Learn About

Credit Cards Articles and Insights

Back to Page 1

Declined For a Credit Card? Call the Reconsideration Line

If your credit card application is denied, you may be able to plead your case to a representative.

Craig Joseph's profile picture
2
Craig Joseph, Stephen Vanderpool

What Should You Do If You Can’t Make Your Credit Card Payments?

If you can't pull together enough money for the minimum, reach out to your card issuer to discuss your options.

Lindsay Konsko's profile picture
Lindsay Konsko

My Aging Parent Is Spending Too Much On Credit Cards. What Can I Do?

The first step is to have an honest conversation with your parents about their spending.

Lindsay Konsko's profile picture
Lindsay Konsko

Can You Use a Credit Card at a Dispensary?

Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, so the major payment networks don’t allow cannabis purchases with a credit card. Not all dispensaries are playing by the rules, though.

Lindsay Konsko's profile picture
2
Lindsay Konsko, Jae Bratton

Why Nearly Every Purchase Should Be on a Credit Card

Credit cards are convenient and secure, they help build credit, they make budgeting easier, and they earn rewards. And no, you don't have to go into debt, and you don't have to pay interest.

Virginia C. McGuire's profile picture
2
Virginia C. McGuire, Paul Soucy

Can I Put My Student Loan Payment on a Credit Card?

You probably can't pay directly, and going through an intermediary is expensive. It's a last resort, at best.

Anisha Sekar's profile picture
2
Anisha Sekar, Anna Helhoski

Should You Open a Store Credit Card for the One-Time Discount?

The discounts can be tempting, but make sure you understand all the terms before you jump on your favorite store's credit card.

Anisha Sekar's profile picture
Anisha Sekar

Best Credit Cards for Families

These cards make it easy to earn and redeem points across categories where families spend the most, including food and travel.

Kimberly Palmer's profile picture
2
Kimberly Palmer, Jae Bratton

How Soon After Bankruptcy Should I Apply for a Credit Card?

You’ll have trouble getting approved for a decent credit card for at least months. Start with an option for bad credit, like a secured credit card.

Stephen Vanderpool's profile picture
Stephen Vanderpool

5 Steps to Keep Your Credit Card Safe When Shopping Online

Some security risks are beyond your control, but there are ways to protect your information and reinforce existing safeguards.

Melissa Lambarena's profile picture
Melissa Lambarena

Should I Try Credit Card Churning?

It's a way to quickly pile up rewards, but doing it without damaging your credit is tricky. It's not for everyone.

Erin Hurd's profile picture
2
Erin Hurd, Lindsay Konsko

What Benefits Come With a World Elite Mastercard?

The highest of Mastercard's three benefit levels includes all the perks of the lower tiers, plus a few extras.

Lindsay Konsko's profile picture
Lindsay Konsko

Is Paying Your Tuition With A Credit Card A Good Idea?

Convenience fees could wipe out any rewards you hope to earn, and carrying debt at typical credit card interest rates would be extremely costly.

Lindsay Konsko's profile picture
Lindsay Konsko

Don’t Fall Victim to an Interest Rate Reduction Scam

Robocalls promise to negotiate with issuers to lower your rate, for a fee. But you can do that yourself for free.

Lindsay Konsko's profile picture
Lindsay Konsko

Pros and Cons of Shopping With a Credit Card

Credit cards offer convenience, rewards and protections. But use them responsibly and avoid overspending.

Stephen Vanderpool's profile picture
Stephen Vanderpool

Denied a Credit Card Because of a High Debt-to-Income Ratio? Here’s What You Need To Know

Even people with good credit can be rejected for a credit card because of a high debt-to-income ratio.

Gregory Karp's profile picture
Gregory Karp

Should I Worry About Those Random $1 Charges On My Credit Card?

It can mean credit card theft, but there are legitimate reasons for them to appear on your statement, too.

Anisha Sekar's profile picture
Anisha Sekar

I Have $15,000 In Credit Card Debt — What Should I Do?

Pay more than the minimum to start whittling down the balance, then examine transfer or consolidation options.

Lindsay Konsko's profile picture
Lindsay Konsko

What’s the Difference Between Authorized User and Co-Signer?

Many credit-card borrowers confuse authorized-user status and co-signing. While both can help a credit newbie, one poses more risk to the responsible party.

Anisha Sekar's profile picture
Anisha Sekar

Does a Credit Card Preapproval Offer Guarantee You’ll Get It?

A true preapproval means you'll almost certainly get the card if you apply. But be aware of the difference between preapproval and pre-qualification. And in some cases, preapproval can even be a red flag.

Kimberly Palmer's profile picture
2
Kimberly Palmer, Kenley Young