Credit Card Articles

We have provided a directory of articles that contain a wide variety of free information, resources, "how-to" guides, tips and advice about credit cards and credit card related topics. The topics covered include the basics of credit cards, credit management, credit repair, as well as in-depth coverage of the various types of cards available in the marketplace including low interest or 0% APR credit cards, balance transfer credit cards and debt consolidation, small business, student, instant approval, prepaid cards as well as the various reward credit card types available, including cash back and airline miles credit cards.

Please be advised that all advice and information provided for at CreditCardAssist .com is intended only to help consumers by providing information for credit card-related financial decisions. We recommend that you seek out professional advice whenever making any type of financial decision. Always consult with your financial adviser and/or your accountant before making any personal financial planning decision.

Credit Cards - Article Directory

Credit Card Basics

How to Compare Credit Cards -- Finding the right card does require a little research and an understanding of your lifestyle and spending habits. So with some research and knowledge in hand of how to compare credit cards and the factors to consider, you can find the card that is right for you.

Read the Fine Print -- As anxious as you may be to sign on the dotted line on the credit card application so you can access your line of credit right away, there are a few things that cardholders should examine carefully first.  Reading the fine print will help you understand all of the potential financial pitfalls and traps that might beset you as a credit card holder...

Credit Card Basics -- Source of information that can help you outline many of the credit card basics, can help you determine if you are actually ready for a credit card, will show you what type of card to look for when choosing between various credit card offers and can also help to outline how to use the card responsibly.

Credit History Counts -- Having good credit is everything. There are lots of very good reasons that a good credit history counts. You may want to buy a house, a car or you might want to fund a college education. And to do this, it is critically important to manage your credit and build a solid credit history as early as possible.

Tips for Switching Cards -- Switching credit cards has been an all too common practice for consumers. But there are several tips to take note of when switching credit cards that consumers can use to leverage even greater savings than normal. Transferring your credit card balance to another more attractive credit card offer can be an effective tactic ...

Understanding Late Payment Penalties -- Understanding how late payment penalties work is an important concern. So how do you avoid credit card penalties? Credit card penalties are outlined in the application form that you sign before you actually receive the card and should clearly define the stipulations regarding how and when your credit card issuer is allowed to charge you penalties and other fees on your account.

13 Most Closely Guarded Secrets of Credit Card Companies -- Research study entitled the "13 Most Closely Guarded Secrets of Credit Card Companies" that gives you an inside look at the most protected secret policies of card issuers that they DO NOT want their cardholders to know about...

Bad Credit / Credit Repair

Bankruptcy and Credit Cards -- There are several different types of bankruptcy classifications for individuals and organizations. Each one is designed for specific cases and made for protecting determined persons or companies. But for some reason, many consumers still receive a flood of credit card offers from credit card companies even after filing for bankruptcy. How is that possible?

Repair Your Credit Rating -- Credit cards are the most accessible form of credit that one can obtain from a bank. But combining easy access with irresponsible credit card use can lead to a seriously damaged credit rating for consumers. If you have damaged your credit rating from credit card indiscretions, do not despair. There is life after credit woes ...

Card Options for Bad Credit -- Having a history of bad credit isn't good. Fortunately, the bad credit (also known as "sub-prime") lending market is a substantial market opportunity, and in fact, many financial institutions are quite eager to offer credit to those who aren't able to obtain it through normal channels.

Credit Management

Hints for Building a Credit History -- One of the most difficult things to create when it comes to personal finance is a credit history. Even more importantly, it can be somewhat challenging for some people to build a reputable credit history. So, how can you go about achieving this goal? A good first step to start building credit might be...

Prevent and Repair Credit Card Debt -- A credit card is a very delicate instrument because it requires a level of responsibility and financial maturity that not all consumers have. The following article describes ways for consumers to avoid building up credit card debt, and if necessary, methods to repair the damage already incurred from excessive credit card debt...

