Statistics
The average credit card balance is $5,910. Here’s what you need to know
Post-pandemic inflation and high interest rates have likely pushed consumers to rely on credit cards…
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Latest Posts
Statistics
Poll: 23 percent of cardholders have unused credit card rewards
About a quarter of cardholders didn’t tap into their credit card rewards, leaving money on…
Statistics
Poll: 72% of those with credit card debt have added to it in the last year
A recent survey showed that 72 percent of people with credit card debt increased their…
News
Can you cancel a pending credit card transaction?
If you want to cancel a pending card transaction, your best bet is to work…
Credit management
How to undo unauthorized credit card charges by a family member
What rights do you have to dispute the charges and ensure your card use is…
Credit management
What’s the penalty for going over my credit card limit?
If you go over your credit limit, you can get hit with fees and ultimately…
Credit management
Should I get credit card debt protection insurance?
Look into the costs and benefits of the insurance, based on your specific situation, and…
Credit management
Will removing my partner as an authorized user impact my credit score?
Removing yourself as an authorized user can lower your credit utilization ratio and the age…
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…
Credit management
Dark patterns could manipulate online shoppers into spending more
Laws have some catching up to do with websites that turn to manipulative software design…
Education
How to earn extra United miles by supporting Black History Month
Now you can donate rewards instead of donating from your checking account – and United…
Education
Can I withhold payment on rejected credit card dispute?
Learn what to do if your credit card dispute has been rejected. You may be…
News
How I use my Chase Freedom Flex
The Chase Freedom Flex is a great cash back card for consumers spending moderately each…
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…
Credit management
Credit reporting agencies ignored my dispute submission
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the credit reporting agencies are supposed to review certain…
News
What happens if you overpay your credit card bill by mistake?
What if you find that you have accidentally overpaid your credit card bill? If you…
News
How I use my Citi Custom Cash Card
Offering a sign-up bonus, generous rewards and an introductory offer on purchases and balance transfers,…
Credit management
Why does a hard inquiry hurt your credit score?
A hard inquiry – which occurs when a consumer applies for a credit account –…
News
Fed poised to begin rate hikes in March
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell sees the economy as strong enough to weather rate hikes, but…
Credit management
Is psychology keeping you in credit card debt?
Research shows psychology plays a vital role when it comes to debt. Certain payment strategies…
Credit management
What does a negative balance on my credit card statement signify?
If you have a negative balance on your credit card account. the Truth in Lending…
Credit management
Can a bank seize money from my checking account to pay credit card debt?
A reader wonders if a bank can offset his grandmother’s credit card debt using her…
News
Credit card rates are high — and likely headed higher in 2023
The likelihood of credit card interest rates rising in 2022 is strong, so make your…
Education
Virtual tools to prevent credit card fraud
Credit card fraud is on the rise, but there are tools you can use to…
Education
What is an EMV credit card, and how does it work?
The way you use a credit card is changing as the U.S. catches up with…
Credit management
Can debt collectors contact me on social media?
A recent update to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act lays out the rules for…
Education
What to do if you lose your credit card
If your credit card is lost or stolen, you could become the victim of identity…
News
Guide to donating to HIV/AIDS awareness
With December being AIDS awareness month and December 1 World AIDS day, the spotlight is…
Card advice
Credit score needed for the Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Looking to plan a big trip or boost your travel earnings and wanting to invest…
Education
How do airline credit cards work?
If you fly a lot on one particular airline, its co-branded credit cards help you…
News
Millennials are willing to go over the top with expenses this holiday season
Many millennials aren’t feeling like being cautious with their finances this holiday season.
News
Fed set to begin tapering security purchases in November
Although inflation is up, the Fed is waiting for a more optimal employment market before…
News
Another way inflation is hitting your wallet: Limits on credit card rewards
Credit cards typically put a cap on high percentage rewards earnings but inflation is outpacing…
Statistics
Business credit card statistics 2021
Many entrepreneurs rely on credit cards to keep their small businesses running – here’s what…
Education
How to cancel an unauthorized pending charge on your credit card
The merchant might be able to reverse the charge, but you should also contact the…
Card advice
A millennial’s take on the Chase Sapphire Reserve
From free nights in premium hotels to TSA PreCheck, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth…
News
Fed could begin tapering asset purchases in November
The Fed’s move to begin cutting back on its asset purchases could flow down to…
Education
Why was my credit card purchase protection claim denied?
