Credit Cards Articles & Guides

Chase 5/24 Rule Explained: What It Is, How It Works, and What To Do About It

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

Jul. 23, 2026

A Guide to Citi ThankYou® Rewards

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.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Business Credit Cards

Jul. 23, 2026

How to Get the Most Out of Your Business Credit Cards

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

Jul. 23, 2026

A Guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards®

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.

Maximizing Cash Back: Strategies for Using Multiple Cards

Maximizing Cash Back: Strategies for Using Multiple Cards

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.

How Do Credit Cards Work? A Beginner’s Guide to Smart Spending

How Do Credit Cards Work? A Beginner’s Guide to Smart Spending

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.

Domestic vs. International Travel Cards: How to Choose the Right One for Your Trip

Domestic vs. International Travel Cards: How to Choose the Right One for Your Trip

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

Effortless Budgeting: How to Track Your Spending and Get Paid for It

Effortless Budgeting: How to Track Your Spending and Get Paid for It

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.

The One-Card Wallet: Why We Think Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the Ultimate Everyday Card

The One-Card Wallet: Why We Think Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the Ultimate Everyday 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.

Cash Back, Points, or Both? Unlocking the True Value of Your Freedom Unlimited®

Cash Back, Points, or Both? Unlocking the True Value of Your Freedom Unlimited®

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.

Balance Transfer vs. Personal Loan: Which Is Best for Your Debt?

10 min read

Balance Transfer vs. Personal Loan: Which Is Best for Your Debt?

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.

How to Transfer a Credit Card Balance

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

What Is APR on a Credit Card, and How Much Can It Cost You?

What Is APR on a Credit Card, and How Much Can It Cost You?

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.

Nearly 50% of Travel Card Holders Let Their Rewards Expire: What BestMoney's Travel Credit Cards Survey Found

11 min read

Nearly 50% of Travel Card Holders Let Their Rewards Expire: What BestMoney's Travel Credit Cards Survey Found

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.

The 2026 Guide to Conquering Credit Card Debt

The 2026 Guide to Conquering Credit Card Debt

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

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards: Get $250 Back on Your First $500

Jul. 14, 2026

3 min read

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards: Get $250 Back on Your First $500

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Best Summer Vacations 2026: The Travel Index on Where Your Budget Goes Furthest

Jul. 13, 2026

Best Summer Vacations 2026: The Travel Index on Where Your Budget Goes Furthest

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.

How Your Daily Coffee Run Can Help Pay for Your Next Vacation

Jun. 02, 2026

5 min read

How Your Daily Coffee Run Can Help Pay for Your Next Vacation

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.

Flat-Rate vs. Bonus Category Cards: Which Is Right for You?

Jun. 02, 2026

5 min read

Flat-Rate vs. Bonus Category Cards: Which Is Right for You?

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.

May. 31, 2026

How to Read Your Credit Card Statement

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.

May. 26, 2026

Survey: What's the Cost of Forgetting? 69% of People Are Losing Money to Hidden Subscriptions

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.

How Does Credit Card Interest Work? How to Calculate (and Avoid) This Expense

May. 24, 2026

5 min read

How Does Credit Card Interest Work? How to Calculate (and Avoid) This Expense

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

Understanding Balance Transfer Credit Cards for Fair Credit

May. 24, 2026

Understanding Balance Transfer Credit Cards for Fair Credit

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

How to Manage Multiple Credit Cards: A Strategic Portfolio Guide

May. 18, 2026

10 min read

How to Manage Multiple Credit Cards: A Strategic Portfolio Guide

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.

Credit Card Rewards for Non-Travelers: Maximizing Value Without Flying

May. 14, 2026

Credit Card Rewards for Non-Travelers: Maximizing Value Without Flying

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

Business Credit Card or Business Loan: How to Know Which One Your Business Actually Needs

May. 12, 2026

Business Credit Card or Business Loan: How to Know Which One Your Business Actually Needs

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.

Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards: Understanding the Differences in {year}

May. 11, 2026

Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards: Understanding the Differences in 2026

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

Credit Card Annual Fee Calendar: When to Downgrade, Cancel or Negotiate

May. 11, 2026

Credit Card Annual Fee Calendar: When to Downgrade, Cancel or Negotiate

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.

Hotel vs. Airline Credit Cards: How to Choose the Right Travel Rewards Card

May. 11, 2026

Hotel vs. Airline Credit Cards: How to Choose the Right Travel Rewards Card

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.

Credit Card Red Flags: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

May. 07, 2026

Credit Card Red Flags: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

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.

The True Value of Credit Card Welcome Bonuses: A Calculator Approach

May. 05, 2026

The True Value of Credit Card Welcome Bonuses: A Calculator Approach

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.

How to Use a 0% APR Credit Card Without Getting Burned

Apr. 30, 2026

How to Use a 0% APR Credit Card Without Getting Burned

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.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® vs. Freedom Unlimited®: Which Card Should You Pick?

Apr. 30, 2026

Chase Sapphire Preferred® vs. Freedom Unlimited®: Which Card Should You Pick?

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

Business Credit Card Expense Tracking: Tools and Best Practices

Apr. 29, 2026

Business Credit Card Expense Tracking: Tools and Best Practices

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.

How to Split Expenses Across Multiple Cards as a Couple or Family

Apr. 29, 2026

How to Split Expenses Across Multiple Cards as a Couple or Family

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.

How to Do a Credit Card Balance Transfer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Apr. 27, 2026

How to Do a Credit Card Balance Transfer: A Step-by-Step Guide

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.

How to Get Approved for a Credit Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Apr. 27, 2026

How to Get Approved for a Credit Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

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

How to Get the Most Out of Your Credit Card Rewards

Apr. 27, 2026

How to Get the Most Out of Your Credit Card Rewards

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

The Psychology of Credit Card Spending: Why We Overspend and How to Stop

Apr. 23, 2026

The Psychology of Credit Card Spending: Why We Overspend and How to Stop

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.

How to Use Credit Card Points for Last-Minute Travel Emergencies

Apr. 23, 2026

How to Use Credit Card Points for Last-Minute Travel Emergencies

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

5 Credit Card Mistakes to Avoid in Your 30s

Apr. 16, 2026

5 Credit Card Mistakes to Avoid in Your 30s

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.

Credit Cards for Couples: Smart Ways to Share, Save, and Build Credit Together

Apr. 16, 2026

Credit Cards for Couples: Smart Ways to Share, Save, and Build Credit Together

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

Credit Card Tips: 10 Ways to Stay on Track for This Year's Money Goals

Apr. 16, 2026

Credit Card Tips: 10 Ways to Stay on Track for This Year's Money Goals

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.

Is the Apple Card Still Worth It in {year}? Pros, Cons & Better Alternatives

Apr. 15, 2026

Is the Apple Card Still Worth It in 2026? Pros, Cons & Better Alternatives

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.

Unlock Travel Perks: Choosing the Best Airline Credit Card

Apr. 14, 2026

Unlock Travel Perks: Choosing the Best Airline Credit Card

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.

Can You Deduct Credit Card Interest on Your Taxes? Here’s What to Know

Apr. 12, 2026

Can You Deduct Credit Card Interest on Your Taxes? Here’s What to Know

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.

Can You Have Too Many Credit Cards? Here’s What the Experts Say

Apr. 09, 2026

Can You Have Too Many Credit Cards? Here’s What the Experts Say

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.

How to Use Credit Cards Wisely During a Recession (And What to Avoid)

Apr. 09, 2026

How to Use Credit Cards Wisely During a Recession (And What to Avoid)

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.

A Guide to Getting Airport Lounge Access With a Credit Card

Apr. 05, 2026