Credit Card Tips -- There are some risks involved with using credit cards but there are steps a card holder can take to avoid the pitfalls of their use. We have provided a variety of tips, advice and suggestions about using credit cards, how to use them effectively, and most of all, how to avoid credit card debt.

How to Prevent Identity Theft -- Identity theft and identity fraud is a frightening possibility that nearly everyone who uses a credit card worries about. Everyone has heard stories about people whose identities were stolen. We have provided a guide for consumers on the steps to take in order to help protect your personal information and prevent identity theft and fraud.

Top Credit Card Resource Sites -- If you are looking for other great sites to learn more about credit cards and how to be a wise consumer, there are a variety of credit card resource sites to choose from. We have put together a master list of the very best credit card resource sites available online that you can use as a reference in your card research.

Maintain an Ideal Card Balance -- Understanding just how to maintain an ideal credit card balance starts with establishing a manageable budget before you even start using the card. After establishing your budget, track your spending and, above all, stick to the budget you have established. Other important guidelines include knowing your credit limit...

Changing Your Payment Due Date -- For those whose paychecks do not arrive at a time that is convenient for paying bills, particularly those with credit card due dates that come prior to arrival of their paychecks, there is a solution. You can simply change your payment due date to coincide with your paycheck.

Defend Your Consumer Rights -- Being able to protect and defend your credit is financially critical. Without these consumer credit rights and the ability to defend them, a bad credit rating, whether it's accurate or inaccurate, can adversely effect your ability to apply for a loan, credit card, or even to rent or buy a house.

Most Recommended Citibank Credit Cards -- Citibank is unarguably one of the largest financial companies on the planet and very well known when it comes to credit cards. Citibank features a wide variety of credit cards to suit the lifestyle and convenience of their customers, offering over a dozen different consumer credit cards currently.

Avoiding Trouble With Your Plastic -- While credit cards are a great convenience because they allow you to make a transaction without cash, they can cause financial trouble if left unchecked. Some common mistakes credit card users make with their plastic include overspending, making late payments, and failing to read the fine print.

The Trouble With An Instant Decision -- People who are lookin for a credit card that can be approved instantly may come across the phrase "instant decision" while searching for cards online. In actuality, the process can require a much more detailed and time-consuming credit check, potentially delaying your actual ability to use your new line of credit...

Guide to Instant Approval Credit Cards -- An instant credit card approval is one of the most-advertised phrases you will encounter when searching for a new credit card. For this very reason, many consumers expect to have access to their cards immediately after they have been approved by the credit card issuer or banks

Low Interest / 0% APR Cards

Lure for Large Card Balances -- Anyone with outstanding credit card debt must find the lure of a 0% APR credit card extremely attractive. Interest free debt is extremely attractive, particularly for people with large outstanding credit balances who fully understand how debilitating interest and finance charges can be. But there are a few things to be aware of regarding 0% APR credit cards...

0% APR Credit Card Facts -- The 0% APR interest rates typically offered by credit card companies are strictly short-lived introductory offers, anywhere from 3 to 12 months, that are designed to attract immediate consumer interest ..

Maximize Your 0% APR Credit Cards -- One of the easiest ways to reduce some of your monthly payments might be with a 0% APR credit card, especially if you currently have a few other cards in which you are paying interest on balances carried over from month to month. Here are a few things you should look for in order maximize your benefits...

Balance Transfer / Debt Consolidation

Basics of Balance Transfers -- When completing a balance transfer, the outstanding debt (balance) owed on the cardholder's old credit card is transferred to a new credit card with a lower interest rate, and typically occurs when a customer switches from his existing credit card to a new credit card.

Real Costs of Credit Card Debt -- If you live beyond your means with a credit card, having one can easily hurt your financial standing and may even lead to financially devastating credit card debt. If you find yourself in that predicament, a debt consolidation plan might be in order but you should consult your accountant or financial adviser first on this matter. The keys to preventing credit card debt are...

