Balance transfer, debt consolidation

Rates steady this week, but banks keep tweaking other terms -- Banks may have left rates unchanged this week, but they nevertheless made some changes behind the scenes that could impact cardholders' pocketbooks ... (more)

Convenience (checks) comes at a price -- When it comes to convenience checks, your best bet is to proceed carefully. The fees and interest on convenience checks can quickly escalate, and they can be potential targets for identity thieves. ... (more)

Debt can slow down retirement goals -- Debt happens. But how you handle it depends on whether you take charge of it or you allow it to take charge of you. ... (more)

Credit card interest rates push higher again -- APRs on new credit card offers inched up to 12.64 percent this week, says the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report. This continues recent trends of rising interest rates this year, as banks continue to make moves ahead of a new card law. ... (more)

How credit card interest charges accrue on a daily basis -- With daily periodic interest charges adding to your credit card balances, the odds of making a dent in your debt by paying just the minimum is minimal. ... (more)

Credit card rates flat as banks look for other ways to boost profits -- Interest rates may be flat, but don't cheer yet: Banks are simply shifting their money-making strategies, experts say. ... (more)

What to do when debt triples your income -- When your debt load is more than triple your income, it's time to seek a solution. Debt counseling, debt settlement and possible bankruptcy can set you free. ... (more)

Credit card APRs fall slightly, reversing recent rate-hike trend -- Credit card interest rates dropped slightly this week, after several banks made a commitment to abstaining from additional rate hikes. ... (more)

Major issuers' rate hikes send national average card APR higher -- Several credit card issuers raised interest rates this week, driving the national average annual percentage rate on new credit card offers upward for the third straight week to 12.64 percent, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report. ... (more)

American Express boosts national average credit card interest rate -- American Express this week raised annual percentage rates on several of its card offers, pushing the national average APR higher for the third time in four weeks. ... (more)

APRs rise, even after Fed leaves rates unchanged -- The Federal Reserve chose to leave lending rates unchanged earlier this week, but credit card issuers didn't follow suit. ... (more)

How to build a better credit card portfolio -- Standing pat with one card isn't a smart move today. Allocate credit as you do assets, strategically trimming or adding cards to get the most out of each. ... (more)

Does credit card debt follow you if you move overseas? -- Moving overseas doesn't mean you strand credit card debt acquired in the States -- especially if you ever plan on returning home ... (more)

Credit card rates steady as banks struggle with uncertain economy -- Amid mixed economic signals, banks kept interest rates unchanged on credit cards offers this week at 12.28 percent, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report. ... (more)

Options for dealing with a minimum payment increase -- As issuers try new ways to bring in cash, cardholders may face boosted minimum payment requirements. If you can pay the new minimum, you should, and stop carrying a balance in the future. ... (more)

What you stand to lose if you don't pay your credit card bill -- A readers wonders just what would happen to her if she just stopped paying her credit card bill. Legal action, garnishment and property liens, our expert warns. ... (more)

After a pause, credit card interest rates resume upward march -- After staying flat the previous week, the national average interest rate on new credit card offers rose to 12.28 percent, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report. ... (more)

How to safely, securely destroy a credit card: 6 tips -- With credit card fraud and identity theft on the rise, a single scissor snip won't cut it anymore. ... (more)

Consumer credit plunges record $21.5 billion in July -- Consumer debt fell by an unprecedented $21.5 billion in July, according to new Federal Reserve data, as consumers continued to shy away from borrowing in the recession. ... (more)

Best to apply cash to credit card debt or down payment? -- A reader wants to know whether it is wiser to use a lump sum of cash to pay off credit card debt or dump into savings for a future house down payment. ... (more)

Credit card APRs steady, though banks are tweaking other terms -- Even as banks continue to tinker with their business models in reaction to new credit card legislation, the national average annual percentage rate on new credit card offers was unchanged this week at 12.17 percent, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report. ... (more)

Personal finance boot camps fight debt with hard-nosed approach -- They're probably never going to force you to scrub the latrine, hike for miles in the driving rain or call you a maggot, but personal finance boot camps promise to use some tough love to help you gain control over your finances and debt once and for all. ... (more)

