Credit Cards
Key takeaways The Southwest Companion Pass is attainable by using Southwest credit card welcome bonuses to meet the 135,000-point requirement. Applying for a Southwest credit card in October is the best time to earn the Companion Pass, as this allows for three months to meet the spending requirement. Timing is…
Key takeaways Actively using a credit card responsibly can help improve your credit score over time. Using your credit card like a debit card, and only charging what you can afford to pay in cash, can help prevent long-term debt. Consider keeping your oldest credit card open to maintain a…
Key takeaways Having a business credit file can open the doors to many financing opportunities, which is why it’s important for new businesses to open theirs as soon as possible. You can open a business credit file by contacting the IRS for an Employer Identification Number and by opening up…
Key takeaways Cards that offer a 0 percent intro APR on new purchases can be helpful for consolidating and paying off higher-interest debt or financing a large purchase, as long as you use the card responsibly. You’ll need to prioritize paying off what you transfer within your intro period, however.…
Key takeaways The airline fee credit some premium American Express cards offer can help offset the high annual fees of those cards that offer it. Cover purchases such as checked baggage fees, seat selection and in-flight food or entertainment with your airline fee credit. You must preselect the airline with…
Key takeaways A statement credit is money that a card issuer applies to your account for making specific purchases. It can help bring down your card balance, even though it can’t substitute for your minimum payment, which you still be responsible for making. You can also redeem a statement credit…
DenisZbukarev/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate If you’ve ever found a stray gift card in your car’s glove compartment or the recesses of your wallet, you’re in the company of more than 2 in 5 U.S. adults (43 percent) with an unused gift card, gift voucher or store credit. Those unused…
Delmaine Donson/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways Lengthy credit card balance transfer offers can mean the difference between paying hundreds in interest and paying nothing at all. Balance transfer cards with 21-month intro periods can help you pay off debt, but they carry few benefits beyond the…
PeopleImages/E+/Getty Images Key takeaways Pending charges on credit cards are temporary holds to ensure payment for potential damages or incidental expenses. Pending charges typically take up to three days to clear with the merchant, but can take longer. Issues with pending charges should be resolved with the merchant, not the…
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is one of the best rewards cards for people who spend a lot on groceries and gas each year, and there are several reasons why. Beyond there being no annual fee, cardholders can enjoy an excellent rewards rate in a range of…
