Research, statistics

Credit card APRs fall sharply, but you shouldn't get too excited -- Annual percentage rates on new credit card offers fell sharply this week, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report, but don't expect your APR to drop, too. ... (more)

FICO reveals how common credit mistakes affect scores -- For the first time, the credit scoring firm discloses how many points a score will fall due to late payments or other errors. ... (more)

Credit card rates' ascent shows no sign of slowing -- It just keeps getting more and more expensive to be a credit cardholder -- and analysts say there's little change in sight. ... (more)

Identity theft booms, even as thieves rely on old-fashioned methods -- Identity theft is booming again for the first time in years, and fraudsters are staying old fashioned and opting to go after your wallet or laptop, insurance giant Travelers reported. ... (more)

How many credit cards do you need? There's no perfect answer -- There's no single, easy answer for how many credit cards someone should have. After all, It's not the number of cards you have, it's what you do with them that matters the most. ... (more)

Banks continue to tighten credit card lending standards, Fed report says -- When it comes to tightening lending, the Fed survey of senior loan officers shows credit card issuers have gone from death grip to light squeeze. ... (more)

2009 gift card comparison table -- Times are tough, but gift cards will continue to be a popular present during the 2009 holiday season. Use this chart to find the gift card that's best for you. ... (more)

Credit card balances fall sharply again -- Consumers have spent the past year living frugally, new Federal Reserve data shows -- and analysts say an anti-debt mindset isn't likely to change anytime soon. ... (more)

11 golden rules of practical gift card giving -- Pampering at the spa? Expensive round of golf? Out. Practical gifts are in this holiday season, and that goes for gift cards, too. ... (more)

Collectible gift cards can be both practical and fun -- Although the holidays this year are expected to be heavy on practical presents, giving gift cards can still be fun -- including those featuring 'Twilight' and 'Star Trek' themes. ... (more)

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)

Living off credit cards alone for a year is a terrible idea -- Credit cards were never meant to be used to replace income over a long period of time, and using them that way can bring big trouble. ... (more)

Fed leaves rates unchanged again, stays positive about economy -- The Federal Reserve left its lending rates unchanged again on Wednesday, even as the central bank reiterated that the economy is on the mend. ... (more)

Rise in delinquencies signals prolonged credit card woes -- Though charge-offs decreased during September, the credit card industry braces for an increase in noncollectable debt as delinquencies rise. ... (more)

Opting out of APR increase doesn't have to impact your credit -- It's a common question these days: Will opting out of a rate increase hurt my credit? The answer isn't so clear-cut. ... (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)

Uncle Sam wants you ... unless your credit stinks -- You may be ready to serve your country, but if your finances aren't in good shape, you might get washed out. ... (more)

Want a better FICO score? Step No. 1: Pay bills on time -- Paying your bills on time every time is vital, but it's just the start to building a good credit score. ... (more)

6 ways to prevent bank overdraft fees -- Banks and credit unions collected nearly $24 billion in overdraft fees last year. Find out how you can help keep some of that money in your pocket. ... (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)

Low credit score? Good luck getting a new credit card, study says -- Consumers receive far fewer credit cards than a year ago; those approved for cards have better credit scores, says a study by credit bureau Equifax. ... (more)

Don't let delinquent debt keep you from getting a mortgage -- Getting serious about buying a house someday? Those delinquent debts have got to go or your dreams of home ownership may remain just that -- a dream. ... (more)

Financial transactions surpass 100 billion in 2009 -- The number of electronic and check transactions taking place will reach record levels, surpassing 100 billion by the end of 2009. ... (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)

CreditCards.com's guide to online holiday shopping 2009 -- The sour economy will push more people online to do their shopping this year; these steps will help keep your experience free of cybergrinches. ... (more)

Act fast to remove authorized users when your credit goes south -- Authorized users on your credit card account suffer when your credit hits the skids. Our expert shows how to remove those users to minimize the damage. ... (more)

How to make sure your credit score is a FICO score -- Credit score seem just a bit too high? You may not have bought the ever-popular FICO score. But don't feel bad, our expert says. It's an easy mistake to make. ... (more)

Bankruptcy filings on track to hit 1.4 million in 2009 -- Spurred on by high unemployment, bankruptcies have steadily climbed toward the level present before a 2005 reform law that was supposed to hold down filings. ... (more)

Nevada holds onto 'top spot' for U.S. bankruptcies in 3rd quarter -- Residents of Nevada, Tennessee and Georgia remain most likely to file bankruptcy, according to third quarter 2009 statistics. How likely are the neighbors in your state to file for protection from debts? ... (more)

As Americans tighten their belts, they adjust attitudes toward credit -- If buying on credit today were a card game, it would be Texas Hold 'Em. Consumers keep their credit cards close to their vests, leaving merchants to wonder if the newfound frugality is a fad or a bluff. ... (more)

Study: Consumers get more frugal, practical with buying gift cards -- Even though more consumers are purchasing gift cards this year, they're being purchased in smaller amounts and used for more practical items, a new study reveals. ... (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)

Nearly 100 charged worldwide in massive phishing scam bust -- The FBI has charged more than 50 defendants -- the most ever charged in a cybercrime case -- for allegedly conspiring to steal the identities of hundreds, possibly thousands, of Americans, the bureau announced Monday. ... (more)

Credit card balances fall by nearly $10 billion in August -- Credit card balances plunged by nearly $10 billion in August, according to new Federal Reserve data, marking the 11th straight month of decline amid an ongoing change in consumer and lender attitudes toward plastic. ... (more)

States' weapon of choice against ID theft: Transparency -- Until recently, if ID thieves stole your credit card data, you were kept in the dark. But new state laws force firms to reveal what they used to keep secret. ... (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)

Study: Touch money and you feel less pain -- Sticking your hands in scalding water is less painful if first you've handled a stack of bills, researchers find. ... (more)

Credit card video: College students react to new credit card laws -- Portions of a new law will affect how young adults get credit cards. The law, which will put age restrictions on credit cards and ban certain types of marketing from college campuses, takes affect February 2010. Our reporter talked to students at the University of Missouri and got their reactions. ... (more)

