Shopping and credit cards

From credit card disaster to card master: 7 tips from the debt reformed -- Repaying big card balances is hard enough, but remaining debt-free is even more so. Learn how seven credit card 'disasters' turned into credit card masters. ... (more)

Consumers shying away from credit cards when shopping online -- The poor economy and consumers' growing aversion to carrying large credit card balances may be why more alternative forms of payment are being used for online purchases. ... (more)

Don't always refuse rental car insurance coverage; credit card protections become iffy -- It used to be a no-brainer -- credit cardholders refused costly additional insurance policies offered by car rental agencies. Now it's not: The rental agencies charge new fees and the card issuers' policies aren't uniform or universal. ... (more)

Chart: Compare credit cards' rental car insurance policies -- It's no longer wise to automatically refuse extra coverage at rental counter. This chart will help you compare policies among major card companies. ... (more)

Consumers gain right to dispute credit report errors directly with merchants -- Starting this summer, if a merchant puts inaccurate information on your credit report, you can force them to investigate the problem. But you have to do it right. ... (more)

Video: White House town hall on credit card reform -- Austan Goolsbee of the President's Council of Economic Advisers answered questions on Feb. 22 about credit card reform and what it means to you. The questions were both submitted live and in advance through CreditCards.com. ... (more)

New credit card era begins with latest CARD Act provisions -- It's a new day for credit cards. As of Feb. 22, new consumer protections within the Credit CARD Act of 2009 take effect. ... (more)

Video: New card law changes relationship between colleges, issuers -- The Credit CARD Act changes the once-secret agreements between card issuers and colleges by requiring schools to report any deals they make with card companies to the Federal Reserve Board. ... (more)

No payments, no interest -- not anymore! -- Traditional 'no interest, no payment' plans are going the way of the dodo, done in by a change in federal law that goes into effect Feb. 22. ... (more)

Video: Big changes coming to bad-credit credit cards -- The new credit card law -- much of which takes effect on Feb. 22 -- has provisions that protect people with bad credit. Specifically, the law limits fees on subprime credit cards. What other changes will the law bring for those with poor credit? ... (more)

White House to answer consumer questions about Credit CARD Act -- The White House will answer Americans' questions about the new credit card reform law during a live online town hall at 2 p.m. EST Feb. 22. ... (more)

Video: 5 smart moves to make before Feb. 22 -- Sweeping new credit card laws arrive on Feb. 22, 2010. But before that day, you might want to make one of these smart credit moves. ... (more)

Visa expands 'no signature' credit card transactions program -- That once-familiar credit card ritual -- signing for your purchases -- will become a rarity for purchases under $25 once Visa expands its no-sign program in July. ... (more)

5 dumbest money moves that love makes you do -- They can seem oh-so-right at the time, but these five financial blunders linger long after your other is no longer significant. ... (more)

Tuning into your finances: How music impacts your money -- There's no denying music can rev up a workout routine, but did you know that music can have a significant impact on your finances, too? ... (more)

Credit card revenge spending: When love goes wrong, the hurt go shopping -- Getting burned by the one you love can inspire the desire to get back by charging up credit accounts. The ultimate cost, however, may be borne by you. ... (more)

7 ways to protect against being a victim of credit card revenge -- Just suffered a break-up from a revenge-seeking ex? Here's how to make sure your credit is safe. ... (more)

Poll: Americans grumpy after parking their plastic over the holiday -- The holiday shopping season was a grumpy affair for many Americans who were struggling to downsize their credit card debt ... (more)

Choose a credit card that matches your life stage -- Your finances change as you march through stages of life; shouldn't your credit card choice change, too? ... (more)

Credit card penalty rates can top 30 percent; how to avoid them -- Think it costs a lot to use your credit card now? Make a late payment and your interest rate could jump to more than 30 percent. ... (more)

Lee Eisenberg, author of 'Shoptimism' on why we shop -- Cheer up, says Lee Eisenberg, author of 'Shoptimism,' a new book on why we shop. Americans are going to shop our way back to prosperity just as we have for centuries. ... (more)

