Articles by Amy



What Does a Negative Balance on Your Credit Card Mean?
Updated 5 years ago by Amy

Everything You Need to Know About a Negative Credit Card Balance Don’t panic — there are a few reasons why your balance may show as negative, but at the end of the day, it’s most likely a good thing for you. Here’s why… [toc] How is My Credit Card Balance Calculated? A credit card balance… continue reading


How to Fall Asleep on an Airplane
Updated 5 years ago by Amy

Planes are only getting more and more cramped, but fear not! Obviously, if you can swing it, the best way to sleep on a plane is to score a lie-flat bed. More and more airlines are offering first-class and business passengers lie-flat seats and spacious suites — I mean, that’s why we’re all about the… continue reading


How to Maximize Your Rewards Even After the Intro APR and Sign-Up Bonus Is Over
Updated 5 years ago by Amy

Never. Stop. Earning. Points. So you’ve earned your sign-up bonus, enjoyed your introductory 0% interest rate, and had your annual fee waived the first year. Now what? The honeymoon phase with your new credit card doesn’t have to end after the first year. Read on to learn how to enjoy your card to the fullest,… continue reading


Best Travel Rewards Cards for Small Businesses
Updated 5 years ago by Amy

These are the top picks from our team of rewards pros Business cards can help you establish business credit, finance purchases to grow your business, earn rewards, and enjoy travel perks. But if your small business has modest spending and travel needs, you probably don’t want to pay a premium on a fancy travel card… continue reading


Best Cash Rewards Credit Cards for Small Businesses
Updated 5 years ago by Amy

Cash is King Cashback business cards can help you establish business credit, manage cash flow, finance purchases, and earn cash back to help grow your business. But if your monthly small business expenses are less than $1,500 a month, you probably don’t want to pay $450 for a premium card with high spending thresholds. Instead,… continue reading


When to Keep and When to Close a Credit Card
Updated 5 years ago by Amy

To close or not to close? Here’s what to consider If you haven’t used a credit card in a while and have transferred or paid off its balance, you may be tempted to close it. However, automatically closing it might not be a good idea because it could still be helping your credit score. [toc]… continue reading


Are Credit Card Rewards Taxable Income?
Updated 5 years ago by Amy

Bottom Line: Whether a credit card reward is taxable depends on whether the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the reward to be a rebate or an award. When a Reward is Not Taxable Generally, when you earn a reward by making a financial transaction such as a purchase, the reward is considered a rebate or… continue reading


What Rising Interest Rates Mean for Cardholders
Updated 6 years ago by Amy

The interest rate applicable to credit card accounts is also referred to as the “annual percentage rate,” or APR. The interest rate applicable to most balances on a credit card, including the balance generated by purchases, is often referred to as the “retail” or “purchase” APR. Historically speaking, credit card offers in 2017 were very… continue reading


Why You Should Have More Than One Credit Card
Updated 6 years ago by Amy

Depending on your financial circumstances, there may not be a single perfect card that meets all of your needs. Therefore, having more than one credit card can be a good option. Here are some other reasons having more than one credit card can be smart:   Save Money With Balance Transfers. If you have an… continue reading


How to Find the Best Credit Card in 5 Steps
Updated 6 years ago by Amy

The one-size-fits-all approach definitely doesn’t work in the context of choosing a credit card. Each person has a unique set of circumstances, spending habits, and needs that may make one credit card a better fit than another. By helping you to understand the differences between credit cards, Credit Card Rewards can help you find the… continue reading


How to Pay for Your Next Vacation With Your Travel Credit Cards
Updated 6 years ago by Amy

One of the best perks of using your credit card is earning the points to pay for your next vacation.  During our last family vacation we traded in our airline miles for 4 domestic round-trip flights, used airline fee credits to cover the cost of our checked baggage, discounts at one of the hotels we… continue reading


Using Credit Cards to Fund Your Small Business
Updated 6 years ago by Amy

As any start-up business owner knows, when you’re starting a new business it may be difficult to get funding. Out of necessity, many new business owners rely on personal credit cards to get their new business off the ground.   Advantages to Using Your Personal Credit Card The advantage to using your personal credit card… continue reading


10 Myths About Your Credit Score Debunked
Updated 5 years ago by Amy

Your Credit Score is No Mystery Sometimes it can seem like credit scores come from a black box, but the reality is that is not the case. Here are 10 common credit score myths that we’ve debunked in order to help you better understand your credit score and how & why it changes. [toc] Myth… continue reading


How Is My Credit Score Calculated and Why Does it Matter?
Updated 6 years ago by Amy

Areas of Your Life Affected By Your Credit Score A credit score is a number between 300-850 that estimates your creditworthiness by taking into account the details on your credit report. Having a good credit score is important because it determines whether you’ll qualify for a loan or new service and how beneficial the terms of… continue reading


How to Improve Your Credit Score
Updated 6 years ago by Amy

If your credit history has been damaged by late payments or too many inquiries, time is your biggest ally. Over time, the effect of these negative events lessens. In addition, there are steps you can take:   #1 Pay your Bills On Time. Late payments and collections can seriously damage your credit and simply paying… continue reading


Pitfalls of Using A Store Credit Card
Updated 6 years ago by Amy

Without fail, every time you check-out at department, big box, or retail chain store you’ll be offered a quick savings if you sign up for their store credit card. Saving money upfront may be tempting, but you should think twice.   #1 Most store cards have higher interest rates than other cards, which will likely… continue reading


20 Hidden Credit Card Benefits You Need to Know About
Updated 5 years ago by Amy

Many cards offer more than points and cash back In addition to cash back, miles, and low or no interest rates, many credit cards offer special benefits that not all cardholders are aware of. In order to maximize the benefits offered by your credit cards, its important to read the fine print that comes with… continue reading


Common Reasons For Credit Application Rejections
Updated 6 years ago by Amy

  No Credit History: If you’re under 18 you’ll be denied credit on your own, but you could still be added as an authorized user on your parents’ card. If you are at least 18 but have no credit history it will be harder to get a traditional credit card but still possible. [INSERT TIPS… continue reading


Maximize Your Chances of Getting Approved
Updated 6 years ago by Amy

According to the 2017 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Consumer Credit Card Market Report, every day, U.S. consumers submit over half a million applications for credit cards. Because rejected applications may negatively impact your credit score, it’s wise to apply only for cards that you have a good chance of being approved for. These 4… continue reading


When A Balance Transfer Makes Sense
Updated 6 years ago by Amy

A balance transfer allows you to move your credit card balance to a different credit card with a lower interest rate. Having a lower interest rate allows you to pay down your debt faster and save on interest payments. How much can a balance transfer save? Transferring a balance from a high annual percentage rate… continue reading