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- Be wary of co-branded gas cards
- Figure out financing and insurance
- 4. Stay at Marriott Hotels
- 6. Weigh the value of professional help
- 2. Review your Loan Estimates
- Sector ETFs
- Our pick for: Current users
- Best insurance company for affordability: NJM
- 9. No foreign transaction fees
- Our pick for: Everyday spending
- 11. Create a local grocery delivery service
- Cons of gold stocks
- 5. Gather your paperwork
- Cons of health care stocks
- 4. Set an alarm or camera to catch thieves
- Alternatives for large expenses
- 8. Kiddie Academy
- Money market mutual funds = lowest returns, lowest risk
- 6. Enrichment activities for children
- 4. Capital One Travel
- Bank loans
- Ages 55 to 64
- Amazon Elements
- 1. Have a goal for your index funds
- Partner airlines
- WomensNet grants
- Redemption value
- TreasuryDirect
- 5. The money can be used for more than retirement
- 3. Compare ETFs
- Travelers
- See what’s available in your brokerage account
- Alaska
- Consumers benefit from the extra security EMV provides
- 8. $300 SoulCycle credit
- Venture capital
- National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant
- Personal loans for engagement rings
- Online financial planning services
- Free checked bags
- 5. Preferred dividends
- 14. IHop
- Compare car insurance rates for 35-year-olds
- Bonus features
- 7. Mastercard global payment network
- Cold wallet
- Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt paydown
- Create an operating agreement
- What's next?
- Our pick for: Beginner-friendly features
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs)
- Infestations
- 8. Mathnasium Learning Centers
- Additional standard deduction 2023 (taxes due 2024)
- 3. Decide how much stock you want to buy
- Crowdfunding
- 9. Down Payment Assistance Program (Leon County)
- Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Community Grant
- Debt management plan
- Debt scams
- Perks that are the same
- For budget-friendly options: Priceline
- Special equipment
- What to do if you have a high-interest loan
- Break down your results
- Etsy
- Book one to three months in advance
- Net worth of U.S. families by race or ethnicity
- 5. Treasury notes, bills and bonds
- 13. Solar panel manufacturer
- How much does it cost?
- 2. American Airlines
- Maintenance or general wear and tear
- American Express
- On-platform storage: Easy to use, with some risks
- 4. Sell some merch
- Bonus points on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
- 10. Airport lounge access
- 3. Learn the difference between investing in stocks and funds
- 12. Start a virtual event planning company
- Nonresident status rules
- 5. Split the family into different itineraries
- Custodial wallet
- 1. Examine your cooling needs
- Experian business credit scores
- MoCaFi
- Amazon Family
- 6. Optimize your finances with tax planning
- How to hold mail at the post office
- Airfare cost
- Get an inspection from a trusted mechanic
- 2. Digital assets
- 5. Simplified business ownership
- Publicly-traded REITs
- USAA
- Key differences between AD&D insurance and life insurance
- Universal life vs. whole life insurance rates for men
- 9. Up to $240 in digital entertainment credit
- Bizee’s Fresh Start Business Grant
- 8. Rental car coverage
- 5. Rent out a room
- 7. Plan to reassess
- Leveraged ETFs
- 6. Dividend funds
- 15. Melting Pot
- 1. Use a CD ladder
- Account linking
- 8. Privacy and security
- Travelodge by Wyndham Las Vegas Center Strip
- 5. American Express Membership Rewards
- Travel
- What you need to get preapproved for a car loan
- Additional standard deduction 2024 (taxes due 2025)
- 9. Kumon Math and Reading Centers
- Gusto Impact Award
- Investing in tech funds
- SBA loans
- Ages 65 to 74
- Bankruptcy
- Nationwide the EV infrastructure is in its infancy
- 2. Research index funds
- U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- 4. Make the trade
- You'll come out ahead by investing the money
- Retail supplies
- Decide which type of money market fund is right for you
- Florida
- Net worth of U.S. families by education
- 4. Take advantage of an early bird discount
- Get your RV inspected by a professional
- 14. Plant delivery service
- Perks that have real value
- 5. Money market funds
- 1K bonus points per stay
- 4. Help your donation grow
- 5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
- Example CD APYs at select institutions
- 4. Borrow from your 401(k)
- 9. Fetch! Pet Care, Inc.