Credit card reform arrives in the form of the Credit CARD Act -- The most sweeping credit card changes ever are being imposed on credit card issuers, which in the course of complying, are making dramatic changes in consumers' credit card accounts -- not all of them welcome. ... (more)

Take steps to prevent bipolar card splurges -- One of the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be overspending. To prevent rampant shopping, there are obstacles you can set up to derail your urge to splurge. ... (more)

How the Credit CARD Act affects gift cards -- Americans -- and retailers -- have grown to love the convenience of gift cards. Their terms have not always been consumer-friendly, though, and the law takes aim at some of them. ... (more)

Interest rates keep rising as credit card reform looms -- As new credit card legislation draws closer, interest rates continue to rise, according to CreditCards.com's Weekly Rate Report. ... (more)

New credit card fee: Pay $1 to get your own monthly billing statement -- Pay a buck to get a bill sent to you? That's what users of credit cards from Ann Taylor, Victoria's Secret, Beall's and some 90 other retailers will have do. ... (more)

Think twice before lending your credit card -- or it will cost you big -- If you let someone -- such as your underage daughter -- borrow your credit card, watch their spending carefully. If they go overboard, you're likely responsible. ... (more)

Resist racking up debt to get back at cheating spouse -- You think hitting where it hurts -- his wallet -- will satisfy your hurt? Don't go there as you may end up paying dearly for your revenge. ... (more)

Bulk up your thin credit in 4 easy steps -- When getting started with credit, the key is to start small, then build up gradually over time. These four easy steps can get you on your way. ... (more)

Debt-free plastic payment options -- Charge cards and debit cards can help you manage cashflow and stay out of debt, but they each come with a risk. Here's how to make them work for you. ... (more)

Fed report: Credit card balances plummet by nearly $14 billion -- Americans dumped a record $14 billion in credit card debt in November, according to Federal Reserve data, and experts say the debt shedding won't end anytime soon. ... (more)

Cleaning up holiday credit card mess -- The fun's over. Come January, that holiday joy turns into debt regret. It's important to shed this debt quickly, and to learn how to prevent the same troubles next year. ... (more)

Personal finance predictions for 2010: Your credit card -- Expect dramatic change in an industry roiled by recession, reform. Whether the net is good for consumers is unclear. ... (more)

Personal finance predictions for 2010: consumer spending -- In experts' views, the worst of the recession is behind us. But so, too, is America's nonchalance toward spending willy-nilly. ... (more)

Personal finance predictions for 2010: Your debit card -- As credit cards continue to retreat, debit cards will evolve, advance ... (more)

Giving charity gift cards? Mind the fine print -- Whether you're looking for a tax write-off, a meaningful gift for a loved one or just a way to do a good deed, you may want to consider a charity gift card. But be warned: These cards' fine print can hold terms that are, well, less than charitable. ... (more)

Personal finance predictions for 2010: Rewards cards -- For years, card companies footed the bill for these expensive programs. In 2010, rewards will go on a diet of fees and frugality. ... (more)

Personal finance predictions for 2010: Phones become payment tools -- We may look back on 2010 as the year our cell phone became a pay phone. ... (more)

Personal finance predictions for 2010: Your paycheck -- One day, perhaps this year, your paycheck may disappear -- replaced by a prepaid card. ... (more)

Personal finance predictions for 2010: Housing's comeback -- Delinquencies predicted to level off, finally ending the bleeding that took us into a steep recession. ... (more)

Personal finance predictions for 2010: Your mail -- Credit card offers fell precipitously in the recession, but experts see a renewed flow in 2010. ... (more)

Personal finance predictions for 2010: ID theft -- Like wolves to injured prey, identity thieves are out to turn the recession struggles of average Americans to their own advantage. ... (more)

Personal finance predictions for 2010: Your kids -- The CARD Act crackdown on campus card promotions will likely have a chilling effect on how young adults obtain credit. ... (more)

Keeping New Year's resolutions: experts' tips -- Three in four Americans will make a financial-related New Year's resolution for 2010, a survey says. But will they keep it? We speak with four experts who offer tips for making -- and sticking to -- your goals for the new year. ... (more)

