Credit Cards

If you’re in the process of paying off a credit card debt but feel like your interest rate is too high, you have the option of negotiating your Annual Percentage Rate (APR) with your credit issuer. When you feel ready to talk to your credit card company, dial the customer service number on the back of your credit card, then choose the options that will route you to speak with a representative. When the representative picks up, here are some tips that can help you negotiate.

If you don’t have citizenship, permanent residence, or a worker’s visa in the US, then you’ve probably found yourself in a difficult position when asked to present a Social Security number. Not having a Social Security number can be a major obstacle when applying for jobs, loans and credit cards, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a dealbreaker for your finances.

If you’d like to raise your current credit limit on a card, contact your credit card company by calling the number on the back of your card or using the Secure Messaging feature on their website. You have nothing to lose by asking, and if the account has been open for over a year, chances are good that your request will be granted. Here’s a quick series of tips on how to address the situation.

If you’re trying to save money on travel in the next year, chances are good that getting a travel rewards card is on your mind. When used with enough frequency and foresight, these cards can be used to save hundreds of dollars on airfare, hotels and ground transportation. But getting a travel rewards card isn’t always the right idea, and when it is, there are so many to choose from.

Applying for a credit card has become so easy that it can be done in a matter of minutes. Just visit the card’s website, submit your information and wait for the credit card issuer to get back to you. You should receive a decision within a few days, sometimes even instantly. However, before you apply you’ll want to take careful stock of your credit history and score so that you can maximize your chances of approval.

Balance transfer cards are great resources if you have a large outstanding balance on another credit card with a high-interest rate, making it difficult to pay down. Balance transfer cards usually offer a promotional 0% APR period that lasts anywhere between 6 and 24 months. This makes them specifically designed to give you the time you need to pay off the debt interest-free.

A credit card allows you to borrow money from a company and make purchases you otherwise might not be able to immediately afford.

If you’re confident that you’ll use your credit card responsibly, then a rewards credit card is a great way to earn a passive income. Rewards on these cards take many different forms: there’s cash back, points that can be used for travel, and other benefits which vary from card to card.

When used responsibly, credit cards offer several advantages for the discerning consumer. Most importantly, they are essential for establishing a good credit score. By paying off your monthly credit card balance in a timely fashion, you will create a strong credit history, which results in an improved credit score. Credit cards also come with the following, lesser-known benefits.