A reader believes his claim for purchase protection coverage was wrongfully denied.
Statistics
Credit card rewards and cardholder satisfaction statistics
Rewards are a key factor in cardholder satisfaction, with cash rebates being the most popular…
News
How will Biden’s order fostering competition affect credit cards?
A recent presidential executive order urges the CFPB to rein in abusive practices in the…
Education
A financial guide to mental health therapy
Whether you visit a psychologist in person or chat with a licensed therapist online, here's…
Credit management
How to build and establish credit in the Hispanic community
Here are some of the easiest ways for members of the Hispanic community to improve…
Education
How to pay for immigration fees
The immigration process can get expensive, but the USCIS allows immigrants to pay eligible fees…
Credit management
How do I get a credit report with only an ITIN?
A reader who doesn’t have a Social Security number wonders how to get his credit…
Statistics
Poll: 36% of parents pressured to overspend on back-to-school shopping
When you’re back-to-school shopping it can be tough not to spend too much. But many…
Statistics
FOMC maintains 0% rate decision at July meeting
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell expects the Delta variant of COVID-19 to have muted economic impact…
To Her Credit
Life as a woman of color: How I found myself at a disadvantage in a police encounter
Women of color face many disparities in the quest for financial independence. Policy efforts are…
News
7 ways to attract targeted credit card offers
If you feel you're getting fewer credit card offers in the mail, you're not alone.…
Statistics
Debit card statistics
As the global economy begins to recover from the COVID crisis, it’s still unclear how…
Education
Visa and Mastercard halt swipe fee hikes for now, but future impacts likely
Visa and Mastercard have put off planned credit card swipe fee hikes for now, but…
Education
Credit union cards: Weighing the pros and cons
A credit union card can be an excellent option if you’re building credit – and…
Education
Do student loans, work study, qualify as income on card application?
Card issuers have different policies on what can be considered income on a credit card…
Statistics
Credit card market share statistics
The credit card industry is a big business, and it is dominated by a handful…
News
Fed maintains near 0% rate target at June 2021 meeting
Fed members are more optimistic about the economy and Powell said the Fed could start…
Education
Pros, cons of getting a business card for personal use
Some consumers have found they can benefit from using a business credit card even if…
To Her Credit
Dissecting the gender pay gap
In addition to advocating for themselves, women should also ally with others, both men and…
Education
Should I roll over a cash advance to a 0% APR balance transfer card?
If you’ve taken out a cash advance, you could save money by rolling over this…
Statistics
Consumer rights for credit and debit cards
Credit card users have robust protections under the CARD Act and other laws, while debit…
Education
Are crypto credit cards a safe way to get into cryptocurrencies?
Consumers should be aware that the crypto rewards that some credit cards offer will be…
Credit management
What to do if someone obtained your credit report without permission
The Fair Credit Reporting Act lays out what the “permissionable purposes” are for someone to…
News
Why is a disputed collection account still on my credit report?
A reader writes that after contesting a collection account with all three credit bureaus, two…
Education
What is the Federal Reserve?
The Federal Reserve System serves as the central bank of the United States. The interest…
Card advice
Can you avail of price protection on Amazon Prime Day deals?
Amazon no longer offers price protection, but you could still use your credit card’s perks…
Card advice
Retailer gone bankrupt? What retail card holders should do
If you have a balance on a shuttered retailer’s store card, you will still need…
News
Visa is planning changes to swipe fees: report
Different categories of retailers would see different impacts, with swipe fees either going up or down.
Education
How can I cancel an auto-renewal billing if I can’t contact the seller?
A reader finds that he is locked out of his online dating account, and company…
Credit management
Expect your credit card late payment fees to rise a dollar in 2020
The CFPB’s adjustment for inflation nudges up the maximum late payment fees an issuer can…
Statistics
Discover tops other major card issuers in customer satisfaction ranking
Discover ranks first in the annual J.D. Power Credit Card Customer Satisfaction Study for the…
Credit management
Educational credit scores are not the same as FICO scores
There are many versions of credit scores available to consumers, and consumers shouldn’t rely on…
