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Articles tagged #CreditCard

  1. $50,000 Fast Tax Payout Sweepstakes with GO2bank

    $50,000 Fast Tax Payout Sweepstakes with GO2bank

    Amanda Peterson February 7, 2024  •  4 Minute Read

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    GO2bank helps you keep more of your money with no monthly fees (with eligible direct deposit,) no hidden fees, and no minimum balance required. Plus + be entered into their Fast Tax Payout and be one of 100 people to win a $500 sweepstakes, when you direct deposit your tax refund into your GO2bank account! CreditSoup has the details.

  2. Best Credit Cards for 2024

    Best Credit Cards for 2024

    Amanda Peterson January 26, 2024  •  2 Minute Read

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    With all the credit card options out out there nowadays, how do you know which one is best for your needs? Luckily for you, we’ve researched and hand selected the best credit cards for your credit and lifestyle needs this year.

  3. PayPal Prepaid Mastercard®

    PayPal Prepaid Mastercard®

    Erin Benson December 1, 2023  •  3 Minute Read

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    PayPal teamed up with Mastercard® to offer a prepaid card to consumers. The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® is a prepaid card that can be linked to your PayPal account. CreditSoup has more details here!

  5. Enjoy More Variety with Venmo

    Enjoy More Variety with Venmo

    Erin Benson November 13, 2023  •  3 Minute Read

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    Venmo was built for its users to send and request money from other users, but now you can use Venmo to pay for goods and services. That’s right, Venmo now offers a Credit Card. The new Venmo Credit Card lets you earn custom cash back to send, spend or even to auto-purchase the crypto of your choice from your Venmo account. Read more about it here, on our CreditSoup blog!

  6. Shop Direct With Manufacturers

    Shop Direct With Manufacturers

    Amanda Peterson October 19, 2023  •  1 Minute Read

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    This Thrifty Thursday from CreditSoup urges you to consider bypassing the retailers and shopping directly with manufacturers. It's a savvy move to boost your savings and make the most of your credit card's benefits.

  9. Credit Card Payment Processing 101

    Credit Card Payment Processing 101

    Kat Tretina July 13, 2023  •  3 Minute Read

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    Have you ever thought about how credit card payment processing works? It’s actually a very complex process involving many different players. Here’s everything you need to know about credit card payment processing.

  12. 9 Ways Credit Card Rewards Have Reshaped Our World

    9 Ways Credit Card Rewards Have Reshaped Our World

    Holly Johnson May 24, 2023  •  6 Minute Read

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    According to a 2021 report from the American Banking Association, consumers are more aware than ever before of the upside to having the right rewards card in their wallet. In addition to rewards for ongoing spending, generous signup bonuses are upping the ante and making credit card rewards even more attractive. With all these perks, our world will never be the same. Here are 9 ways credit card rewards have reshaped life as we know it.

  13. 7 Dangerous Places to Carry a Debit Card

    7 Dangerous Places to Carry a Debit Card

    Kat Tretina April 26, 2023  •  3 Minute Read

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    It’s important to know that you shouldn’t rely on a debit card for everything. In fact, using a debit card can sometimes be downright dangerous. Here are seven occasions when using a debit card just doesn’t make sense.

  14. Build your Credit with Self.

    Build your Credit with Self.

    Erin Benson March 27, 2023  •  3 Minute Read

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    Managing finances shouldn’t be difficult, the secured Self Visa® Credit Card** can help you build credit responsibly while also preparing for the future! Here is a closer look into the Self- Credit Builder Account* + Self Visa® Credit Card**.

  16. 5 Things You Need to Know About 0% APR Offers

    5 Things You Need to Know About 0% APR Offers

    Kat Tretina February 7, 2023  •  3 Minute Read

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    If you’re looking for a new credit card, you’re probably bombarded with different advertisements. Cards often boast high rewards, signup bonuses, and travel benefits. Another common perk is a promotional 0% annual percentage rate (APR) offer.