Prepaid cards replace checks as rebate payment of choice -- The next time you're due a rebate or refund, don't expect to receive a paper check. An increasing number of stores and manufacturers are opting to issue prepaid debit cards instead, and some consumers aren't happy about it. ... (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)

Consumers expecting holiday season to be a bit jollier -- Though consumers are less anxious about the recession hampering holiday festivities, analysts expect most will attempt to keep spending in check. ... (more)

Banks' checking and debit overdraft policies draw scrutiny -- Banking overdraft fees are the subject of studies and scrutiny as consumers, legislators and industry officials weigh in on the controversial practice. ... (more)

Think you can't use that not-yet-activated credit card? Think again -- Until you call your issuer to officially activate it, your new credit card is useless and secure, right? Not necessarily. The startling truth is that many sail through a purchase without a problem. ... (more)

Wealthiest consumers still unwilling to spend -- Americans are still hesitant to spend. Even consumers earning some of the highest incomes are unwilling to reopen their wallets. ... (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)

The biggest losers (of debt): How a family shed $106,000 in debt -- Five years ago, this New Richmond, Wis., family was drowning in debt. They licked it through frugality, determination and hard work. Here's how. ... (more)

Credit card video: How many students have cards? How do they use them? -- College is a time when many young people are first introduced to credit cards. In this video sampling of students, some enjoy the advantages cards offer, others fret about debt traps. ... (more)

Credit card video: New rules for credit cards on campus -- CreditCards.com talked to students at the University of Texas at Austin to get their reaction to upcoming laws that limit credit card access for people under 21 years of age. ... (more)

Going to your parents for a loan? Hit up Dad first, poll says -- According to a new poll conducted by Gfk Roper for CreditCards.com, male parents are 15 percent more likely to pay off $20,000 or more of their kids debt. ... (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)

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)

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)

Consumers' economic confidence grows, but nervousness lingers -- The latest Discover U.S. Spending Monitor survey says that although consumer economic confidence grew in August, more than half of consumers say they plan to cut back on unnecessary spending -- such as going out to dinner and movies -- in the month ahead. ... (more)

J.D. Power survey shows growing number of people dissatisfied with credit cards -- The latest J.D. Power and Associates credit card satisfaction survey found that overall credit card satisfaction plunged to a record low – only 703 on the 1,000-point scale. ... (more)

Credit card video: The basics of credit scoring -- Jeremy Simon, staff reporter with CreditCards.com, explains the ins and outs of credit scores and credit reports. ... (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)

Study: Prepaid cards full of hidden dangers -- Though touted as a way to stay debt-free, the use of prepaid cards may subject consumers to high fees -- and the money may not be safe. ... (more)

Credit card charge-offs, delinquencies reverse upward trend -- Credit card charge-offs and delinquencies showed first signs of slowing down in July 2009. ... (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 myths about settling credit card debt -- Before you decide to try debt settlement, make sure you know the difference between common myths -- and the truth. ... (more)

Know your rights: Fair Debt Collection Practices Act -- Experts say consumers should face the facts and deal with debt collectors, but also know and understand their consumer rights and protections. ... (more)

Debt collectors' ethics codes -- Associations of debt collectors try to curb abuses in the collections industry. ... (more)

Credit card video: Credit CARD Act to bring big changes -- Connie Prater, senior writer for CreditCards.com, discusses a few of the major provisions in the Credit Card Act of 2009. ... (more)

Fed report: Lenders again tighten credit card loan standards, but not as much -- Credit card issuers again cut credit in the second quarter of 2009, as did lenders of many kinds, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve. ... (more)

Credit card charge-offs, delinquencies hit all-time high -- The second quarter closed with the highest consumer credit card delinquency and charge-off rates since the Federal Reserve began tracking data on the subjects. ... (more)

Study: Financial fears not enough to change behavior -- Many, particularly the young, are reluctant to change financial ways, despite recession. ... (more)

Fed again leaves interest rates at historic low -- In an effort to preserve what analysts deem a fragile recovery, the Federal Reserve has again left interest rates unchanged. ... (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)

Consumer credit card balances plummet -- Credit card balances fell once again in June, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve, as consumer spending and access to credit remained under pressure. ... (more)

Will there be a global credit score someday? -- Imagine all the people of the world united -- under a single credit scoring model. Depending on whom you ask, the concept of a global credit score is either a far-fetched pipe dream or an eventual reality. ... (more)

Credit scoring goes global -- Dominant in the U.S., the FICO credit score doesn't hold the same status worldwide. That leaves many international lenders looking to local versions of credit scoring models to help judge risk. And the differences from nation to nation can be great. ... (more)

Substantial debt may arise from unlikely sources -- Most Americans attribute their most bothersome financial burdens to medical costs, eating out and entertainment. However, the worst debt may arise due to other less-recognized reasons. ... (more)

Implantable credit card RFID chips: convenient, but creepy -- Forget the science of it -- and yes, it does work remarkably well. Forget the convenience of it. Forget that similar identifying technologies, from bar codes to mag stripes, overcame similar obstacles and are now ubiquitous. RFID implants face a hurdle the others did not: It's icky. ... (more)

Decline in credit card mailings slows -- After months of decline, recent data show banks have begun reconsidering card offers. Synovate, which tracks credit card direct mail, reports that U.S. households received 349.1 million offers in the second quarter -- down just 6 percent from the first quarter ... (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)

Survey: Credit card, collection complaints growing quickly -- The nation's fastest growing consumer complaints involve aggressive collection tactics for credit card and many other debts, says a survey released Thursday. ... (more)

Study: In romance, big spenders seek big savers and vice versa -- A study reveals that when it comes to money habits, opposites attract, with big spenders attracted to big savers and vice versa. ... (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)

Do credit card rewards make people spend more? -- Study: The allure of credit card rewards is one contributing factor that may lead to increased card debt. ... (more)

Poll: Credit card issuers punish cardholders, but pursue a few -- Credit card issuers have punished two of every five cardholders by acts such as rate increases, but a few have been rewarded, says a CreditCards.com poll. ... (more)

Proving your worth: How entrepreneurs can qualify for credit -- As credit lines tighten, or even disappear, small-business owners are turning to credit cards for survival. But getting approved for plastic is harder than ever. ... (more)

