Credit Card Advice

Why store cards can ruin your credit score

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:46 GMT

Store cards can be tempting, but they can also lower your credit score and cost you a lot of money in interest. If you are a frequent shopper at a certain store, you may be tempted to apply for a store credit card. After all, you may be offered a discount on your purchase when you open the account, followed by...

What you need to know about credit cards

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:46 GMT

A credit card can help you build a strong credit history, provided you know your limits and options and commit to making the payments on time. Getting a credit card is a huge step in your financial life. A credit card can be a great tool to help you establish a positive credit history, or it can be an easy way to get yourself into serious d...

Using credit cards for large purchases

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:46 GMT

When making a large purchase on a credit card, consider what interest rates and payments your finances can handle. We all know that using credit cards is easy, convenient and very tempting. But to use your credit wisely and avoid getting trapped by mounting debt, you need to be serious about tracking your spendin...

Tips for using credit cards

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:46 GMT

Credit cards can be good financial tools, if used the right way. Follow our tips to understanding your credit cards. A credit card can help you build credit and manage your money. Follow these steps and precautions to make sure you fully understand your credit-card plan. Shop around for credit-card terms that are...

The hidden costs of credit cards

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:46 GMT

Are you paying for things you aren't aware of? Understand how credit card fees are calculated and save. Credit cards have become an essential part of everyday life. About 145 million Americans use them, and for almost every kind of purchase. An estimated 40 percent also use them as an easy form of shor...

Teaching kids how to use credit cards

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:46 GMT

Prepaid credit cards for kids can help young people learn how to use credit wisely. If there’s one thing that makes parents more nervous than picturing their kids with the car keys, it’s imagining them with a credit card. Yet in recent years, the number of teens using plastic has in...

How Fed rate cuts affect credit card interest rates

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:46 GMT

Fed rate cuts mean that it may be a good idea to shop around for the best credit card interest rate. Q. When the prime rate and other key rates are falling, does that mean credit card interest rates will decline as well? A. Generally, yes. Fed rate cuts often translate into better deals for many cr...

Credit card minimum payments

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:46 GMT

Making only the required minimum payment on your credit card can 'trap' you in debt longer and cost more in the long run. One of the most enticing features of a credit card is being able to make the purchases you want and only have to pay for a fraction of them when your credit card statement arrives in the mail. The am...

Avoiding credit card traps

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:46 GMT

Avoiding credit card traps can save you money and help keep your credit score high. For many people, credit cards seem too good to be true. It can feel like you are getting whatever you want, without paying real money for it. Then the end of the month comes around and reality sets i...

Ask an expert: Credit card minimum payments

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:45 GMT

Q: What formula do credit card companies use to calculate your required minimum monthly payment? A: Each credit card issuer uses a slightly different formula, but, as a result of new federal guidelines, most credit card companies now require you pay at least 4 percent per month. Until recently, ...

How to consolidate credit cards

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:45 GMT

Learn how to consolidate your credit card balances and get out of debt more quickly. If you are drowning in credit card debt, you may be able to save money and pay your debt off more quickly if you choose to consolidate credit cards. By evaluating your situation as well as your optio...

Find the best credit card deals

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:45 GMT

You can find a credit card deal that has attractive features, useful rewards and manageable terms and rates. If you’re looking for a credit card, remember these two words: Comparison shop. Your credit card is an integral part in building your credit report and credit score, so you want a card that will work...

Find a secured credit card

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:45 GMT

You can use a secured credit card to start building your credit history and safely boost your credit score. One of the safest and easiest ways to get used to using credit is with a secured credit card. Secured credit cards allow you to borrow up to a certain amount that you have deposited with the bank as ...

Credit cards with reward benefits

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:45 GMT

From loyalty points to travel insurance, the list of reward benefits attached to credit cards is mind-boggling. Credit card benefits are the rewards you get for using a particular card. Often, the more you use your card and the higher the annual fee you pay for it, the richer the benefits you’ll get. These can...

Credit card terms

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:45 GMT

Credit card terms can be confusing. But it's important to understand the most common terms when you're applying for a credit card. Credit cards have become a standard part of most people’s lives. However, if you’re applying for a credit card for the first time, it can be a bit intimidating. Understanding a few of the most typica...

Credit card debt consolidation basics

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:45 GMT

Consider these five easy steps for credit card debt consolidation. Credit card consolidation can be a smart move if you’re struggling with your debt load. With just a few simple steps, you can consolidate your credit card debt and improve your financial situation. ...

Choosing a credit card

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:27:44 GMT

From collector points to travel insurance, the list of benefits attached to credit cards is mind-boggling. Some tips on choosing and using them wisely. Credit card benefits are the rewards you get for using a particular card. Often, the more you use your card and the higher the annual fee you pay for it, the richer the benefits you’ll get. These can...