  17. GM Offers Rewards Credit Card and Business Card

    GM Offers Rewards Credit Card and Business Card

    Erin Benson February 1, 2023  •  3 Minute Read

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    General Motors (GM) is an American multinational automotive manufacturing company and currently the largest automaker in the US. GM is most widely known for its four automobile brands: Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac. But did you know they also have their own co-branded credit cards? GM now offers its loyal users the option of a rewards credit card and a business card.

  19. Using a Personal Loan for Medical Procedures

    Using a Personal Loan for Medical Procedures

    Kat Tretina January 23, 2023  •  3 Minute Read

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    Medical loans are a form of a personal loan. They’re specifically designed to pay for medical expenses, including essential or elective procedures. They’re unsecured, meaning you don’t have to put up any property as collateral, and they can even be used to cover the cost of your deductible or out-of-network fees.

  21. Should I Get a Holiday Loan

    Should I Get a Holiday Loan

    Kat Tretina October 31, 2022  •  3 Minute Read

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    While it’s a festive and cheery time of the year, it’s also expensive. Many people don’t have the kind of money saved in their bank accounts, leaving them scrambling to pay for holiday expenses. If that’s the case for you, you might be considering using a credit card to finance your purchases. But there may be another option that’s a better choice: a holiday loan.

  22. Downsize & Declutter

    Downsize & Declutter

    Amanda Peterson September 15, 2022  •  2 Minute Read

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    Is your home cluttered? Do you have a lot of stuff... everywhere, that you no longer need? Maybe it's time to go Marie Kondo on it, and set it free if it does not bring you joy. But now what do you do with those things that do not bring you joy? Get rid of them of course! This week's Thrifty Thursday focuses on downsizing and decluttering.

  23. 5 Ways to Sidestep Common Credit Card Blunders

    5 Ways to Sidestep Common Credit Card Blunders

    Kirsten Thuringer August 8, 2022  •  4 Minute Read

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    Credit cards can seem like the solution to all of life's financial problems. Can't afford to pay the electric bill this month? Charge it to your credit card and worry about it later! Want to go on a $5,000 trip to Italy, but don't have the cash? That's what credit cards are for, right?

  24. How Many Credit Cards Should You Carry?

    How Many Credit Cards Should You Carry?

    Kat Tretina July 20, 2022  •  5 Minute Read

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    If used strategically, credit cards can be an amazing tool. They can give you more flexibility in your spending, allow you to earn valuable rewards, and you can take advantage of benefits like free car rental insurance and purchase protection.

  25. How to Get Your First Credit Card

    How to Get Your First Credit Card

    Holly Johnson October 29, 2021  •  4 Minute Read

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    Getting your first credit card is a huge adult milestone just like getting your first car or your first bank account. The problem is, it can be difficult to get approved for a credit card just because you want one.

  26. 4 Hidden Costs Behind Rewards Cards

    4 Hidden Costs Behind Rewards Cards

    CreditSoup Staff October 15, 2021  •  4 Minute Read

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    There’s no such thing as a free lunch, right? Many credit card companies try to entice customers with rewards such as cash back, free hotel stays, or travel perks — but almost everything comes at a cost.

  27. Target REDCard™ Review: Is It Worth It?

    Target REDCard™ Review: Is It Worth It?

    Kat Tretina May 21, 2021  •  40 Minute Read

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    Offering 5% off your purchases every day, the REDCard™ could be a tempting option. But is it worth it? Find out how the card works, what benefits it offers, and whether or not it offers valuable rewards.

  28. How to Decide Which Type of Credit Card is Best

    How to Decide Which Type of Credit Card is Best

    Kat Tretina May 14, 2021  •  3 Minute Read

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    If you’re new to credit cards, picking out the right one can be an overwhelming decision. There are literally hundreds of credit cards out there, all with their own terms, fees, and rewards. Before applying for a credit card, follow these five steps to ensure you make a sound decision.

  30. Free Travel Strategies Using Credit Card Signup Bonuses

    Free Travel Strategies Using Credit Card Signup Bonuses

    Holly Johnson September 22, 2020  •  7 Minute Read

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    If you’re new to the world of travel credit cards, you’re probably wondering how to best stretch the initial bonuses you can earn as far as they can go. To get the most out of credit card signup bonuses, you need a few essential travel strategies under your belt. Don’t worry - they’re not that complicated.