Instant in-store credit card offers in jeopardy -- Retailers say instant credit card offers won't be possible if consumers have to provide paycheck stubs or other income information at the cash register. ... (more)

Adult son racks up $20,000 on mom's cards -- When an adult child abuses a parent's trust and charges more than $20,000 on joint cards, it's time to get tough and start selling his stuff. ... (more)

8 tricks to not rack up card debt during the holidays -- Here are some tactics you can use to enjoy the holiday season without racking up a lot of credit card debt. ... (more)

8 ways to stay debt-free during the holidays -- You have been good all year: You've budgeted fanatically, spent judiciously, whittled down debt ... and now the holidays are here. How do you resist the plastic? ... (more)

Don't be 'breakage' -- 8 tips to avoid losing gift card value -- About $5 billion worth of gift cards go unused yearly. The industry calls that lost value 'breakage,' and it means big profits for them and lost money for you. ... (more)

Tori Spelling, Ed McMahon, Kim Kardashian, Courtney Love: Celebrity credit card lessons -- If we had the kind of money celebrities had, we'd do a better job managing our credit card debt, right? Judging by these celebrity credit card stories, maybe not. ... (more)

Frugality: Just a fad? Or will consumers keep saving after the recession? -- The tanking economy brought us recession chic. It became cool to clip coupons, throw potlucks and swap used items, but how long will it last? ... (more)

Buyers' guide to gift cards: 5 questions to ask before buying -- Want to save money on gift card purchases? Ask yourself some key question and do a bit of homework; your extra effort can mean cash left over in your pocket. ... (more)

CreditCards.com survey: Retail credit cards boost rates, cut rewards -- Even more hard-hit than regular credit cards, retail cards are reducing reward programs and raising rates to compensate for their higher charge-off rates. ... (more)

CreditCards.com 2009 retail credit card chart: Compare interest rates, rewards -- This year was tough for all credit card companies, but retail credit card issuers experienced greater losses than their general market counterparts. ... (more)

Credit card video: 3 fun ways to wrap a gift card -- Spice up those impersonal gift cards this holiday season with some fun, creative gift wrapping suggestions. Cynthia Drake with CreditCards.com offers some inexpensive and easy ways to make those presents more exciting. ... (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)

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)

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)

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)

Avoid headaches with this 5-step plan for traveling with credit cards -- Most people don't consider their credit cards when they're traveling overseas. That's a mistake. These 5 steps will get you and your cards abroad and back safely. ... (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)

Jon and Kate's 8 plus-size money mistakes -- The paparazzi-pursued loco parental units of reality TV, the Gosselins, set an example, say money experts -- of what NOT to do financially. ... (more)

10 flu-fighting credit card tips -- Cards can carry germs, but with these precautions, you can be an inhospitable host for flu and other bugs. ... (more)

Getting an iPhone, other fancy cell phone? Mind that other number: your credit score -- If you want to get the latest iPhone or other fancy cell phone, you may find your credit score is a key number. A bad one turns your phone into an expensive connection. ... (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)

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)

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)

When is it not a good idea to piggyback on Mom or Dad's credit? -- Becoming an authorized user on a parent, guardian or other adult's credit card account can have rewards as well as pitfalls. Bad payment habits of the account holder can ruin the authorized user's credit score. ... (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)

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)

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)

More credit cardholders can count on concierges -- You no longer need be ultrarich, or even pay a fee, to obtain the customized services of a credit card concierge. ... (more)

How cell phone technology is helping combat credit card fraud -- Mobile phone technology is fast becoming the latest crime-fighting tool against credit card fraud ... (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)

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)

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)

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

Have card, will travel: A guide to traveling with a credit card -- You need to take steps before, during and after the trip if you want your travel to be enjoyable for you and your credit. ... (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)

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)

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)

Let's talk credit: 8 must-have couple conversations -- Attitudes about using credit cards vary dramatically, and learning a partner's outlook can avert all-too-common money disputes. Here are the eight top credit issues every couple should tackle. ... (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)