United States credit cards -- Our ongoing series moves to the United States, where the most sweeping credit card industry reforms in decades were passed in May 2009. ... (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)

Fed bank regulator's report says national banks still tightening lending standards -- A report from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency shows shows no banks easing credit card standards while 68 percent are tightening up. ... (more)

Study: Credit cards face bleak future -- New research indicates that consumers may never return to their old charging habits, jeopardizing the future of the credit card industry. ... (more)

Bankruptcies per capita, all 50 states, 2007-2009 -- Nevada jumped Tennessee to become the leader in per capita bankruptcy for 2009. Where does your state rank? ... (more)

Bankruptcy filings return to pre-reform-law pace -- Largely due to the recession, a 2005 law clamping down on filing had only temporary impact. ... (more)

Credit card video: How to opt out of an APR increase -- The Credit Guy -- Todd Ossenfort of Pioneer Credit Counseling -- explains how to opt out of changes to your credit card agreement, specifically changes to your APR ... (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)

CreditCards.com poll: Americans losing sleep over finances -- More than two out of three Americans are losing sleep because of financial worries, according to a new CreditCards.com poll. ... (more)

Is credit card loyalty for chumps? -- Your loyalty may make you a stellar best friend, but it's not doing you any favors with your credit card company these days. The dismal economy may have turned your card issuer into a turncoat. ... (more)

Study: Your brain may be causing your financially risky choices -- A new study suggests you may be predisposed to make risky financial decisions by the same part of your brain that contributes to gambling and shopping addiction. ... (more)

How your financial choices and your brain interact -- This interactive demonstrates how the financial choices we make can be risky or conservative, depending on how one part of your brain -- the ventral striatum -- is wired. ... (more)

Discover Spending Monitor: Consumers hold back on discretionary spending -- Consumer spending on discretionary items is expected to diminish due to perceptions that more money will be necessary for groceries and gas in the coming months. ... (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)

Most rental car companies accept debit cards, survey finds -- While it's easier to use a credit card than a debit card to rent a car, nearly all agencies allow debit, a CreditCards.com survey shows. ... (more)

Summary chart: Restrictions rental agencies impose to rent car with debit card -- Renting a car with no credit card? It can be done, but rental car agencies impose many restrictions and extra demands on debit card users. ... (more)

Credit card balances keep falling, Fed says in May's G.19 report on consumer credit -- Credit card balances continued their downward spiral in May, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve, as cardholders remained hesitant to carry any unnecessary debt during the ongoing recession. ... (more)

24 hours of credit card tweets on Twitter -- To find out what Internet users think about plastic, CreditCards.com read and evaluated 24 hours' worth of tweets about credit cards on the social networking site Twitter. ... (more)

Credit card issuers dip a cautious toe into social media -- Credit card companies have made only tentative steps into the social media fray. But while you’re talking on sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, they’re listening in -- and planning their next steps. ... (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)

Is your credit card making you sick? Swine (H1N1) flu germs and plastic -- It may not be just that late fee that's making you feel ill: Flu viruses can last for hours -- even weeks -- on plastic surfaces. ... (more)

The world's 10 weirdest currencies -- A Pennsylvania banker's collection of odd currencies reveal much about different times, cultures. ... (more)

Study: Credit card statements 'virtually incomprehensible' -- Research finds that indecipherable credit card statements aren't just an American problem; they cause head-scratching worldwide. ... (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)

Fed again holds rates steady, but change may come soon -- Although, as expected, the Federal Reserve didn't boost interest rates with its latest monetary policy announcement, analysts say it is only a matter of time before the Fed hikes its key lending rate. ... (more)

Credit cards around the world -- Credit cards have spread around the globe, but the differences in how they're offered illustrate differences between cultures. ... (more)

Credit card personalization: Does Spaghetti Jimmy really win? -- Credit issuers are jumping aboard card personalization trend, convinced family pics on plastic will cause consumers to pull out the card more often. ... (more)

How Dad affects your debt, financial decisions -- New research finds that a father's advice, or lack of it, influences their children's money behavior later. ... (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)

Experian: High credit score increases likelihood of ID theft -- Having a high credit score makes it easier -- and cheaper -- for you to borrow money. But according to a new report from credit bureau Experian, that high score also makes it easier for identity thieves to secure stolen credit in your name. ... (more)

Think you're a credit expert? Take our quizzes and prove it! -- Are you a credit expert? Or maybe you don't know an APR from NPR or CPR. Whichever side you fall on -- or if you're somewhere in the middle -- you can test your knowledge of credit in our quizzes ... (more)

Fed G.19 consumer credit report shows spending falls again -- As the recession and layoffs continue to take their toll, consumers respond by ditching debt. ... (more)

Mobile payments predicted to skyrocket -- Mobile payment transactions are expected to catapult to nearly 4.5 billion in 2012 -- a 429 percent increase from an estimated 850 million in 2009, consulting firm Gartner Inc. predicted in a May 28 report by CardLine Global (subscription required). ... (more)

Big credit card losses continue to dog U.S. banks -- The banking industry has 3.4 billion reasons why credit card debt is proving to be a major pain in its neck. ... (more)

Credit card mail offers with annual fees on the rise -- Once nearly extinct for people with good credit, card offers with annual fees are rebounding, research firm Synovate says. ... (more)

Study: Credit cards don't increase spending -- Paying with credit cards instead of cash may in fact not cause consumers to spend more, according to a new study from Carnegie Mellon University. The study goes against current popular theory that people who buy with plastic tend to overspend. ... (more)

How does America's credit card debt stack up? -- Americans' credit card debt escalated to unprecedented heights as the economic crisis unfolded. CreditCards.com took various statistics on that debt and converted those amounts into $1 bill stacks. ... (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)

NSBA: Small businesses hurt by credit card terms -- As small business owners become more dependent on credit cards, they are also simultaneously being crunched by the tightened credit market, according to the National Small Business Association (NSBA), an advocate organization for American entrepreneurs. ... (more)

Your credit card has a carbon footprint -- A credit card's footprint is roughly the CO2 equivalent of five bank checks, 13 dollar bills -- or the gas to drive a Hummer 150 feet. ... (more)

