Credit cards

Understand how credit cards work and how to use them responsibly to maximize benefits.

APR

Balance transfers

Cash back credit cards

Credit card basics

Rewards credit cards

Secured credit cards

Student credit cards

Travel credit cards

Editors' picks

How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

By Ben Luthi

Jun 8, 2026Rewards credit cards

How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

By Jennifer Brozic

May 7, 2026Travel credit cards

Two people seated at a small outdoor table on a balcony, looking out over a city skyline and coastal landscape, with bowls, plates, drinks, and a patterned tablecloth on the table, and buildings, greenery, and distant hills visible in the background.

Are Travel Credit Cards Worth It?

By John Egan

May 7, 2026Travel credit cards

Smiling man sitting in an airport terminal, holding a smartphone in one hand and a credit card in the other, with a suitcase and backpack nearby.

Cash Back, Points and Miles: What’s the Difference?

By Ben Luthi

Apr 20, 2026Rewards credit cards

Woman is holding credit card and some letters while working on her laptop

What Is a Balance Transfer and Is It Worth it?

By Brianna McGurran

Mar 23, 2026Balance transfers

Happy young couple in a department store holding a credit card and a smartphone, with a sale poster in the background

Cash Back vs. Points: Which Rewards Credit Card Is Better?

By Ben Luthi

Dec 23, 2025Rewards credit cards

A customer hands over their credit card to a store owner wearing an apron.

How Do Cash Back Credit Cards Work?

By Brianna McGurran

Dec 4, 2025Cash back credit cards

Smiling young woman sitting on a couch abd using her smartphone while holding a credit card

What Is a Secured Credit Card?

By Karen Axelton

Nov 6, 2025Secured credit cards

A man in a suit paying for a coffee with his card.

Credit Card vs. Debit Card: How Are They Different?

By Ben Luthi

Oct 29, 2025Credit card basics

Take action with these tools

Best rewards credit cards

Make the most of your spending with a rewards card.

Compare cards

Best balance transfer credit cards

Save money by transferring high-interest debt.

Best cash back credit cards

Turn your everyday spending into cash back.

Best travel credit cards

Earn miles and points to save money on travel with a rewards card.

Credit card payoff calculator

Calculate the number of payments you’ll need to make.

Best intro bonus credit cards

Earn more rewards with an intro bonus card.

Best 0% intro APR credit cards

Take advantage of no interest payments with an intro 0% APR card.

Best no annual fee credit cards

Maximize your rewards without breaking your budget.

Best credit cards for bad credit

Get matched to credit cards based on your unique credit profile.

Best credit cards for fair credit

Start building positive credit history and get matched to credit cards.

What others are reading

Smiling man having a phone call in the kitchen with an open laptop and printouts on the table beside him

How to Negotiate a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card

It's possible to negotiate a lower credit card interest rate by calling the credit card is...

By Brianna McGurran

Oct 20, 2025Credit card basics

Should I Pay Off My Credit Card in Full or Over Time?

By Tim Maxwell

Sep 26, 2025Credit card basics

Does Closing a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?

By Emily Starbuck Gerson

Sep 9, 2024Credit card basics

Should You Cancel Your Unused Credit Cards or Keep Them?

By Brianna McGurran

May 27, 2024Credit card basics

How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many?

By Tim Maxwell

Oct 23, 2025Credit card basics

Pros and Cons of Credit Cards

By Kim Porter

Nov 14, 2025Credit card basics

The latest from our experts

What Is a Cash Advance and How Does It Work?

A cash advance is a convenient way to use your credit card to get cash in a pinch. The dow...

By LaToya Irby

Jun 25, 2026Credit card basics

What to Do When Your Credit Card Is Discontinued

If your credit card is discontinued, there may be a few things that happen. Here’s what to...

By Ben Luthi

Jun 24, 2026Credit card basics

Power Your Next Trip With the American Express^® Gold Card

Learn how your everyday spending with the American Express® Gold Card can earn rewards for...

By Karen Axelton

Jun 23, 2026Credit cards

How Do Credit Card Extended Warranties Work?

A credit card extended warranty lengthens the manufacturer's warranty and may eliminate th...

By Tim Maxwell

Jun 18, 2026Credit card basics

6 Signs That You Shouldn’t Get a Credit Card

While credit cards can provide a great way to earn rewards on your everyday spending and g...

By Ben Luthi

Jun 17, 2026Credit card basics

How to Avoid Overspending on a Credit Card

Overspending on your credit card can cause damage to your finances and credit. Here’s how ...

By Ben Luthi

Jun 17, 2026Credit card basics

3 Alternatives to a Balance Transfer

A balance transfer credit card won't always work, but you can try one of these three alter...

By Louis DeNicola

Jun 12, 2026Balance transfers

How to Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate

You may be able to request a lower interest rate if you're experiencing a financial hardsh...

By Louis DeNicola

Jun 12, 2026Credit card basics

What Are Rotating Bonus Category Credit Cards?

Rotating bonus categories allow credit card users to earn bigger cash back rewards on purc...

By Bev O'Shea

Jun 12, 2026Rewards credit cards

How the Fed Rate Cuts Impact Your Finances

Understanding the outlook for the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy can help you plan...

By Ben Luthi

Jun 11, 2026APR

Fixed APR vs. Variable APR: What’s the Difference?

A fixed APR is more certain, while a variable APR offers the opportunity to save more mone...

By Kathryn Pomroy

Jun 11, 2026APR

Should I Use a Credit Card as My Emergency Fund?

It's tempting to use your credit card for unexpected expenses. But instead of turning to y...

By Hillary Back

Jun 10, 2026Credit card basics

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Credit cards

APR

Balance transfers

Cash back credit cards

Credit card basics

Rewards credit cards

Secured credit cards

Student credit cards

Travel credit cards

Editors' picks

How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

Are Travel Credit Cards Worth It?

Cash Back, Points and Miles: What’s the Difference?

What Is a Balance Transfer and Is It Worth it?

Cash Back vs. Points: Which Rewards Credit Card Is Better?

How Do Cash Back Credit Cards Work?

What Is a Secured Credit Card?

Credit Card vs. Debit Card: How Are They Different?

Take action with these tools

Best rewards credit cards

Best balance transfer credit cards

Best cash back credit cards

Best travel credit cards

Credit card payoff calculator

Best intro bonus credit cards

Best 0% intro APR credit cards

Best no annual fee credit cards

Best credit cards for bad credit

Best credit cards for fair credit

What others are reading

How to Negotiate a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card

Should I Pay Off My Credit Card in Full or Over Time?

Does Closing a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?

Should You Cancel Your Unused Credit Cards or Keep Them?

How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many?

Pros and Cons of Credit Cards

The latest from our experts

What Is a Cash Advance and How Does It Work?

What to Do When Your Credit Card Is Discontinued

Power Your Next Trip With the American Express® Gold Card

How Do Credit Card Extended Warranties Work?

6 Signs That You Shouldn’t Get a Credit Card

How to Avoid Overspending on a Credit Card

3 Alternatives to a Balance Transfer

How to Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate

What Are Rotating Bonus Category Credit Cards?

How the Fed Rate Cuts Impact Your Finances

Fixed APR vs. Variable APR: What’s the Difference?

Should I Use a Credit Card as My Emergency Fund?

Power Your Next Trip With the American Express^® Gold Card