How Americans pay for college: A lot of borrowing -- Credit cards are rarely used to pay college costs, a new survey says, and when they are, it's mostly out of desperation. ... (more)

CreditCards.com 'Taking Charge' survey, part 2: People adapt card use to changed economy -- A new CreditCards.com survey suggests the financially fit are surviving the economic downturn, but others are not. ... (more)

CreditCards.com 'Taking Charge' graphs, part 2: People adapt card use to changed economy -- These graphs show how Americans are adapting to a changed economic landscape. ... (more)

Taking Charge poll: Nearly 3 of 4 Americans favor government regulation of credit cards -- The second annual CreditCards.com 'Taking Charge' survey says Americans mistrust but need credit cards. ... (more)

Taking Charge graphs: Nearly 3 of 4 Americans favor government regulation of credit cards -- Annual CreditCards.com Taking Charge survey gauges attitudes about credit cards and lending. ... (more)

Hiding credit card debt -- The exact number of men and women who hide credit card debt from a partner isn't known, but anecdotal evidence and interviews with financial planners suggest that the problem is widespread. ... (more)

Tips for uncovering, dealing with hidden credit card debt -- If you find a loved one has hidden debt, you could scream, fight or even ask for a divorce. Experts, however, say there are better choices. ... (more)

Could you live without credit cards? Here's how some people do -- Forgoing credit cards and leading a cash-only lifestyle today seems as foreign as mailing a handwritten letter: We know some people do it, but it's hard to understand why. ... (more)

Fed's G.19 report shows card debt rose sharply in June -- Credit card activity continued to surge in June, according to new figures released by federal banking regulators. Analysts say consumers are relying on credit cards for increasingly costly expenses as other lines of credit remain unavailable. ... (more)

Interactive guide: Learn to read, understand your credit report -- This interactive guide displays an example of a personal credit report and explains how each part works. ... (more)

Foreign transaction fees and rules for the top credit card issuers -- Here are the foreign transaction fees, also known as currency conversion fees, charged by top American credit card issuers to consumers who travel abroad. ... (more)

Fed's G.19 report shows credit card use rebounded in May -- The Fed's latest G19 data shows revolving credit (of which about 98 percent is comprised of credit card debt) edged upward/downward in May 2008. ... (more)

Poll: Credit card debt the new taboo conversation topic -- Religion, politics and sex, move over. Discussing credit card debt is the new taboo. People would rather talk about anything -- their weight, their health problems, the death of a loved one, even details of their love lives --- rather than talk about their credit card debt. ... (more)

State statutes of limitation for credit card debt -- Creditors have a limited time in which to file suit over unpaid credit card debt. Here are the statutes of limitation for all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. ... (more)

Rent a car with debit card or cash? Expect to try harder -- A CreditCards.com survey of 45 car agencies across the U.S. finds you can rent a car without a credit card, but you have to jump through more hoops. ... (more)

Credit card secrets: How bagging and licking make cards work better -- It's gross, but licking a credit card's magnetic stripe can make it scan in a reader. We explain why. ... (more)

Tips for comparing gas cards and escaping high fuel prices -- We'll help you cope with the rising cost of gas, beware pump-side scams and learn smart ways to finance fuel costs. ... (more)

Overall consumer credit (revolving and nonrevolving) rose 4.2 percent in April 2008 to $2.56 trillion -- The Fed's latest G19 data shows revolving credit (of which about 98 percent is comprised of credit card debt) edged upward at an annual rate of about half a percentage point percent in April 2008. ... (more)

Credit card issuance a matter of black and white? -- Do all Americans really have equal access to credit cards or are some groups more likely to be granted credit than others? A study found where you live may play a key role in whether you're granted a credit card. ... (more)

Poll: Gas prices causing people to cut visits to family, friends -- More than half of Americans say they've cut down on visiting family and friends due to gas prices, a CreditCards.com poll reveals. ... (more)

Do-it-yourself credit cards studied -- Based on her research of low-income women, a Harvard lecturer says they would be better served by a 'self-directed credit card,' allowing them to set their own credit card limits and restrictions. ... (more)

GAO report: Federal government pays massive credit card fees, too -- Just like gas station owners and other merchants, the federal government pays interchange fees for credit card and debit card transactions -- and its bill is huge, says a new GAO report. ... (more)

Credit cards and terrorism: How terrorists use cards -- Interviews with terrorism experts and readings of case studies from around the world reveal that the credit cards have become a favored tool of terrorists. ... (more)

Compare credit card rental car insurance coverage: Policies vary widely -- Credit card companies' policies vary sharply, so don't always be quick to turn down rental car agencies' optional coverage. ... (more)

Environment survey: Americans not so eco-friendly with credit cards -- Americans may well be more environmentally conscious these days, but not if it means making major changes in how they use their credit cards, a CreditCards.com national survey shows. ... (more)

