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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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 is deferred interest and is it worth it?
Deferred interest deals can be enticing but you could pay more than you expected.
7 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 -
How long does it take to increase your credit score?
Depending on why it’s low, it can take months or even years to raise your credit score.
6 min read Aug 26, 2024 -
College students: Enjoy these student card benefits
Earn rewards for your spending while establishing your credit history as a student.
5 min read Aug 25, 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 use 0% APR credit cards for home renovations
Find out how to use a 0 percent APR credit card to finance home projects.
6 min read Aug 23, 2024 -
Is Upside a good way to save at gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores?
Pairing your credit card with the Upside app can help you save more than you think.
6 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 -
7 credit card tips for college students
Learn how to use a student credit card responsibly as a college student.
4 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 -
Can you get a business credit card without a business?
A business credit card can help manage the cost of your business, whatever the gig.
7 min read Aug 21, 2024 -
What does 0% APR mean?
Here’s how to maximize the benefits of a 0% intro APR credit card.
6 min read Aug 21, 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