Credit card issuers don't make hardship programs easy -- It's a Catch-22. Though you've kept up payments until now, you can't pay anymore. But your issuer won't work with you until you start missing payments. What to do? ... (more)

After run of rate hikes, banks leave APRs unchanged -- Banks paused this week following a recent run of interest rate increases, leaving the national average annual percentage rate on new credit cards unchanged at 12.17 percent, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report. ... (more)

How magnets can ruin credit cards -- "Demagnetization" can render a card useless; know what to do if it happens. ... (more)

10 ways to pay down credit card debt -- A young family with $35,000 in credit card debt wonders whether filing for bankruptcy is the solution. It isn't, says our expert. ... (more)

Help with credit card debt -- Whether you're trying to dig out from under debt or just avoid it in the first place, our Credit Card Help section can help you make better decisions. ... (more)

8 steps to reducing credit card debt -- This structured, disciplined plan will help you bat down credit card debt and regain financial control. ... (more)

Think twice before rolling credit card debt into mortgage refinancing -- People with equity in their homes can still borrow against it to settle debts. With mortgage rates at historic lows, consolidating credit card debt in a refinance can substantially lower monthly expenses. Yet many financial experts advise against it. ... (more)

A guide to navigating through bankruptcy -- If you find yourself among the growing number of people filing for bankruptcy, or think that it's the only way out, we can help you navigate through these tough times. ... (more)

70 years old with $20,000 in credit card debt -- A senior citizen wants to know how she can manage to pay down $20,000 in credit card debt when she's unemployed and on a fixed income ... (more)

Economic optimism falls for first time since February -- Instead of hoping for financial freedom at the end of the tunnel, most are seeing a never-ending train ride of debt and unemployment, new data reveals. ... (more)

When your spouse's debt collection becomes your nightmare -- If your spouse's credit card debt is headed south and the debt collectors are calling, there is a good chance that your assets are at risk, too. ... (more)

Killing off the credit card balance that refuses to die -- Late charges, over-the-limit fees, interest rate hikes and cash advance fees can all prevent you from paying down that previously unrelenting credit card balance. ... (more)

What are your rights when opting out of a rate increase? -- You can't opt out of a rate increase after the stated deadline, but you may be able to freeze the account at the old rate. ... (more)

5 new rules in the credit card balance transfer game -- Transferring a credit card balance used to be so easy and painless that some consumers referred to it as a game, but that game has changed. ... (more)

4 ways to fight minimum payment increases -- Thousands of credit card customers were surprised by news that their credit card minimum payments will more than double. Find out what your options are. ... (more)

Can one spouse's bankruptcy destroy the other's credit? -- If your spouse files for bankruptcy, your credit score may or may not be impacted, depending on where you live and what you owe. ... (more)

Credit card APRs jump for 4th time in 5 weeks -- Following a brief pause last week, the national average annual percentage rate on new credit card offers rose for the fourth time in the past five weeks to 12.06 percent, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report. ... (more)

Americans rank high for credit card frugality -- Americans ranked highest among eight major countries in terms of limiting credit card purchases in an attempt to save. ... (more)

9 things you must know about debt consolidation -- Debt consolidation programs, called debt management plans, can help you get back on track, but they can also be unnecessary and even detrimental when done poorly or for the wrong reasons. Here's what you need to know. ... (more)

After weeks of increases, credit card APRs finally stand still -- Ending a streak of three straight weekly APR increases, the national average interest rate on new credit card offers held steady this week, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report. Just don't expect it to last. ... (more)

Closing credits for filmmakers: Credit cards no longer viable as movie funding source -- Credit is the lifeblood of America's independent film industry, but stringent loan regulations curtailed access to credit and threaten the industry. ... (more)

Credit card APRs rise for third straight week -- Borrowing money on a new credit card continues to become increasingly expensive, as banks work to protect themselves from a weak economy. ... (more)

Credit card interest rates keep moving higher -- The cost of using credit cards continues to rise, giving consumers yet another reason to keep their plastic in their wallets. ... (more)

Credit card interest rates rise ahead of new law -- Regulations plus recession make card issuers pull the APR trigger and hike cardholders' rates. ... (more)