Job fears keep credit card balances falling -- Credit card balances fell further in March, based on the latest data from the Federal Reserve, as cardholders opted to save their money rather than spend on plastic. ... (more)

Fitch: Card delinquencies rise; show signs of slowing -- Credit card losses resulting from rising unemployment and mounting delinquency once again reached record levels in April 2009, according to most recent Credit Card Index report from Fitch Ratings. ... (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)

If pandemic strikes, will banks, credit cards still work? -- If the swine flu goes pandemic, will your credit card issuer be ready? If it's not, it could mean empty ATMs, disrupted customer service and other such headaches for consumers. For banks, failure to prepare could mean losses of billions of dollars. ... (more)

Visa's debit card transactions overtake credit cards -- In an economy that is encouraging more thrifty behavior, consumers are turning to their debit cards instead of their credit cards at record levels. ... (more)

Credit card charge-offs, delinquencies break records again -- Rising unemployment continued to punish credit cardholders last month, according to a new report from Moody's, as both charge-offs and delinquencies reached record highs. ... (more)

6 ways to maximize hotel rewards -- Hotel reward points can help you get more vacation for your buck this year, especially if you take advantage of loyalty program incentives and partnerships between credit card companies, hotels, airlines and retailers. Here are a few tips. ... (more)

Javelin study: Consumer trust affects credit credit card use -- According to a recent study by Javelin Strategy & Research, consumers' trust level with their financial institution is tied to often they use their credit card. ... (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)

Study: 'The war on phishing is far from over' -- More consumers were victims of phishing attacks in 2008 -- a 39.8 percent increase from a year earlier -- but the average amount lost decreased, according to a survey conducted by technology research company Gartner. ... (more)

Study: Credit card fraud Americans' biggest fear -- New data say credit card and debit card fraud is the No. 1 fear of Americans, outweighing those of war, terrorism, computer hacking and epidemics. ... (more)

Sallie Mae study finds undergraduates relying heavily on credit cards -- With the recession deepening and tuition skyrocketing, college students are looking to their credit cards and amassing debt at record levels, according to a study by Sallie Mae. ... (more)

Federal Reserve's February 2009 G.19 report on consumer credit shows biggest drop in 31 years -- Credit card balances suffered their biggest percentage drop in more 30 years in February, according to the latest Federal Reserve data, as consumers responded to the recession by reducing their reliance on plastic. ... (more)

Federal Reserve's February 2009 G.19 report on consumer credit -- Credit card balances declined in February, according to the latest Federal Reserve data, as consumers avoided making all their purchases on plastic even as mounting job losses curtailed incomes. ... (more)

Group issues standards for fair credit cards -- Raised interest rates on nearly one-quarter of credit cards cost consumers more than $10 billion in 2008, one of the many damages of unfair credit practices the Pew Charitable Trust said it hopes to prevent through a list of standards the company released March 31. ... (more)

FDIC: Overdue loans on the rise -- FDIC data shows that every state experienced an increase in unpaid loans from 2007 to 2008. Use this graphic to find out how your state performed. ... (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 charge-offs reach 20-year high in February -- Credit card charge-offs hit a 20-year high in February, Moody's reports. The agency blames soaring unemployment numbers, and expects charge-offs to reach double digits this year. ... (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)

FICO scores stable despite slashed credit limits, study says -- Nearly 20 million consumers had their credit lines reduced or eliminated over a six-month period in 2008 through no fault of their own, but credit scores overall were largely unaffected, according to a recent study by credit scoring giant FICO ... (more)

Are credit card rewards taxable? Probably not, but ... -- The IRS has indicated that it does not presently view rewards such as frequent flier miles as income, and therefore they're not taxable. ... (more)

How credit cards can help -- or hurt -- you at tax time -- A collection of stories and tips on filing your 2008 taxes and how credit cards can help -- or hurt -- you at tax time. ... (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)

New survey finds most common ID theft victims -- The most common identity theft victims are middle-aged married females, divorcees, or those who make more than $75,000 a year, according to a December 2008 survey released by Nationwide Insurance. ... (more)

U.S. credit card defaults reach 20-year high -- Credit card defaults -- the failure to make a payment on a debt by the due date -- sprouted in February to a 20-year-high. ... (more)

Study of credit card binding arbitration says the practice is fair to consumers -- Northwestern University School of Law's Searle Civil Justice Institute's study says arbitration -- at least as practiced by the one group that was studied -- is fair to credit card users. ... (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: 6 tips to protect yourself from ID theft -- Identity theft is a huge problem these days. Gail Cunningham, spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, offers helpful, practical tips to keep yourself safe. ... (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 video: The perils of sharing a credit card -- Connie Prater, senior writer at CreditCards.com, talks about the results of the 2008 Taking Charge survey, focusing on sharing credit cards. ... (more)

Credit card video: The basics -- College students discuss their understanding of basic credit card terms - APR, Interest Rate, what happens if you miss a payment and how long it would take to pay off a purchase. ... (more)

Credit card video: Getting the most from rewards cards -- Want to get the most out of that rewards credit card but aren't sure how to do it? Credit counseling expert Gail Cunningham shares practical tips to help you do just that. ... (more)

Credit card video: Holiday shopping tips -- As the holidays approach, there are many ways consumers can prepare for shopping. Before hitting the malls, beware of debt regret, don't forget buying options such as layaway and make sure you call your credit card company to find out what warranties you may already have ... (more)

Credit card video: A look at student credit cards -- CreditCards.com editors Dan Ray and Connie Prater talk about student credit cards. ... (more)

Credit card video: Credit card rewards and incentives -- College students discuss credit card rewards programs including airline miles, free pizza, cash back offers, percentage off purchase, and more. ... (more)

Credit card video: Benefits of having a credit card -- College students discuss the benefits of owning a credit card, including convenience, back-up, and dealing with emergencies. ... (more)

Credit card video: What is a credit utilization ratio? -- A finance expert explains what a credit utilization ratio is and how it affects your credit score. ... (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)

Credit card delinquencies fell year to year, TransUnion says -- Although recent data showed an annual decline in credit card delinquencies during late 2008, that trend is likely already over. ... (more)

