Consumer Cards

Starting a business in is exciting, but it also comes with unique financial challenges. One of the smartest tools a founder can use is a business credit card designed specifically for startups. The right card can help manage cash flow, build business credit, and unlock rewards that directly benefit the company. In this guide,...

Ever wonder why your credit score dips even when you pay on time? The culprit is often something called your credit card utilization ratio—the percentage of revolving credit you’re using. In this guide, you’ll find the credit card utilization ratio explained in plain English, learn exactly how to calculate it, discover what “good” really means...

According to the Federal Reserve, almost everyone with an income of at least $100,000 has a credit card in their wallet. In 2022, 35 percent of adults applied for a credit card, and compared to the 46 percent of applicants with less than $50,000 in annual income who were denied, only 13 percent of those...

Today, sending money is easier and faster than ever before, especially thanks to online banking platforms that facilitate wire transfers. A wire transfer is a banking transaction initiated through a bank, authorizing it to wire money from one account to another. Several methods are available to help wire money, including using a credit card to...

Credit card debt often feels like it sneaks up on you, and before you know it, you find yourself struggling to make the minimum payments and get those balances down to a manageable amount. Know you are not alone. During the summer of 2023, credit card usage soared to a new milestone, with balances across...

Though income is an important factor, other factors, including credit history, length of credit, and debt to income (DTI), are considered when establishing a credit limit. Most credit card lenders look at your estimated DTI, giving higher limits to those with a DTI below 36 percent. A low DTI and a high income can unlock...

By the fourth quarter of 2020, credit card debt reached $820 billion. Though the total amount of debt fell from the previous seven years, it has increasingly become more challenging for consumers to pay more than the minimum monthly payment. For example, it would take a household more than 25 years to pay off credit card debt by...

Sometimes, credit cards can be a lifesaver when it comes to handling major expenses that your bank account can’t cover at the moment. But what do you do if you find yourself in such a situation without a credit card ready to go? While you can always apply for a new credit card online at...

If you find yourself in a bind and need cash right away, then your credit card may be able to help. Most issuers allow customers to use their cards to borrow cash up to a certain limit. Just be aware that credit card cash advances are often very pricey. They may come with additional...

Few people would argue that credit cards can be a double-edged sword. For all the convenience, welcome bonuses, and rewards that many cards offer, there’s also the danger of overspending. As many credit card customers have learned the hard way, it can be incredibly easy to fall prey to the dangers of excessive debt and...

Let’s face it, a trip to the airport isn’t always the most relaxing experience. But Citibank cards with lounge access have historically offered customers the chance to escape to plush lounges in airports around the world. Who wouldn’t want to trade in the noisy crowds and uncomfortable seating for a chance to relax in luxurious lounges designed...

While rental car companies are notorious for attempting to sell clients insurance coverage, there may be a better option. There are certain credit cards that cover car rental protection. Join us as we answer common questions about how such coverage works and break down the best credit cards that cover rental car insurance. Some credit card companies...

American Express (Amex) is known for being particularly generous when it comes to things like credit card rewards programs and welcome bonuses. So generous, in fact, that some new users might have a hard time figuring out which card to choose. While Amex’s card comparison tool makes it easy to compare various card offerings, you may...

Various information goes into establishing your credit score with Transunion, a credit bureau used by many credit card and loan companies to determine credit worthiness of consumers. First, a credit score summarizes your credit history, considering factors such as the type of accounts, how many accounts you have, if you pay your bills on time, current...

Credit reports maintain a record of a person’s credit history, including identifying personal information. When applying for any credit, the credit card or loan company can check your credit with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Credit reports also list existing credit information, including credit card accounts, mortgages, car loans, and student loans. The credit score on Equifax is...

Companies will most likely conduct a credit check on consumers looking to open a credit card or receive a loan. Credit cards that pull Experian credit reports look for the information listed from your other creditors, including banks, auto finance companies, and credit card issuers, to determine your creditworthiness. The credit bureau does not have any say in...

Most Americans suffer from a low credit score, which has several negative effects, including higher interest rates and the inability to get unsecured loans/credit. According to Experian.com, the average credit score in the United States in 2021 was 714, which falls within the average credit scores for moderate to middle-income individuals. Average credit score brackets, according...