Education
How to apply for a business credit card without a Social Security number
For many small business owners, the ideal business credit card is one that does not…
Grace Pilling is a senior editor for Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in down-to-earth advice on everything cards, from getting started with credit and maximizing credit card perks to managing and reducing credit card debt. She’s worked in the credit card space for two years and loves learning and sharing everything you should (and shouldn’t) be doing with credit cards. Prior to working in the credit card space, Grace was an insurance and finance editor at Reviews.com and has a background in STEM education publishing.
Grace loves to show people how understanding credit can help them live their best life, whether that’s boosting a credit score to help get a great mortgage rate on their first home or maxing out rewards points to travel the world.
Featured in: Reviews.com
Our editorial team and expert review board provide an unbiased analysis of the products we feature. Our comparison service is compensated by our credit card company partners, and may influence where or how products are featured on the site. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please note: The star-rating system on this page is based on our independent card scoring methodology and is not influenced by advertisers or card issuers.Learn more about our partners and how we make money.
Personal Quote
“Credit cards are like a choose-your-own-adventure story — you can make the experience as simple or as complicated as you like. It’s my goal to help people figure out what they want their story to be and share the tools and tips they can use to be successful on that path.”
Education & Honors
Education
How to apply for a business credit card without a Social Security number
For many small business owners, the ideal business credit card is one that does not…
Card advice
How to add an authorized user to a Bank of America credit card
Bank of America makes it easy to add an authorized user to your credit card.…
Card advice
How to add an authorized user to a Citi credit card
Citi authorized users can be added quickly and easily. There is no charge, but there…
Card advice
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards benefits guide
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card offers flexibility for those who want more…
Credit management
How to build credit
While establishing a credit history is not difficult, maintaining good credit requires patience and commitment.…
Education
Guide to travel insurance with credit cards
This guide features what’s included in travel insurance and how to assess what coverage you…
Education
How many credit cards should you have?
Wondering how many credit cards you should have? That depends on the type of spender…
Education
How do credit cards work?
When used responsibly, a credit card can help you finance new purchases, shop securely or…
Education
What is a secured credit card?
If you use it properly, a secured credit card is a great way to build…
Card advice
How do prepaid cards work?
You won’t build up your credit history with these cards, and you have to watch…
Credit management
Should you pay your health insurance deductible with a credit card?
When your health insurance plan comes with a high deductible, the funds you’ll need to…
Credit management
What is VantageScore?
VantageScore, a credit score model designed by the three credit bureaus, offers another way for…
Card advice
Personal loan vs. credit card: Which one should you get?
Personal loans and credit cards require you to borrow money that must be paid back,…
Card advice
Is a fleet card right for your small business?
If your small business relies on one or more sets of wheels – such as…
Card advice
New Sallie Mae credit cards: Are they worth it?
Sallie Mae issues three credit cards targeted toward college students and recent grads. While there…
News
Amex Offers program guide
For American Express cardholders, Amex Offers is an easy and cost-free way to earn additional…
Credit management
Why is a credit score important?
A good credit score is important if you plan to borrow for a big-ticket item…
Credit management
Credit cards that offer free credit scores
Staying on top of your credit score is key to getting mortgages, auto loans and…
Education
How to send money with a credit card
Sending cash to friends and family? Before you reach for that credit card, keep in…
Card advice
Guide to mobile wallets: Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Got questions about mobile wallets? Our guide to Samsung Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay…
Education
Which banks let you personalize your credit card?
Many of the top credit card and debit card issuers let customers have fun with…
Card advice
How to prequalify for a Credit One Bank credit card
Credit One Bank allows applicants to see which cards match their credit profile without hurting…
Credit management
Credit card late fees: How much issuers charge if you slip up
Accumulating credit card late fees can cost you a lot of money. Knowing how they…
Card advice
What credit score do I need for the Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns high cash back rates at U.S.…
Education
How to pay a credit card bill
Here are the different ways you can pay your credit card bill. Whether it's online,…
News
Credit card hardship programs: how they work, how to qualify
Hardship programs are designed to help consumers get through a tough financial time without defaulting…
Education
How to safely accept credit card payments over the phone
To help avoid falling prey to fraud during phone transactions, you can use a virtual…
Credit management
The 3 national credit bureaus: How Equifax, Experian and TransUnion work
The three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – compile personal and credit…
Credit management
Does not activating a card hurt my credit score?
Choosing not to activate a new credit card won’t hurt your credit score, but you…
News
What is credit card reconsideration?
Credit card reconsideration can give you a second chance at approval after a credit card…
Credit management
Will paying down my credit card balance reduce my minimum payment?
