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How ‘Platinum’ and ‘Gold’ Labeled Credit Cards Lost Their Shine

Cards named for metals are now likelier to be pitched to people with bad credit, American Express excepted.

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Claire Tsosie

How to Get the Most Out of the Discover it Cash Back Card

If you plan your spending accordingly, the card’s rotating 5% categories can put lucrative cash-back earning power in your wallet.

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Virginia C. McGuire, Funto Omojola

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Capital One Quicksilver: There’s a Clear Winner

Both boast a 1.5% rewards rate, but the Chase Freedom Unlimited goes a lot further, also offering bonus rewards in specific categories ranging from 3% to 5%.

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Melissa Lambarena

Can I Switch From My Secured Credit Card to an Unsecured One?

Some secured cards offer a path to automatically upgrade. With other cards, you can call and ask for the change.

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Claire Tsosie, Sara Rathner

Bank of America Customized Cash vs. Blue Cash Everyday: When Blue Is Better

Both earn bonus rewards in everyday categories, but unless you're an existing Bank of America customer, AmEx's offering is probably a better fit.

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Claire Tsosie

American Express Blue Cash Showdown: Everyday or Preferred?

If an annual fee isn't a dealbreaker, the Blue Cash Preferred will earn you the highest rate on groceries around, plus elevated rates in several other areas.

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Sara Rathner

Costco Visa vs. Sam’s Club Mastercard: How They Differ

Both feature competitive rewards and potentially frustrating downsides. The best option for you depends on where you shop and, possibly, your membership plan.

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Melissa Lambarena

How to Make the Most of Your AmEx Blue Cash Preferred Card

Make the supermarket your mall, set the card as your streaming payment method, and use it for your daily commute.

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Paul Soucy, Gregory Karp

How to Get the Most From Your Bank of America Customized Cash Card

To maximize rewards, you'll need a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch account with a big balance.

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Claire Tsosie

AmEx Green, Gold and Platinum: Which One Should I Get?

Of these cards, Green is our top pick, for its robust rewards on travel and dining and its potentially valuable perks at a relatively low cost.

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Claire Tsosie

2016 Travel Credit Card Study

Americans are missing out on more than 15,000 rewards points by applying for travel credit cards at the wrong time.

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Erin El Issa

Going Paperless With Credit Card Statements: Pros, Cons and Tips

More and more consumers are opting for online-only statements, but it's not for everyone.

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Jae Bratton, Ellen Cannon

Which JetBlue Credit Card Is Right for You?

All of them offer sign-up bonuses, plus the ability to earn extra points on JetBlue, restaurant and grocery store purchases. Here's how to choose.

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Sara Rathner

Do Gas Station Credit Cards Make Sense These Days?

Co-branded fuel company cards have improved in recent years and remain highly accessible — but they still can't compete with general rewards cards in terms of value and flexibility.

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Claire Tsosie, Funto Omojola

What to Do If You’re Denied a Secured Credit Card

First, find out why. Then consider approaching your own bank or a credit union, or work on building your credit through loan alternatives.

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Virginia C. McGuire

Student Credit Cards: Really for Students?

Simply being a student is not enough to qualify you for most student credit cards. You'll probably need income — or someone willing to give you a hand. 

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Virginia C. McGuire

5 Things to Know About ‘Luxury Card’ Credit Cards

The heavy metal cards have big annual fees without the benefits to match.

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Claire Tsosie

Americans Struggle With Basics of Credit Cards and Scores — Do You? Try This Quiz

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Erin El Issa

AmEx Blue Sky: Travel Rewards With No Annual Fee

NO LONGER AVAILABLE: With a low rewards rate and balky redemption rules, this card lagged its competitors.

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Kevin Cash

How to Choose a Balance Transfer Credit Card

Big factors to consider include the length of the 0% intro APR window and the balance transfer fee. Here's what else to keep in mind.

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Sara Rathner, Kevin Cash