- Individual health care stocks
- 5. Check your car insurance
- 7. Mobile apps and entertainment for children
- 2. Time it right
- Government-backed loans
- Student loan scams
- 5. Upwork
- National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) grant
- Credit cards for earning American AAdvantage miles
- Benefits unique to the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Universal life vs. whole life insurance rates for women
- 10. $189 Clear credit
- 9. Roadside assistance
- How to maximize your rewards
- Know what’s inside
- 16. Moe’s Southwest Grill
- 2. Open a no-penalty CD
- Travel Medical Protector benefits
- 13. Sell zero-waste products
- Individual gold stocks
- 6. Pick your investments
- Amegy Bank Small Business Boost Program
- 6. Book hotel suites
- Online business loans
- Debt settlement
- TrueBlue value
- Make 10 years' worth of payments
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Public non-traded REITs
- Packing and shipping supplies
- Swappa, Gazelle
- Illiquidity
- 15. Open a used bookstore
- Noncustodial wallets: More effort, more security
- 5. Offer memberships
- 2. Is now the right time to buy bonds?
- Security
- 9. Modern style
- Cheapest car insurance after a DUI
- 11. Luxury hotel benefits
- 10. Ace Hardware
- 10. Down Payment Assistance Program (Gainesville)
- 3. Look for equipment rebates and tax credits
- Appraisal fee
- What’s next?
- There are upfront costs to charge at home
- 3. Predict the option strike price
- Average annual car insurance costs from large companies
- 1. Avoid filing your tax return on paper
- Social Security scams
- Fleet expense management tools
- Buy from a reputable dealer or seller
- Travel credits
- In-flight entertainment
- Winner: Virgin Atlantic
- Nevada
- Is the Lifetime Learning Credit refundable?
- 11. Reimbursement of application fees for TSA Precheck or Global Entry
- Venmo Small Business Grant
- 10. 24/7 Visa Concierge service
- 3. Loan processing takes over
- 17. P.F. Chang’s
- 3. Try a bump-up CD
- 6. Capital One Rewards
- 14. Make products for pets
- Colorado child tax credit (COCTC)
- 10. Qdoba Mexican Eats
- Business credit cards
- 8. Shared accessories and attire
- Antitrust concerns
- Dave
- Chubb: Best for high-value homes
- 7. Invest to build your future goals
- FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
- Materials
- Most popular
- Set a price alert
- Learning to invest like Warren Buffett
- 16. Green gift shop
- How to maximize your rewards
- 3. Japan Airlines
- Dividend per share (DPS)
- 5. Pick charities to support
- Our pick for: Fixed monthly payments
- 3. Sell your castoffs
- Health care stock ETFs
- 11. SHIP Down Payment Assistance (Alachua County)
- Dayton Community Development Corporation grant programs
- Got more questions about how to open an IRA? We have answers
- Discount points
- 3. Pick your index funds
- 2. Get direct deposit
- Check yields, fees and expense ratios
- New Hampshire
- 12. Up to $100 in statement credits annually at Saks Fifth Avenue
- 11. Cell phone protection
- 5. Refer a friend
- Don't just forget about it
- 18. Pinkberry
- $300 restaurant credit
- Customer support
- Stocks
- 12. Cardholder hotline
- 6. Sell your wares on Etsy
- 15. Create custom clothing
- Gold stock ETFs
- Colorado earned income tax credit (COEITC)
- 11. Snap-On Tools
- Wash sale rules
- How to have more taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Medicare scams
- Safety ratings
- You'll need the cash for other things
- Private REITs
- For booking travel experiences beyond the cruise: TripAdvisor
- How quickly could the IRS implement the child tax credit expansion?
