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

Jul 29, 2026Credit 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

Jun 30, 2026Credit card basics

Should You Cancel Your Unused Credit Cards or Keep Them?

By Brianna McGurran

May 27, 2024Credit card basics

What Is a Cash Advance and How Does It Work?

By LaToya Irby

Jun 25, 2026Credit card basics

How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many?

By Tim Maxwell

Oct 23, 2025Credit card basics

The latest from our experts

What Is the Difference Between Credit Card Balance and Utilization?

Your credit card can have a statement balance and current balance, but its utilization rat...

By Louis DeNicola

Aug 4, 2026Credit card basics

Do You Have to Be a Student to Get a Student Credit Card?

Getting a student credit card can help you build a credit history before graduating from c...

By Karen Axelton

Aug 4, 2026Student credit cards

Does Credit Utilization Include All Credit Cards?

Overall credit utilization ratio calculations include all your credit cards. But an indivi...

By Louis DeNicola

Aug 4, 2026Credit card basics

How Do Retail Credit Cards Affect Your Credit Score?

Are retail credit cards all they're cracked up to be? Find out how getting and closing a r...

By Karen Axelton

Aug 4, 2026Credit card basics

What Is a Payment Protection Plan?

Payment protection plans cover your debt payments during some emergencies, but the fees an...

By Emily Starbuck Gerson

Aug 3, 2026Credit card basics

Should You Use a Credit Card for Everyday Purchases?

Using a credit score for everyday purchases can help you earn rewards and build credit, bu...

By Emily Starbuck Gerson

Aug 3, 2026Credit card basics

How to Meet Your Credit Card’s Minimum Spend

Trying to get your credit card's intro bonus without going over budget? Here are 6 smart s...

By Susan Shain

Jul 30, 2026Credit cards

How to Request a Credit Card Chargeback

When you find an unfamiliar charge or an overcharge on your credit card, you can get your ...

By Sarah Brady

Jul 30, 2026Credit card basics

How to Apply for Global Entry

Global Entry saves travelers time at the airport by giving them access to expedited custom...

By Eric Rosen

Jul 30, 2026Rewards credit cards

Is It Possible to Pay Credit Cards With a Student Loan?

It's generally not a good idea to use student loan money to pay off credit card debt. Here...

By Ben Luthi

Jul 29, 2026Student credit cards

Can Store Credit Cards Build Credit?

Store credit cards offer great incentives and may help build credit. However, you should w...

By Allison Martin

Jul 29, 2026Credit card basics

What Is a Medical Credit Card?

A medical credit card can help pay down health care expenses, but it's only one available ...

By Gayle Sato

Jul 29, 2026Credit cards

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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?

What Is a Cash Advance and How Does It Work?

How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many?

The latest from our experts

What Is the Difference Between Credit Card Balance and Utilization?

Do You Have to Be a Student to Get a Student Credit Card?

Does Credit Utilization Include All Credit Cards?

How Do Retail Credit Cards Affect Your Credit Score?

What Is a Payment Protection Plan?

Should You Use a Credit Card for Everyday Purchases?

How to Meet Your Credit Card’s Minimum Spend

How to Request a Credit Card Chargeback

How to Apply for Global Entry

Is It Possible to Pay Credit Cards With a Student Loan?

Can Store Credit Cards Build Credit?

What Is a Medical Credit Card?