Credit Card Basics

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Late Credit Card Payment? Here’s What to Do

Late Credit Card Payment? Here’s What to Do

If you get a notification that your credit card payment is late, you may encounter a late fee―but you’re not doomed to get an automatic credit hit. You can reduce the impact of a late credit card payment by paying immediately; in some cases, you could even have the late fee waived. Read on to

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How to Cancel a Chargeback

How to Cancel a Chargeback

When a credit card purchase or billing issue is problematic, you may request a chargeback from your card issuer—in other words, ask them to refund the charge on your account. But if the issue resolves after you have already initiated a chargeback, it is possible to cancel cancel the chargeback. This may be preferable for

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Can I Use My Spouse’s Income for My Credit Card Application?

If you’re not currently working, you can use your spouse’s or partner’s income on your credit application. This can help you get approved while still having a card in your own name. Here’s what to consider before doing so. Does My Spouse’s Income Count on My Credit Application? Your spouse’s income can count on your

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What Credit Card Should I Get?

What Credit Card Should I Get?

With literally thousands of options to choose between, picking a credit card can be a challenging prospect. Understanding which type of card you want, your spending habits and your credit can help you narrow down your list of choices to determine the right fit for you. What’s the Best Credit Card to Get? While some

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What Happens to My Store Credit Card if the Store Closes?

You have a credit card in your wallet for a retailer you frequent, and you see on the news that they’re going out of business. You might wonder if it’s your lucky day, with your sizable credit card balance disappearing along with the store. While this would be a nice treat for the cardholders, the

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How Do Intro 0% APR Credit Cards Work?

As rising interest rates push credit card annual percentage rates (APRs) higher, carrying a balance on your credit cards is getting more expensive. Whether you’re dealing with high-interest credit card debt or planning to make a big purchase, a credit card with an introductory 0% APR can help. With an intro 0% APR credit card,

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

While most credit card applications ask for your Social Security number, there are a few that will allow you to apply for a credit card even if you don’t have a Social Security number. However, you will need to be able to verify your identity in a way that complies with their requirements. Get an

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How Do Credit Card Extended Warranties Work?

How Do Credit Card Extended Warranties Work?

If your fridge is running hot or your coffee maker no longer percolates, it can be a relief to know your manufacturer’s warranty will cover the cost of repairs or replacement. But, alas, your household appliances and other products sometimes break after the original warranty expires. That’s when your credit card’s extended warranty can come

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Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill With Cash?

Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill With Cash?

You can pay your credit card in cash when necessary. For some individuals and situations, there may be advantages or disadvantages to paying in cash. Here’s how to pay in cash and if it’s the right move for you. How to Pay Your Credit Card in Cash If you want to pay your credit card

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What Happens if I Don’t Use My Credit Card?

If you stop using your credit card for new purchases, your card issuer can close or curb your credit line and impact your credit score. Your credit card may be closed or restricted for inactivity, both of which can hurt your credit score. What to Expect When You Don’t Use a Credit Card You can

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What Fed Interest Rate Hikes Mean for Your Credit Cards

What Fed Interest Rate Hikes Mean for Your Credit Cards

The Federal Reserve has announced its sixth rate hike this year, increasing rates by three-quarters of a percentage point in an attempt to stabilize the U.S. economy. For consumers, this means that “the market interest rates for credit cards, for auto loans, and for all the other loans are going to increase,” says Ligia Vado,…

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Should I Pay Off My Credit Card if I Have a Pending Return?

Should I Pay Off My Credit Card if I Have a Pending Return?

If you return an item and are waiting on your refund, you’ll still need to pay your credit card bill in full to avoid paying interest charges or a late fee. While you might know the money is coming, it could take days or weeks for the merchant to process your return and refund. In

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Should I Use a Credit Card as My Emergency Fund?

Should I Use a Credit Card as My Emergency Fund?

It can be tempting to use your credit card when unexpected expenses put a strain on your wallet. However, you should avoid using a credit card to cover costs when faced with a financial emergency. If you use your card and can’t pay off the expense quickly, you could end up paying expensive interest charges

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Best Credit Cards for Young Adults

Best Credit Cards for Young Adults

Welcome to the magical-yet-confusing young adulthood phase! With that entry-level salary and growing collection of expenses, your life is getting more complicated. The way you pay for things is going to need to keep up. Before, you may have stuck to cash or a debit card to make purchases. Perhaps you were an authorized user…

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How Finance Charges and Minimum Payments Affect Your Credit Score

How Finance Charges and Minimum Payments Affect Your Credit Score

Dear Experian, My wife and I disagree on whether a finance charge is already included in the minimum payment required. She says that we should pay both the minimum amount and the finance charge on time to maintain a good credit score. I say that you only need to pay the minimum amount on time

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The Best (and Worst) Ways to Use a Credit Card

The Best (and Worst) Ways to Use a Credit Card

Ideally, a credit card is a convenience. It allows you to avoid carrying cash and can buy you some time before you need to pay off your purchases. A credit card can also help you manage your money, cover emergency expenses, build credit and earn rewards. But it could tempt you to buy on impulse,

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What Happens If You Don’t Activate Your Credit Card?

What Happens If You Don’t Activate Your Credit Card?

So you’ve been approved for a credit card, you’ve received it in the mail, maybe you’ve even opened the envelope — but what happens if you don’t activate it for some reason? Short term, maybe not much, especially for cards with no annual fee. You could keep the card in your sock drawer, never bothering…

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NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for April 2022

NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for April 2022

By now, your wallet is probably feeling the effects of rising costs of gas, food and other essentials. While you can’t dodge inflation, it’s possible to strategize and keep more money from getting away. If you celebrate Easter, Ramadan or Passover, or plan on going on spring break, the expenses may be higher this month….

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