Credit Card

Credit Card Adviser

By Leslie McFadden • Bankrate.com

When is it bad to kill a credit card?

It seems smart to close a credit card account after paying it off. Here's when it isn't.

Archive

Is it bad to close a credit card account?

Article: How can it feel so good and be so wrong? Learn why it's a lousy idea to close a credit card.

Will credit card rate cut request hurt score?

Article: Asking for a rate reduction on a credit card might lower a credit score. Find out when it does.

Charging, then paying off your credit card

Article: Should you put everything on credit, and pay off your credit card monthly?

Lowest credit card fee for foreign travel?

Article: Foreign transaction fees on credit cards can add up, so it pays to know the facts before you go.

Yank charged-off debt from credit report?

Article: An old charge-off proves a lengthy credit history. Better check your credit report before keeping it.

Does zero-percent offer hurt score?

Article: Taking advantage of a low rate won't hurt your credit score, but here's what will.

Can a new credit card issuer raise rates?

Article: When a bank is bought, the new entity can bump up your rate, but it faces these limitations.

How to pick a secured credit card

Article: Secured cards can help you build your credit. These tips should help you select the right one.

Credit card quandary: figuring promo rates

Article: How are payments applied to cards with promo rates? It's clear in some cases, murky in others.

Want to re-establish credit? Start charging

Article: By paying off your credit cards, you must restart your credit for lenders to OK a new loan.

Raise credit score with help from a friend

Article: Becoming a user on someone else's credit card could raise your credit score. Find out how.

Does law cap credit card interest rates?

Article: The CARD Act doesn't set a cap on interest rates, but it can help you if your rates rise.

New credit card firm won't drag down score

Article: In most cases, when your credit card company changes hands, your score stays the same.

Can you rent a car without a credit card?

Article: Maybe a debit card will do. Find out if it can take the place of a credit card to rent a car.

Can paying off credit cards hurt score?

Article: Believe it or not, your credit score could fall with a zero card balance.

Does card inactivity hurt credit score?

Article: Looking to raise your credit score? The effect of not having a card balance may surprise you.

Credit card leaps after limit exceeded

Article: The Credit CARD Act set limits on penalty fees but didn't cap overlimit penalty rates.

Too many credit requests spoil your score

Article: Each application that would trigger new debt will count against your credit score.

Check currency exchange fees before trip

Article: Compare currency conversion fees on credit cards and take those with the lowest overseas.

List of all archives

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Credit Card Averages

Product	Rate
Balance Transfer Cards	16.14%
Cash Back Cards	16.40%
Low Interest Cards	10.78%
Rewards Cards	15.46%

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