7 credit card tips for beginners
Find out the best practices for your first credit card, as well as which pitfalls to avoid.
"I write expert content with the goal of helping consumers make the most of their credit, their money and their lives."
— Holly D. Johnson
Holly Johnson began her career working in the funeral industry, which may make you wonder why she works in personal finance now. Yet, the funeral industry taught the author everything she needs to know about the value of one's money and time. Johnson left the mortuary business a decade ago in order to explore her passion for personal finance and travel the world, and since then, she and her husband have built a debt-free lifestyle that has them on the path to retire very wealthy in their 40s. Holly's love of budgeting also led to the creation of her debt payoff book, “Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love."
Currently, Johnson writes expert content on personal finance, credit cards, loyalty and insurance topics. In addition to writing for Bankrate and CreditCards.com, Johnson does ongoing work for clients that include CNN, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, Time Magazine and more.
"I write expert content with the goal of helping consumers make the most of their credit, their money and their lives."
— Holly D. Johnson
Find out the best practices for your first credit card, as well as which pitfalls to avoid.
Both cards offer flexible rewards, but one has a higher rewards potential overall.
Experian Boost is a credit-building tool that lets you use alternative data to boost your score. It’s free to use and boosts scores by 12 points on average, yet there are a few downsides to consider [...]
Alternative business lending can help you get funded, but often at a higher cost.
Eco-friendly credit cards aim to protect the environment in some way, usually by partnering with firms that fight climate change or protect wildlife or the environment.
Rising prices have definitely made it more difficult to get ahead, but a credit card can be a valuable tool when it comes to saving money or getting free stuff.
The Amex Membership Rewards program lets you earn points for flexible redemptions.
Read on to learn how to use the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, the benefits of doing so and more.