Federal Reserve's January 2009 G.19 report on consumer credit shows jump in spending -- Credit card balances rose in January, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve, as workers saved their incomes and the unemployed were forced to live on plastic. ... (more)

Federal Reserve's January 2009 G.19 report on consumer spending -- Credit card balances rose in January, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve, as consumers had difficulty paying down debt in a troubled economy. ... (more)

Credit card fraud victims more likely to recover losses -- Five percent of Americans were victims of financial fraud in 2008, but those who had money stolen from credit and debit cards were more likely to recover their losses. ... (more)

Credit card charge-offs hit record high in January -- Banks increasingly abandoned their attempts to collect money from delinquent credit cardholders in January, according to research and risk analysis firm Moody's. ... (more)

ID theft, debt collection top list of consumer complaints -- In the Federal Trade Commission's 2008 compilation of consumer gripes, ID Theft ran first for the ninth straight year, and complaints about credit cards jumped into the top 20. ... (more)

Consumers have fewer options for using credit cards for medical expenses -- As the credit crunch deepens, using credit cards to pay for health and medical expenses may no longer be an option. ... (more)

Your future in the cards: What will credit cards look like in 25, 50 or 100 years? -- Your future in cards will probably not include plastic, experts say. ... (more)

ATMs aren't just for cash withdrawals anymore -- Stamps? Gift cards? Bill pay? Concert tickets? In the past few years, automated teller machines have started offering more than cash. ... (more)

Average credit card balances rose to $7,300 in 2007, Fed survey says -- The Federal Reserve released its triennial look at Americans' finances. Seven in 10 households have credit cards, but nearly half carry balances each month ... (more)

From 'Gossip Girl' to 'The Stand': 8 novels show how credit cards appear in fiction, novels -- Whether it's "Gossip Girl," "Twilight" or "The Stand," popular works of fiction have shone a light on how we handle credit cards and debt. ... (more)

Federal Reserve's December 2008 G.19 report on consumer spending -- Consumers sharply reduced their credit card balances in December, according to monthly data from the Federal Reserve, as even the holidays weren't enough to drive spending on plastic. ... (more)

Federal Reserve's December 2008 G.19 report on consumer spending -- Consumers sharply reduced their credit card balances in December, according to monthly data from the Federal Reserve, as borrowers paid for fewer expenses with plastic. ... (more)

Research: Direct mail credit card offers plummeted in 2008 -- Those offers that did go out went mainly to the wealthy, according to Mintel Comperemedia research. ... (more)

Fitch: Credit card late payments hit record high, charge-offs spike -- Fitch Ratings reports that the recession is taking its toll on credit cardholders, as a record number of them pay their bills late. ... (more)

Fed report: Banks continue to tighten lending standards -- Banks remain hesitant to extend credit to consumer borrowers, according to the results of the latest Federal Reserve survey of senior loan officers, with more than half of lenders saying they tightened their credit card lending standards in the last three months of 2008. ... (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)

Poll: Holiday spending less pleasant for consumers -- A new CreditCards.com poll shows two out of five Americans report less pleasant holiday shopping than last year. ... (more)

How to replace a lost or stolen gift card -- The reason so many of us love gift cards -- they're a lot like cash -- is also the reason they can be hard to replace when they're stolen or lost. However, there are steps you can take to reclaim that moolah. ... (more)

Your credit card is a tattletale: With electronic payments, little is private -- Credit card issuers have access to a wealth of information about where you shop, how much you spend and how often. Increasingly, they use that data to change your access to credit. ... (more)

Credit card statistics, industry facts, debt statistics -- Read recent credit card statistics, surveys and research from a variety of sources. This frequently updated compilation of credit card statistics is all sourced, making fact-checking and research easy. ... (more)

Federal Reserve's November 2008 G.19 report on consumer spending -- Credit card balances plunged in November, as consumers strongly reined in their borrowing. ... (more)

Breaking news: Federal Reserve's November 2008 G.19 report on consumer spending -- Credit card balances shrank in November, as concern over banks' strict lending standards caused consumers to rein in their spending. ... (more)

Statute of limitation for credit card debt, all 50 states -- Creditors have a limited time in which to file suit over unpaid credit card debt. Here are the statutes of limitation for all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. ... (more)

7 irrational credit card fears (and 7 REAL worries) -- Are you or someone you know afraid to use -- or even obtain -- plastic? Sure, credit cards come with a series of essential cautions, but overall they are safe and useful financial management tools. ... (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)

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)

Your future monthly credit card statement -- Federal regulators have asked credit card issuers to make monthly statements sent to millions of credit card users easier to understand. The deadline for the changes to take effect is July 1, 2010, although some issuers may roll out revamped statements sooner. ... (more)

Understanding credit card minimum payments -- Your credit card's minimum-payment-due amount can be a mysteriously shifting figure that makes a significant impact on the monthly budget. We'll help you solve the riddle. ... (more)

Fed slashes benchmark interest rate to record low -- It was largely a symbolic move, but the Federal Reserve today cut a key short-term interest rate to its lowest level in history. Just don't expect it to have much impact on your credit card's APR. ... (more)

Fed cuts key interest rate to record low -- In what was largely a symbolic move, the Federal Reserve today cut interest rates to their lowest level in history. That decision is not expected to have much impact on annual percentage rates for credit cards. ... (more)

Gift cards: Practicality is in for '09 -- Gift cards are still wildly popular, even as Americans struggle through the recession, but many people are rethinking how they use them. ... (more)

Tips to get the most from bankrupt retailers' gift cards -- If you're like most Americans, you have some unused gift cards, and you'll likely get more of the popular plastic this holiday season. But even as more companies declare bankruptcy, there are steps you can take to avoid ending up with a useless gift card. ... (more)

Federal Reserve's October 2008 G.19 report on consumer spending -- Credit card balances shrank in October, as the tightening of credit by banks and limited consumer budgets made it more difficult for cardholders to put charges on their plastic. ... (more)

Breaking news: Federal Reserve's October 2008 G.19 report on consumer spending -- Credit card balances shrank in October, as the tightening of credit by banks made it more difficult for consumers to put charges on their plastic. ... (more)

