Guides

Finding a cash back card sounds easy. Then you realize "2% on everything" and "5% rotating categories" can both be the right answer — depending entirely on your life.

Here's a walkthrough of where your refund money goes, how long it takes, and the rights that protect you, no matter which card you carry.

Learn how corporate credit cards work, who qualifies for one, and how they differ from the business cards most small companies use.

A balance transfer check can move debt or fund a purchase at a promotional rate, but the same check can quietly cost you cash-advance interest.

Adults 30 to 44, not Gen Z, are the age group most swayed by credit card ads and design.

Credit card skimmers are now nearly invisible, targeting both physical terminals and online payments with wireless technology. Stay safe by using contactless payments, inspecting card readers, and monitoring your accounts regularly.

The right American Express card for you depends entirely on your spending habits and lifestyle.

As a freelancer, solopreneur, or side hustler, you’re a company of one. It doesn’t matter if you’ve always dreamed of starting a business or if self-employment fell into your lap: Smart money management is the key to your entrepreneurial success.

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.

If you're a "bonus hunter" there's nothing quite like the thrill of scooping up a robust welcome bonus. These can be an easy, "quick win" to add to your pile of points that you can use to globe-trot around the world.

You can earn high value from your spending without ever boarding a plane.

You spent months — or years — accumulating credit card points. Then your issuer changes the terms, and suddenly those points buy less than they used to.

Most balance transfers clear in 5–7 days, but the range runs 2 days to 6 weeks depending on issuer and card age.

See how Capital One Platinum, Discover it® Secured & Chase Freedom Rise® stack up as Credit One alternatives — issuer-verified, compared fairly.

If you've ever searched for the best travel credit cards, you've probably noticed that many focus on airline miles, airport lounge access, and transferring points to airline partners. Those perks can be valuable, but they don't help much when you're loading up the car for a road trip.

Making only the minimum payment on your credit card might seem like a manageable approach to handling debt, especially during financially challenging times.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The logic behind this age-old causality dilemma also applies to the following question: how do you build credit if you have no credit? After all, if you have no credit or bad credit then it’s almost impossible to qualify for a conventional credit card or loan.

The back-to-school season can put significant pressure on family budgets, with costs for supplies, clothing, electronics, and activities quickly adding up. Many parents consider using credit cards to manage these expenses.

Credit cards are powerful tools for building credit, managing expenses, and earning rewards.

You've worked hard to accumulate credit card points and airline miles, but one bad redemption decision can waste months of earning.

Turn your daily spending into luxury trips by mastering the art of earning and redeeming points.

The right number depends on your spending habits, your goals, and how much complexity you can manage. Here's how to find yours.

The average credit card balance rose to $6,768 in late 2025. With interest rates near historic highs, switching to a 0% APR strategy can save the average American over $1,500 in 18 months

Hero stat: Maximizers earn 3%–5% in bonus categories, while flat-rate cards offer a simple 1.5%–2% on everything. Choosing the right one depends entirely on your spending habits.

Small daily habits like a $7 latte can generate 4,500 points annually—enough to cover baggage fees or airport meals without changing your lifestyle.

A plain-English guide to the credit card terms that determine what you actually pay — and what you're really agreeing to.

Most adults benefit from using just one credit card to build credit and track spending. By consolidating expenses, you can earn a minimum of 1.5% back on every dollar while creating a complete, automated map of your finances.

0% intro APR ending soon? Here’s what happens when the promo ends and how to avoid costly interest: confirm your end date, set a payoff target, and choose the best next step, from faster payments to a balance transfer or rate reduction.

Here's when a one-time balance transfer fee is worth paying to escape a high credit card APR, and when it quietly costs you more than it saves. In May 2026, the average U.S. credit card APR was 20.94%, according to the Federal Reserve, so a 3% to 5% transfer fee can be a bargain next to a full year of interest.

Hero stat: While the industry standard for flat-rate cards is 1.5%, the Freedom Unlimited® doubles as a travel powerhouse—potentially increasing point value by 25% to 50% when paired with a premium Chase card.