  32. Easiest Credit Cards to Get for a 600 Credit Score

    Easiest Credit Cards to Get for a 600 Credit Score

    Chelsea Denning April 16, 2020  •  3 Minute Read

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    If you have a credit score around 600, you may be wondering which credit cards you would qualify for. Most credit card issuers would consider this poor to fair credit. If you have felt frustrated from not getting approved for a card in the past these are the cards you should apply for if you have a 600 credit score.

  33. Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card Review

    Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card Review

    Holly Johnson November 20, 2019  •  5 Minute Read

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    Consumers looking for a new airline loyalty program may be surprised at just how versatile miles earned with the Alaska Airlines program can be. No matter what you think, these miles are good for a lot more than a trip to the “Last Frontier.”

  38. The Best Ways to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

    The Best Ways to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

    Holly Johnson May 23, 2019  •  5 Minute Read

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    There are the financial aspects of your trip — as in, how much is all of this going to cost? While traveling overseas doesn’t have to be expensive, there are plenty of financial pitfalls to be aware of, and that includes foreign transaction fees.

  40. Apple Card: Is It Worth the Hype?

    Apple Card: Is It Worth the Hype?

    Kat Tretina May 15, 2019  •  5 Minute Read

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    The Apple Card will be linked to the Apple Wallet app on iPhones, streamlining your experience with Apple Pay. You can sign up for the Apple Card and start using it right away in stores, online, or through the app.

  41. TJ Maxx Credit Card Review

    TJ Maxx Credit Card Review

    Holly Johnson May 13, 2019  •  7 Minute Read

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    If you’re a bargain shopper who lives for deals at stores like TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Marshalls, Homesense, and Sierra Trading Post, you may be excited to hear that this collection of stores recently came out with their own co-branded credit cards.

  42. The Top 10 Benefits Of Owning A Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    The Top 10 Benefits Of Owning A Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    Jason Steele May 2, 2019  •  4 Minute Read

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    If you watch television, then you’ve probably seen ads for Capital One’s Venture Rewards card. Its commercials feature famous actors like Jennifer Garner, Samuel L. Jackson, and Alec Baldwin. Behind all the star power, the Venture Rewards is a solid product that can offer you valuable travel rewards, but only if you know how to use it right.

  43. 3 Amazing Features Of The Freedom Unlimited® That Everyone Misses

    3 Amazing Features Of The Freedom Unlimited® That Everyone Misses

    Jason Steele April 26, 2019  •  5 Minute Read

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    There’s no doubt that the Chase Freedom® is one of the most popular reward credit cards of the last decade. With no annual fee, it’s been Chase’s entry-level rewards card that you will find in a huge percentage of American Wallets. Most people just seem to like its formula of offering 5x rewards on up to $1,500 spent each quarter at featured merchants, and 1x elsewhere.

  44. What Are Foreign Transaction Fees

    What Are Foreign Transaction Fees

    Kat Tretina April 19, 2019  •  3 Minute Read

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    Credit card offers charge certain fees. One of the most common are foreign transaction fees. These fees are charged whenever you make a purchase with a non-U.S. retailer. The fees are generally set as a percentage of your total purchase; they’re typically about 3%.

  49. Review: Discover it® Student chrome

    Review: Discover it® Student chrome

    Kat Tretina March 26, 2019  •  3 Minute Read

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    As a student, it’s especially important to start building good credit habits now. The earlier you get started, the better off you’ll be once you graduate. However, getting started can be difficult; student credit cards can be hard to find.

  52. Review: All About the Citi Prestige® Card

    Review: All About the Citi Prestige® Card

    Kat Tretina March 13, 2019  •  4 Minute Read

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    If you’re a frequent traveler, the right credit card can help you save money and even improve your traveling experience. But how to pick the right card? If you’re looking for a new addition to your wallet and have good to excellent credit, check out the Citi Prestige® Card.

  53. You May Never Have to Sign a Credit Card Slip Again

    You May Never Have to Sign a Credit Card Slip Again

    Holly Johnson March 8, 2019  •  4 Minute Read

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    Each of the major credit card issuers — Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express — pulled together to stop requiring credit card signatures as of 2018. The move was the result of careful planning amidst a transition toward greater credit card security over all.