- Other general-purpose travel card reviews
- Rebook if you find a cheaper price
- Purchase discounted Airbnb gift cards
- Transparency, regulation and data
- 4. The underwriter makes a decision based on your documentation
- 17. Sell bicycles
- Dividend yield
- 6. High-yield savings accounts
- 10. Monthly installment plan
- Our pick for: Cell phone and internet bill payments
- Our pick for: Flat-rate travel rewards
- Club Wyndham Grand Desert
- Example money market account APYs at select institutions
- 11. Home Helpers Home Care
- Alternatives for small expenses
- 12. Homebuyer Assistance Program (Volusia County)
- Home equity loan
- 5. Kiwi
- EVs come with an element of the unknown
- 8. Grow your financial well-being
- 3. Stay on top of things
- Citi Prestige® Card
- America’s Seed Fund
- Appendix: How the math works in our examples
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- 13. Walmart+ Monthly Membership Credit
- The Amplifier Grant
- 19. Pizza Hut
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- An example of selling a call option
- Best insurance company for accident forgiveness: Geico
- 13. Access to unique, cardmember-only events
- 7. Citi ThankYou Points
- San Antonio Economic Development Department grant programs
- Resident status rules
- Escrow account funds
- 4. Determine the option time frame
- Tax scams
- 6. OfferUp
- Apply for PSLF forgiveness
- Some NerdWallet favorites: Cash back
- South Dakota
- 18. Sell scooters
- Capital One
- User experience
- Bonds
- 4. Set a budget for your stock market investment
- 16. Sell vintage clothing online
- Obtaining an EIN
- 5. Enter a debt management plan
- 4. Earn badges through Live videos
- Pros of a 203(k) loan
- 12. Pillar to Post Home Inspectors
- Microloans
- Cost basis calculations
- 13. Affordable Home Ownership Assistance Program (Daytona Beach)
- How to have less taxes taken out of your paycheck
- M1
- Benefits
- Reliability
- 3 disadvantages of sole proprietorship
- Check for leaks
- 20. Red Robin
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit
- 3. Which bonds are right for my portfolio?
- Cheapest auto insurance for poor credit
- 12. AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care
- 9. Shared home improvement equipment
- 4. Decide where to buy your index funds
- 4. One more thing to know about your tax refund
- Investment scams
- Barclays Small Business Big Wins
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
- Tennessee
- Learn more about SBA loans:
- Be flexible with destination, airport and dates
- FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
- 19. Energy-efficient car sales
- Our pick for: Varo users
- Reviews
- 7. Self-publish an e-book
- 17. Begin niche blogging
- Cons of a 203(k) loan
- Lubbock Economic Development Alliance grants
- Home equity line of credit
- Flood determination and monitoring fees
- 9. Estate planning: Protect your financial well-being
- Drawbacks
- 1. No liability protection
- Disney Park Hopper is worth it if...
- 1. Choose to DIY or get some help
- 5. Use a rewards card to pay for Airbnb
- 14. Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection at airports
- 5. Your loan is cleared to close
- Keep drains moving
- Dividend payout ratio
- 21. Starbucks
- 7. CDs
- Priority Pass Select membership
- Mutual funds
- Desert Rose Resort
- 8. Bank of America® rewards
- Our pick for: An upgrade path
- 13. Keller Williams
- Personal loans
- How to use a W-4 to owe nothing on a tax return
- SAVE benefits available by October 2023
- How much is auto insurance after an at-fault accident?
