BillSaver archive

Understanding Credit Cards

53 BillSaver guides filed under Understanding Credit Cards.

Should We Get a Joint Credit Card?
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Should We Get a Joint Credit Card?

Bill Hardekopf · June 27, 2024

When you get married, most things become a “joint” effort. You likely live together, share possessions and may even raise children together. Many marr

Credit Card Tips for Students
Understanding Credit Cards4 min read

Credit Card Tips for Students

Bill Hardekopf · June 24, 2024

Student credit cards can be an excellent way for young people to manage their money and build credit, but if they are used incorrectly, credit cards c

Five Tips For Managing Credit Card Debt In 2024
Debt Reduction2 min read

Five Tips For Managing Credit Card Debt In 2024

Bill Hardekopf · June 5, 2024

It is hard to believe, but the summer of 2024 is almost here. It is likely that millions of Americans have made a resolution to lower their credit car

Credit Card Tips and Tricks
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Credit Card Tips and Tricks

John Oldshue · May 19, 2024

When used incorrectly, credit cards can be an expensive way to pay for goods and services. The golden rule of credit card use is to pay off your full

Can Credit Cards be Recycled?
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

Can Credit Cards be Recycled?

Bill Hardekopf · May 18, 2024

If you are eco-conscious and have had a credit, debit, or gift card expire recently, you may be wondering if you can recycle the plastic. The simple a

Why Do Credit Cards Get Declined?
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Why Do Credit Cards Get Declined?

John Oldshue · May 17, 2024

There are few things in life more embarrassing than having your credit card declined. Even worse than the embarrassment is the lack of information off

Are Balance Transfers Worth It?
Debt Reduction3 min read

Are Balance Transfers Worth It?

Bill Hardekopf · May 10, 2024

Many Americans regularly receive offers from credit card companies, which offer 0% interest rates on balance transfers. These offers look tempting, bu

Do Credit Cards Get Cancelled If Not Used?
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

Do Credit Cards Get Cancelled If Not Used?

John Oldshue · May 5, 2024

Since your credit card has an expiration date, you may worry that it will get cancelled if you are not using it. While this is a concern to keep in mi

5 Tips For Maximizing Credit Card Rewards
Saving More4 min read

5 Tips For Maximizing Credit Card Rewards

Bill Hardekopf · May 5, 2024

Credit card rewards have become a major benefit to consumers who use their cards responsibly. If you pay off your balance in full each month, you can

7 Ways To Get A Credit Card With Bad Credit
Building Credit4 min read

7 Ways To Get A Credit Card With Bad Credit

Bill Hardekopf · April 29, 2024

If your credit score is lackluster, you know how difficult it can be to get a credit card. People get into dire financial situations for many reasons,

How to Close a Credit Card Account
Building Credit3 min read

How to Close a Credit Card Account

Bill Hardekopf · April 20, 2024

Many people cut up their credit cards to stop themselves from using them, but it is important to remember that this does not close the account. To do

What Happens When I Cancel a Credit Card?
Building Credit3 min read

What Happens When I Cancel a Credit Card?

Bill Hardekopf · April 19, 2024

If you feel as if you have too many credit cards, you may be tempted to cancel the cards you are not actively using. While this is a good way to minim

Common Mistakes for First-Time Credit Card Customers
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Common Mistakes for First-Time Credit Card Customers

Bill Hardekopf · April 13, 2024

Receiving a credit card is a major first step in your financial life, but it can also take you down a road of debt if you do not use your card respons

Credit Card Tips After Losing Your Job
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

Credit Card Tips After Losing Your Job

Bill Hardekopf · April 13, 2024

While the economy is improving, millions of Americans will experience job loss at some point in their lives. Sadly, even if you lose your income, you

Best Ways to Monitor Your Credit
Building Credit4 min read

Best Ways to Monitor Your Credit

John Oldshue · April 13, 2024

Monitoring your credit is always a good idea. Not only will it help you track your credit worthiness, which is essential if you have a major purchase

How Do Credit Card Companies Verify Income?
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

How Do Credit Card Companies Verify Income?

John Oldshue · April 11, 2024

Income can fluctuate. While some people earn a consistent annual income, others may receive bonuses, overtime or work non-traditional, freelance jobs.

Dealing with Credit Card Debt Collectors
Debt Reduction3 min read

Dealing with Credit Card Debt Collectors

Bill Hardekopf · April 7, 2024

If you get behind on the payments on your credit card, it is possible their card issuer may take them to court to collect the outstanding balance. Sin

How Do Credit Cards Help Build Credit?
Building Credit3 min read

How Do Credit Cards Help Build Credit?

Bill Hardekopf · April 1, 2024

When people think of credit cards, they often think of “debt” and forget that they are called “credit” cards. When used correctly, credit cards can ac

Using Credit Cards to Build Credit
Building Credit2 min read

Using Credit Cards to Build Credit

John Oldshue · March 25, 2024

While many people see credit cards as the path towards fiscal irresponsibility, they can actually help you build business and personal credit. To reap

Reduce Credit Card Debt with Micropayments
Debt Reduction2 min read

Reduce Credit Card Debt with Micropayments

Bill Hardekopf · March 20, 2024

Though the holidays are behind us, many Americans are still paying for purchases made with their credit cards. To avoid costly interest charges, cardh

A person checking a credit score online on a laptop.
Building Credit3 min read

Do Balance Transfers Hurt Your Credit Score?

