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 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 -
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 -
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 -
APR vs. APY: Understanding interest rates
Understanding the difference between APR and APY can help you make smart money decisions.
5 min read Aug 16, 2024 -
Best Delta Air Lines credit cards
Check out Bankrate’s top Delta credit card picks.
7 min read Aug 15, 2024 -
How to close a Capital One account
Closing the account may affect your credit score, but it will depend on your current credit factors.
7 min read Aug 15, 2024 -
Best credit cards with cellphone insurance
Protect your phone with the best credit cards for cellphone insurance.
4 min read Aug 15, 2024 -
How to recover from credit card delinquency
Delinquency can have a rough impact on your credit, but it’s possible to recover.
8 min read Aug 15, 2024 -
Capital One QuicksilverOne vs. Quicksilver
Get the simplicity and true convenience of an unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on every purchase.
4 min read Aug 14, 2024 -
Credit card referral bonuses: Earn rewards through friends
How to use credit card referrals to earn extra rewards.
5 min read Aug 13, 2024 -
Can you pay off your Apple Card with a balance transfer?
Find out if you can pay off your Apple Card with a balance transfer.
5 min read Aug 12, 2024