New Study Shows Hazards of Credit Card Debt
New Study Shows Hazards of Credit Card Debt

on April 7, 2011

Like a hamster on a wheel, some people who use credit cards to meet daily expenses find themselves in a cycle that’s tough to stop.

The Harsh Consequences of One Late Payment
The Harsh Consequences of One Late Payment

on March 31, 2011

It happens to the best of us: We forget a bill and end up paying late. But when it comes to credit cards, this is one mistake that can turn out to be costly. Here’s what can happen and how you might avoid the pain.

Federal Reserve Approves Rule Clarifying CARD Act
Federal Reserve Approves Rule Clarifying CARD Act

on March 24, 2011

Although the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act has been around since 2009, Uncle Sam is still refining the rules. Here are some recent changes that might affect you.

Best Tax Advice: Don’t Pay With Plastic
Best Tax Advice: Don’t Pay With Plastic

on March 17, 2011

While credit card companies tout the benefits of paying your taxes with a credit card, this is probably the worst way to pay. Here are some better ideas.

Changes in Interchange Fees Affect Consumers, Retailers, and Banks
Changes in Interchange Fees Affect Consumers, Retailers, and Banks

on March 3, 2011

Retail lobbyists fought hard to win a limit on interchange fees – the charge retailers pay to banks to process debit card transactions. Their victory may backfire: Banks are now threatening to limit debit card transactions to $50-$100.

Attractive Rewards Still Available on Some Debit Cards
Attractive Rewards Still Available on Some Debit Cards

on February 24, 2011

While banks have been slicing rewards on debit cards, there are still some good ones out there – here are two examples.

On-Time Rent Payments May Now Improve Credit Score
On-Time Rent Payments May Now Improve Credit Score

on February 17, 2011

One major credit-reporting agency is now including rent payments in credit histories. If more follow suit, it could help renters become homeowners.

10 Tips to Blend Marriage and Money
10 Tips to Blend Marriage and Money

on February 10, 2011

Finances are a leading cause of marital discord. If you’re using Valentine’s Day to take your relationship to the next level, use these tips to combine your honey and your money.

For the First Time in Years, Credit Card Debt Rises
For the First Time in Years, Credit Card Debt Rises

on February 9, 2011

Another sign the economy is making a comeback: During the recession, Americans gave their plastic a rest. But for the first time in years, credit card debt is increasing.

5 Mostly Unknown and Little-Used Credit Card Perks
5 Mostly Unknown and Little-Used Credit Card Perks

on February 3, 2011

Credit cards have gotten a bad rap in recent years – in many cases, deservedly so. But some offer benefits you may not be aware of unless you dig. Example? One card is now offering free admission to over 100 museums.

U.S. Treasury Tests Debit Cards for Tax Refunds
U.S. Treasury Tests Debit Cards for Tax Refunds

on January 20, 2011

600,0000 people will be offered a debit card for their tax refund this year. Depending on the results of the trial, the IRS may start issuing more plastic for refunds.

Will Consumers Pay for Reduction in Debit Fees?
Will Consumers Pay for Reduction in Debit Fees?

on December 21, 2010

The Federal Reserve recently proposed a reduction of up to 80 percent in the fees banks charge merchants for processing debit cards. If the proposal is instituted, retailers win and banks lose. But what about consumers?

10 Credit Card Predictions for 2011
10 Credit Card Predictions for 2011

on December 16, 2010

Last year, who would have predicted credit card use would drop and debit card use would rise? Well, we did, actually. So here are predictions for next year.

Cartoon Characters Promote Prepaid Cards to Teenagers
Cartoon Characters Promote Prepaid Cards to Teenagers

on December 7, 2010

The Kardashian sisters may have put the kabosh on their high-fee credit card, but a slew of new celebrity/cartoon cards have just hit the market – and the fees aren’t too much better.

10 Tips for Holiday Shopping With Credit Cards
10 Tips for Holiday Shopping With Credit Cards

on November 23, 2010

The bad news: Millions of Americans are still paying off last year’s holiday purchases. The good news: If you’re paid up, you can profit from your credit cards this holiday season.

Fed Publishes New Information on Credit Reports and Scores
Fed Publishes New Information on Credit Reports and Scores

on November 22, 2010

The Federal Reserve is best known for tinkering with interest rates, but it’s also just come out with new rules protecting you and your credit.

Credit Card Debt and Accounts Still Declining
Credit Card Debt and Accounts Still Declining

on November 15, 2010

While the number of credit cards being issued continues to drop, so does the amount of debt those dwindling cardholders continue to carry.

How to Avoid Headaches from Debit Card Holds
How to Avoid Headaches from Debit Card Holds

on October 26, 2010

Your debit card can cost you money if you don’t get a handle on “holds.”

Cash-Back Credit Cards Have Loopholes
Cash-Back Credit Cards Have Loopholes

on October 18, 2010

The holidays are almost here, but the cash-back credit card offers have already arrived. Be careful, though, or you could end up with a Grinch of a deal. Here’s what to look for – and look out for.

7 Things a Credit Card Can Do That a Debit Card Can’t
7 Things a Credit Card Can Do That a Debit Card Can’t

on October 11, 2010

Credit cards have become an easy target for Congressional grandstanding and 
regulations, but beneath the widely criticized rates and fees lie many good 
benefits that are usually hidden in the fine print.

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