Hero stat: The Chase Freedom Unlimited®, offers a 1.5% rewards floor—which is 50% higher than the industry-standard 1%—ensuring you earn more on every "miscellaneous" dollar without micromanaging your wallet.

The right balance transfer strategy depends on how much you owe — and the math changes dramatically at each level.

Most cardholders never ask for a lower rate, but a five-minute phone call could save you hundreds of dollars a year in interest.

Chase's unofficial 5/24 rule can block your application before human review. Here's how to check your status and plan around it.

Learn how to earn, redeem, and get the most value from Citi ThankYou® Rewards points — from everyday cash back to high-value airline and hotel transfers.

Your business credit cards could be working much harder for your company—here's what most entrepreneurs miss.

The Chase Ultimate Rewards® is a rewards program where users can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points through their Chase credit cards, which can be redeemed in many ways, including for travel or cash back. You can strategically maximize your earnings and get more value from your rewards through bookings made on the Chase Travel and Dining portals.

We compared the Chase Slate® and Chase Freedom Unlimited® across key features — from intro APR length to rewards rates — to help you decide which fits your needs.

Over a third of Americans have gone into debt for a trip, and almost half have let their card rewards expire. Here's what our survey uncovered about where people are losing value, plus a quick way to check if your card is even worth keeping.

When you look at your credit card's monthly statement, you'll likely see the term APR sprinkled in there. APR is short for annual percentage rate, and it's how much it costs to borrow from your credit card issuer each year.

According to our BestMoney 2026 Travel Index, tourists can increase their purchasing power by up to 45% — without sacrificing safety or world-class infrastructure — simply by letting the data dictate their summer vacation plans.

A step-by-step guide to picking a card, requesting the transfer and paying it off faster

Your everyday spending can fund your next trip. Here's how to choose the card that actually makes that happen.

Maybe you've always used hard cash or your debit card to shop, or perhaps you have a credit card in your wallet, but you're not sure how to best use it. You probably have some questions. Well, we’ve covered answers to all the credit card basics for you right here; from how they work and their types to learning how to use them for credit building.

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.

A credit card statement provides a detailed summary of your spending, payments, fees, interest charges, and rewards during a billing cycle, helping you track your finances and detect potential errors. To learn how to read your statement effectively and avoid costly mistakes, read the full article for expert insights.

When you look at your credit card statement, sometimes your bill may be higher than the cost of your purchases.

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

Hidden subscription fees are catching most consumers off guard, with 69% charged after forgetting to cancel a free trial. Here's how to take back control.

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.

Frequent travelers have more options than ever for ways to earn travel rewards. Beyond general travel cards, hotel credit cards and airline credit cards are two choices. You can access hotel-specific or airline-specific perks and earn hotel-specific or airline-specific rewards.

A credit card can be a valuable tool, but using one isn’t without risks. Scammers might rack up fraudulent charges. Thieves may steal your identity. You could wake up one day sensing that your card just isn’t right for you, and that you’re wasting time and money keeping it.

When you own a business, you have to spend money to make money. You also have to keep tabs on what you buy and how much you spend. Your business expense tracker could be a simple paper-based running log or a complex financial software.

Business credit cards work best for short-term, recurring expenses, while business loans are better suited for large, one-time investments with predictable repayment. Choosing the wrong option can cost you significantly, so matching your financing tool to your actual need is what matters most.

In the world of credit cards, two popular cards are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®.

When a crisis strikes, your rewards balance shouldn't be a source of stress; it should be your fastest way home.

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.

Applying for a credit card can be a straightforward process, but getting approved isn’t always guaranteed.

A balance transfer moves debt from a high-interest card to one with a 0% intro APR, helping you save on interest. To do it, choose a card, check fees, apply, and transfer the balance while creating a repayment plan to avoid interest after the promo period. Avoid new debt on old cards and ensure savings outweigh fees.

Credit cards can do more than just facilitate payments—they can be powerful tools for achieving your financial goals, from building credit to saving for a house.