  54. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: A Review

    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: A Review

    Holly Johnson March 6, 2019  •  4 Minute Read

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    The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a cash-back credit card that works for people who want to keep their rewards game on the simple side. Not only does this card offer a big signup bonus, but it lets you earn considerable rewards in categories people tend to spend the most in.

  56. Barclaycard Ring® Mastercard® Review 2019

    Holly Johnson February 27, 2019  •  5 Minute Read

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    While travel rewards and cash-back credit cards provide lucrative perks, they work best for consumers who never carry a balance on their cards from month to month. After all, the average credit card APR is currently well over 17%. It doesn’t make any sense to pursue rewards if you’re carrying a balance since the interest you pay will add up to way more than any rewards you earn.

  58. What Is the Chase 5/24 Rule?

    What Is the Chase 5/24 Rule?

    Kat Tretina February 19, 2019  •  2 Minute Read

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    If you’re a skilled credit card user and juggle multiple rewards credit cards to take advantage of their benefits, you know how great Chase’ Ultimate Rewards program can be. Offering excellent cash back, bonus miles, and perks, Chase rewards are extremely valuable.

  59. Discover it® Balance Transfer Review

    Holly Johnson January 31, 2019  •  5 Minute Read

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    If you’re in debt and struggling to figure a way out, you are not alone. According to a Northwest Mutual Planning & Progress study from 2018, the average debt per American is up to $38,000 (excluding mortgage debt). Two in every ten people also allocate 50% to 100% of their income to debt repayment, which is a recipe for disaster.

  61. Capital One Platinum Credit Card Review

    Holly Johnson January 30, 2019  •  5 Minute Read

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    If you’re trying to build credit or repair credit mistakes from the past, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card may be exactly what you need. Keep reading to learn how you could qualify, the benefits you will receive if you get approved, and where this card comes up short.

  62. HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard®

    Kat Tretina January 29, 2019  •  4 Minute Read

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    The HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card allows you to rack up rewards quickly. You’ll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make, and there’s no limit to what you can earn.

  64. Discover it® Cash Back Review

    Discover it® Cash Back Review

    Holly Johnson November 18, 2018  •  5 Minute Read

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    If you’re looking for a way to earn more than the standard 1% cash back many no-fee rewards cards offer, you may want to consider the Discover it® Cash Back.This card does offer unlimited 1% cash back on your everyday purchases, but you also earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in categories that rotate each quarter.

  69. 5 Differences Between Charge Cards and Credit Cards

    5 Differences Between Charge Cards and Credit Cards

    Kat Tretina October 18, 2018  •  3 Minute Read

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    What type of card you have is important. It affects how much you owe each month, what you’ll pay in fees, and how much you can spend. When deciding whether to open a credit card or a charge card, it’s important to keep these differences in mind to ensure you make the right choice for you.

  71. Should You Get the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business?

    Should You Get the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business?

    Holly Johnson September 28, 2018  •  5 Minute Read

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    Think about considering a flat-rate rewards card such as the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business. This card doles out an unlimited 2% back for each dollar you spend, meaning you’ll never have to wonder if you’re maximizing bonus categories or approaching an earnings cap.

  72. Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit

    Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit

    Kat Tretina August 31, 2018  •  4 Minute Read

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    When you have trouble paying the bills each month, it’s easy to fall behind. But missing just a few payments can cause your credit score to go down, a massive problem millions of people face each year.

  73. Easy Approval Credit Cards

    Easy Approval Credit Cards

    Kat Tretina August 29, 2018  •  4 Minute Read

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    There’s no such thing as a good instant-approval credit card. Most of the credit cards that claim they accept anyone and everyone with no thought to your credit and financial situation don’t mention that they charge sky-high interest rates and fees for the privilege.

  75. Top 4 Credit Cards for Investors

    Top 4 Credit Cards for Investors

    Holly Johnson June 5, 2018  •  5 Minute Read

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    With the right rewards card, you can easily earn up to 5% back on all your regular spending. Since you can achieve these returns without any effort or time invested, this is truly “free money,” provided you have the discipline to pay your bill in full each month.

