Could you live without credit cards? Here's how some people do -- Forgoing credit cards and leading a cash-only lifestyle today seems as foreign as mailing a handwritten letter: We know some people do it, but it's hard to understand why. ... (more)

Unemployment benefits switch from paper to plastic -- With jobless rates rising, more and more Americans are entering their state's unemployment insurance maze. Just don't expect to receive the traditional paper check if you find yourself needing assistance, as nearly half of the country has started delivering these benefits through debit cards. ... (more)

Rent a car with debit card or cash? Expect to try harder -- A CreditCards.com survey of 45 car agencies across the U.S. finds you can rent a car without a credit card, but you have to jump through more hoops. ... (more)

Lunch money goes cashless in many school cafeterias -- Getting your lunch money stolen is so 20th century. Today's school students pay for school lunches with ID cards and fingerprint scanners. ... (more)

Tips for comparing gas cards and escaping high fuel prices -- We'll help you cope with the rising cost of gas, beware pump-side scams and learn smart ways to finance fuel costs. ... (more)

Eight ways to get gift cards for less -- Use these techniques to pay less than face value or boost buying power of a gift card. ... (more)

Using a debit card for travel: problems and risks -- Debit cards are popular, but are not always the best choice for travel. ... (more)

Contactless credit cards' future in doubt -- Contactless credit card technology is supposed to be the wave of the future. So far, according to experts, few seem to care. ... (more)

Do-it-yourself credit cards studied -- Based on her research of low-income women, a Harvard lecturer says they would be better served by a 'self-directed credit card,' allowing them to set their own credit card limits and restrictions. ... (more)

The real dirt on celebrity credit cards -- We'll buy their branded clothes, their branded perfumes, their branded sheets -- but we won't use their branded cards to buy them. Why celebrity cards haven't found a place in our wallets. ... (more)

3 must-ask questions for multiuse campus / student ID cards -- Campus cards, like anything involving money, are not free from potential pitfalls, and the cards' fees and policies can be as different as Buckeyes and Wolverines. ... (more)

Being 'green' with credit cards -- Opting out of paper credit card statements is one way to protect the planet for Earth Day. This collection of articles and interactive features contains environmentally friendly information about how to use credit cards to help save the planet. ... (more)

More landlords accepting rent payments by credit card -- While acceptance is hardly universal, a growing number of landlords allow paying rent by credit card. ... (more)

How 'cashless' trend affects those who rely on cash -- In a society that increasingly relies on payments by plastic, some who depend on the actual paper dollar have to adjust. ... (more)

Automobile gas cards popularity falls -- Fewer people are using one-company gas credit cards to buy gasoline for their cars. Drivers want the freedom to choose different gas and payment methods. ... (more)

Auto gasoline cards: Compare gas cards -- CreditCards.com reviewed terms and conditions for the top 29 gas credit cards and found more rewards, cash back, points and rebates -- and no annual fees. ... (more)

Students universities fees credit card processing costs -- With tuition costs rising and credit tightening, more students are opting to pull out the plastic to pay for their classes. Not all colleges like it. ... (more)

Pros and cons of tapping your retirement with 401(k) debit cards -- Now there's a debit card that allows you to access the funds you've saved in your 401(k). It offers flexibility for borrowers -- and scares the pants off financial planners.). ... (more)

Buying pirated music with credit cards: potentially risky -- Those who use their credit cards to buy songs from controversial Russian-based Web sites may be engaging in international piracy. ... (more)

Despite lingering online fears, virtual credit cards stall -- Although the paranoia that spawned them and the hoopla that accompanied their birth have died down, virtual credit cards are still available for those who want extra assurance. ... (more)

529-linked credit cards help make college more affordable -- New credit cards link to 529 plans and function like cash-back credit cards, putting rebates into a college savings plan ... (more)

6 tips for organizing gift, debit and credit cards -- Between gift cards, debit cards and credit cards, you can end up with a lot of plastic. Here are six organizing tips. ... (more)

Credit card spending increases for health care -- A CreditCards.com poll found that nearly two out of three Americans say they or their family could face hard financial times if they experience a serious illness. ... (more)

Health care credit cards rise to fill insurance gap -- As the ranks of the uninsured soar, a new generation of health care cards is emerging on the market, but not everyone is cheering their arrival. ... (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)

Comparing health care credit options -- Credit card issuers are offering a growing number of options for financing medical expenses. Use this table to compare and find the best deal. ... (more)

United Way links card use to donations -- One of the country's best-known nonprofits is trying to raise money from the rise in Americans' use of credit and debit cards. ... (more)

Shifting environment in fees, security breeds Revolution Card -- An well-financed upstart is taking on the card network giants and hopes merchants and consumers will embrace it. ... (more)

12 tips for renting a car with a debit card -- Renting a car with no credit card can be done, but expect extra obstacles and costs. These tips can help you overcome them. ... (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)

A not-so-brief history of credit cards -- As far back as the late 1800s, consumers and merchants exchanged goods through the concept of credit, using credit coins and charge plates as currency.  ... (more)

How to claim expired gift card funds -- Tips for reclaiming 'lost' gift card money ... (more)

Gift card survey shows it pays to comparison shop -- If you want a 'use anywhere' gift card, expect to pay for the privilege, says the CreditCards.com survey. ... (more)

CreditCards.com survey of leading gift card providers -- CreditCards.com surveyed leading gift card providers to compare popular gift cards. ... (more)

New programs encourage paying your mortgage via credit card -- Experts say these programs can work for the well-heeled, but for most, putting a house on cards is as financially flimsy as a house of cards. ... (more)

