Credit Card Basics

Most of us are introduced to credit cards long before we ever use them. But, watching someone else use a credit card is deceiving. Learn what's really going on with the piece of plastic we know as a credit card.

Explanation of the most common features of a credit card including types of credit cards, interest rate, grace period, fees, and finance charge.

A lot goes on behind the scenes of credit card transactions. Take a look at how credit card transactions work.

Before you make a credit card purchase, you should check your credit card available credit. Checking your available credit will keep you from going over your credit limit.

Get a better understanding of how the credit card process works from making purchases to making payments.

A credit card balance transfer is a type of transaction where you use one credit card to pay off another credit card's balance. Balance transfers can help you save money, but they can also lead to debt if they're not done right.

There are some benefits to a credit card balance transfer, but there are some negative aspects, too. Looking at the pros and cons of a credit card balance transfer can help you decide whether to transfer your credit card balances.

Find out about the different rewards offered by credit cards and how to decide which reward program is best for you.

Credit cards come with a credit limit - the maximum amount you can charge without penalty. But, credit card issuers don't intend for you to use your whole credit limit. In fact, bad things can happen when your credit card balance approaches or even exceeds your credit limit.

Credit card piggybacking happens when you're added as an authorized user to someone else's credit card account, usually for the sole purpose of getting a better credit score.

There are two ways you can add someone to your credit card - as a joint account holder or as an authorized user. Both people can make charges using the credit card, but only the joint account holder is legally obligated to pay the credit card balance.

With most good deals, there's some sort of catch. Credit cards are no exception. Make sure you know the credit card catches before you start swiping.

Ever wondered what those digits on your credit card mean? The mystery is solved here.

Credit card reward programs let you earn cash and other incentives for using your credit card. Understand the fundamentals of credit cards rewards.

A credit card statement is packed with information. Here's a tutorial to help you understand your monthly credit card billing statement.

Ignorance isn't bliss when it comes to credit cards. There are certain things you should know about every credit card you carry.