  76. Best Financing Offers For Coping With Holiday Debt

    Best Financing Offers For Coping With Holiday Debt

    Jason Steele December 18, 2017  •  4 Minute Read

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    Every year, the holiday season comes and goes. It starts with the flurry of retail sales that surround gift buying as well as the increased personal consumption triggered by the best deals of the year. But for many Americans, the holiday season ends with new debts and rising interest charges.

  77. Best Business Credit Cards for Holiday Spending

    Best Business Credit Cards for Holiday Spending

    Holly Johnson November 30, 2017  •  6 Minute Read

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    Before you spend hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars on holiday gifts for your employees or vendors, it can pay off to spend some time figuring out the best business credit card for your needs. Here are some options to consider along with their pros and cons for the holiday season and beyond.

  78. Are premium credit cards worth it?

    Are premium credit cards worth it?

    Jason Steele October 30, 2017  •  4 Minute Read

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    Would you ever consider paying a $450 annual fee for a credit card? Perhaps you should, as premium credit cards can offer exceptional value, even when compared to their soaring annual fees. In fact, the market for premium credit cards is extremely hot.

  79. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Earn Delta SkyMiles® without an Annual Fee

    Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Earn Delta SkyMiles® without an Annual Fee

    Holly Johnson October 9, 2017  •  6 Minute Read

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    Recently, Delta Air Lines and American Express partnered up to offer a brand new co-branded credit card – the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express. While the signup bonus on this card isn’t anything to write home about, it does offer one benefit many rewards consumers look for – no annual fee. Beyond its lack of an annual fee, this card also offers an interesting earning structure that could work well for consumers with certain spending habits.

  80. Earn 200,000 bonus miles worth up to $2,000: Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business Review

    Earn 200,000 bonus miles worth up to $2,000: Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business Review

    Holly Johnson September 22, 2017  •  6 Minute Read

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    Business owners who compare business credit cards face a common conundrum– they crave points they can redeem for travel, but may be put off by the egregious annual fees some business cards charge. Fortunately, at least one business credit card offers valuable rewards, a simple redemption process, and an annual fee nearly any business owner can stomach.

  81. How To Choose a Credit Card

    How To Choose a Credit Card

    CreditSoup Staff September 21, 2017  •  1 Minute Read

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    Most consumers understand the benefits of having a credit card, but it can feel overwhelming to choose from a seemingly endless list of options. Credit card companies and financial institutions offer dozens upon dozens of deals depending on your financial history and goals, and every card brings with it different terms, interest rates, and perks.

  82. Rewards Credit Cards to Score Before the Holidays Hit

    Rewards Credit Cards to Score Before the Holidays Hit

    Holly Johnson September 13, 2017  •  6 Minute Read

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    With summer behind us and fall on its way, it’s just a matter of time until the festive season hits. Once Halloween comes and goes, an explosion of twinkling lights and non-stop sales will last for months. Holiday shopping season will kick in, culminating on Black Friday followed by weeks of last-minute rushing to find the perfect gifts. It will be here before we know it, which is why you should really start planning now.

  83. What to do with your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    What to do with your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    Jason Steele August 30, 2017  •  4 Minute Read

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    For several years, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card was one of the best travel reward credit cards. It offers double Ultimate Rewards points on all travel and dining purchases, and your rewards could be transferred to miles with seven airlines or points with four hotel programs. You can also redeem points for 1.25 cents each towards travel reservations made through Chase.

  84. A No-Fee Membership Rewards® Card You’ll Love: Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

    A No-Fee Membership Rewards® Card You’ll Love: Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

    Holly Johnson August 18, 2017  •  6 Minute Read

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    While American Express is well known for their selection of premier travel credit cards, past and present Amex customers seem to have a lot of gripes. For starters, the card issuer’s top tier travel credit cards – the Platinum Card from American Express and the Business Platinum Card from American Express – come with outrageous annual fees of $550 and $595, respectively. Worse, both cards offer an earning tier of just 1 point per $1 spent outside of special bonus categories.