CreditCards.com's Weekly Rate Report: Rates barely lower -- The national average annual percentage rate on new credit card offers edged barely lower this week, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report, but analysts expect interest rates to rise in the not-too-distant future. ... (more)

CreditCards.com's Weekly Rate Report: Rates unchanged -- Credit card interest rates didn't move this week, but experts say recently introduced laws and an eventual economic recovery likely mean higher credit card APRs in the not-too-distant future. ... (more)

New law bans card payment allocation trickery -- If you use your credit cards for balance transfers or cash advances in addition to making purchases, your credit card payments will soon go further, starting in February. ... (more)

When family members ruin your credit -- Authorized users on your credit card have two freedoms: to rack up debt on your account and to bail when it comes to paying it off ... (more)

Protecting your credit score when paying down debt -- It's a Catch-22: you opt to pay down your credit card debt, but then your credit limit gets cut. What's a cardholder to do? ... (more)

Credit not right? Time for a credit card checkup -- Is your credit not feeling quite right? If so, it may be overdue for an annual check-up. Fortunately, a thorough exam doesn't involve an appointment with a hard-to-reach specialist: This Rx is strictly DIY. ... (more)

A practical guide of what to expect when filing for bankruptcy -- American bankruptcy laws were created for catastrophic events, where debt resolution can give you a fresh start and let you become a productive, contributing citizen again. ... (more)

Personal finance experts reveal which credit cards they use and why -- Personal finance experts reveal which credit cards they use -- and why. ... (more)

Your keys to getting in the 700+ credit score club -- Having good credit pays -- in dollars and cents. In an ever-tightening credit market, having a solid credit history with a credit score well over 700 will open doors to money-saving opportunities ... (more)

Your options for negotiating outstanding debt -- If your income has been dramatically reduced, then you may qualify for some assistance from the creditor that might not negatively affect your credit score. ... (more)

Credit card video: Balance transfers and your credit -- The Credit Guy -- Todd Ossenfort of Pioneer Credit Counseling -- explains what a balance transfer is and how it can affect your credit. ... (more)

You can do it! 10 ways to motivate debt repayment -- Just seeing the amount of your liabilities can instill a "Why try? I'll never pay it all off" despair. While high debt can make you feel hopeless, it's not. Effort does produce results. ... (more)

Lending standards keep tightening, Fed says -- It didn't get any easier to borrow on credit cards at the start of this year, based on the Federal Reserve's quarterly loan officers' survey released today. ... (more)

Can my Social Security benefits be garnished for credit card debt? -- Be at ease; your Social Security can't be garnished for credit card debt. But you still need to get a budget together. ... (more)

Stop the temptation of credit card convenience checks -- If you never plan to use the blank 'convenience' checks from your credit card company, consider asking your credit card company to stop sending them. ... (more)

How to react to a 'rate-jack' attack -- The bad news is in. Your credit card issuer has sent a change in term notice of an impending interest rate hike on your account. But you have options. ... (more)

Is the American love affair with credit cards over? -- It's no surprise that many consumers are unhappy with credit card companies, but their unhappiness may lead to long-term behavioral changes ... (more)

Egg or sperm donation, medical experiments: Struggling consumers go to extremes to tackle debt -- You've given blood, sweat and tears to pay off those credit card bills, but what about your sperm and eggs? In tough times, some consumers see cash offered by participation in medical tests, sperm and egg donation as a viable way to attack card debt. ... (more)

Ex-wife maxes out joint cards: Who pays? -- Divorce is at best unpleasant and at worse very painful. Plus, the lingering separation of finances can add to the pain for years. ... (more)

Credit card glossary terms to know for when you move -- Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about your credit, but if you're not careful and don't plan ahead, the opportunities for a move to cause credit chaos can multiply. ... (more)

Credit Card Help: 8 things you must know about credit card debt -- Credit card debt is not inevitable. Here are some basic credit guidelines to help keep you out of debt. ... (more)

Credit Card Help: 9 things you should know about balance transfers -- If you’ve racked up debt on a high-interest credit card, transferring the balance to a card with a lower interest may sound like an enticing way to save cash—but it’s not quite as simple as it sounds. Here, get the scoop on what you really need know about balance transfers before you make the big switch. ... (more)

