5 Tips for Lowering Your Credit Utilization
Your credit utilization is simply the portion of your available credit you use, expressed as a percentage. It is the total of balances on all your credit cards divided by…
Lindsay Konsko
Posts by Lindsay Konsko:
How to Stop Credit Card Pre-Approval Letters
If your mailbox is stuffed with pre-approved credit card offers you have no interest in pursuing, there’s a quick way to make them stop. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT or visit OptOutPrescreen.com. The phone number…
Why Do Some Stores Have Credit Card Minimums?
Have you ever tried to buy something small with your credit card, only to be told the store has a minimum purchase requirement? There’s a financial reason behind that merchant’s rule. Whether you’re using…
I Only Have One Credit Card – Is That a Problem?
Some people are hardcore credit-card optimizers: They carry a wallet packed with plastic and pull out a different credit card for every situation. Others put a premium on simplicity: They find one card that works just…
Is There a Limit to How Many Credit Cards I Can Have?
Plenty of people love credit cards — love the rewards they earn, the perks they enjoy, the interest-free financing they can get, the security offered by quick access to funds in a pinch.…
How to Apply for a Credit Card Without a Social Security Number
Not having a Social Security number can be a serious stumbling block when you want to apply for a credit card, since most card issuers specifically ask for one on your application.…
What to Know If Your Credit Card Is Closed Due to Inactivity
If you don’t use a credit card for a year or more, the issuer may decide to close the account. In fact, inactivity is one of the most common reasons…
When Will My Credit Card Debt Appear in My Credit Report?
Credit card-wielding shoppers may be curious to find out how soon purchases will be reflected in their credit reports. Here’s a closer look at how and when your credit card debt…
How a Balance Transfer Affects Your Credit Score
Moving high-interest credit card debt to a card with a lower rate — or, better yet, a 0% interest period — can save you hundreds of dollars while making it easier to…
How Long Should I Wait Between Credit Card Applications?
Waiting about six months between credit card applications can increase your chances of getting approved. Apply more frequently than that, and issuers may see you as a riskier bet and reject your…