'Point cards' offer virtual rewards to video gamers -- A new plastic currency for Xbox 360 and Wii lets video gamers pay real money for unreal advantages in their virtual worlds. This 'gamer currency' might be a great gift idea, but there are drawbacks. ... (more)

Cashless businesses slowly catch on -- At Dave Hatfield's family-run restaurant, there's no cash register. Customers come and go for breakfast and lunch and paper currency is only rarely and reluctantly ... (more)

Debit card and credit card usage rise as primary payment choice -- As debit card and credit card purchases become increasingly popular, check and cash payments wane. ... (more)

Are you ready for some football credit cards? -- Sports-related credit cards have long let college fans tout their loyalties to their beloved Sooners, Buckeyes, Trojans or Ducks. Now, plastic for the sports nut ... (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)

Prepaid Credit Card Company: EDP gets blocked by FTC -- The FTC has blocked prepaid credit card company EDP after complaints of unauthorized withdrawals. ... (more)

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

Credit card, debit card payments displace checks and cash -- Credit cards continue to displace cash and checks as the preferred method of payment at businesses across the U.S. According to the Federal Reserve Payments ... (more)

The silver lining: new options for clouded credit -- Consumers with bad credit will welcome the relatively recent popularity of prepaid credit cards and secured credit cards. ... (more)

Prepaid Credit Cards: A good option for younger users -- For those under 18, prepaid credit cards are available under certain conditions. Learn more at CreditCards.com. ... (more)

Prepaid Credit Card: The All-Access Prepaid Card from Mastercard -- No bank account, credit check, or monthly fee required. Is a prepaid credit card right for you? ... (more)

Debit card survey shows consumers prefer them over credit cards -- A new debit card survey shows consumers prefer debit cards to credit cards. ... (more)

Merchants encourage use of PINs for debit card payments -- As the cost of letting customers pay with credit cards and debit cards increases, merchants are encouraging consumers to pay for debit card transactions using ... (more)

MasterCard to be used at Coca-Cola vending machines -- Following a contract with Coca-Cola, MasterCard will be accepted for vending machine purchases. Learn more at CreditCards.com. ... (more)

Prepaid debit cards for teens control overspending -- Learn how debit cards for teens can be good teaching guides when set with prepaid spending limits. ... (more)

Bank of America to test cell phone credit cards -- Bank of America employees in Delaware will begin testing cell phones that can be used as credit cards. ... (more)

Prepaid debit cards replace unemployment checks in Indiana -- The state of Indiana has replaced its unemployment checks with prepaid Visa debit cards. ... (more)

Prepaid Visa RushCard provides low fees for cardholders -- Learn how the prepaid Visa RushCard provides flexibility and relatively low fees for consumers. ... (more)

Prepaid Cards: Less waiting time for approval -- See why prepaid cards are more quickly approved than regular credit cards. ... (more)

Pay via cell phone with new MasterCard credit card application -- ViVOtech plans to put a MasterCard credit card application inside cell phones for tap-and-go payments. ... (more)

Bank of America student Visa credit card helps young people establish credit -- The Bank of America Student Visa Platinum Plus Credit Card is geared toward any young person enrolled in a college or university who is looking for a credit card that can help to build their credit history. ... (more)

Microsoft micropayments create competition for credit card companies -- Xbox maker Microsoft noted its planned payment system would allow merchants to take micropayments -- presenting a potential that would challenge to credit card companies. ... (more)

Bank of America unveils new affinity banking programs -- Bank of America is set to build on its successful stable of affinity credit cards associated with universities, charities and other organizations by offering deposit ... (more)

Consumers need to make smart decisions about debit card use -- With debit cards becoming more popular in relation to credit cards, consumers need to make smart decisions about their use. ... (more)

Debit cards will be the payment of choice this holiday season -- A study predicts holiday shoppers will use their debit cards more than credit cards and checks. ... (more)

Prepaid credit card savings plans' interest rate increases -- Save more with NetSpend's prepaid credit card interest rates. ... (more)

Credit card usage for church donations growing in popularity -- Sunday morning leave you without cash? Use your credit card for a donation in church. ... (more)

Contactless credit card: Technology reshaping the way we spend -- The contactless credit card is one way your shopping experience will change in the future. ... (more)

Debit card: PIN vs. signature -- Three reasons to choose the signature (credit) option over punching in a PIN when using a debit card. ... (more)

Debit card version of Monopoly released -- The new British version of the classic board game Monopoly, known as Monopoly Here & Now, replaces the game's toy money with a mock Visa-imprinted debit card. ... (more)

Debit or credit: Learn the differences -- Determine whether you should have a debit or credit card in your wallet. ... (more)

Prepaid debit cards provide options for people without credit history -- Learn how prepaid debit cards provide the benefits of a credit card without risking overspending. ... (more)

Rebuild your credit with the Eufora Prepaid MasterCard -- Learn about rebuilding credit with a credit card that reports directly to the credit bureau. ... (more)

Plastic transactions overtake cash, check payments -- The growth of bank debit cards has led the way in overtaking cash and check transactions and has also been driven by broad merchant acceptance. ... (more)

Prepaid debit card benefits and disadvantages -- Learn prepaid debit card benefits including worldwide functionality and risk-free spending. ... (more)

Prepaid debit card technology tracks through wireless devices -- Track your prepaid debit card spending via text messaging on wireless devices. ... (more)

Prepaid cards: How they differ from debit and ATM cards -- Read how cash rebate credit cards work and how you can receive cash back. ... (more)

Line of credit versus paying in cash -- There are pros and cons to using a line of credit over cash for daily purchases. ... (more)

Types of credit cards: features of all card types -- Overview of card features offered by cards, including standard, reward, frequent flier, student, business and cards for bad credit. ... (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)