10 tips for graduating from subprime to prime credit cardholder -- While most people wisely avoid subprime cards -- which feature low credit limits, high annual fees and sky-high annual percentage rates -- they are one of the best ways for consumers boost their credit before graduating to a more attractive card, experts say. ... (more)

Banks focus mailings on current customers, not new ones -- Fearful of taking on more risk in today's economic environment, banks are choosing to focus on keeping current credit card customers rather than acquiring new ones, according to direct mail data from Chicago-based Mintel Comperemedia. ... (more)

10 creative -- or desperate -- uses for credit cards -- The pieces of plastic in your wallet are good for more than spending. In a pinch, they can scrape ice from a window, pick a guitar and more. ... (more)

Chilean credit cards -- Our ongoing series moves to South America where we visit Chile. There, credit card use continues to grow, but small businesses remain reluctant to embrace plastic. ... (more)

$5.3 billion in stolen credit card info up for grabs -- Despite tough economic times on Wall Street, the economy of stolen credit cards and bank account information is booming. According to a report released Nov. 24 by Symantec, stolen credit card info with a potential value of $5.3 billion was available on web forums and chat ... (more)

Canadian credit cards -- Our ongoing series moves to Canada, where the average adult Canadian has two or more credit cards. ... (more)

Filipino credit cards -- Our ongoing series moves to The Philippines, where debit use nearly quadruples credit card use. ... (more)

Fed: Delinquency rates edged downward in Q3 -- Credit card delinquencies were down and charge-offs up slightly during the third quarter of 2008, according to the latest banking industry figures released Tuesday by the Federal Reserve Board. ... (more)

Switzerland credit cards -- Our ongoing series moves to Switzerland, the country that is synonymous with banking but less enthusiastic about credit cards. ... (more)

Israel credit cards -- Our series moves to Israel, a Middle Eastern nation whose credit card boom is showing few signs of slowing down. ... (more)

Indonesia credit cards -- Our series moves to Indonesia. This Southeast Asia nation is the largest Muslim nation -- and world's fourth largest overall -- in terms of population. It's still mostly a cash-driven society, but the credit card business is definitely growing steadily. ... (more)

Compare credit card rental car insurance coverage: Policies vary widely -- Credit card companies' policies vary sharply, so don't always be quick to turn down rental car agencies' optional coverage. ... (more)

U.S. retail store credit card comparison table -- Here are the top issuers of retail store credit cards, both those offered by the retailers themselves and those offered by banks. ... (more)

Turkey credit cards -- Our series moves to Turkey, a growing nation that's struggling with astronomical credit card interest rates. ... (more)

Argentina credit cards -- Our series moves to Argentina for a look at how credit cards are used in this vibrant South American nation. ... (more)

Fed report: Banks tighten lending standards even more -- Lenders are sharply tightening standards, by cutting credit limits and increasing minimum payments and required scores. ... (more)

Surveys say: Americans report cutting back spending, debt -- Recent polls conducted by three different groups echo CreditCards.com "Taking Charge" survey: consumers are adapting to changing economy. ... (more)

Saudi Arabia credit cards -- Our series moves to Saudi Arabia. This wealthy, oil-rich nation is slowly beginning to embrace the use of credit cards, like much of the world, but some of its traditions and customs are making their transition a bit more challenging than others. ... (more)

13 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)

As holiday budgets tighten, gift cards remain popular -- Although holiday sales overall are expected to take a hit this year, analysts say gift cards' popularity will continue. ... (more)

Study: Who gets gift cards (and which kinds we prefer to get) -- Statistics on gift card preferences broken down by ethnicity and gender. ... (more)

Credit card survey: They're not status symbols, they're just plastic -- Advertisements try to persuade us otherwise, but almost no one puts any weight in the brand or appearance of their credit cards, according to a new national survey. ... (more)

China credit cards -- Our series moves to China, the world's most populous nation. It's a place that drew the eyes of the world during the 2008 Summer Olympics and is experiencing a credit card boom that is almost beyond belief. ... (more)

Russia credit cards -- Our series moves to Russia, where credit cards are becoming more popular in a traditionally cash-driven society. ... (more)

Colombia credit cards -- Our ongoing series heads to Colombia for a look at credit card use and credit card statistics in this sometimes-troubled nation. ... (more)

Moody's: Credit card charge-offs rise 48 percent in August '08 -- Moody's Investors Service reports that credit card charge-offs rose 48 percent in August 2008, and it expects charge-offs to continue to rise throughout 2009. ... (more)

Nigeria credit cards -- Our ongoing series heads to Nigeria for a look at credit card use and credit card statistics in this African nation. ... (more)

South Korea credit cards -- Our ongoing series heads to Asia for a look at credit card use and credit card statistics in South Korea. ... (more)

Three years later, bankruptcy law fails to quash filings -- On the third anniversary of bankruptcy reform law, critics wonder how much bankruptcy filings will grow in economic downturn. ... (more)

Bankruptcy filings, state by state, 2005-2009 -- Interactive map shows rate of each state's bankruptcy filings, and how the pace fell off a cliff in 2005, then rebounded. ... (more)

Study: Delinquencies ramping up for those who took out mortgages recently -- It used to be that homeownership was a mark of stability, a factor that lenders took into account by opening their vaults a little wider to those who had mortgages. No more. ... (more)

France credit cards -- Our ongoing series heads to France for a look at credit card use and credit card statistics in the home of great wines and cheeses and the Eiffel Tower ... (more)

August 2008 G.19 report from Federal Reserve on consumer spending -- The Federal Reserve's G.19 report, a key measure of consumer spending, showed consumers slowed their spending for the first time in a decade. ... (more)

Brazil credit cards -- Our ongoing series heads to Brazil for a look at credit card use and credit card statistics in the soccer-mad home of Carnaval and supermodels. ... (more)

Mexico credit cards -- Our ongoing series heads to Mexico for a look at credit card use and credit card statistics in the United States' neighbor to the south. ... (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)

India credit cards -- Our ongoing series heads to India for a look at credit card use and credit card statistics in one of the world's fastest growing countries. ... (more)

