Credit card basics

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

Editors' picks

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, 2025

Smiling man using credit card and laptop, researching APR.

How Does Credit Card Interest Work?

By Ben Luthi

Oct 28, 2025

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

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

How to Negotiate a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card

By Brianna McGurran

Oct 20, 2025

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

By Emily Starbuck Gerson

Aug 26, 2024

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debt Settlement Yourself

By Brianna McGurran

Dec 4, 2024

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

By Tim Maxwell

Sep 26, 2025

Explore more topics

The latest from our experts

How Do Fed Interest Rate Cuts Impact Credit Cards?

Let’s explore how the federal funds rate influences credit cards and steps you can take if...

By Ben Luthi

Nov 19, 2025

Is Credit Card Interest Tax Deductible?

The IRS does not allow a tax deduction for credit card interest on personal debt, though y...

By Gayle Sato

Nov 16, 2025

Pros and Cons of Credit Cards

When used responsibly, credit cards offer several advantages. But they also come with some...

By Kim Porter

Nov 14, 2025

What Is the Difference Between Charge Cards and Credit Cards?

Unlike credit cards, charge cards are designed to be paid off in full each month, and they...

By Brianna McGurran

Nov 13, 2025

How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge

A credit card dispute is a formal request for the issuer to remove a charge from your bill...

By Brianna McGurran

Nov 12, 2025

What Is a Schumer Box?

A Schumer box is a legally required table that simplifies information about a credit card'...

By Sarah Archambault

Nov 11, 2025

What Is a Chargeback?

A chargeback gives you an easy way to protect yourself from fraudulent or disputed charges...

By Tim Maxwell

Nov 10, 2025

How Is a Credit Card Minimum Payment Calculated?

Your minimum payment is mainly calculated based on your current balance, but will also inc...

By LaToya Irby

Nov 7, 2025

What Is an Unsecured Credit Card?

An unsecured credit card doesn't require a security deposit as collateral. They usually h...

By Tim Maxwell

Nov 6, 2025

How to Apply for a Credit Card Without a Social Security Number

Learn how you can apply for a credit card without a Social Security number.

By Tim Maxwell

Oct 31, 2025

What Is the Statement Balance on a Credit Card?

The statement balance is the amount you owe on your credit card at the end of the billing ...

By LaToya Irby

Oct 30, 2025

What Is the Fair Credit Billing Act?

Learn about your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act, including how to dispute billin...

By Jennifer Brozic

Oct 29, 2025

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Credit card basics

Editors' picks

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

How Does Credit Card Interest Work?

How Do Credit Cards Work?

What Credit Card Should I Get?

What Is a Credit Card and How Does It Work?

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?

How to Negotiate a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card

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

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

Explore more topics

The latest from our experts

How Do Fed Interest Rate Cuts Impact Credit Cards?

Is Credit Card Interest Tax Deductible?

Pros and Cons of Credit Cards

What Is the Difference Between Charge Cards and Credit Cards?

How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge

What Is a Schumer Box?

What Is a Chargeback?

How Is a Credit Card Minimum Payment Calculated?

What Is an Unsecured Credit Card?

How to Apply for a Credit Card Without a Social Security Number

What Is the Statement Balance on a Credit Card?

What Is the Fair Credit Billing Act?