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How to Apply for a Credit Card if You’re Living Overseas

If you didn't get a card before you left the country, apply by using a U.S. address, and seek out expat-friendly cards.

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Lindsay Konsko

Which Credit Cards Help Authorized Users Build Credit?

Adding an authorized user can be an effective strategy, but it helps first to know how issuers and credit bureaus handle this information.

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Claire Tsosie

Will More Than One Credit Card Help My Credit Score?

You only need one card to build a good score, but there can be indirect benefits to having multiple card accounts.

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Lindsay Konsko

Can I Buy a Car With a Credit Card?

Many dealers won't take credit cards. Even with those that do, expect limits on how much you can charge, as well as extra fees to cover the dealer's costs.

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Paul Soucy

Can I Use One Credit Card to Pay Off Another?

For direct monthly payments, typically no. But you can do a balance transfer in which you move high-interest debt to a new card with a lower APR.

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Claire Tsosie

Why Credit Cards Aren’t an Ideal Emergency Fund, and How to Build One

When disaster strikes, you may need to turn to a credit card, and while some cards are better for this than others, it's not sustainable. Instead, if you can save (even a little) as you go, you'll have a true rainy-day fund.

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Melissa Lambarena, Lindsay Konsko

Why Does My Credit Card Minimum Payment Keep Rising?

Credit card issuers can increase your minimum payment due to several factors. Depending on the issuer, your balance, interest and fees could affect the cost.

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Lindsay Konsko, Melissa Lambarena

Which Credit Card Reward Programs Let You Shop With Points on Amazon?

AmEx, Cap One, Chase, Citi, Discover and others allow it, but it may not be the most valuable use of your points.

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Gregory Karp

7 Credit Card Tips Everyone Should Know

Credit cards are a convenient and rewarding way to make purchases, but they need to be handled with care.

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Lindsay Konsko

Should I Pay For a Vacation With a Credit Card?

If you've saved the money and can pay back the credit card bill right away, then absolutely. But if you're considering financing the trip with the card, it could be costly, in several ways.

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Erin Hurd

Should I Use a Credit Card to Donate to a Political Campaign?

It's quick and easy, but your candidate's campaign will have to pay fees that reduce the impact of your donation.

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Lindsay Konsko

Can I Pay Off My Student Loans With a 0% Credit Card Balance Transfer?

Paying student loans with a credit card may be possible (if you jump through some hoops), but it's not a good idea.

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Anisha Sekar

5 Times a Balance Transfer Is a Bad Idea

The costs of balance transfers can exceed the benefits — if, for example, your debt can be paid off quickly, you struggle to make on-time payments or your credit is subpar.

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Claire Tsosie

Can the Authorized User on My Credit Card Redeem Rewards?

It depends on the issuer. Some major issuers allow authorized users to redeem rewards; others don't.

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Lindsay Konsko, Melissa Lambarena

I’m Delinquent on a Credit Card Payment — What Should I Do?

With some effort, including paying off your balance and possibly a few late fees, credit card delinquency can be overcome.

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Lindsay Konsko

Credit Card Tokenization: What It Is, How It Works

Tokenization replaces your sensitive card data with a jumble of letters and numbers that are useless to a hacker.

Lindsay Konsko's profile picture
Lindsay Konsko

Are Cash Advances a Good Idea?

Rarely. They offer convenient access to fast cash, but high fees and interest will cost you dearly. Less expensive alternatives exist.

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Anisha Sekar

When Is the Best Time to Pay My Credit Card Bill?

Aim to pay your credit card by the due date. But if you're looking to boost your credit scores or reduce interest costs, consider paying earlier.

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Jae Bratton, Lindsay Konsko

Why Do People Call Credit Card Debt ‘Bad’ Debt?

"Bad" debt doesn't provide anything of ongoing value, incurs high interest and can take years to pay off.

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Erin El Issa

Can I Pay Off Medical Expenses on My Credit Card With My HSA/FSA?

It's common to put medical costs on credit cards. You can pay them off with your HSA or FSA, but keep good records.

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Erin El Issa