Credit & Credit Cards
By LaToya Irby, About.com Guide
- Use Credit Cards the Right Way
- Pay Your Credit Cards the Smart Way
- Protect Your Identity From Thieves
- Know Your Rights
Introduction to Credit
The definition of credit is expanding as more companies want to know your credit history before doing business with you. For example, did you know a cell phone company gives you one month of service as a "credit" in expectation that you'll pay for your usage once that month is up. That's right. Anytime you're given a product or service before you pay for it, you're being extended credit. Of course, that includes being allowed to use someone else's money.
- Introduction to Credit
- 10 Things To Know About Credit
- Tips For Starting Out With Credit
- Credit and Debt Terms To Know
Build Good Credit
Once you understand credit and begin to use it, these tips will help you build good credit.
- Why Good Credit Matters
- Learning to Use Credit
- Financial Habits That Help Build Credit
- 5 Ways to Build A Good Credit History
- Build Credit Without a Credit Card
- 3 Basic Steps to Building Credit
- Dos and Don'ts Of Using Credit
- Avoid Missing Payments, Or Else
- 7 Tips to Keep Your Credit Goals
- A Credit Card Deadbeat is a Good Thing
- What is Bad Credit?
Learn How Credit Cards Work
There's more to a credit card than plastic, numbers, and seemingly-free goods. A lot goes on after you swipe your credit card. Being ignorant to those behind-the-scenes processes could hurt both your wallet and your credit. Find out everything credit card companies don't want you to know about credit cards.
- Credit Card Features
- Types of Credit Cards
- Common Credit Card Fees
- The Monthly Credit Card Process
- How Credit Card Transactions Work
- How to Choose a Credit Card
- How Finance Charges Are Calculated
- Finance Charge Calculator
- How Promotional Rates Work
- What is Credit Card Pre-Approval?
- Basics of Rewards Cards
- What to Expect With the First Card
- Credit Card Billing Statement Tutorial
Choose the Right Credit Card
Choosing a credit card isn't as easy as choosing a pair of socks. It's more like choosing a television. You need to check all features and pricing before you decide which one is best for you.
- Should You Get a Credit Card?
- How to Qualify for a Credit Card
- How to Choose a Balance Transfer Card
- How to Choose a Rewards Credit Card
- How to Choose a Student Credit Card
- How to Choose a Secured Credit Card
- How to Choose a Standard Credit Card
- Choose a Travel Rewards Credit Card
- Worst Credit Cards for Bad Credit
- Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
- Best Cash Rewards Credit Cards
- Best Student Credit Cards
- Best Secured Credit Cards
- Worst Student Credit Cards
- Worst Secured Credit Cards
- Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
- How to Get a Credit Card at 18
- Get a Credit Card With No History
Use Credit Cards the Right Way
Though credit card terms and conditions are complex, the rules of using credit cards are fairly simple. If you follow them, you'll be able to borrow money for free and raise a good credit score. Breaking and ignoring the rules results in the opposite - expensive credit card balances and a damaged credit history.
- What to Do With a New Card
- Check Your Credit Before Charging
- What is a Good Credit Card Balance?
- 7 Reasons to Pay on Time
- Act Quickly With Billing Errors
- Have the Right Number of Cards
- Report a Lost or Stolen Credit Card
- How to Share a Credit Card
- Charge Only What You Can Afford
- Avoid the Worst Credit Card Mistakes
- 7 Ways to Keep Your Credit Card Free
- Actions That Boost Your Credit Score
- 7 Times You Shouldn't Use Your Card
Pay Your Credit Cards the Smart Way
Of all the factors that go into a credit score, your credit card payment history has the most significant impact on your credit score. So of course, you should pay close attention to when you make your credit card payment and how much you pay.
- What's the Best Payment Amount?
- How Late Can You Make a Payment?
- How Badly Do Late Payments Hurt?
- How to Juggle Credit Card Payments
- The One Dollar Minimum Payment Myth
- 5 Reasons to Pay Above The Minimum
- How to Change Your Due Date
- Handle an Accidentally Missed Payment
- How Your Credit Card Payment Gets Allocated
- Paying Your Credit Card Online
Protect Your Identity From Thieves
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to make some kind of profit. They may get credit cards in your name, write checks against your checking account number, or even use your existing credit cards to make purchases. It can take years to completely recover your name, so protecting yourself is the best option.
- 10 Ways to Prevent, Detect, and Fight Identity Theft
- How to Avoid Credit Card Scams
- Reporting Lost and Stolen Credit Cards
- How to Freeze Your Credit Report at Each Bureau
- The Way to Handle Unauthorized Card Charges
Know Your Rights
Many laws protect your credit and govern the businesses that give credit to you. Knowing these laws can keep businesses from taking advantage of you and help you fight back against those who violate your rights.