Credit card basics

Learn credit card basics and discover how using your cards wisely can help you build credit.

Editors' picks

Smiling woman is using her phone and holding her credit card while enjoying coffee in the outdoor cafe

How Do Credit Cards Work?

By Louis DeNicola

Aug 12, 2025

A man sits outside while holding his credit and smiling as he uses his tablet.

What Credit Card Should I Get?

By Ben Luthi

Aug 28, 2024

A woman standing against a blue background, holding her digital tablet in one hand and her credit card in the other.

What Is a Credit Card and How Does It Work?

By Ben Luthi

Aug 28, 2024

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

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

By Ben Luthi

Apr 29, 2024

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.

What others are reading

A smiling man is looking at his credit card while working on the laptop

Does Closing a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?

Closing a credit card can hurt your credit, but it doesn't have to do much damage if you m...

By Emily Starbuck Gerson

Sep 9, 2024

Should You Cancel Your Unused Credit Cards or Keep Them?

By Brianna McGurran

May 27, 2024

How to Transfer Money From a Credit Card to a Bank Account

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Aug 26, 2024

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debt Settlement Yourself

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Dec 4, 2024

How to Negotiate a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card

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Oct 20, 2025

Should I Pay My Credit Card Bill Early?

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The latest from our experts

When Should I Apply for Another Credit Card?

Consider applying for another credit card if your credit score has recently improved or yo...

By Brianna McGurran

Oct 21, 2025

Are Credit Card Surcharges Legal?

Credit card surcharges help businesses offset payment processing fees and are legal in mos...

By LaToya Irby

Oct 21, 2025

Can You Have a Negative Balance on a Credit Card?

It’s possible to have a negative balance on your credit card. Here’s how it can happen and...

By Ben Luthi

Oct 9, 2025

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

Paying off your credit card debt immediately could strengthen your credit and save you mon...

By Tim Maxwell

Sep 26, 2025

Average Credit Card Debt by Age in 2025

Average credit card balances for Generation Z and millennials surpassed both baby boomers ...

By Chris Horymski

Sep 17, 2025

How Do I Stop Receiving Credit Card Offers in the Mail?

Are credit card offers piling up in your home and creating paper clutter? It's easy and fr...

By Evelyn Waugh

Sep 3, 2025

How to Get a Credit Card if You Don’t Have a Credit History

If you don't have a credit history, consider applying for a starter credit card like a sec...

By LaToya Irby

Aug 29, 2025

How to Increase Your Credit Limit

Increasing your credit limit gives you more buying power and can help build your credit sc...

By Gayle Sato

Aug 22, 2025

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

Aug 18, 2025

What Is the Average Number of Credit Cards?

Although buy now, pay later plans are partially responsible for the decline in the number ...

By Chris Horymski

Aug 15, 2025

Statement Balance vs. Current Balance: What’s the Difference?

Your credit card's statement balance might change monthly, but its current balance can cha...

By Louis DeNicola

Aug 13, 2025

What Is a Preapproved Credit Card Offer?

A preapproved credit card offer means a card issuer has identified you as someone who like...

By LaToya Irby

Jun 30, 2025

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Credit card basics

Editors' picks

How Do Credit Cards Work?

What Credit Card Should I Get?

What Is a Credit Card and How Does It Work?

Debit Card vs. Credit 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

What others are reading

Does Closing a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?

Should You Cancel Your Unused Credit Cards or Keep Them?

How to Transfer Money From a Credit Card to a Bank Account

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debt Settlement Yourself

How to Negotiate a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card

Should I Pay My Credit Card Bill Early?

Explore more topics

The latest from our experts

When Should I Apply for Another Credit Card?

Are Credit Card Surcharges Legal?

Can You Have a Negative Balance on a Credit Card?

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

Average Credit Card Debt by Age in 2025

How Do I Stop Receiving Credit Card Offers in the Mail?

How to Get a Credit Card if You Don’t Have a Credit History

How to Increase Your Credit Limit

What Is a Cash Advance and How Does It Work?

What Is the Average Number of Credit Cards?

Statement Balance vs. Current Balance: What’s the Difference?

What Is a Preapproved Credit Card Offer?