1.Track credit card ratesFind out where
credit card rates are headed this week.PLUS:
Track prime rate/other leading rate indexes2.Get the best cardOur calculator will ask about your spending and charging habits to help you
find the best card.
3.Transfer a balanceIf you're not careful when transferring your balance to a new card, you could end up paying more.
Here's how to do it right4.Know your scoreWant a quick idea of how lenders are likely to rate your credit?
Just answer these questions.
5.Pay off your debtOur debt planner will show you how to
pay off balances quickly.
CREDIT CARD CATEGORIES
Rates Calculators How do I choose the best card? Story archive Protect your identity Form letters Glossary Graph trends Credit unionsNEWS
Gift cards get more consumer friendly-- Bankrate research on the top 24 gift-card issuers finds that many are eliminating fees and expiration dates, but consumers still need to be wary.PLUS:
Results of gift card surveyCredit cards offer safety in buying online-- Zero or limited liability provides extra layer of protection. But not all cards are the same.
More credit card offers heading your way -- Now that more banks can issue American Express and Discover cards, expect a flood of offers in the mail.
Get the scoop on credit scores -- Think of it as an SAT score for grown-ups. A good score will get you into the best deals; a lousy score will cost you.MORE
Credit card rates start to climb -- As interest rates go up, credit card issuers are making changes to claim more of your money faster. PLUS:
5 reasons your credit card rate goes up10 things to know about gift cards -- They're a convenient way to give a gift, but make sure you understand the fees first.
College student's guide to credit -- You and your credit card will get along just fine as long as you remember these four rules.
Free credit reports on the way -- The Federal Trade Commission has begun its rollout of free credit reports. But unless you live out West, you'll have to wait a little longer.
Don't waste your travel-reward points -- Can't use those 50,000 frequent-flier miles because they're in 10 different programs? Consolidate and redeem those points.
Credit card applications going to the dogs? -- Card companies eager to snare new customers sometimes send "pre-approved" offers to children and pets. Here's how Fido might end up with an Amex.
No-fee reward cards rewarding, but not free -- You can earn rewards without a fee, but there are trade-offs.
Tough, new penalties on credit cards -- Late fees and over-limit penalty fees are on the rise. Here's how to avoid them. PLUS:
What the top credit card companies are chargingBalance transfer offers: Proceed with caution -- Permanent low-rate deals for the life of your credit card balance are worth examining, as long as you do so closely.
Protect yourself from credit discrimination -- The Equal Credit Opportunity Act requires creditors to be fair.PLUS:
Where to report violationsAND:
What creditors can't askDebit cards offer rewards -- They're not just air miles anymore. But how good are the rewards, and are they worth the costs?
What do credit card companies think of you? -- Uncover the mystery of why credit card companies offer you the rates they do. Take our quick quiz and find out what they look for.
Paying off credit card can be tricky -- The payoff balance on your statement is a moving target, and you're likely to get hit with additional "residual interest."
No free lunch with company credit cards -- You can be liable for the bill if your employer pays late or goes under.PLUS:
Big brother is monitoringIgnoring credit changes can cost you -- Most credit card holders who receive change-of-term notices trash them without knowing what's about to smack them in the wallet.
Pay one bill late, get punished by many -- Record numbers of credit card companies will hike your rate if you're late with one payment, even to someone else!
When a debt collector targets an old debt -- Just because you've put that unpaid bill behind you doesn't mean you can forget about it.CHART:
State-by-state rules on statutes of limitationFree credit reports coming ... in a year -- The new Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act promises to make life easier for identity theft victims. Eventually.
Your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act -- Do you have a billing error problem? The law is on your side, if you know how to use it.
The power of credit scores -- They're becoming more important to everyday life, but do you know the five factors that can improve your score?
Form letters to help you solve your financial fiascos -- Whether you're disputing credit card charges or late fees, these letters help you say it effectively.
Dealing with a debt collector -- You can sometimes lower the amount you owe by old-fashioned bargaining.
Debt collector horror stories -- Harassment, abuse and illegal tactics appear to be the norm for a few debt collectors. PLUS:
10 ways to fight back against debt collectorsIdentity theft ... Protecting yourself from credit card hackers -- Hackers recently hit millions of credit card accounts. Do you know what to do if your card info is stolen?
14 tips to avoid identity theft -- Identity theft is the top consumer complaint. Here's how to protect yourself.
Credit problems and solutions ...20 credit card tricks -- Beat the credit card companies at their fee games.
How to dispute a credit card purchase -- Your new radio won't work and the store won't return your money? Get your credit card company on your side.
Credit card offers ...Unusually rewarding credit card programs -- Redeem your wildest dream, whether it's a trip to Bora Bora or a liposuction.
Charging against your paycheck -- "Payroll deduction credit cards" let workers borrow future wages.
More credit card storiesFEATURED STORIES
FAQ about credit cards -- Sixteen of the most frequently asked credit card questions.
Credit card terms you need to know -- Understanding the fine print can save you big bucks.
Credit Scoring 101 -- If you want a loan, a job or an apartment, you'd better know about credit scoring and credit reports.
How to deal with a debt collector -- The law restricts how much they can harass you.PLUS:
When the collection agency is wrongWhy college students might need a credit card -- Not having a credit history can make post-college life more complicated and more expensive.
