Credit Card Basics

Gift cards are simple, versatile and easy to buy. If you’re planning to buy a gift card with a credit card, you may be wondering whether you’re even allowed. Yes, you can buy gift cards with a credit card, but you may want to check with your card issuer before doing so. There may be

Credit card issuers will generally ask for your income when you apply for a new credit card, and occasionally ask you to update your income. They use this information to help determine your card’s credit limit, decide whether to change your limit and to comply with federal regulations. Why Credit Card Issuers Ask Your Income

A routing number is a unique identification code banks and credit unions use to transfer money. When you wire money, set up direct deposits or make electronic fund transfers, your bank uses your routing number to ensure the funds are sent to the right place. However, credit cards don’t have routing numbers simply because they

Wondering when your credit card payment will be posted? Typically, a credit card payment takes one to five business days to post to your account. Fortunately, your payment may be considered on time even if it hasn’t been posted. How Long It Takes for a Credit Card Payment to Post It generally takes one to

If you’ve been aboard a flight recently, you may have spotted a flight attendant strolling down the aisle clutching glossy brochures that market an airline-branded credit card. Meanwhile, a voice over the PA system goes over the offer’s highlights. As an enticement, the in-flight offer might, for example, supply 65,000 frequent flier miles as a

A positive balance on a credit card means that you owe the credit card company money. But in some cases, the reverse may also be true. Yes, you can have a negative balance on your credit card. Here are some of the situations where that can occur and what you can do about it. What

There are several acceptable ways to pay your credit card bill. However, it may not always be obvious which payment method is the best one for you. You can generally pay a credit card bill online, by phone, by mail or, in some cases, in person. Here’s a rundown of the choices before you and

If you’re considering closing a credit card account, it’s important to make sure the account is ready before you call your credit card company, and also to confirm that your request has been completed. These steps can help you navigate the process of canceling a credit card smoothly and effectively. Should You Close a Credit

You may be able to switch between credit cards from the same card issuer without having to apply for a new card. Sometimes this is called upgrading or downgrading a credit card, depending on whether the new card has more benefits or fewer. More broadly, people refer to this process as a product change. Switching

To avoid common credit card mistakes, like missed payments and lingering balances, set up autopay and aim to pay off your whole balance every month. Think of your credit card as a tool to build credit and to occasionally afford larger purchases that you can pay off within your grace period. Used thoughtfully, credit cards