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)

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)

Personal loan vs. credit card cash advance to pay for wedding -- For one-time events such as a wedding, go with the loan -- the rates are usually much cheaper. ... (more)

Shopping and credit cards: Don't let a convenience become a curse -- For some, a mall and a credit card are a financially toxic mix. It need not be so. These tips will help you become a savvier shopper -- and maybe even save some money. ... (more)

How to shop your way to a better credit score -- Credit card issuers increasingly use complicated formulas to analyze their cardholders' purchasing patterns for signs of increased risk. ... (more)

Credit card foreign transaction fees going up -- Find out how much using your credit and debit cards will ultimately cost you as some have increased their foreign exchange fees. ... (more)

ATM provider releases list of safety tips -- ATM service provider PULSE released a list of tips for protecting customers while using debit cards at ATMS and point-of-sale (POS) terminals. ... (more)

'Free trial' offers can bring unwanted credit card charges -- Ever fall for the "order now and receive a free trial offer" on the latest energy booster or anti-aging cream? You're not alone. Here's how to avoid getting scammed. ... (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)

Thinking of buying an $8,000 motorcycle on a credit card? Weigh all options before your purchase -- A reader wants to use a new credit card to buy his dream motorcycle, but our columnist suggests waiting and weighing all his options before making the purchase. ... (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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

4 ways to receive bonus gift cards -- Shop at the right place or time, ask the right questions and a free gift card could be yours. ... (more)

Ad campaign fights credit card interchange fees -- American households pay hundreds of dollars a year in hidden credit card fees called interchange fees each year, a practice that a business coalition has vowed to fight to eliminate. ... (more)

Heartland data breach damages still mounting -- More than two months after the announcement of the Heartland Payment Systems security breach, the processor has continued to draw fire from merchants and issuers. ... (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)

Calling Dick Tracy: Credit card watches debut -- The wristwatch-credit card combo is fashionable, keeps good time and has a $10,000 credit limit. ... (more)

Tricks and tips to keep frequent flier miles from expiring -- You don't have to book a ticket to keep your frequent flier miles from expiring -- you just have to shop. ... (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 biometrics making its way from the movies to the marketplace -- Credit cards with biometric security features may no longer be the stuff of spy movies, but a mainstream alternative to sloppy signatures and forgotten passwords. ... (more)

'Tokenization' touted as a new way to increase credit card data security -- Rather than spend more making credit card data hackproof, a new concept would prevent ID theft by never having merchants store the data in the first place. ... (more)

9 ways to budget with a prepaid card -- Living without plastic is hard, but switching to prepaid cards can help you avoid debt and teach you how to live within your means. ... (more)

Exercise caution when selling jewelry to pay down debt -- Selling off jewelry to pay down credit card debt can be a good idea -- as long as you don't get ripped off ... (more)

4 reasons you should get a department store credit card -- Often (and justly) maligned, retail store cards sometimes can help. ... (more)

Where some of the best rewards cards can be found -- Despite an overall tightening of credit, some credit card issuers are actually sweetening reward offers. ... (more)

7 ways the sexes handle credit differently -- Think you and your partner whip out the credit cards for different reasons? What about debt repayment -- is there a difference between the sexes? The answers may surprise you. ... (more)

7 credit card myths debunked -- We've all heard them, and we've probably believed more than a few. But living by a credit card myth can cost you in fees and hurt your credit rating. Here are seven of the most pervasive credit card myths to watch out for. ... (more)

Money clubs make a comeback -- If you're one of those people who finds that a little group support never hurts, you may want to organize a money club. ... (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)

Too much fast food can be hazardous to your credit -- No, where you eat doesn't have an impact on your credit score, but that's not the full story. While paying plastic for that Big Mac won't hurt your credit score, it might just make issuers think that you're a credit risk. ... (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)

How credit card transactions work -- This interactive graphic shows what happens when you swipe a credit card, from the merchant to the processing network to the issuing and acquiring banks. ... (more)