A 0% APR offer can give you a break from high card interest, helping you pay down debt or cover a big purchase without interest for a limited time. The savings only stick if you follow the rules: pay on time, watch for fees, and plan to pay it off before the promo ends.

A free checked bag on a round trip can save you $70 or more — and some airline credit cards include that perk even at no annual fee. I can't count the number of times celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Garner have asked me "What's in your wallet?" in Capital One credit card ads that pop up on my TV screen.

You're considering the Apple Card for its sleek design and Apple ecosystem integration, but its 2% cash back on Apple Pay purchases pales compared to cards offering 3-5% in popular categories.

A $5,000 credit card balance at 18% APR can cost over $7,000 in interest — money that could have been a down payment, a retirement contribution, or an emergency fund.

The average American holds 3.84 credit cards, according to Experian — but the right number for you could be one or ten, depending entirely on how well you manage them. One missed payment on any card can stay on your credit report for seven years. This guide helps you find the number that maximizes rewards without putting your finances at risk.

During the 2008 recession, U.S. credit card delinquency rates hit 6.77% — a direct result of consumers using credit cards as income replacements rather than financial tools. Used strategically, credit cards can provide real breathing room during an economic downturn. Used carelessly, they can compound the damage. Here's how to tell the difference.

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

Whether you combine your finances or keep them separate, credit cards can be a useful tool.

When hunting for the right credit card, the featured rewards are often a big deciding factor in which card to pick.

You don't have to look very hard to find a streaming platform to satiate your appetite with your favorite shows and films. Whether you're a sports fan, anime lover, or Korean drama addict, there are hundreds of streaming services to choose from, with something for everyone.

While business class passengers enjoy quiet lounges with free food and comfortable seating, you're stuck at crowded gates paying airport prices.

The 18.99% APR advertised on your credit card is not what you actually pay.

It might seem convenient to pay one credit card bill with another, especially if you’re trying to buy yourself more time to pay a bill. Unfortunately, credit card issuers don't make it easy to pay a credit card with another credit card.

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

Capital One Miles are a flexible rewards currency earned through Capital One travel credit cards, redeemable for travel, gift cards, online shopping, and even cash back. Maximizing their value involves using travel transfer partners, earning bonuses through strategic spending, and pairing a Capital One Miles card with a high-earning cash-back card.

Credit card trends 2026 will likely bring shifting rewards and benefits, more focus on borrowing costs, and wider use of digital payments like wallets and installments. Expect stronger fraud tools, more biometric authentication, and more AI-driven, personalized rewards. The takeaway: track changes, know your APR, and pick payment options that fit your budget.

Choosing the right cash back card can make a real difference in your everyday spending. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® and Chase Freedom Unlimited® both offer strong value, but their reward structures appeal to different types of cardholders. Here’s what to know before you apply.

Online shopping is part of everyday life, and the right credit card can help you earn more while adding extra protection. Here’s what matters most before you hit “buy.”

Paying on time matters, but when you pay can shape what gets reported. Paying before your statement closes may lower the balance bureaus see, reduce utilization, and help you avoid fees and extra interest.

Cash back cards can be a powerful money tool, or an expensive trap. Before you swipe, it’s worth knowing the hidden perks they offer and the habits that keep rewards working in your favor.

A 10% ceiling on credit card interest is suddenly back in the headlines. Here’s what that kind of cap could mean for your wallet—from how much you pay in interest to your chances of getting approved—and how to stay in control either way.

Already carrying more than one Chase card but not sure you’re getting everything out of them? Learn how to stack your cards, move points where they’re worth more, and pick smarter redemptions so everyday spending turns into outsized travel and cash back.

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.

You're considering a premium credit card with an annual fee of $550 or more, but most cardholders only use 30-40% of available benefits.

Overwhelmed by Citi’s long list of credit cards? This guide cuts through the clutter with three standouts that keep costs low and value high. Expect strong rewards where they matter, intro APR breathing room for purchases or balance transfers, and fewer fees quietly reducing what you earn.

Managing your finances effectively often means navigating various payment options.