  85. “Surprise” Credit Card Fees You Should Never, Ever Pay

    “Surprise” Credit Card Fees You Should Never, Ever Pay

    Holly Johnson August 16, 2017  •  5 Minute Read

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    Credit cards offer a slew of benefits that make them valuable for just about anyone. With a credit card in-hand, you can score valuable consumer protections like purchase protection, zero fraud liability, and guaranteed returns. And, let’s not forget about the many rewards programs that help you rack up cash back, gift cards, or free travel.

  86. Best Credit Cards for Graduate Students

    Best Credit Cards for Graduate Students

    Jason Steele July 11, 2017  •  3 Minute Read

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    While over a third of Americans have a four-year degree, less than 15% of those over 25 ever receive their master’s or doctoral degree. Just by being a graduate student, you’ve already placed yourself in an elite group. But being a graduate student might not actually feel so elite. Grad students are known for working hard and studying incredibly long hours, while scraping by on a shoestring budget.

  87. Credit cards for college students

    Credit cards for college students

    Natalie Hollingshead June 29, 2017  •  3 Minute Read

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    You’re finally finished with high school and college bound this fall. Getting a credit card before you hit the books come September may be on your to-do list for the next months, but be aware that it’s not as simple as signing on the dotted line and getting a card in the mail.

  88. Don’t Miss Out on These 4 Untapped Credit Card Benefits

    Don’t Miss Out on These 4 Untapped Credit Card Benefits

    CreditSoup Staff June 27, 2017  •  4 Minute Read

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    By the time most people are old enough to open a credit card, they’ve undoubtedly heard countless cautionary tales of friends and family members who dug themselves into debt, faced hefty interest rates after not reading the fine print, or destroyed their credit scores with a few poor decisions.

  89. 3 Ways to Lower Your Credit Card Payment

    3 Ways to Lower Your Credit Card Payment

    Kat Tretina June 23, 2017  •  3 Minute Read

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    When it comes to credit cards, it’s easy to lose track of your budget and run up a balance. In fact, the average credit card debt per cardholder in the United States is $4,061. If you have a high-interest credit card, your balance can grow over time, increasing your minimum payment and making it difficult stay on track.

  90. Chase Freedom® Review: A First-Hand Account

    Chase Freedom® Review: A First-Hand Account

    Holly Johnson June 20, 2017  •  6 Minute Read

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    My original foray into credit card rewards stemmed from a targeted mailer for the Chase Freedom® card. I was in my late 20’s and money was tight. With Chase Freedom®, I learned I could score an initial signup bonus ($100 at the time) and earn 1-5 percent cash back for every dollar I spent. Needless to say, I was pumped to try it out.

  91. How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Your Needs

    How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Your Needs

    Kirsten Thuringer June 16, 2017  •  4 Minute Read

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    One of the first — and most important — steps of any job is deciding which tool will be most effective for that task. While a hammer is great for driving nails into a wall, it doesn’t work quite as well when you’re trying to apply a fresh coat of paint.

  92. Why Chase Slate® Is The Ultimate Tool For Paying Off Your Debt

    Why Chase Slate® Is The Ultimate Tool For Paying Off Your Debt

    Jason Steele June 15, 2017  •  3 Minute Read

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    It can be incredibly hard to get out of credit card debt. As unsecured debt, credit card interest rates are generally much higher than those for a home or a car. Unlike a home mortgage or a student loan, the interest charges for credit card debt are never tax deductible. Finally, many people rely on their card’s line of credit to pay for everyday expenses, further increasing the debt that they are trying to pay off.

  93. Understanding Interest and APR is in Your Best Interest

    Understanding Interest and APR is in Your Best Interest

    Natalie Hollingshead June 14, 2017  •  3 Minute Read

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    It may be complicated, but understanding how credit card interest and annual percentage rates work is really in your best interest. It’s hard to win at the credit card game and make the best possible financial choices for you without a solid comprehension of what terms like interest rate, compound interest and APR mean. Luckily, you don’t need a degree in finance to understand the acronyms on your billing statement.