- Be flexible about travel dates
- Texas
- Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
- Copying Warren Buffett’s trades
- 20. Open a consignment or thrift store
- 13. Eye Level Learning Centers
- Stash
- Government recording fees
- Customer satisfaction
- Airport lounge access
- 3. Precious metals
- To match with a vacation planner: Avoya Travel
- 15. Centurion Lounge Complimentary Guest Access
- American Airlines credit cards
- Delta Airlines credit cards
- JetBlue credit cards
- Southwest Airlines credit cards
- United Airlines credit cards
- Other airlines' credit cards
- 4. United Airlines
- 22. Wingstop
- Determine if your quotes are a good deal
- 18. Become an e-book writer
- 5. Build a community
- 14. Down Payment Assistance Program (Orange County)
- The Alamo Small Business Grant Program
- Part-year resident status rules
- SAVE benefit starting in February 2024
- Country Financial: Best for using an agent
- 7. Poshmark
- 21. Manufacture or sell eco-friendly fashion design
- How to maximize your rewards
- Act quickly
- Property-based passive income ideas
- Pros
- Exchange-traded funds
- Employment taxes
- 14. FastSigns
- 10. Vacation rentals
- Cash-out refinance
- Loan-origination charges
- An example of buying a call
- 5. Buy index funds
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Schedule time for grant applications
- 2. Harder to get financing and business credit
- Winner: Virgin Atlantic
- Washington
- 23. Red Lobster
- 14. Purchase protection
- 8. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
- 5. Focus on investing for the long-term
- 14. Dream Vacations
- 15. Dare to Own the Dream (Tampa)
- 6. BookWithMatrix
- SAVE benefits available by July 2024
- 6. Book through an airline portal
- 16. Upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- 22. Environmental blog
- Turn to technology
- Cons
- Our pick for: Customizable bonus categories
- Cryptocurrency pros
- Everything else
- 19. Start ghostwriting
- Acorns
- Mortgage insurance or fees for government-backed loans
- Which one should I take?
- Expand your search efforts
- Hotel status
- U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- Hurricanes
- 8. Buy a rental property
- Compare car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI
- Best insurance company for having few customer complaints: American Family
- 15. Return protection
- Self-employment tax
- Gifting large sums of money to family
- 15. Merry Maids
- Business loans
- Earthquakes and landslides
- 16. East Tampa CRA Down Payment Assistance Program (Tampa)
- Nonresident status rules
- 11. Electronics repair
- An example of buying a put
- Complete financial plan and investment advice
- 4. Collectibles
- Look beyond United
- Wyoming
- 17. Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status
- 23. Advertising agency specializing in green business
- 2020-2022 earned income credit amounts
- 20. Become a resume writer
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee
- 15. U.S. Lawns
- Personal loan
- 6. Keep an eye on your index funds
- Pay off debt
- Disney Park Hopper is not worth it if...
- Best Western credit cards
- Hilton credit cards
- Hyatt credit cards
- IHG credit cards
- Marriott credit cards
- Wyndham credit cards
- Other hotel credit cards
- Keep pipes from freezing
- 24. American Eagle
- 16. Extended warranty
- Cryptocurrency cons
- Wildfires
- America’s Seed Fund
- Pest inspection
- Tornadoes
- Weigh grant application fees
- Transfer partners
- 3. It’s harder to sell your business
- 18. Money-saving perks for stays booked through The Hotel Collection
- 24. Give bicycle tours
- 9. Rent out your own house
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers
- 6. Manage your stock portfolio
- 21. Open a coworking space
- Sales tax
- Paying for vacations, cars or other stuff
- Business lines of credit
- Albert
- Specialized guidance and/or want to meet with an advisor face-to-face
- To book a vacation package with an airline or hotel
- 7. Message the host
- 25. Anthropologie
- Our pick for: Maximized value
- 9. Become an Instagram influencer
- 16. Snap-on Tools
- Flooding
- Prepaid expenses
- Avoid taking on more debt
- Keep alternative funding in mind
- 5. Commodities
- 2. Know your own ESG criteria
- 19. Complimentary benefits through Fine Hotels & Resorts
- 25. Eco-travel planner
- ETFs vs. mutual funds
- Giving a laid-back loan
- 17. Homeownership Assistance Program (Miami-Dade County)
- 1. Has the W-4 form changed?
