Updated Articles and Resources

By LaToya Irby, About.com Guide

Avoid a Bad Credit Loan Scam Created: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Updated: Sunday, May 12, 2013
Many loans offered to people with bad credit are actually scams that can leave you out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fees. Some bad credit loans actually never come through.
When Can Banks Increase Credit Card Interest Rates Created: Thursday, July 23, 2009 Updated: Saturday, May 11, 2013
Banks can only increase your credit card interest rate under certain circumstances. Learn when the law says banks are allowed to increase your credit card interest rates.
What Happens During a Credit Card Billing Cycle Created: Thursday, October 04, 2007 Updated: Saturday, May 11, 2013
Get a better understanding of how the credit card billing process works from making purchases to making payments.
Why Using Your Credit Card for Emergencies is Risky Created: Thursday, May 09, 2013 Updated: Thursday, May 09, 2013
Many people think having an emergency credit card is a great idea, but it can be risky. Having an emergency fund is even better.
7 Best Credit Card Payoff Calculators Created: Friday, August 21, 2009 Updated: Saturday, April 20, 2013
There are hundreds of credit card pay off calculators on the internet. Here is a list of the best.
Create a Secure Credit Card PIN or Password and Keep It Safe Created: Friday, April 19, 2013 Updated: Friday, April 19, 2013
Setting a good PIN or password for your credit card is an important part of credit card safety. Use these guidelines to help you create a secure credit card PIN Or password.
5 Don'ts of Credit and Dating Created: Thursday, April 11, 2013 Updated: Thursday, April 11, 2013
Dating someone, even seriously, doesn't mean you have to put your credit on the line for them. Here are five "don'ts" you should follow with credit and dating.
What's Your Worst Credit Card? Created: Friday, November 06, 2009 Updated: Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Have a credit card that you hate? Tell us about your worst credit card.
Discover it for Students Review Created: Saturday, January 05, 2013 Updated: Monday, April 01, 2013
The Discover it for Students credit card is one of the best credit cards for students. It offers up to 5% cash back, no annual fee, and waives the first late payment fee.
Discover it Card Review Created: Friday, January 04, 2013 Updated: Monday, April 01, 2013
The new Discover it Card is different from nearly every credit card on the market - in a good way. It's virtually fee-free, gives great cash rewards, and is flexible on payments.
5 Factors That Affect Your Debt Payoff Time Created: Monday, March 25, 2013 Updated: Monday, March 25, 2013
Learn the factors that affect your debt payoff time. Most are within your control.
Trinity Credit Repair Applied for Mortgage in My Name! Created: Monday, March 25, 2013 Updated: Monday, March 25, 2013
Trinity Credit Repair service applied for a mortgage in the customer's name when the customer only authorized a credit pull.
When Your Credit Card Issuer Won't Lower Your Interest Rate Created: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 Updated: Wednesday, March 20, 2013
There's only one situation where a creditor is legally required to lower your rate. Other than that, it's up to you to negotiate.
Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard Review - $89 Annual Fee Version Created: Thursday, February 28, 2013 Updated: Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Barclaycard's Arrival World MasterCard carries an $89 annual fee, pays two miles per dollar, and has generous first year bonuses. The fee is waived in the first year, but are the benefits enough to...
Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard (Good Credit) Review Created: Monday, February 04, 2013 Updated: Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard for good credit has a six month introductory rate for both balance transfers and purchases. Earn a 2,500 point bonus with your first purchase.
Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard (Excellent Credit) Review Created: Monday, January 21, 2013 Updated: Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard for excellent credit has one of the best introductory rate offers for both balance transfers and purchases. Earn a 5,000 point bonus with your first purchase.
US Airways Premier World MasterCard Review Created: Wednesday, February 06, 2013 Updated: Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The US Airways Premier World MasterCard pays up to 40,000 bonus with a qualifying purchase and balance transfer. The card comes with a 15-month 0% APR on balance transfers.
12 Reasons Your Credit Card Application Was Denied Created: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 Updated: Thursday, March 07, 2013
There are many possible reasons a credit card application could be denied. Your credit card application could be denied because of your credit or because of something that's not even on your credit...
Bank of America Accelerated Cash Rewards American Express Card Created: Thursday, May 06, 2010 Updated: Monday, March 04, 2013
The Bank of America Accelerated Cash Rewards American Express Card pays a cash rebate on spending and bonus statement credits.
Bank of America Power Rewards Visa Card Review Created: Sunday, October 24, 2010 Updated: Monday, March 04, 2013
The Bank of America Power Rewards Visa Card rewards you in points good towards cash, merchandise, gift cards and travel.
Citi Dividend Platinum Select MasterCard Review Created: Saturday, August 21, 2010 Updated: Monday, March 04, 2013
The Citi Dividend Platinum Select MasterCard offers cashback rewards on purchases, balance transfers and cash advances. It also has good balance transfer terms.
PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express Card Review Created: Sunday, March 06, 2011 Updated: Monday, March 04, 2013
The PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express Card gives you five points for every dollar you spend on air travel. There is no annual fee and a low APR.
PenFed Platinum Cashback Rewards Visa Card Review Created: Monday, July 12, 2010 Updated: Monday, March 04, 2013
The PenFed Platinum Cashback Rewards Visa Card is a balance transfer credit card that advertises low long-term rates on balance transfers for credit union members with excellent credit. It also has...
Bank of America Cash Rewards Visa Card Review Created: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 Updated: Monday, March 04, 2013
The Bank of America Cash Rewards Visa Card pays up to 3% cash back on purchases. Find out how you can earn a $100 bonus.
Chase Freedom Card Review Created: Friday, May 07, 2010 Updated: Monday, March 04, 2013
The Chase Freedom Card is a rewards credit card that rivals Discover's reward card and pays 5% cashback on rotating categories.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Review Created: Monday, October 25, 2010 Updated: Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers enhanced travel rewards for people with excellent credit and high incomes.
Seven Signs of Identity Theft Created: Saturday, June 19, 2010 Updated: Wednesday, February 27, 2013
In 2012, 12.6 million adults were victims of identity theft, according to a study by Javelin Strategy & Research. Learn to recognize the signs of identity theft so you can respond quickly.
Get a Free Credit Report Before Job Search Created: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 Updated: Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Some employers may check your credit report before hiring you. If you're unemployed and preparing for a job search, you're entitled to a free credit report.
Six Ways to Avoid Bankruptcy Created: Sunday, January 06, 2008 Updated: Monday, February 25, 2013
It's no secret that filing bankruptcy is a detriment to your credit. If you're thinking about filing bankruptcy, first consider these options that will allow you to avoid bankruptcy.
How a Balance Transfer Could Affect Your Credit Score Created: Friday, July 10, 2009 Updated: Monday, February 25, 2013
A balance transfer can come in handy when you want to pay a lower interest rate on your credit card balance. However, a balance transfer could affect your credit score. Here's how.
When Can Debt Collectors Call? Created: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Updated: Monday, February 25, 2013
The FDCPA is a Federal law that dictates when debt collectors can legally call you.
5 Reasons to Pay More Than the Minimum Created: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 Updated: Monday, February 25, 2013
The minimum payment is a convenience credit card issuers give, but it can come at a high cost. Paying more than the minimum is always better.

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