  95. 4 Things to Consider When Weighing Credit Cards

    4 Things to Consider When Weighing Credit Cards

    Kirsten Thuringer June 7, 2017  •  4 Minute Read

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    Credit cards are like a stick of dynamite: They’re incredibly effective at their intended purpose, but they can blow up in your face when used inappropriately. When you're in the market for a new credit card, the possibilities seem infinite. Countless banks and credit card companies offer dozens of different deals, and every card delivers distinct terms, rates, and fine print.

  96. What happens to credit card obligations when a loved one dies?

    What happens to credit card obligations when a loved one dies?

    Natalie Hollingshead May 31, 2017  •  3 Minute Read

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    One of the last things you want to deal with after the death of a loved one is his or her credit card debt. Depending on the type of account and laws where you live, dealing with credit card obligations after the death of a loved one may be a fact of life. The sooner you know what you’re dealing with, the better.

  97. Best Credit Cards for a Large Purchase

    Best Credit Cards for a Large Purchase

    Holly Johnson May 26, 2017  •  6 Minute Read

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    If you have a large purchase coming up and don’t have the cash, you have myriad options at your disposal. You could spend months saving small sums to reach your goal, or you could take out a personal loan. If neither of those options seem appealing, you could sign up for a new credit card instead.

  98. 4 Signs a Credit Card Offer Is Too Good to Be True

    4 Signs a Credit Card Offer Is Too Good to Be True

    CreditSoup Staff May 25, 2017  •  4 Minute Read

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    Credit card offers are everywhere. Boot up your computer, type "credit card" into your favorite search engine, and you'll be inundated with hundreds (if not thousands) of options. Some cards are objectively better than others, but how do you spot the truly terrible ones?

  99. How to Score Credit Card Incentives Without Going Broke

    How to Score Credit Card Incentives Without Going Broke

    Kat Tretina May 23, 2017  •  3 Minute Read

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    When it comes to shopping for a new credit card, there are hundreds of bonus offers and sign-up incentives. Sometimes worth hundreds of dollars, credit card companies tempt thousands of airline miles or cash back rewards to convince you to apply for their card.

  100. Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Credit Cards?

    Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Credit Cards?

    Kirsten Thuringer May 19, 2017  •  4 Minute Read

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    Since the dawn of credit cards, man has struggled with one nagging question: Cash or credit? Some people claim you should ditch cards altogether to avoid debt, while others argue it’s smarter to responsibly use credit to rack up rewards. Regardless of your spending habits, most financial experts would say it’s a good idea to have at least one card to build your credit history.

  101. How to Boost Your Odds of Credit Card Approval

    How to Boost Your Odds of Credit Card Approval

    CreditSoup Staff May 18, 2017  •  4 Minute Read

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    Finding a credit card that's a good fit for your lifestyle is hard enough, but getting approval can seem like an impossible challenge. Rejection is never fun, and it's particularly painful to be rejected because of something as personal as your financial history.

  102. Keeping Your Credit Card Safe On Vacation

    Keeping Your Credit Card Safe On Vacation

    Natalie Hollingshead May 12, 2017  •  4 Minute Read

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    All your bags are packed and you’re ready to go. However, before you head on that vacation, make sure you’ve packed more than one way to pay for all that fun you’re going to have. True, cash is king, but on vacation using a credit card is easier and offers more protection than toting around a wad of cash.

  103. Should You Pay Your Card’s Annual Fee? Here’s How to Decide

    Should You Pay Your Card’s Annual Fee? Here’s How to Decide

    Holly Johnson May 9, 2017  •  4 Minute Read

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    The best travel and rewards credit cards really can offer the unthinkable – something for nothing. By using your card for all your purchases, you can earn points redeemable for cash back, travel rewards, gift cards, or merchandise. The catch, however, is that you must avoid carrying a balance if you want to avoid credit card interest.

  105. Chase Freedom® 5% Quarterly Categories for Q1 2019

    Chase Freedom® 5% Quarterly Categories for Q1 2019

    Holly Johnson January 19, 2016  •  4 Minute Read

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    The Chase Freedom® has long been considered one of the most popular cash-back credit cards on the market — and for good reason. This cash-back credit card lets you earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in spending in categories that rotate each quarter (then 1%), plus 1% back on all your other purchases.

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