Articles Index
late fee
A late fee is charged when your payment is received after the due date. That may not be the only time you get charged a late fee though.
Billing Statement
Each month, your credit card issuer will send a billing statement. Know what to expect from your monthly statement.
Debt Settlement
Companies who offer debt settlement heavily push this service as a way to deal with your debt. Learn what they mean by credit card debt settlement.
Rhode Island Statute of Limitations on Debt
The statute of limitations on debt in Rhode Island limits the amount of time you can be sued for a debt.
Montana Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations on debt in Montana limits the time you can be sued for a debt
default rate
A credit card default rate is the highest interest rate charged by a creditor or lender usually triggered when you break one of the terms and conditions of your credit card.
variable interest rate
A variable interest rate is one that changes based on another interest rate. It's important to know whether you have a variable rate because it affects your payments.
periodic rate
The periodic rate is another way the annual percentage rate can be expressed. For example, the periodic rate could be expressed as a monthly or daily rate on your APR.
payday loan
A payday loan is a very short-term loan that you can get usually without a credit check as long as you have a checking account. Payday loans are expensive and risky.
charge card
A charge card is the oldest type of credit card that requires you to pay the balance in full at the end of the month. Learn how a charge card differs from a regular credit card.
cash advance fee
Taking cash against your credit limit isn't free. You'll pay a cash advance fee each time you use your credit card to withdraw cash from the ATM.
daily periodic rate
Some credit card issuers use a daily periodic rate to calculate your monthly interest charge. It's easy to figure out your daily periodic rate if you know the APR on your credit card.
application fee
Applying for a credit card isn't always free. Some credit cards charge an upfront application fee when you apply for the credit card.
annual fee
Not every credit card issuer charges an annual fee and some let you get the fee waived. Don't automatically walk away from a credit card with an annual fee - the cost may be worth it.
non-revolving credit
Example of non-revolving credit are student loans and auto loans that can't be re-used once the balance is repaid.
APR
APR stands for annual percentage rate. It's the annual cost of borrowing money on a credit card or loan.
secured credit card
A secured credit card is a alternative for people who can't get approved for a regular credit card. That includes those with bad credit and brand new credit.
FICO score
A FICO score is a version of your credit score developed by and named after the company who came up with the score.
credit report
If you've ever had a credit account or even a debt collection, you probably have a credit report with at least one credit bureau.
over the limit fee
A credit card over-limit fee is charged when you exceed your credit limit, even if it's because of fees or interest.
tax lien
A tax lien might be placed in the public records section of your credit report if you've failed to pay your taxes.
What is a Wage Garnishment
Learning you have a wage garnishment can be a scary thing because it means someone has court permission to take money from your paycheck.
minimum payment
Knowing the minimum payment on a credit card or loan is important to avoid fees and damage to your credit rating.
foreign transaction fee
Credit card issuers might charge a foreign transaction fee when you use your credit card internationally. Unfortunately, you might face this charge if you make a purchase with a foreign vendor even if you use your credit card at home.
public record
Part of your credit report lists public records. These entries have the worst effect on your credit score.