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What Happens to Credit Card Debt When You Die?

Credit card debt doesn't just go away when you're gone, but the liability doesn't always fall to your loved ones by default either. It depends on the kind of account, where you live and more.

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Kenley Young

Credit Card Authorized Users: What You Need to Know

An authorized user can make charges on someone else's account but is not ultimately responsible for payment.

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Erin El Issa

I Defaulted on My Credit Card — Now What?

Your debt will be turned over to a collection agency, and your credit score will likely take a severe hit. Here's what to do about it.

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Lindsay Konsko

Why Don’t I Always Have to Sign for Credit Card Purchases?

Signatures were always a weak method to verify cardholders' identity and prevent fraud. We've found better ways.

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Lindsay Konsko, Paul Soucy

Will a Change to My Credit Card Number Hurt My Score?

The new number is linked to the same account, so your score shouldn't suffer. But you're not out of the woods yet.

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Erin El Issa

How Long Should I Keep a Credit Card?

Even if you’ve stopped using a card, in most cases it’s generally preferable to keep the account open. But there are exceptions.

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Lindsay Konsko

Can Gas Stations Charge More for Using a Credit Card?

Yes, they can, but it still might be more cost-efficient to pay with plastic than cash.

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Lindsay Konsko, Jae Bratton

I Make a Small Income — How Can I Qualify for a Credit Card?

Income isn’t the only thing credit card issuers examine. Your credit score and other factors matter, too.

Lindsay Konsko's profile picture
Lindsay Konsko

What Makes Discover and American Express Different From Visa and Mastercard

Discover and AmEx issue cards, but they also process transactions, which gives them a bigger cut of fee revenue.

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Lindsay Konsko

I’m Sending Someone Money With PayPal — Should I Use My Credit Card to Get the Points?

The fees you pay for transfers with a credit card will usually wipe out the value of the rewards you'd earn.

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Lindsay Konsko

Do Charge Cards Affect My Credit Score the Same as Credit Cards?

Charge cards have a lesser effect because they don't have a preset limit and aren't included in credit utilization.

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Steve Nicastro

Why Do Some Credit Cards Carry an Annual Fee?

Credit cards with annual fees typically offer bigger rewards or other desirable features.

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Lindsay Konsko, Sara Rathner

Are My Credit Card Rewards Taxable?

In general, credit card rewards you earn through purchases are considered a discount on the price rather than income, so they're not taxable. Referral bonuses, however, are a different matter.

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Sara Rathner

Should I Use a Credit Card or Cash When on Vacation?

Cards have the advantage, but cash has its place, too. Here are the benefits and downsides of using each payment method.

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Lindsay Konsko, Jae Bratton

Authorized Users Aren’t Responsible for Debt, but Late Payments Pose Issues

If the primary cardholder makes late payments, it can drag down your own credit scores. The good news is that you can fix this.

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Sara Rathner, Lindsay Konsko

If I Apply for a Card but Decide I Don’t Want It, Can I Refuse It?

The only way to back out is to cancel the card, which can hurt your credit score. Think before you apply.

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Lindsay Konsko

Magnises Card: Designed for the Kids at the Cool Table

No longer available, Magnises was supposed to double as a payment card and an exclusive membership card.

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Lindsay Konsko

Why Is My Credit Card Being Rejected Online?

A credit card might be declined for a variety of reasons, including suspicion of fraudulent activity or a maxed-out credit limit. Here’s why it might be happening to you.

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Lindsay Konsko, Funto Omojola

5 Things to Know About the UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card

It can help you build your credit and even offers a self-guided program for doing so, but making payments on the card poses hurdles.

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Sara Rathner

Moving? These Credit Card Perks Can Make It Easier (or Cheaper)

An introductory 0% period and a sign-up bonus can save you money, while extended warranties add peace of mind.

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Lindsay Konsko