Being 'green' with credit cards -- Opting out of paper credit card statements is one way to protect the planet for Earth Day. This collection of articles and interactive features contains environmentally friendly information about how to use credit cards to help save the planet. ... (more)

'Green' credit cards reward the environment -- This interactive feature contains information about numerous "green" cards, credit cards that use rewards points and money to benefit the environment. ... (more)

How 'cashless' trend affects those who rely on cash -- In a society that increasingly relies on payments by plastic, some who depend on the actual paper dollar have to adjust. ... (more)

Tax smarts: Maximizing income tax returns -- This series of articles will help you file your taxes and get the most out of your income tax returns. ... (more)

Earth Day chores: 10 ways to go green with credit cards -- One of the best ways to go green in your daily life is to choose plastic, not paper. With credit cards, that is. ... (more)

Credit to their generations: The Millennials -- The attitudes and behaviors of the Millennial Generation and how they use credit cards ... (more)

Credit to their generations: How Generation X views credit cards, debt -- The attitudes and behaviors of Generation X and how they use credit cards ... (more)

Credit to their generations: How baby boomers view credit cards, debt -- The attitudes and behaviors of the baby boomer generation and how they use credit cards ... (more)

Credit to their generations: How 'Greatest' and 'Silent' view credit, debt -- The attitudes and behaviors of the Greatest and Silent generations and how they use credit cards. ... (more)

Credit to their generations: How 'greatest,' boomers, Xers and Millenials differ on credit -- The attitudes and behaviors of different generations and how they use credit cards. ... (more)

Don't let a disability ruin your credit -- An unexpected illness or injury can send you into debt and sink your credit rating faster than you can say, 'I need disability.' ... (more)

Poll: Half of America won't spend their 'stimulus' rebate -- The president wants us to spend it, but most say saving and paying off debt are higher priorities for their economic stimulus rebate checks. ... (more)

529-linked credit cards help make college more affordable -- New credit cards link to 529 plans and function like cash-back credit cards, putting rebates into a college savings plan ... (more)

Americans say they'll take rebate money and pay off debt -- The economic stimulus windfall is on its way and Americans tell pollsters they'll use it pay off debt. Yeah. Sure. ... (more)

Credit card spending increases for health care -- A CreditCards.com poll found that nearly two out of three Americans say they or their family could face hard financial times if they experience a serious illness. ... (more)

Health care credit cards rise to fill insurance gap -- As the ranks of the uninsured soar, a new generation of health care cards is emerging on the market, but not everyone is cheering their arrival. ... (more)

CreditCards.com poll results: Credit and health care costs -- A CreditCards.com poll finds a majority of Americans realize that inability to pay their share of health care costs has the potential to wipe them out financially. ... (more)

15 tips for paying high medical bills -- Savvy consumers should comparison shop for payment options when paying for medical expenses. Here are some helpful tips to cope with high medical bills. ... (more)

Comparing health care credit options -- Credit card issuers are offering a growing number of options for financing medical expenses. Use this table to compare and find the best deal. ... (more)

Cure the debt hangover, shed credit card debt in '08 -- This set of articles will help you understand why you keep finding yourself in holiday debt, how to get out of this mess and how to prevent it from happening again next year. ... (more)

12 tips for renting a car with a debit card -- Renting a car with no credit card can be done, but expect extra obstacles and costs. These tips can help you overcome them. ... (more)

A not-so-brief history of credit cards -- As far back as the late 1800s, consumers and merchants exchanged goods through the concept of credit, using credit coins and charge plates as currency.  ... (more)

Poll: Millions will borrow to pay '08 winter heating bills -- Heating oil costs may exceed consumer budgets, leaving borrowing and credit cards as the only option for many families, a CreditCards.com survey shows. ... (more)

Poll: Gas prices will make '08 economy sputter -- Americans' longstanding addiction to gasoline will continue well into 2008, despite rising fuel costs, and may contribute to a slowdown in the overall economy, a new CreditCards.com poll reveals. ... (more)

Credit Freeze: Use it to prevent identity fraud -- Find out more about credit freezes, an effective way to fight identity fraud. ... (more)

On average, a card lasts must three years -- On average, a card lasts must three years before delamination, degaussing or (ulp!) scissors, so CreditCards.com asked one credit card to reminisce about its short unhappy life. ... (more)

CreditCards.com survey of leading gift card providers -- CreditCards.com surveyed leading gift card providers to compare popular gift cards. ... (more)

High winter heating bills, meet credit cards -- With heating bills sky high, consumers will be tempted to use utilities' new credit card payment options. Should they? ... (more)

Which utilities allow credit card payments in the United States? -- CreditCards.com surveyed many of the largest utility companies in the United States. A growing number of them offer customers the option of paying their bills with credit cards. Find out which major utility providers offer the service in your state. ... (more)

Study: Too much optimism leads to late card payments -- A little optimism leads to healthy financial decisions, according to researchers. Too much leads to overconfidence -- and unpaid bills. ... (more)