Bill Hardekopf · March 13, 2024

You may have received an offer for a 0% APR on balance transfers, and you may be tempted to sign up for it. After all, 0% APR will allow you to save m

Avoid Cash Advances on Your Credit Card
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

Avoid Cash Advances on Your Credit Card

Bill Hardekopf · March 12, 2024

If you are running low on cash, it may be tempting to use your credit card at an ATM or try one of the convenience checks included with your credit ca

Benefits of Credit Cards over Debit Cards
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Benefits of Credit Cards over Debit Cards

Bill Hardekopf · March 10, 2024

The terms “debit card” and “credit card” sometimes seem to be used interchangeably; however, there are major differences between these types of cards.

What Is the Best Way to Use Credit Card Rewards?
Saving More3 min read

What Is the Best Way to Use Credit Card Rewards?

Bill Hardekopf · March 5, 2024

There are a number of options when you begin earning a large number of rewards points on your credit card, and you may be unsure as to which option is

Why Are EMV Transactions So Slow?
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Why Are EMV Transactions So Slow?

John Oldshue · March 4, 2024

Human beings could not accurately measure the second until the late 16th Century, but today, society has learned to move at such a fast pace that stan

A person holding a credit card while checking account details on a phone.
Understanding Credit Cards4 min read

How Is My Credit Card Limit Determined?

Bill Hardekopf · March 2, 2024

Credit card issuers consider a number of factors when determining your credit limit. Like any business, no financial institution wants to lose money,

What Is the Best Way to Consolidate Credit Cards?
Debt Reduction4 min read

What Is the Best Way to Consolidate Credit Cards?

John Oldshue · February 29, 2024

If you have several credit card balances, paying all of them can be difficult. To make your life easier, you may want to consider consolidating your d

What To Look For In A Secured Credit Card
Understanding Credit Cards4 min read

What To Look For In A Secured Credit Card

John Oldshue · February 16, 2024

Without a line of credit, it is impossible to build or rebuild your credit. Checking accounts and debit cards will not help because a financial instit

How to Establish Business Credit
Building Credit3 min read

How to Establish Business Credit

Bill Hardekopf · February 14, 2024

If you own a small business, you can build credit for your business, just as you can build your own credit. Your business will get a credit score simi

Some Unusual Benefits of Using a Credit Card
Understanding Credit Cards6 min read

Some Unusual Benefits of Using a Credit Card

Bill Hardekopf · February 12, 2024

While credit cards can sometimes get a bad rap for high interest rates and fees, there are many benefits to savvy consumers that are unmatched by othe

Do Credit Cards Work After Getting Wet?
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

Do Credit Cards Work After Getting Wet?

John Oldshue · February 12, 2024

Anyone who has ever dropped their cell phone in a body of water knows how quickly this will kill the device. Electronics and water just do not mix. Wh

Can Credit Card Companies Lower Your Credit Limit?
Building Credit4 min read

Can Credit Card Companies Lower Your Credit Limit?

Bill Hardekopf · February 8, 2024

When you first open a credit card, your credit limit is based on your credit score at that moment. If you maintain a high score, make payments on time

5 Alternatives To Maxing Out Your Credit Card
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

5 Alternatives To Maxing Out Your Credit Card

John Oldshue · February 8, 2024

If you have a tendency to max out your credit card, you may be looking for new ways to make necessary purchases. The Problem with Maxing Out Your Card

How to Recover from Holiday Credit Card Debt
Debt Reduction3 min read

How to Recover from Holiday Credit Card Debt

Bill Hardekopf · February 4, 2024

People love holiday shopping, but they do not care much for the credit card bills that start coming in January. Once the warmth of the holidays has pa

Special Benefits of a Prepaid Card
Understanding Credit Cards1 min read

Special Benefits of a Prepaid Card

Bill Hardekopf · February 3, 2024

While anyone can obtain a prepaid card, many believe they can only be used as gifts or are only for those who cannot qualify for a credit card. Howeve

How to Improve Your Credit Score by 100 Points
Building Credit3 min read

How to Improve Your Credit Score by 100 Points

Bill Hardekopf · February 2, 2024

If you are in the market for a mortgage or car loan, you probably understand how important it is to have a high credit score. The better your score, t

A person checking a phone while holding a credit account notice near apartment mailboxes.
Building Credit3 min read

Will Lowering My Credit Limit Hurt My Credit Score?

John Oldshue · February 1, 2024

Many people want to raise their credit limit on their credit card so that they have more money available to them. However, there are times when loweri

Credit Card Tips for Beginners
Understanding Credit Cards3 min read

Credit Card Tips for Beginners

Bill Hardekopf · January 24, 2024

The first step you take towards building a credit history could be taken when you get your first credit card. When you use a credit card responsibly,

How Long Does It Take to Receive a New Credit Card?
Understanding Credit Cards2 min read

How Long Does It Take to Receive a New Credit Card?

John Oldshue · January 23, 2024

Being without a credit card can be a major hassle, so it can be stressful waiting to receive a new or replacement card in the mail. Exactly how long w

How to Maximize Credit Card Benefits
Understanding Credit Cards4 min read

How to Maximize Credit Card Benefits

Bill Hardekopf · January 5, 2024

Many credit cards offer some very attractive rewards. The challenge is knowing how to get the most out of your credit card rewards program. Making jus

Reducing Credit Card Debt in 2024
Debt Reduction3 min read

Reducing Credit Card Debt in 2024

Bill Hardekopf · January 4, 2024

Summer is quickly approaching, and unfortunately, millions of shoppers are probably spending more than they can afford. Card issuers are adding to the

10 Common Credit Card Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)
Understanding Credit Cards5 min read

10 Common Credit Card Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

John Oldshue · January 4, 2024

Most adults have taken a financial wrong turn at some point in their lives, and where credit cards are concerned, there are many potential pitfalls. T