Credit Card Help: 10 worst credit card mistakes -- Making these 10 mistakes will turn good credit into bad and bad credit into lenders-won't-go-near-you credit. ... (more)

Credit Card Help: 8 tips to keep credit card rates and fees low -- As the cost of credit creeps ever higher, micro-managing your finances is assuming greater importance. Here are 8 tips to help you keep your interest rates and fees low. ... (more)

Credit card video: The basics of debt settlement -- A credit counselor discusses what debt settlement is and how it can help or hurt you. ... (more)

Credit card interest rates - interactive graphic on APR changes -- Since coming under financial pressure, credit card issuing banks have stopped passing along rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, CreditCards.com data show. ... (more)

How to handle credit card bills when pink slips loom -- For those who are struggling to make credit card payments now or will if they lose their jobs, rising interest rates could present a real problem -- but there is help. ... (more)

10 grandchildren + $100,000 in card debt = bankruptcy? -- Even though bankruptcy may seem like the answer to clean the debt slate, if you don't change your situation, it won't help at all. ... (more)

Credit card video: Credit card debt warning signs -- A credit counseling expert discusses signs that might indicate you're in trouble with credit card debt. ... (more)

Credit card video: Debt collectors now more willing to deal -- You'd think that debt collection would be booming these days, but even debt collectors are having trouble. They're more willing to cut deals, accept alternate payment plans. ... (more)

Credit card glossary terms to know when you're in debt -- Experts advise to always pay off your balance, don't spend more than you have and keep your credit balance well below 50 percent of your available credit. ... (more)

Good credit cardholders lumped in with bad -- Banks are pulling back more than ever before to limit the amount of risk they have, so even perfect payment clients are compromised ... (more)

Example shows how switching credit cards has become harder, costlier -- We took some typical prices of cards and fees in the credit card marketplace of early 2009 and find that for the credit card shopper who fits the average, the cost is ... ... (more)

Don't like your credit card terms? Just switch, right? Maybe, maybe not. -- If you don't like your credit card, just get a new one, right? Not so easy any more. ... (more)

Not all issuers allow you to opt out of rate increases -- When hit with a sudden increase to your APR, most card companies allow you to opt out, keep the old rate and pay off the balance, but not all are so kind. ... (more)

When medical problems hit, bankruptcy can make sense -- Bankruptcy laws were created for catastrophic situations, not for carelessness. However, filing should be done only when other options have been considered. ... (more)

7 bad credit card habits to break now -- and how to break them -- Just about everyone has a few destructive habits to break -- and when it comes to credit, the sooner you replace them with more positive behaviors, the more money you'll save. ... (more)

Poll: 1 in 3 resolve to slash debt this year -- About 1 in 3 consumers resolved to reduce their debt in 2009, based on New Year's resolutions outlined in a new poll from CreditCards.com. Still, Americans are more committed to spending time with family and losing weight than erasing their debt. ... (more)

The spiritual side of debt counseling: faith-based debt counselors abound -- For the devout in search of debt counseling, faith-based organizations can offer more than just number-crunching, dollars-and-cents advice. They can offer spiritually sound financial counsel that can help debtors chart a course to financial freedom. ... (more)

Financial steps to take when you're sinking in debt -- When you're behind on your mortgage and credit card bills, figuring out how to stay afloat may seem impossible, but there are drastic measure you can take to keep from sinking. ... (more)

7 things not to do when you've maxed out your credit cards -- With unemployment rising and many credit card companies slamming the door on new credit and slashing current credit limits, many consumers find themselves moving ever closer to maxing out their credit cards. In this situation, the best thing to do may be to figure out what you shouldn't do. ... (more)

6 new rules for negotiating changes in credit card terms -- With credit card companies slashing credit lines and raising interest rates to recoup heavy losses, cardholders face new hurdles when trying to negotiate credit card terms. ... (more)

How your credit card can bail you out of debt -- Often criticized for encouraging overspending, several credit card issuers recently rolled out programs and rewards cards to help customers pay off debt, save and invest. ... (more)

Credit card balance transfers: The landscape is changing -- Balance transfers are valuable tools, but the radically changed 2009 landscape means they're trickier and harder to find. ... (more)

