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.
Card Applications FAQs
Bankrate Expert Credit Card Advice
Latest credit card advice articles
-
Should I pay for a canceled order that was delivered?
If you have buyer’s remorse, are you still responsible for the payment?
3 min read Nov 23, 2022 -
Want to pay almost any bill with a credit card? You need Plastiq
Plastiq helps you pay bills that you’d usually need to pay via check or bank transfer.
6 min read Dec 21, 2022 -
Should I upgrade from a college credit card after graduation?
Our expert weighs in on this common question for credit-savvy grads.
3 min read Apr 23, 2024 -
U.S. is easing travel restrictions. Time to use your rewards?
As travel restrictions ease, there are questions surrounding whether it is time to use travel cards and points once more. Read to find out how to maximize your points or use your travel card in a different [...]
4 min read Jun 27, 2022 -
Want to get out of credit card debt? Here’s how this couple paid off $27,000 in 17 months
Are you wanting to get out of credit card debt that you may have accumulated? Read for a story of how one couple did it successfully, and read their tips on how to get out of debt, too.
5 min read Dec 21, 2022 -
Best credit cards to use in Europe
Pick the right card for your European vacation to avoid foreign transaction fees and make the most of travel rewards.
6 min read Jun 30, 2022 -
How to get preapproved for a Capital One credit card
To get preapproved for a Capital One credit card, you can use Bankrate’s CardMatch tool or see if you prequalify through the Capital One website.
6 min read May 18, 2022 -
How to increase your chances of getting preapproved on CardMatch
CardMatch makes it easy to see which top rewards credit cards you could be eligible for. Find out how to increase your chances of getting preapproved.
3 min read Mar 14, 2022 -
How to close a Capital One account
Closing the account may affect your credit score, but it will depend on your current credit factors.
4 min read May 06, 2021 -
State of Gen Z personal finance: Are the kids alright?
Gen Z aren’t just kids and teenagers anymore. Adult Gen Zers (18-24 years old) are graduating from high school and starting college or a career. This is the time when they may begin to feel a measure [...]
5 min read Mar 19, 2024 -
Enjoy free trials of streaming services, then earn rewards
Social distance with free trials on streaming services and earn rewards after they end.
7 min read Dec 21, 2022 -
How to close a Discover account
Learn the steps needed to close a Discover account, as well as alternative options.
4 min read Apr 26, 2021 -
How to close a Citi account
Learn the steps needed to close a Citi account, as well as alternative options.
4 min read Oct 26, 2022 -
Chase tool helps you avoid getting burned by recurring charges
Here’s how to avoid the trap of recurring charges.
3 min read Mar 11, 2022 -
Do I need a vaccine passport to book a flight?
Dear Cashing In: I really want to use my rewards points to travel internationally soon. Is it true that I’ll need to have a vaccine passport in order to book my flights?—Kellee Dear Kellee, It’s [...]
4 min read Dec 16, 2021 -
Should you use your stimulus check to pay down credit card debt?
Who doesn’t love free money? The stimulus checks certainly have that feel regardless of whether they really are or not. The question is, what’s the best way to use this money? Let’s dive in. First [...]
3 min read Mar 25, 2022 -
Is COVID killing cash?
I haven’t been to a bank branch or ATM in 105 days and counting. I withdrew $40 in cash in early December and it hasn’t run out yet. It’s no secret that cash usage has been declining for years. But [...]
3 min read Mar 29, 2022 -
How to file taxes for the first time
Filing taxes may seem daunting, but for the average person, it’s usually fairly simple.
7 min read Dec 21, 2022 -
Financial infidelity plagues many households, led by millennials
Hey, honey, did you know I’ve been cheating on you? (Financially, that is.) That’s the unfortunate—and unromantic—reality for millions of Americans. Four out of every 10 U.S. adults that are married, [...]
3 min read Mar 19, 2024 -
Credit cards and COVID: One year later
“See you in a couple weeks when this craziness is all over,” was a common refrain as we filed out of our Manhattan office on March 10, 2020. Now two weeks have turned into 52, and the company has said [...]
4 min read Dec 09, 2021