A CreditCards.com survey of airline blackout dates -- CreditCards.com survey finds few formal blackout dates, but some restrictions still apply. ... (more)

Details of credit freeze laws in all 50 states -- Most states have passed credit freeze laws to combat identity theft and fraud. Here are the details for each state. ... (more)

Bill Pay Priorities: Mortgage payment takes precedence over card payment -- The majority of homeowners will make house payments even if it affects other bills. Learn why at CreditCards.com. ... (more)

Best credit card for customer satisfaction determined through survey -- According to the 2007Credit Card Satisfaction survey, AmEx provides the highest customer satisfaction. Read more at CreditCards.com. ... (more)

University Credit Card Debt: Graduate students trying to sustain lifestyle -- Graduate students now average $8,216 in credit card debt, according to a new survey, which also says students wish they had learned earlier about handling ... (more)

Credit card industry facts, debt statistics 2006-2008 -- Read recent credit card statistics, surveys and research from a variety of sources. This frequently updated compilation of credit card statistics is all sourced, making fact-checking and research easy. ... (more)

Credit card industry and personal debt statistics (2005 and prior) -- Credit card industry and personal debt statistics for 2005 and earlier. ... (more)

CreditCards.com editorial corrections policy -- CreditCards.com strives to publish accurate information. If you believe we have published something in error or wish to comment on an article, please e-mail us at editors@CreditCards.com. ... (more)

National Consumer Law Center report advises credit card industry changes -- A National Consumer Law Center report contends the credit card industry pushes consumers to borrow beyond their means, and recommends new regulations. ... (more)

Credit Card Debt Statistics: Economic data shows decline in debt -- Statistics show a decline in credit card debt. As consumers pay off their bills. ... (more)

Credit card companies might have a liability risk -- An article in the University of Illinois Law Review charges that a case of products liability could be leveled against credit cards. ... (more)

Credit card study shows Americans' feelings towards credit cards -- A new credit card study shows many people think credit cards are an easy way to fall into debt. ... (more)

Study says smart people aren't necessarily wealthier -- A recent study found that smarter people may earn more money, but that doesn't mean they are necessarily wealthier. ... (more)

Consumer borrowing surged in March 2007 -- Read how consumer borrowing surged in March 2007 despite the housing slump. ... (more)

Survey: Alternative payment methods grow in acceptance -- A recently completed survey from the consulting firm Brulant found a 267 percent spike in the acceptance of nontraditional payment methods by some of the biggest ... (more)

Debit card survey shows consumers prefer them over credit cards -- A new debit card survey shows consumers prefer debit cards to credit cards. ... (more)

MasterCard: Learn the various roles of this market giant -- Learn more about Master Card and its role in the credit card industry. ... (more)

Late credit card payments flat in 4Q 2006 -- The American Bankers Association said the percentage of credit card payments that were delinquent remained basically flat in the fourth quarter of 2006. ... (more)

Credit card fraud: examining debit and credit card payment fraud -- Consumers need to protect personal information when shopping and at home. ... (more)

RFID credit cards ripe for theft -- Two UMass computer scientists demonstrated how easy it could be for credit card thieves to grab information from no-swipe credit cards that employ RFID technology. ... (more)

Study shows Hispanics credit card use and debt are rising -- A new credit card study shows credit card use and revolving debt among Hispanics has grown since 2001. ... (more)

Credit card usage in the USA is growing -- Learn about the trends in credit card debt, scores and usage and what's affecting them. ... (more)

Origin of credit cards -- Ever wondered how credit cards came to be? Learn about the origin of credit cards. ... (more)

Credit card use and its impact check writing -- The convenience and speed of credit card use has spurred a decline in check writing. ... (more)

Visa warns of potential for weaker holiday '06 sales -- Visa has cautioned that sales for the 2006 holiday season may be weaker than it previously estimated. ... (more)

Credit card performance report by Moody's -- Moody's finds improved credit card performance receivables. ... (more)

Teaching children about credit, debit cards -- If children are going to grow up into financially responsible adults, today's adults need to explain credit and debit cards to them. ... (more)

Visa business card spending reaches $190 billion -- Visa business credit cards are becoming more popular. Find out more at CreditCards.com ... (more)

Visa again claims title of world's leading credit card -- Visa announced world's leading credit card. Read more and get your own card at CreditCards.com. ... (more)

Credit card industry facts and personal debt statistics (2006-2007) -- Listing of facts and statistics related to the credit card industry and personal debt. ... (more)

Credit Cards Service issues: Unhappy consumers and exit behavior -- Learn why consumers complain about credit card service, rates, and pricing schemes, and why they cancel cards. ... (more)

Managing credit card accounts online -- How to set up online credit card account management processes to maximize rewards, cash back and miles on credit cards using recurring payments. ... (more)

Credit Card Terms: A glossary of commonly used words and terms. -- Understand commonly used words, phrases, and acronyms in the credit card industry with this credit cards glossary. ... (more)