Best credit card stories of 2008 -- The year 2008 saw unprecedented change in the credit card industry, turning card debt from convenient friend into everyone's enemy. These are the top 10 stories that helped chronicle it. ... (more)

6 steps to a successful credit card balance transfer -- Balance transfers aren't easy any more. Take these steps to increase your odds of success. ... (more)

9 predictions for credit cards in 2009 -- This has been a tumultuous year for credit cardholders and issuers. What does 2009 hold? We'll take a look. ... (more)

Balance transfer 101: Tips, advice on transferring credit card balances -- Learn the steps critical to successfully performing a balance transfer. ... (more)

Payment strategies for holiday debt -- The holiday season is a wonderful time for relaxing with family and friends and exchanging gifts. However, ongoing economic troubles can make it hard to save ... (more)

Credit card debt consolidation -- Credit card consolidation may be right for you if you are facing high interest rates. ... (more)

Balance transfer offers: Compare your options -- Learn how to find the best balance transfer credit card offers. ... (more)

Multiple balance transfers can hurt your credit -- A repeated pattern of transferring from one balance transfer credit card to the next each time the introductory APR expires can be a bad idea. ... (more)

Credit card consolidation -- Methods for credit card consolidation and how to save money in interest and finance charges. ... (more)

Credit card recommendations for your post holiday bills -- Credit card bill-paying tactics that can help you deal with high post holiday card payments. ... (more)

Become debt-free with credit card debt consolidation -- If you have a large outstanding credit card balance, now might be the time to consider your credit card debt consolidation options. ... (more)

Creating a plan to pay off $60,000 in credit card debt -- A reasonable amount of time to pay off unsecured debt is five years or less, so in order to pay off $60,000, expect to pay about $1,300 a month ... (more)

How to talk to creditors when you can't pay credit card bills -- A step-by-step guide to talking with creditors when there isn't enough cash for a complete payment. ... (more)

Help! My APR's been hiked to 27.99 percent -- Credit's tight and your card issuers are reacting by boosting interest rates. Your choices are either to pay off the balance or transfer to another card. ... (more)

Paying less than minimum won't ward off garnishment -- Paying less than the minimum amount won't ward off garnishment. It's best to contact creditors directly to work out a payment plan. ... (more)

Credit card cash advances for a home down payment? Not smart -- With no-money-down mortgages gone, lenders say they sometimes see buyers draw credit card cash advances to make their home down payments. ... (more)

CreditCards.com's credit crunch survival guide -- Credit's getting tougher to come by these days, and this credit crunch impacts virtually every American. So what is a consumer to do? It depends on how you use your card. With that in mind, we've created this guide to help you make your way. ... (more)

Disabled vet seeks relief from credit card debt -- A disabled veteran living on a fixed government income is overcome by credit card debt and seeks a way out. ... (more)

Take control of debt, avoid bankruptcy -- Bankruptcy is not the easy solution to debt reduction -- it's expensive, takes time and paperwork and destroys your credit rating for almost a decade. ... (more)

Credit card addiction: How to break the spending cycle -- For compulsive buyers, the overwhelming need to buy is an obsession that can ruin finances, marriages, careers and even lives, say compulsive shopping addicts and researchers. ... (more)

Steps to avoid wage garnishment -- Leaving the country to escape credit card debt doesn't guarantee that it will be gone if and when you come back. ... (more)

Using retirement to pay off high debt isn't the answer -- Using retirement funds to pay down high credit card debt isn't the best solution. Creating a budget and living within your means is. ... (more)

Sold the house, have some cash, now what? -- Seniors who are downsizing need to pay off debt, create fixed-income investment income and have an emergency fund to cover financial surprises. ... (more)

How to buy a car with a credit card -- and when not to -- Not all car dealers let you, but for those with rewards cards and faith in their ability to repay, buying a car with a credit card can make sense. ... (more)

What credit card users need to know to survive the 2008 credit crunch -- Experts advise credit card users to pay down credit card debt and wean themselves off of credit card spending. ... (more)

Compare today's 0 percent balance transfer offers -- Comparison chart shows that 0 percent introductory periods are shorter, fees tougher to dodge. ... (more)