Quick Step to Debt Consolidation -- For anyone in a great deal of credit card-related debt, a balance transfer can be a quick way to consolidate debts while avoiding heavy interest charges on a number of different cards. However, it's important to remember that a balance transfer credit card carries a built-in time limit...

Putting an End to Revolving Debt -- Most people in credit card debt are puzzled at how they managed to get into in such deep debt. Since consumer debt seems to creep up on people without much notice, two out of every three Americans currently owes money on a credit card. But with discipline and a little help, there are solutions that will help you put an end to the vicious cycle ...

Maximizing Your Balance Transfer Cards -- Balance transfers happen to be one of the most appealing aspects of the credit card business for consumers. They allow many people to take advantage of much lower interest rates and less finance charges on outstanding card balances but

All-In-One-Guide to Consolidating Credit Cards -- If you’ve been considering consolidating your debts, then look no further, as we’ll give you the skinny on what to do with our All-In-One Guide to consolidating your credit card debt

Cash Back Cards / Reward Programs

Finding the Top Gas Reward Cards -- With gas prices skyrocketing by the minute, many consumers today are desperately searching for gas reward credit cards. With numerous credit cards offering gas rewards, the question begs ... which card offer is the best one to go with?

Cash Back Credit Cards - How Do They Work? -- Cash back credit cards allow you to secure a bit of freedom in terms of your spending. With cash back, you get a small percentage of the amount you spend back.

Airline / Frequent Flyer Cards

Using Your Miles to Book a Flight -- Although most of the frequent flyer programs available seem to be very attractive, cardholders usually will have to make some sacrifices in order to use the miles they have accumulated. The fact that you might need to make some sacrifices to take advantage of your miles raises the question about whether it's worth it to sign up for the program. To answer that question...

Making the Most of Your Miles Credit Cards -- Miles credit card users may be frustrated with their current mileage card, but with an awareness of the opportunities available for racking up mileage points, frequent travelers can learn how to make the most out their miles credit cards.

Do Airline Credit Cards Offer Value? -- Airline credit cards offer a wide variety of rewards programs, designed to appeal to consumers. However, without a clear understanding of the real-world value of air mile reward "points", consumers may find themselves dissatisfied. So before applying, consumers should take a detailed look at the sometimes-complicated real-world value of their particular "points" system...

Credit Cards for Students

Student Credit Cards Protection -- Most student credit cards have zero liability protection for any unauthorized purchases made with the card. While not a perfect solution to the problem of lost or stolen cards, it does provide a bit of a safety net

What to Watch For in College Credit Cards -- The proper use of a credit card can be a valuable tool for students to build up an adequate credit history. However, without a sound understanding of how they work, or about how to maintain personal financial responsibility, students could find themselves getting into a great deal of debt.

Small Business Credit Cards

Choosing a Card for Your Small Business -- The use of credit cards has become an important part of managing a small business and the use of a credit card can be a real lifesaver to help small business owners smooth out cash flow issues. There are many things to consider when choosing between small business credit cards starting with...

Top Five Advanta Credit Cards -- Unlike most credit card issuers, Advanta only offers credit cards to corporations and small business owners. Of course, a qualifying process is used that is different from what other issuers use when issuing cards to individual consumers. In addition, Advanta also provides additional financial services to both business professionals and small business owners...

Achieve Business Goals with a Credit Card -- Small businesses face many challenges in order to stay afloat in today's fast paced, competitive business environment. In fact, a sizable percentage of small businesses fail before the first 5 years of operation are complete. But, you can improve your odds and help your small business succeed...

Prepaid / Debit Cards

Closer Look at the Eufora Prepaid Card -- Eufora has earned a reputation as one of the pioneers in the prepaid credit card industry. Not surprisingly, the Eufora Prepaid Credit Card won the Top Rated Card for 2003 by Card Ratings.com only two years after it was introduced into the market. One of the main reasons the card won the prize was the fact that it offered three different types of benefits...