How to finance a wedding or an engagement ring -- If you want her to marry you for richer and not poorer, study the fine print to make sure the bauble on her finger doesn't turn into a ball and chain on your newlywed finances. ... (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)

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)

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)

Card issuers, customers 'maxed-out' in frustrating holiday season -- Credit card issuers cutting credit lines. Cardholders strapped for cash. Both sides of the credit card equation are being squeezed, causing some uncomfortable situations at the cash register this holiday season. ... (more)

Specialty gift cards and comparison chart -- Bird lover? Chocoholic? As a holiday gift-giver, it might be nice to give a specialty gift card that will encourage recipients to temporarily forgo frugality, despite the glum economy. ... (more)

Giving the gift of flight with airline gift cards -- Anyone considering giving an airline gift card should make sure all the terms and conditions won't prevent redemption ... (more)

2008 credit card holiday promotions -- Credit card issuers are sweetening their deals at the end of 2008 by adding rewards and special offers from merchants. ... (more)

Gifts that give twice: Charitable gift cards -- Give more meaning and economize your holiday gift giving by purchasing gifts that give twice -- charity gift cards. ... (more)

Just say no to store credit cards -- There are too many reasons why you shouldn't want a credit card for every store in the mall, so pass up those one-time discounts. ... (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)

Keeping your credit score clean before you close on a home -- Unwitting homebuyers who go on a credit card binge risk losing their pre-approval status and financing. ... (more)

Deferred interest, same as cash; Play the game right or you lose -- It's tempting: "No payments until 2010." Find out the how deferred interest payment programs work, the best way to use them and what happens if you don't pay on time. ... (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)

13 tips to protect yourself on Black Friday, Cyber Monday -- Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren't just big days for shoppers -- ID thieves look forward to them, too. We'll give you tips to make sure that your identity is safe and secure when you shop online or in the stores. ... (more)

Gift card malls cut time, gas costs and money for holiday shopping -- The country's continuing economic downturn has created an atmosphere ripe for the one-stop shopping convenience of gift card malls. ... (more)

Store credit cards still offered, but approvals become stricter -- While it may sound enticing to save 15 percent off your purchase at the checkout counter by applying for that retail credit card, your chances of getting approved for a store credit card are getting slimmer. ... (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)

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)

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)

Top 10 creative ways to wrap gift cards -- The solution for gift-card lovers or skeptics comes in the form of thinking outside the box -- the ubiquitous, gift card-sized gift card box, that is -- and in getting creative. ... (more)

Don't lose those expired gift card funds -- For most gift cards issued by major retail chains, expiration dates are, well, expiring. Still, for those consumers whose gift cards do expire, there are ways to recover those funds rather than losing them forever. ... (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)

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)

4 tips for negotiating for better credit card terms -- Know your own value, do your research and you'll come out ahead in negotiations with your credit card issuer. ... (more)

Why students pay for college with credit cards, tips to avoid -- When money gets too tight for tuition, a growing group of students and their families break out the plastic. ... (more)

Layaway enjoying small revival for the holidays -- Layaway, largely erased by the rise of credit cards, is making a minor comeback in time for the holidays. ... (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)

Good dog, bad bill: Veterinary care financing options -- Pet owners have more veterinary treatment choices than ever, which is good for pets, but can strain on finances. We review the payment options. ... (more)

Surprise! Unexpected items can appear on a credit report -- Hoping to keep your credit score up? You’ll not only want to stay current with your credit card bills, mortgage payments and student loans -- you may also need to pay any outstanding library fines. ... (more)

Even credit card purchases at home may now trigger 'international' fee -- Credit card purchases may be 'international,' even if you aren't. ... (more)

Many airlines now accepting plastic for in-flight purchases -- Weary travelers, take heart. On most airlines, you are now free to pay for your in-flight Heineken or Harry Potter movie with your credit card. ... (more)

6 tips for financing a funeral -- Planning a funeral on the heels of a loved one's passing -- especially when the loss is unexpected -- is one of the toughest things you can go through. Still, despite the time crunch and emotional upset, there are steps you can take to control your costs. ... (more)

