December is an ideal time to make sure you’re maximizing any credit card benefits that may reset or expire at the end of the year. This is especially true if you’re paying for those benefits through an annual fee. It’s also a good time to review your spending habits to make sure the card you’re … Continued
Credit card debt took a nosedive in the early days of the pandemic in 2020 as consumers stayed home, lost work and received cash infusions from the government. Two years later, it’s back. Credit card debt increased 15% year over year — the largest one-year increase in more than two decades, according to the Federal Reserve … Continued
There’s no such thing as a universal best credit card. The right card for you depends on your lifestyle, your goals and your credit history. For instance, if you’re looking for travel rewards but your friend is building credit, the best card for each of you will differ greatly. And while there may not be … Continued
Financial misinformation is rampant, and it could be hurting your credit score. A new NerdWallet survey finds that Americans hold many misconceptions about their credit, some of which could seriously damage their scores. Here are three common credit score myths and how to guard against them. Myth 1. Leaving a balance on your credit card is good … Continued
A lot can happen in six months. That’s why, as we close out the first half of the year, it makes sense to check in on your financial life. “With inflation, I think people this year are more heavily impacted than they probably have been in many years leading up to this point,” says Jason … Continued
One look at a typical cardholder agreement makes clear that credit cards come with plenty of fine print. Even so, a lot of information isn’t readily available to cardholders, especially regarding what they can ask for from their card issuers and how they can manage their accounts more cost-effectively. A recent NerdWallet survey found significant gaps in … Continued
Sometimes a grain of truth about a financial topic can morph into something that’s just plain misleading. One example is the 15/3 credit card payment trick — or hack — that you might have seen touted on the internet and social media as a secret tactic for improving bad or mediocre credit. The 15/3 hack claims you … Continued
The 15/3 Credit Card Hack Is Nonsense — Here’s What to Do Instead Sometimes a grain of truth about a financial topic can morph into something that’s just plain misleading. One example is the 15/3 credit card payment trick — or hack — that you might have seen touted on the internet and social media as a … Continued
For many consumers, the ease and flexibility of spreading payments over a longer period of time makes “buy now, pay later,” or BNPL, plans appealing. Add in the possibility for lower interest rates, and BNPL is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to using a credit card. According to a 2021 study by C+R Research, 56% of BNPL … Continued
Upon paying off between $12,000 and $15,000 in credit card debt in 2019, Yamiesha Bell, a special education teacher in New York, didn’t break up with her credit cards. With goals to buy a car and a house, Bell hoped to preserve her credit history by keeping her cards open and active. “I needed to … Continued