- Amber Grants
- Flooding
- Average car insurance costs after a speeding ticket
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Some NerdWallet favorites: General travel
- Hail
- 26. Banana Republic
- 10. Get a roommate
- 17. Rental car coverage
- 22. Become an online coach
- 12. Academics courses
- Portfolio management only
- Wait to apply
- Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- 26. Sustainable events planner
- Setting up joint bank accounts
- 17. Merry Maids
- 18. First-Time Home Buyer Program (Hallandale Beach)
- Tax monitoring and research fees
- Card ecosystem
- 6. Real estate
- 3. Choose ESG investments
- 27. DSW
- Alternative investment passive income ideas
- 18. Trip cancellation or interruption insurance
- 23. Flip failing websites
- Pros
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee, potentially high credit limit
- 2. What does it mean to be exempt from taxes?
- NASE Growth Grant
- Monzo
- NJM: Best small regional insurer
- 1. What does "sole proprietor" mean?
- 20. Free shipping with ShopRunner
- 27. Open an organic spa
- ETFs vs. stocks
- Our pick for: Bank of America® customers
- 10. Monetize your Twitch channel
- Winter weather
- Title-related costs
- Winner: Virgin Atlantic
- Tornadoes
- 28. J. Crew Factory
- Our pick for: Subscriptions
- Cheapest auto insurance for senior drivers
- Best insurance company for financial strength: Auto-Owners
- 24. Become a web developer
- Cons
- 18. Anytime Fitness
- NYC tax rate schedule
- 13. Language courses
- Hail
- 2. Can a sole proprietor have employees?
- 21. Concierge service
- 28. Recycled furniture and home goods
- 11. Peer-to-peer lending
- 19. Trip delay reimbursement
- Average car insurance costs after a DUI
- Some NerdWallet favorites: Co-branded
- 29. Journeys
- 25. Start a podcast
- Understand your eligibility
- Earthquakes
- 3. Does a sole proprietor need an EIN?
- Pets
- 22. Low fares through the International Airline Program
- 29. Eco-friendly kids toys
- Wildfires
- 20. Lost luggage reimbursement
- Can a single-member LLC have employees?
- 19. Midas International
- 3. When should I review my W-4?
- Greenlight
- 30. Madewell
- 26. Be a social media influencer
- American Express® Gold Card
- 4. How do you change from sole proprietor to LLC?
- Luggage restrictions
- 23. Savings with the Cruise Privileges Program
- 30. Handmade clothing
- 12. Private equity
- Compare auto insurance rates for drivers with poor credit
- 21. Medical emergencies during travel
- 11. Sell your photography
- Our pick for: Average credit and rewards
- Note application deadlines and awards dates
- 14. Business or marketing courses
- Credit required
- Pros
- 31. Old Navy
- Does a single-member LLC need an EIN?
- 4. Can I adjust my W-4 multiple times throughout the year?
- Real estate agent commissions
- 24. Car Rental Privileges
- 31. Green remodeling
- 27. Create online courses
- 32. Target Circle
- Our pick for: Prime gaming
- Our pick for: Paying rent
- Consider financing alternatives
- Step
- Property and transfer taxes
- USAA: Best for military and veterans
- 7. Private equity
- 25. Deals through the Amex Auto Purchasing Program
- 32. Green architecture
- 28. Become a marketing consultant
- Is a single-member LLC a sole proprietorship?
- 15. Personal wellness
- Overseas acceptance
- Cons
- 13. Crypto staking
- Best insurance company for discounts: Amica
- Title insurance
- 26. An extra point when booking Platinum Destinations Vacations
- 33. Solar panel installation
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*
- Alternative investment pros
- 33. Aveda
- Apple Cash: digital card
- 29. Develop an app
- Our pick for: Average credit and no annual fee
- 27. Additional value through the InCircle rewards program
- 34. Start a cooperative
- 12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag
- Look up the insurer’s financial strength
- How do you pay yourself in a single-member LLC?
- Majority
- 34. BareMinerals
- 16. Courses in hobbies or interests
- 28. AmEx Carbon Emissions Tracker
- 35. Green venture capitalist
- 1. Open a brokerage account
- 30. Make a smart appliance
- Average annual car insurance costs for drivers with good vs. poor credit
- 35. Clinique
- Product creation passive income ideas
- Our pick for: Those who are unbanked
- Cash App debit card
- Alternative investment cons
- 36. Green financial planning
- Research the insurer’s reputation for customer service
- 31. Tap into virtual reality experiences
- Are single-member LLCs subject to double taxation?