Financing a funeral: All options have pluses, minuses -- What is the best way to pay for funeral expenses? All the methods of paying have pluses and minuses. ... (more)

How to dispute a credit card bill with a merchant -- Dissatisfied with a merchant's product or service? If you do it right, your credit card issuer may step in to help. ... (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)

Auto manufacturer reward credit cards: a car deal on wheels? -- Many of today’s credit cardholders aren't interested in just any old rewards -- they're holding out for perks that come in the form of brand-new, all-leather-interior, fully loaded, shiny status symbols to adorn their driveways. ... (more)

Artists recycle credit cards into craft creations -- Some creative crafts people are happy to breathe new life into old cards -- and are doing their part to keep that plastic from heading to the landfill. ... (more)

4 ways to safeguard personal information online -- As Internet criminals grow smarter and sneakier, it's increasingly difficult to keep your credit card and personal information safe. Here are four fundamental tips. ... (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)

Car's too small, loan's upside down -- A woman who needs a bigger car but who is upside down on her car loan should focus on paying down the debt before looking at bigger vehicles, says The Credit Guy. ... (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)

Cell phone plus contactless credit card equals Yak, wave, buy -- What do you get when you add contactless credit capabilities to your cell phone? A single device for making calls and credit card purchases. You yak, you wave, you buy. ... (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)

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)

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 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)

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

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)

Taking a credit card on a foreign vacation: 10 tips -- On balance, bringing your credit card on vacation is a smart decision, but expect extra fees and take precautions. ... (more)

Identity theft: Credit card dangers lurk on smaller Web sites -- Credit card dangers, such as identity theft, can pose a greater threat on smaller Web sites. ... (more)

Be cautious about opening store credit card accounts during the holidays -- Store credit cards may be appealing to shoppers looking to save money, but there are a number of reasons that initial 10% savings may not be enough to make having such a card a winning proposition. ... (more)

Consumer rights for credit and debit cards -- U.S. Central Bank interest rates have been raised on variable-rate credit cards and home equity lines of credit. ... (more)

7 tips for paying winter heating bills -- Having a hard time paying astronomic heating bills? These 7 tips can help. ... (more)

Credit card fraud and online shopping -- Learn the credit card fraud dangers of online shopping and how to avoid them. ... (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)

Can you blame a credit card for those extra pounds? -- Data suggests that consumers may be contributing to their own weight problems by making fast-food purchases using credit cards and debit cards. ... (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)

Visa reports weak end to 2006 holiday sales -- Visa said that sales for holiday 2006 appear to have fallen short of its earlier outlook. ... (more)

Credit card reward points can translate into holiday gifts -- Reward credit card points can be redeemed for gift certificates or checks that can be used to buy Christmas gifts this holiday season. ... (more)

Be credit card savvy when shopping for the holidays -- Knowing a few things beforehand can make holiday shopping with a credit card a much better experience. ... (more)

10 tips to curb holiday credit card mistakes -- Experts offer 10 tips on how to enjoy the holidays while avoiding credit card debt stemming from too much spending. ... (more)

MasterCard credit cards to be accepted at Sam's Club -- Sam's Club now accepting MasterCard Credit Card instead of Visa. Read about it at CreditCards.com ... (more)

Holiday shopping incentives for credit cards can be tempting -- Although holiday shopping incentives can be tempting, personal information may be used for marketing initiatives. ... (more)

Why some businesses still don't take credit cards -- Small businesses do not always accept credit cards. Find out why at CreditCards.com ... (more)

Credit card spam charges involve smaller, less noticeable theft -- Credit card users need to look out for spam charges -- smaller unauthorized transactions which thieves hope to sneak by on credit card bills. ... (more)

Consumers increasingly use their credit cards to purchase small-ticket items -- Consumers increasingly use credit cards for to pay for small-ticket purchases. ... (more)

Car reward credit card | Use to help save money on car purchases -- Looking to buy a new car? Using a car rewards credit card can save you money. ... (more)

Instant credit card approval: What it really means -- Does instant credit card approval mean you can use your card right away? Not necessarily. ... (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)