Paying down your credit card balance is the best way to reduce your minimum payment…
Card advice
How to contact your credit card issuer
Here is the contact information for the biggest credit card issuers. While credit card issuers…
Education
Experian Boost: How to sign up, how soon it ‘boosts’ score
Experian Boost allows your positive history of paying utility and phone bills to be included…
Education
Teaching financial literacy to children and teens
Teaching children about credit and finances at an early age can help them to maintain…
Education
How to read your credit card statement
Legally, credit card statements have to contain certain information about your credit card and your…
Education
Is using one credit card for everything worth it?
Using just one credit card for everything has pros and cons. Here's how to make…
Education
Is it legal for a bank to place a hold on my card payment?
A reader wonders why her card was declined after she paid off her entire card…
Education
Which card issuer allows different credit limits for multiple users?
Setting unique spending limits for authorized users makes a lot of sense, but not enough…
Credit management
4 reasons to stop using cash and start using credit cards
Replacing the use of cash with credit cards can help you improve your budgeting, safeguard…
Education
How to send, receive money using Zelle
Zelle is a convenient peer-to-peer payment app supported by many different banking institutions. While this…
Credit management
Should you pay off debt or settle it?
Debt settlement can help you save money on credit card debt. However, settling your debt…
Education
What to do if you’re turned down for a business credit card
If your application for a business credit card was turned down, don't despair - you…
Credit management
1099-C frequently asked questions
Wonder why you received a 1099-C in the mail? Most taxpayers don't realize forgiven debt…
Credit management
5 mistakes you should avoid after paying off credit card debt
From running up debt again to not using your card at all, avoid these mistakes…
Credit management
How length of credit history affects your credit score
Your length of credit history is something to be aware of, but keep in mind…
Education
How to get a cash advance with Chase
It’s easy to get a cash advance with a Chase credit card. But because of…
Education
Should I update my income for my credit card issuer?
Stating your income is mandatory on a card application, but voluntary once you have been…
Card advice
Best credit cards for online shopping
Whether you’re looking for free shipping, online grocery delivery or cash back on your next…
Education
How to protect yourself from card skimming
Card skimmers can steal your bank or credit card information at fuel pumps, ATMs and…
Credit management
What you need to know about military credit checks
Thinking of joining the military? You may have to prove you're financially healthy as well…
News
Credit card bill autopay: Tips for getting it right
Autopay can help streamline your finances, but it must be used with care. Read on…
Card advice
Capital One purchase protection benefits
Purchase protection is a valuable credit card perk that many people don’t realize they have…
Card advice
How to transfer a balance to an American Express credit card
Considering a balance transfer to an American Express credit card? Here's everything you need to…
Education
How to transfer a balance to a U.S. Bank credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a U.S. Bank credit card? Here’s everything you need to…
Card advice
What you need to know about the Venmo card
If you’re a regular Venmo user, the Venmo card might be worth looking into.
News
Can you use a credit card on Venmo?
You can use a credit card on Venmo, but it could result in a 3%…
Card advice
How to get preapproved for a Capital One card
Preapprovals can give you a good idea whether you’ll be approved for a credit card.…
Card advice
How to get preapproved for a Discover card
Preapproval can save you from a temporary dip on your credit score while helping you…
Education
What happens to credit card rewards after you return a purchase?
Whether it’s cash back, points or miles, credit card issuers will deduct rewards from your…
News
Black entrepreneur leveling the playing field for gig workers
The concept of how we work is changing and Craig J. Lewis, founder and CEO…
Card advice
Credit One vs. Capital One
Despite some superficial similarities, Credit One and Capital One are two completely different credit card…
Education
How to split the bill when dining out with a group
Dining out with a large group, splitting the bill can be hectic. Learn how you…
Card advice
Can you use a Discover card for international travel?
Discover card holders can use their card at more than 44 million merchants in more…
Credit management
How to address the racial credit score gap
The effects of racial discrimination are apparent in all aspects of financial life, with people…
Education
How to transfer a balance to an HSBC credit card
Balance transfers with HSBC credit cards have their limits, but it might still be worth…
Statistics
Card balances rose a moderate 2.4% in December, Fed reports
Card balances continue to grow and banks expect demand for credit card loans to rise…
Card advice
Southwest A-List status: Benefits and tips for earning it faster
Is A-List status worth it on Southwest? We give a rundown of the benefits and…
Education
A financial guide to mental health therapy
Whether you visit a psychologist in person or chat with a licensed therapist online, here's…
News
Capital One unveils new travel portal with money-saving features
Eligible Capital One cardholders will gain more booking flexibility while getting excellent airfare prices.
Card advice
Amazon Shop with Points: Should you use your rewards on Amazon?
Many rewards programs offer an option to redeem your points, miles or cash back on…
Card Reviews
Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Card review
Read our review of the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Card to see why it's…
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