Are 0 percent APR balance transfer credit cards doomed? -- Consumers' mailboxes used to be flooded with offers for balance transfer credit cards with lengthy introductory interest periods of 0 percent. Not anymore. ... (more)

Make your pension generate income beyond your death -- When you die, your pension dies with you or you can purchase life insurance with a portion of your pension, leaving behind an income for your spouse and inheritance for your heirs. ... (more)

How credit card balance transfers affect your credit score -- When a consumer is faced with a high-rate card, switching to a lower-rate card is smart, if you do it right. ... (more)

Life insurance is for the living, not for credit card debt -- An adult child wants to use her elderly parents' life insurance proceeds to pay off her credit card debt -- before they die. ... (more)

Establish retirement priorities when paying off debt -- Using retirement funds to pay off high-interest credit card debt? Not such a good idea, says 'Maturing Loans' columnist Alan Klayman. ... (more)

Pros and cons of using social lending for credit card debt consolidation -- Social lending can be a good choice for consolidating and retiring credit card debt, but has drawbacks ... (more)

How to use social lending to consolidate credit card debt -- Shedding credit card debt is the most common cause that people seek loans on 'social lending' sites such as Prosper. ... (more)

When is the right time to retire a student credit card? -- If your student credit card has a low credit limit and high interest rate, you should look to graduate to a better card. ... (more)

Inheritance strategy: Pay off credit cards, evaluate the mortgage -- When you inherit money, it's important to pay off debts, starting with those carrying the highest interest rate. ... (more)

Back-to-school credit card advice for students, parents -- Tips for financing the school year, dealing with credit wisely and learning how to finance post-graduation life. ... (more)

Opting out of a credit card rate increase? Keep records! -- When opting out of a credit card interest rate increase, it is critical to keep copies of your letter and mail receipt in case the issuer decides to up the rate again. ... (more)

Fed leaves rates unchanged; card rates to stay put -- The Federal Reserve, as expected, left a key interest rate unchanged. ... (more)

Low interest rate and rewards credit cards can put cash back in your pocket -- With food and gas prices escalating, Americans need to budget more carefully than ever before, including resisting the short-term solution of charging up debt on credit cards. ... (more)

What happens to credit card debt if a bank fails? -- If a card-issuing bank were to fail, consumers would still owe the money and have to pay it -- but to someone else. Terms might change, too. ... (more)

When is a credit card's 'fixed rate' not really fixed? -- If you sign a credit card agreement with an issuer that claims to practice 'universal default,' your 'fixed' interest rate can be raised at any time. ... (more)

Does it pay to reduce card debt before death? -- A reader faces terminal illness and significant credit card debt. She wonders if the debt, since it is unsecured, will have to be paid out of her estate when she dies. ... (more)

Five-year-old credit card debt has debt collectors calling -- With a job loss and 5-year-old credit card debt and only Social Security income, a reader needs a lot of help -- starting with knowing her rights, says Maturing Loans columnist Alan Klayman. ... (more)

Saving for emergencies, retirement come before paying off credit card debt -- Creating an emergency fund and contributing to your retirement fund should always come before paying off credit card debt. ... (more)

Charging up a storm before filing bankruptcy is considered fraud -- Thinking of loading up your credit cards before you file bankruptcy is considered fraud. ... (more)

Managing on-time credit card payments -- When transferring balances to 0 percent cards, it's critical to make on-time payments or you'll lose out. ... (more)

When balance transfers make sense -- There's no sense in delaying balance transfers to lower interest rate credit cards if your credit is good. ... (more)

Two years behind on credit card payments -- How do you even begin to pay back credit card debt that is two years old? ... (more)

Entering retirement with credit card debt -- Carrying credit card debt into retirement requires a plan. ... (more)

Card issuers apply payments to lower interest rate balances first -- Balance transfers, cash advances and purchases typically have different APRs. Card issuers apply payments to lower interest rate balances first. ... (more)

Retired, with too little income and too much in property taxes -- Living just off her Social Security income, a 72-year-old woman asks columnist Alan Klayman how to go about paying her property taxes on such a small fixed income. ... (more)

