Credit Cards

If you're like most Americans, you have a credit card. In 2022, there were a whopping 1.1 billion cards in circulation, and about 83 percent of individuals have at least one card. But, while we're all used to buying now and paying later, using a credit card typically means swiping for a specific purchase, rather than getting...

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...

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's latest quarterly Household Debt and Credit Report offered some unflattering insights into America's love/hate relationship with credit card debt.   There’s no argument that the ability to cover expenses now and pay later can occasionally be a lifesaver. Nonetheless, the whole arrangement has an unsavory way of feeling far less convenient...

We live in the "gig" economy, meaning that most people have multiple revenue streams to make ends meet. Side gigs like driving, delivering, and performing odd jobs are plentiful, but they also require extra financial knowledge and understanding. Namely, if you're making money independently, you need to be able to cover expenses and build credit....

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...

According to Experian, nine percent of customers have a FICO score below 550; between 2020 and 2021, the average credit score ranged from 578 to 586. If you have a low credit score, you are not alone; however, like many others, you may find getting the credit you need challenging. Several credit card companies and personal...

Sometimes life happens, occasionally at the peril of your credit score. But rest assured that no matter how unflattering your credit history may be, there’s always a chance to turn things around. Second chance credit cards present customers with a unique opportunity to rebuild their credit history, as long as they're used responsibly. Join us for an...

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...

Not so long ago, you could obtain a lot of store credit cards through a soft credit pull. A soft pull is a brief look at your credit that does not affect your credit score. More recently, however, you can pre-qualify for most store credit cards with a soft pull, but to actually issue the...

Cash App is a peer-to-peer or “P2P” financial app that makes it easy to instantly send money to both friends and businesses alike. Formally known as Square Cash, it was founded back in 2013 by Jack Dorsey’s Block Inc. to compete with similar services like PayPal and Venmo. Each Cash App user chooses a unique...

Sometimes you have or receive a prepaid card, and you'd really like to have the money as cash in hand or in your account rather than on the card. You may not use the retailer where the gift card is from, or you may simply need the cash. In either case, there are some cards...