- Comun
- 36. CVS
- 13. Sell unused gift cards
- 17. Bookkeeping and accounting
- 1. Look at customer satisfaction scores
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- 29. The Global Dining Access by Resy
- 37. Software
- 2. Find the ETFs you want to invest in
- 14. Write content
- 32. Make a niche dating site
- Our pick for: Limited credit
- 37. e.l.f. Cosmetics
- 2. Consider financial strength
- Erie: Most generous coverage
- 30. Exclusive events
- 38. Apps
- 33. Develop a chatbot
- 3. Buy the ETF
- 38. Lancome
- Our pick for: Target gaming purchases
- Best insurance company for customer satisfaction: State Farm
- 18. Consulting
- 3. Evaluate the policy options
- Bunq
- 31. An open invitation to events with Membership Experiences
- 39. Refurbish/recycle tech
- Compare insurance rates for drivers with an accident
- 14. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
- 34. Offer matchmaking skills
- 4. Hold onto the ETF
- 39. Sephora
- For cruise package deals: Costco Travel
- 32. A better view with American Express Preferred Access
- 35. Be a virtual assistant
- 4. Get prices from a handful of companies
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
- 40. SmashBox
- 15. Publish a digital course
- Our pick for: Good credit
- Totem
- How much is auto insurance for young drivers?
- 41. The Body Shop
- 36. Reinvent exercising
- 19. IT support
- Car-related passive income ideas
- 33. No foreign transaction fees
- 42. Ulta
- 37. Create eco-friendly, health-friendly makeup and beauty products
- Nationwide: Best online experience
- Our pick for: Spending guardrails
- Best insurance company for military members: USAA
- 15. Sell your gently used clothes
- Directly with the Cruise Line
- 34. Upgrade with points
- 16. Wrap your car with ads
- What is a prepaid debit card?
- 38. Open a food truck or restaurant pop-up
- 20. Graphic design
- United Club℠ Infinite Card
- Our pick for: Travel
- 35. No preset spending limit
- 43. AMC Theatres
- 39. Start an organization business
- 17. Rent out a parking space
- What is a prepaid credit card?
- Standard (nonbank) neobanks
- Average annual car insurance costs for young drivers by company
- 36. A lower annual fee on additional cards
- 44. Barnes & Noble
- Our pick for: Walmart gaming purchases
- 40. Do interior design for young professionals
- 16. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash
- Where can you get a prepaid card?
- 21. Social media management
- 37. CreditSecure
- 45. Redbox
- How do you add money to a prepaid card?
- Neobanks that are online banks
- Openly: Fewest consumer complaints
- Our pick for: Instant gratification
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Which prepaid card is best?
- 17. Get a babysitting gig
- 22. Marketing copywriter
- 38. Cell phone protection
- Digital wallets with banking services
- 39. Purchase protection
- 1. Gather your information
- 23. Virtual assistant services
- Our pick for: A low security deposit
- 40. Return protection
- Our pick for: PlayStation purchases
- 18. Rent out your car
- Fintech firms with cash management accounts
- Our pick for: Personalized rewards
- Prime Visa
- 41. Extended warranty
- State Farm: Best perks
- 42. Baggage insurance plan
- 2. Choose the right liability car insurance coverage levels
- 1. Do your research
- 43. Car rental loss and damage insurance
- 19. Sign up for TaskRabbit
- 2. Get organized and make it official
- 44. Premium Car Rental Protection
- Verizon Visa® Card
- 45. Trip delay insurance
- 20. Become a private tutor
- 3. Find the right financing
- 46. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- 47. Premium Global Assist Hotline
- 3. Decide if you need full coverage car insurance
- Our pick for: A mix of credit-building features
- Our pick for: Best Buy purchases
- You’re a first-time home buyer
- 21. Drive for Uber, Lyft
- Trip cancellation
- You live in a high-risk area
- Trip interruption
- Cell phone protection
- 22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats
- Purchase protection
- Trip delay
- You have a dog
- 4. Collect and compare car insurance quotes
- Return protection
- 23. Find work as a housesitter
- Cancel For Any Reason
- Extended warranty
- You own valuable items
- Baggage insurance plan
- Our pick for: Digital Microsoft Store purchases
- Baggage delay
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- 24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
- You own an older home
- Lost baggage
- Trip delay insurance
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Travel medical insurance
- 25. Put your drone to work
- Compare car insurance companies
- Conditions common to your dog’s breed
- Your dog’s energy and activities
- Wellness expenses
- Decide whether your cat needs insurance
- Wellness expenses
- 1. Check whether your pet is eligible
- 2. Research what’s covered
- 3. Decide how much coverage you want
- 4. Understand reimbursements and deductibles
- 5. Check waiting periods
- 6. Examine extra costs
- 7. Compare quotes
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 the total of all your credit limits. (It's also figured on a per-card basis.) This number is a big factor in your credit score — the less available credit you use, the better it is for your score.