How to maintain retirement lifestyle while managing debt -- Debt complicates the calculation on how much you'll need to retire in comfort, says 'Maturing Loans' columnist Alan Klayman. ... (more)

Laid off, debt climbing -- If you have savings, there are ways to decrease reliance on credit cards by setting up a short-term income strategy, says Alan Klayman in the debut 'Maturing loans' column. ... (more)

Deep in debt? You may be able to cut a better settlement deal -- A recent drop in prices that debt buyers pay for bad credit card debts may give consumers negotiating settlements more room to negotiate. ... (more)

Trying to thwart recession, Fed cuts rates by 0.75% -- The Federal Reserve, as expected, slashed a key interest rate, but whether that cut will be passed along to individual cardholders depends on the bank, the card agreement and the credit standing of the consumer. ... (more)

Recession-proof your credit and finances -- Economic downturn. Temporary slump. Whatever you want to call it, you need to be prepared financially for economic ups and downs. ... (more)

Card issuers' bad earnings reshape credit card offers -- The awful annual results reported by credit card issuers may not be felt only by shareholders. They have begun to cause pain to some credit cardholders, as well. ... (more)

Credit card balance transfers -- This series of articles will help you figure out the best way to transfer and consolidate the balance of your debt. ... (more)

CreditCards.com poll results: Credit and health care costs -- A CreditCards.com poll finds a majority of Americans realize that inability to pay their share of health care costs has the potential to wipe them out financially. ... (more)

15 tips for paying high medical bills -- Savvy consumers should comparison shop for payment options when paying for medical expenses. Here are some helpful tips to cope with high medical bills. ... (more)

When do credit card balance transfers make sense? -- Having a firm repayment plan makes the difference, The Credit Guy tells a reader. ... (more)

Pay off credit card debt or declare bankruptcy? -- It's painful, but a reader who took $13,000 in credit card cash advances and lost it to an Internet scam needs to pay the money back, says The Credit Guy. ... (more)

Q&A: Pawn off $10,000 credit card debt on son? No way! -- The Credit Guy, who answers readers' questions for CreditCards.com, thinks this parent can pay off the delinquent bill. ... (more)

Holiday credit card debt solutions -- Climbing out of holiday debt isn't easy, but it has to be done. Here's how to assess the damage and get a plan together. ... (more)

Cure the debt hangover, shed credit card debt -- This set of articles will help you understand why you keep finding yourself in holiday debt, how to get out of this mess and how to prevent it from happening again next year. ... (more)

Credit Score - Protect yours with a debt consolidation plan -- In order to protect their credit score, many consumers are seeking debt consolidation loans. ... (more)

Expert Q&A: Budget for debt, but not too tightly -- A recent college graduate saddled with debt needs a spending and paydown plan, but it's bound to fail unless it includes some fun, says The Credit Guy. ... (more)

21 resolutions to beat credit woes and debt regret -- Minimize debt and maximize credit advantages in the coming year with these 21 credit and debt resolutions. ... (more)

Disclosures would increase on subprime credit card fees -- Subprime cards carry upfront fees that the Federal Reserve board contends are not clearly disclosed to customers. ... (more)

Regulation Z proposed changes for minimum payments -- Credit card companies and credit issuers would have to tell account holders how long it would take to repay loans if they make minimum payments. ... (more)

Regulation Z amendments would require changes in credit card terms -- Regulation Z amendments would require changes in credit card terms to be displayed in a table for easy reading. ... (more)

Rules for credit card periodic statement disclosures -- Under proposed federal rule changes, monthly credit card statements would include tables to clearly disclose fees, interest, purchases and other details. ... (more)

Credit card reform: The fine print of proposed changes to Regulation Z -- Regulation Z requires creditors to disclose all costs and terms before a new credit card's first use. However, according to the board, "Currently, there are few ... (more)

Regulation Z rules proposed for credit card fee disclosures -- Credit card companies would have to clearly disclose fees charged to credit cardholders. ... (more)

Regulation Z would require credit card APR disclosure rules -- Regulation Z would require credit card companies to clearly disclose APRs. ... (more)

Regulation amendments propose fixed rate credit cards -- Fixed credit card rates would actually be fixed under Regulation Z amendments. ... (more)

