It’s easy to confuse a prepaid card with a credit card if you’re not looking closely. Many prepaid cards are branded with recognizable credit card networks, such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. But there are some key differences between prepaid cards and credit cards, and you should understand the pros and cons before deciding […]
There are a lot of credit cards on the market, offering everything from cash back or travel rewards to a low APR. However, very few are one-size-fits-all, which is why it may make sense to carry more than one card in your wallet. For example, your favorite low-APR card may charge a foreign transaction fee, […]
Building and maintaining a respectable credit score takes time and patience, so the last thing you want to do is make a careless mistake that can cause your numbers to plummet. Knowing the difference between a hard and soft inquiry of your credit history can help prevent a sudden drop in your credit score, which […]
When your car needs a sudden costly repair, it can be stressful trying to figure out how to finance it – especially if you’re short on cash. According to research by the Center for Financial Services Innovation, only 41% of Americans have a rainy day fund set aside for emergencies. Meanwhile, research from AAA found […]
Studies have shown a direct correlation between stress levels and health complications. When energy is spent combating stress, it weakens your immune system, which can lead to declining health and an overall lower quality of life. And the most common source of that stress? Money, according to a 2018 survey by Northwestern Mutual. Forty-four percent […]
A divorce to-do list can contain dozens of tasks, from hiring a divorce lawyer to moving to finding a therapist. But making time to deal with credit card debt now may save you financial trouble down the road. The first thing to do when you’re splitting with a spouse is to stop adding to your […]
If you’re a merchant, you have to deal with various fees and operating costs that may seem like you’re being nickel-and-dimed. One of the fees you’ll incur for accepting credit and debit card payments is an interchange fee. This is typically charged as a percentage of the total transaction and a flat rate, but varies […]
When you open a new credit card, the last thing you think about is what could happen if it is discontinued — but it’s a reality you may face. Credit card issuers frequently make changes to their inventory, whether it’s offering new cards or removing old ones. The reasons for an issuer to discontinue a […]
Secured cards offer many of the same benefits of traditional credit cards, but are typically easier to qualify for if your credit history is non-existent or poor. If you’re new to credit or are determined to rebuild a previously damaged credit history, a secured card might be just what you need to get the ball […]
A great feature that many credit card issuers offer is prequalification. Simply stated, this allows you to check if you may qualify for a credit card by performing a soft pull on your credit. A soft pull does not affect your credit score, unlike a hard pull that will appear on your credit report and […]
If you’re looking to build or rebuild credit, focusing on the factors that influence your credit is key. Whether you plan on renting an apartment, buying a car or opening a credit card, lenders will look at your credit score and how well you manage five main factors. A FICO® Score is used in over […]
As tax season approaches, you may be looking forward to a potential refund or dreading owing money to the IRS. If you struggle with the latter, you may wonder if you can pay taxes with a credit card. Turns out, while you can pay taxes with a credit card, the next question is, should you? […]