Job losses pushing up credit card debt delinquencies -- The American Bankers Association's Economic Advisory Committee predicts a mild recession during the closing months of 2008; job losses are fueling credit card debt delinquencies. ... (more)

Australian credit cards and statistics -- Our ongoing series heads Down Under for a look at credit card use and credit card statistics in Australia. ... (more)

Credit card debt up, delinquencies down in Q2, report says -- Americans had more average credit card debt and delinquencies were down slightly during the second quarter of 2008. ... (more)

Credit cards around the world: South Africa -- The first in a series showcasing information about credit card use in nations throughout the world. We begin with South Africa. ... (more)

Fed's G.19 report shows card debt rose slightly in July -- Credit card balances increased in July, according to new figures released by federal banking regulators. That slight uptick is due to the fact that economic woes are making it more difficult for cardholders to pay off existing balances, according to analysts. ... (more)

Identity theft sample letters -- If you've been a victim, this step-by-step guide and set of printable letters can help retrieve your name. ... (more)

American Express tops customer satisfaction chart in J.D. Power survey -- J.D. Power 2008 customer satisfaction survey ranks the top 18 credit card issuers. ... (more)

Poll: Snooping and arguments go along with joint credit -- Sharing a credit card account? Expect arguments, snooping and maybe canceling a card, says a new CreditCards.com poll. ... (more)

Graphs: Snooping and arguments go along with joint credit -- Graphs of CreditCards.com 'Taking Charge' survey on sharing credit card accounts. ... (more)

How Americans pay for college: A lot of borrowing -- Credit cards are rarely used to pay college costs, a new survey says, and when they are, it's mostly out of desperation. ... (more)

CreditCards.com 'Taking Charge' survey, part 2: People adapt card use to changed economy -- A new CreditCards.com survey suggests the financially fit are surviving the economic downturn, but others are not. ... (more)

CreditCards.com 'Taking Charge' graphs, part 2: People adapt card use to changed economy -- These graphs show how Americans are adapting to a changed economic landscape. ... (more)

Taking Charge poll: Nearly 3 of 4 Americans favor government regulation of credit cards -- The second annual CreditCards.com 'Taking Charge' survey says Americans mistrust but need credit cards. ... (more)

Taking Charge graphs: Nearly 3 of 4 Americans favor government regulation of credit cards -- Annual CreditCards.com Taking Charge survey gauges attitudes about credit cards and lending. ... (more)

Hiding credit card debt -- The exact number of men and women who hide credit card debt from a partner isn't known, but anecdotal evidence and interviews with financial planners suggest that the problem is widespread. ... (more)

Tips for uncovering, dealing with hidden credit card debt -- If you find a loved one has hidden debt, you could scream, fight or even ask for a divorce. Experts, however, say there are better choices. ... (more)

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)

Fed's G.19 report shows card debt rose sharply in June -- Credit card activity continued to surge in June, according to new figures released by federal banking regulators. Analysts say consumers are relying on credit cards for increasingly costly expenses as other lines of credit remain unavailable. ... (more)

Foreign transaction fees and rules for the top credit card issuers -- Here are the foreign transaction fees, also known as currency conversion fees, charged by top American credit card issuers to consumers who travel abroad. ... (more)

Fed's G.19 report shows credit card use rebounded in May -- The Fed's latest G19 data shows revolving credit (of which about 98 percent is comprised of credit card debt) edged upward/downward in May 2008. ... (more)

Poll: Credit card debt the new taboo conversation topic -- Religion, politics and sex, move over. Discussing credit card debt is the new taboo. People would rather talk about anything -- their weight, their health problems, the death of a loved one, even details of their love lives --- rather than talk about their credit card debt. ... (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)

Credit card secrets: How bagging and licking make cards work better -- It's gross, but licking a credit card's magnetic stripe can make it scan in a reader. We explain why. ... (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)

Overall consumer credit (revolving and nonrevolving) rose 4.2 percent in April 2008 to $2.56 trillion -- The Fed's latest G19 data shows revolving credit (of which about 98 percent is comprised of credit card debt) edged upward at an annual rate of about half a percentage point percent in April 2008. ... (more)

Credit card issuance a matter of black and white? -- Do all Americans really have equal access to credit cards or are some groups more likely to be granted credit than others? A study found where you live may play a key role in whether you're granted a credit card. ... (more)

Poll: Gas prices causing people to cut visits to family, friends -- More than half of Americans say they've cut down on visiting family and friends due to gas prices, a CreditCards.com poll reveals. ... (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)

GAO report: Federal government pays massive credit card fees, too -- Just like gas station owners and other merchants, the federal government pays interchange fees for credit card and debit card transactions -- and its bill is huge, says a new GAO report. ... (more)

Credit cards and terrorism: How terrorists use cards -- Interviews with terrorism experts and readings of case studies from around the world reveal that the credit cards have become a favored tool of terrorists. ... (more)

Environment survey: Americans not so eco-friendly with credit cards -- Americans may well be more environmentally conscious these days, but not if it means making major changes in how they use their credit cards, a CreditCards.com national survey shows. ... (more)

Being 'green' with credit cards -- Opting out of paper credit card statements is one way to protect the planet for Earth Day. ... (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)

Tax smarts: Maximizing income tax returns -- This series of articles will help you file your taxes and get the most out of your income tax returns. ... (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)

Earth Day chores: 10 ways to go green with credit cards -- One of the best ways to go green in your daily life is to choose plastic, not paper. With credit cards, that is. ... (more)

Credit to their generations: The Millennials -- The attitudes and behaviors of the Millennial Generation and how they use credit cards ... (more)

Credit to their generations: How Generation X views credit cards, debt -- The attitudes and behaviors of Generation X and how they use credit cards ... (more)

Credit to their generations: How baby boomers view credit cards, debt -- The attitudes and behaviors of the baby boomer generation and how they use credit cards ... (more)

Credit to their generations: How 'Greatest' and 'Silent' view credit, debt -- The attitudes and behaviors of the Greatest and Silent generations and how they use credit cards. ... (more)

Credit to their generations: How 'greatest,' boomers, Xers and Millennials differ on credit -- The attitudes and behaviors of different generations and how they use credit cards. ... (more)