Reg Z proposes credit card notice of term changes to 45 days -- Changes in terms of credit card contracts would need 45 days' advance notice. ... (more)

'Regulation Z' overhaul to change credit card fine print rules -- The Federal Reserve Board has proposed the most sweeping changes in nearly 30 years to credit card disclosure rules, known as Regulation Z. ... (more)

Regulation Z: Feds move to change credit card rules -- The Federal Reserve Board is likely to decide on final credit card disclosure rules in 2008. ... (more)

How the public feels about Regulation Z proposed changes to credit card disclosure rules -- Comments from consumers, credit grantors, payment processors and others on proposed changes to credit card disclosure rules ... (more)

Ask The Credit Guy: Should I do credit rehab myself? -- Credit counselor Todd Ossenfort, aka The Credit Guy, answers a reader's question about whether it's wise to embark on do-it-yourself credit repair. ... (more)

The history of credit cards -- A history of credit cards, including the first general use credit card and the first charge card. ... (more)

The short, unhappy life of a credit card -- On average, a card lasts must three years before delamination, degaussing or (ulp!) scissors, so CreditCards.com asked one credit card to reminisce about its short unhappy life. ... (more)

Anatomy of a credit card -- Ever wonder what all those numbers mean, or what's on that black stripe? Find out here. ... (more)

Strategies for managing, getting rid of credit card debt -- Strategies for managing and getting rid of debt, including debt consolidation, while not hurting your credit. ... (more)

Credit card arbitrage: Easy, but dangerous money -- Credit card companies usually make money from consumers. For a few daring consumers, it's the other way around. ... (more)

CreditCards.com editorial corrections policy -- CreditCards.com strives to publish accurate information. If you believe we have published something in error or wish to comment on an article, please e-mail us at editors@CreditCards.com. ... (more)

Artist peddling designs for your credit card -- Anthony Adams makes unique credit card designs and skins. Read more at CreditCards.com. ... (more)

Buying a car with a credit card -- Using a low interest credit card rather than a car loan to finance a car could be an option, as long as you are aware of what could trigger an increase in the card's APR. ... (more)

Credit card study shows Americans' feelings towards credit cards -- A new credit card study shows many people think credit cards are an easy way to fall into debt. ... (more)

Credit card balance transfer: Move debt to a lower interest card -- Periodically transferring credit balances to a lower interest card may be a good strategy. ... (more)

Senior citizen debt increasing -- Senior citizens are finding themselves in debt trouble as they take on more lines of credit. ... (more)

Balance transfers: Credit card transactions affected by interest rates -- As interest rates climb, consumers have been using balance transfers to save money. ... (more)

Credit card debt information (2006-2007) -- Listing of facts and statistics related to the credit card industry and personal debt. ... (more)

Low APR credit cards: Lose debt and high rate cards -- The marketplace is full of low APR credit cards to help consolidate your debt. ... (more)

Credit card balance transfer may save you money -- Smart credit card balance transfers include avoiding too many credit inquires. ... (more)

Tax refund: Use it to pay off credit card debt -- Learn how to use your tax refund to pay off credit card debt. ... (more)

You might have credit card problems if... -- Find out if your credit card debt and problems are bad enough for a financial advisor. ... (more)

What to look for in credit card specials -- When looking for credit card special promotions, weigh carefully which will work best for you. ... (more)

0% APR Credit Cards May Help Consumers in Record Debt -- American families are looking to 0% APR credit cards and debt consolidation to reduce costly debt. ... (more)

Balance transfer credit cards help get you out of debt -- Consider transferring high interest debt to low rate credit cards to avoid debt trouble. ... (more)

Credit Card Terms: A glossary of commonly used words and terms. -- Understand commonly used words, phrases, and acronyms in the credit card industry with this credit cards glossary. ... (more)

Online credit card applications: FAQ about CreditCards.com and your card application -- If you're wondering whether it's safe or smart to apply for a credit card here at CreditCards.com, it's both. Here are answers to frequently asked questions. ... (more)

5 steps to eliminate credit card debt -- In five not-so-simple steps, learn how to eliminate charge card debt and take control of your finances. ... (more)