Here’s how to keep your utilization low.
Why is having a low credit utilization important?
Paying your balances on time and in full every month is the best way to keep your score intact or build it. On the other hand, using a larger portion of your credit limit could do damage. Credit utilization accounts for around 20% to 30% of your credit scores.
But if a financial crisis means you have to lean on credit cards, take heart: Credit scores can rebound quickly once you're able to lower your utilization.
How to lower your credit utilization
1. Keep your charges on each card to a minimum
The simplest way to avoid losing credit score points for using too much of your limits is to watch how much you charge to each card. Make a habit of patrolling your online accounts to keep tabs on spending. If you are close to using 30% of your credit limit on one card, try to make a payment or switch to using another card.
Simply getting into the habit of paying twice per month instead of once could help you decrease your credit usage. Lower balances can save you interest if you carry a balance — and are good for your credit score regardless.
You can also monitor your per-card and overall credit utilization by viewing your credit score profile from NerdWallet.
2. Ask for higher credit limits
If it’s tough for you to avoid utilizing more than 30% of your available credit, another solution might be to request a credit line increase on your card or cards. Getting a credit limit increase might require you to call your card issuer or make the request online. Sometimes increases are offered automatically if you’ve had your card for a while and have a positive payment history, so be on the lookout for those offers when you log in to your account.
Another option to get a higher overall credit limit is to ask a friend or relative to add you as an authorized user on an established account. The primary user doesn't even have to give you a card or tell you the account number for your credit score to benefit. Do choose carefully: Being on the account of someone who is having problems with credit could affect your score, too. You want to be on an account showing good payment history, preferably with a high credit limit and consistently low credit utilization.
A higher overall credit limit could help you keep your credit utilization lower than it would be otherwise. This could make a big difference in your credit score. You can check your own credit to see the effect (and it won't hurt your score).
3. Set up balance alerts to stay on top of spending
If you find yourself consistently overspending, setting up balance alerts can help keep your spending in check.
Sign up with your credit card issuer to receive alerts via text message or email. You can choose to be alerted when the balance reaches a certain amount or percentage of your credit limit. Your goal is to keep the balance below 30%.
4. Pay your bill before your issuer reports to the credit bureaus
Most credit card issuers report your balance and payment activity to the credit bureaus once every 30 days. However, this doesn’t necessarily coincide nicely with when your bill is due. If your issuer reports a few days before the end of your billing cycle, you’ll consistently look like you’re carrying a high balance — even if you pay it off in full just a few days later.
Place a call to your card issuer’s customer service line to find out when it reports to the credit bureaus. Simply pay off as much of your balance as you can in advance of that date every month, and you might see a jump in your score.
5. Monitor your total credit utilization
If you have multiple credit cards, it might be hard to view the bigger picture of your credit utilization. Using the calculator below, input your credit card balances and limits to check whether you're under the recommended 30% utilization threshold.
If you’re creeping up to that limit, do your best to pay down your balances and explore ways to stop spending money.