Cash back credit cards allow you to earn rewards on purchases, typically through flat-rate or bonus categories like dining, groceries, and gas. Maximizing rewards depends on understanding your spending habits and choosing the right card. Consider sign-up bonuses, caps, and redemption options to boost earnings. For more insights, read the full article below.

When it comes to managing your money, choosing between a credit card and a debit card can be confusing.

From free upgrades to trip protection, discover the hidden credit card benefits that make holiday travel smoother and more affordable.

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.

You're using your credit card for points and cash back, but you may also be overlooking valuable benefits that could save you hundreds of dollars annually.

Credit card debt can feel overwhelming when most of your monthly payment goes toward interest charges.

Credit card rewards can unlock excellent benefits, from free flights to cash back, all with minimal effort on your part.

You're choosing between Chase Sapphire and American Express Platinum Card®, but the decision isn't obvious. Chase offers 1 cent per point in cash back versus Amex's 0.6 cents—a 67% difference.

Airport lounge access credit cards provide travelers with exclusive perks like complimentary food, drinks, and a quieter space to relax before flights. To choose the best card, consider lounge availability, fees, and travel habits. Read the full article for expert recommendations on maximizing your airport lounge access benefits.

Travel expenses add up quickly. Between flights, accommodations, and transportation, a single trip can cost thousands—but the right credit card can significantly reduce these costs.

The Fed cut rates again. Here’s what it means for your credit card, and how to use it to your advantage.

Holiday shopping can be expensive, but the right credit card helps you earn rewards, save on interest, and stretch your budget while you prep for the season.

Americans paid more than $254 billion in credit card interest and fees in 2024 — yet almost none of it was tax-deductible. Whether you can write off credit card interest depends entirely on what the purchase was for, not which card you used. Here's what the IRS actually allows.

Your financial future hinges on a credit history that impacts everything from loans to housing—but how do you start from scratch?

Behind every credit card's convenience lies a payment timeline that shouldn't be ignored.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau faces a leadership transition that may affect its credit card regulations.

Maximize your business credit card's potential with these smart charging guidelines.

When a recession hits, credit card rates can swing dramatically—costing you thousands. Here's what to do.

As credit card defaults soar to alarming heights, consumers are scrambling to reinvent their financial playbooks.

Most Americans spend over $77,000 annually on all household expenses, including essentials like groceries, gas, and utilities.

Gone are the days that you whip out cash to pay for everything. Most of us use debit or credit cards to pay for everything from weekly grocery shopping to funding our dream vacation. What if you got a small kickback for every purchase you made though? That’s where reward credit cards come into play and can give you more perks for everyday spending.

Credit card travel insurance offers financial protection against trip cancellations, delays, lost baggage, rental car damage, and travel accidents when you pay for your trip with an eligible card.

Credit cards are a great resource for turning everyday spending into measurable value, and many high-profile cards compete with each other to offer increasingly exciting benefits. But fees are rising too.

Carrying $5,000 in credit card debt at 18% interest costs you $900 annually in interest alone. But what if you could reduce that cost to zero?

Are you missing out on tax savings by not deducting your business credit card interest?

Every financial decision you make as a small business owner shapes your company's future, starting with the credit card you select.

Using a credit card responsibly can help build credit, especially for those with limited history. Start with a secured card if needed, keep credit utilization under 30%, and never miss payments. Setting up autopay, avoiding debt, and becoming an authorized user can also boost your score. Credit improvement typically takes 6+ months. Read the full article for expert strategies on building credit.

American Express Membership Rewards lets cardholders earn points for travel, statement credits, gift cards, and more. Maximize rewards with spending multipliers, welcome bonuses, and Amex Offers, or transfer points to travel partners for added value. Choose a card that fits your spending and take advantage of promotions. Want to optimize your rewards? Read the full article for expert tips.

You're ready to make up for lost travel time, but luxury revenge travel seems financially out of reach at first-class prices of $5,000-15,000 per ticket.

Credit cards give you access to borrowed funds beyond the cash you have on hand, giving you flexibility when it comes to making purchases.