Don't let a disability ruin your credit -- An unexpected illness or injury can send you into debt and sink your credit rating faster than you can say, 'I need disability.' ... (more)

Poll: Half of America won't spend their 'stimulus' rebate -- The president wants us to spend it, but most say saving and paying off debt are higher priorities for their economic stimulus rebate checks. ... (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)

Americans say they'll take rebate money and pay off debt -- The economic stimulus windfall is on its way and Americans tell pollsters they'll use it pay off debt. Yeah. Sure. ... (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 and medical costs rise for those with insurance, 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)

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)

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)

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

Poll: Millions will borrow to pay '08 winter heating bills -- Heating oil costs may exceed consumer budgets, leaving borrowing and credit cards as the only option for many families, a CreditCards.com survey shows. ... (more)

Poll: Gas prices will make '08 economy sputter -- Americans' longstanding addiction to gasoline will continue well into 2008, despite rising fuel costs, and may contribute to a slowdown in the overall economy, a new CreditCards.com poll reveals. ... (more)

Credit Freeze: Use it to prevent identity fraud -- Find out more about credit freezes, an effective way to fight identity fraud. ... (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)

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

High winter heating bills, meet credit cards -- With heating bills sky high, consumers will be tempted to use utilities' new credit card payment options. Should they? ... (more)

Which utilities allow credit card payments in the United States? -- CreditCards.com surveyed many of the largest utility companies in the United States. A growing number of them offer customers the option of paying their bills with credit cards. Find out which major utility providers offer the service in your state. ... (more)

Study: Too much optimism leads to late card payments -- A little optimism leads to healthy financial decisions, according to researchers. Too much leads to overconfidence -- and unpaid bills. ... (more)

A CreditCards.com survey of airline blackout dates -- CreditCards.com survey finds few formal blackout dates, but some restrictions still apply. ... (more)

Details of credit freeze laws in all 50 states -- Most states have passed credit freeze laws to combat identity theft and fraud. Here are the details for each state. ... (more)

Bill Pay Priorities: Mortgage payment takes precedence over card payment -- The majority of homeowners will make house payments even if it affects other bills. Learn why at CreditCards.com. ... (more)

Best credit card for customer satisfaction determined through survey -- According to the 2007Credit Card Satisfaction survey, AmEx provides the highest customer satisfaction. Read more at CreditCards.com. ... (more)

University Credit Card Debt: Graduate students trying to sustain lifestyle -- Graduate students now average $8,216 in credit card debt, according to a new survey, which also says students wish they had learned earlier about handling ... (more)

9 ways to avoid the subprime spillover problems -- The tightening of credit in the mortgage world has had limited effects so far among credit card issuers, but there are ways to make sure it won't hit you at all, experts say. ... (more)

Credit card industry and personal debt statistics (2005 and prior) -- Credit card industry and personal debt statistics for 2005 and earlier. ... (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)

National Consumer Law Center report advises credit card industry changes -- A National Consumer Law Center report contends the credit card industry pushes consumers to borrow beyond their means, and recommends new regulations. ... (more)

Credit card rates rose according to 2007 Consumer Action survey -- The advocacy group Consumer Action found that credit card rates have increased 2 percent since 2005. ... (more)

Credit Card Debt Statistics: Economic data shows decline in debt -- Statistics show a decline in credit card debt. As consumers pay off their bills. ... (more)

Credit card companies might have a liability risk -- An article in the University of Illinois Law Review charges that a case of products liability could be leveled against credit cards. ... (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)

Study says smart people aren't necessarily wealthier -- A recent study found that smarter people may earn more money, but that doesn't mean they are necessarily wealthier. ... (more)

Consumer borrowing surged in March 2007 -- Read how consumer borrowing surged in March 2007 despite the housing slump. ... (more)

Survey: Alternative payment methods grow in acceptance -- A recently completed survey from the consulting firm Brulant found a 267 percent spike in the acceptance of nontraditional payment methods by some of the biggest ... (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)

MasterCard: Learn the various roles of this market giant -- Learn more about Master Card and its role in the credit card industry. ... (more)

Late credit card payments flat in 4Q 2006 -- The American Bankers Association said the percentage of credit card payments that were delinquent remained basically flat in the fourth quarter of 2006. ... (more)

Credit card fraud: examining debit and credit card payment fraud -- Consumers need to protect personal information when shopping and at home. ... (more)

RFID credit cards ripe for theft -- Two UMass computer scientists demonstrated how easy it could be for credit card thieves to grab information from no-swipe credit cards that employ RFID technology. ... (more)

Study shows Hispanics credit card use and debt are rising -- A new credit card study shows credit card use and revolving debt among Hispanics has grown since 2001. ... (more)

Credit card usage in the USA is growing -- Learn about the trends in credit card debt, scores and usage and what's affecting them. ... (more)

Origin of credit cards -- Ever wondered how credit cards came to be? Learn about the origin of credit cards. ... (more)

Credit card use and its impact check writing -- The convenience and speed of credit card use has spurred a decline in check writing. ... (more)

Major credit cards serve as alternative to travelers checks when overseas -- Popularity of using major credit cards for Americans overseas instead of travelers' checks has increased recently. ... (more)

Visa warns of potential for weaker holiday '06 sales -- Visa has cautioned that sales for the 2006 holiday season may be weaker than it previously estimated. ... (more)

Credit card performance report by Moody's -- Moody's finds improved credit card performance receivables. ... (more)

Teaching children about credit, debit cards -- If children are going to grow up into financially responsible adults, today's adults need to explain credit and debit cards to them. ... (more)

Visa business card spending reaches $190 billion -- Visa business credit cards are becoming more popular. Find out more at CreditCards.com ... (more)

Visa again claims title of world's leading credit card -- Visa announced world's leading credit card. Read more and get your own card at CreditCards.com. ... (more)

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

Credit Cards Service issues: Unhappy consumers and exit behavior -- Learn why consumers complain about credit card service, rates, and pricing schemes, and why they cancel cards. ... (more)

Major credit cards impact consumer debt -- The convenience of major credit cards has shaped consumer debt trends. ... (more)

Managing credit card accounts online -- How to set up online credit card account management processes to maximize rewards, cash back and miles on credit cards using recurring payments. ... (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)