Credit Card Advice
Whether you are applying for your first credit card, looking for an addition to the cards that you already have, or just seeking expert advice on the best way to use your credit cards to maximize rewards and stay out of debt, we have articles that can help. Our mission is to help you meet your financial goals, and our team is dedicated to providing you with the education and resources that will make it possible for you to use credit cards to get to where you want to be. Explore hundreds of credit card advice articles below.
Bankrate Expert Credit Card Advice
Latest credit card advice articles
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What is the average credit limit for Americans?
How credit limits in the U.S. vary by age and region
6 min read Sep 10, 2024 -
A guide to airline companion passes
Airline companion passes vary, but they can all save you money.
6 min read Sep 06, 2024 -
Best-looking cards for 2024
Here are our picks for the best-looking credit cards — and how you can use them.
3 min read Sep 04, 2024 -
Best rotating category credit cards
Max out your rewards with rotating bonus category credit cards.
5 min read Sep 02, 2024 -
How to earn the Amex Blue Cash Everyday welcome bonus
We’ll go over the details of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday welcome bonus, how to earn it and what to consider when opening an account.
5 min read Aug 30, 2024 -
Know your rights when facing credit card fraud
If you find yourself a victim to credit card fraud, there’s recourse to follow.
5 min read Aug 30, 2024 -
How being an authorized user affects your credit
Credit scores can benefit from the activity reported from an authorized user.
5 min read Aug 30, 2024 -
How new credit impacts your credit score
New credit means exactly that — credit lines or loans that you applied for that you did not have before.
5 min read Aug 29, 2024 -
How to pay a credit card bill
Learn how to pay your credit card, when you should pay your bill and more.
5 min read Aug 28, 2024 -
What is a credit card balance?
Your credit card balance is the amount you owe your credit card company at any given time and is essential to managing your debt.
4 min read Aug 28, 2024 -
Is it better to pay off your credit card or keep a balance?
Your credit score is better served by paying your balance in full.
4 min read Aug 27, 2024 -
What happens if you don’t activate a credit card?
Your account was opened the moment you were approved, so choosing not to activate your credit card won’t impact your account status – it just means you won’t be able to use it.
5 min read Aug 27, 2024 -
What happens to your retail credit card when a store closes?
When a retailer vanishes, your card debt doesn’t. Here’s how your retail credit card may be impacted by store closures.
5 min read Aug 27, 2024 -
The 800 credit score: What it means, why it helps and how to get one
Earning an 800 credit score proves that you are a creditworthy consumer.
5 min read Aug 23, 2024 -
Should I use a personal loan to pay off credit card debt?
Using a personal loan to pay off credit card debt can be a huge financial relief—but is a personal loan your best option?
7 min read Aug 23, 2024 -
How to get preapproved for a Capital One credit card
Use Bankrate’s CardMatch tool or Capital One’s website to check for preapproval
4 min read Aug 22, 2024 -
What is PayPal? A complete guide
Here’s what you need to know to get started with PayPal.
8 min read Aug 22, 2024 -
How to dispute a credit card charge
Unauthorized use, billing errors and complaints are covered by two laws. Here’s what you need to know.
5 min read Aug 22, 2024 -
What is a charge card?
A charge card doesn’t have a preset limit, but requires an excellent credit score and must be paid in full each month.
5 min read Aug 21, 2024 -
How to find fixed-rate credit cards
Fixed-rate credit cards aren’t as common as they once were, but a variable-rate card or fixed-rate loan may be better long-term.
5 min read Aug 16, 2024