Credit Card Tips & News
Latest in Credit cards
American Express pays redress to Spanish-language customers8/23/2017
The company discriminated against consumers in Puerto Rico and elsewhere, feds say
American Express is paying $96 million in redress to Spanish-speaking consumers in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and elsewhere as part of an agreem… continue readingBy Truman Lewis
Report finds subprime credit cards not effective at boosting credit scores8/22/2017
There are lots of fees and users tend to max out their accounts
Consumers faced with the task of rebuilding damaged credit are often told to follow a few simple steps.In addition to paying all their bills on time, t… continue readingBy Mark Huffman
Feds end consumer measure that earned wrath of payday lenders, Republicans and sex industry8/21/2017
The Trump administration says the banking policy allowed the feds to target merchants for political reasons
The Department of Justice is ending an Obama-era policy that instructed banks to watch out for “high-risk” merchants that sought direct access to consumers… continue readingBy Amy Martyn
J.D. Power: great time to be a credit card customer8/17/2017
Firm finds increased competition resulting in more perks
There's growing competition among banks and credit card companies to sign up new customers, and they're rolling out one incentive after another.As a re… continue readingBy Mark Huffman
Credit card rates hit another record high7/27/2017
CreditCards.com puts the average rate at 16.11%
The Federal Reserve this week decided not to raise a key interest rate, but credit card rates are still going up.The Fed's Open Market Committee left t… continue readingBy Mark Huffman
Discover adds security features to its credit cards7/20/2017
Will monitor the 'dark web' for members' Social Security numbers
The credit card industry is getting more competitive, with companies providing more services and rewards. Consumers stand to benefit.For example, Disco… continue readingBy Mark Huffman
Cash won't be king if Visa has its way7/13/2017
The credit card company is offering merchants cold hard cash to go cashless
Visa would like for everyone to stop using cash and is putting its money where its mouth is. The credit card company is offering thousands of dollars to sm… continue readingBy James R. Hood
Safe ways to cut credit card debt and rebuild credit scores7/6/2017
A non-profit credit counselor may be able to get your started
Economists trying to figure out why the economy isn't growing any faster may be overlooking a couple of obvious factors.Consumers are paying on $1.3 tr… continue readingBy Mark Huffman
July, 2017
Navy Federal bucks trend of rising credit card rates7/5/2017
Credit union lowers rate on two popular cards
June, 2017
Average credit card interest rate hits record 16%6/30/2017
Those rates will probably go even higher in the months ahead
Best credit cards for renting a car this summer6/28/2017
Citibank cards come out on top in WalletHub analysis
CFPB reins in four 'credit repair' firms6/27/2017
The agency charges the firms misrepresented their services and charged illegal fees
Six good credit cards for gasoline purchases6/21/2017
Depending on your circumstances, one of these cards could be rewarding
The difference between 'deferred-interest' and '0% interest'6/9/2017
Consumer agency seeks more transparency in these kinds of offers
Credit card debt closing in on $1 trillion6/8/2017
Credit card balances rapidly catching up with student loans
Credit card rates at another record high6/8/2017
With a Fed meeting looming, they could go even higher
Should you store your credit card information online?6/5/2017
Online security experts advise against it
May, 2017
Credit card fraud alerts on the rise5/15/2017
Fraudsters have increased their activity in the last two years
Report predicts credit card fraud about to explode5/1/2017
Technology firm finds 200% increase in credit card 'testing'
April, 2017
Credit card rates at record high4/27/2017
CreditCards.com says the average interest rate is now 15.74%
Consumers use more credit cards, but enjoy them less4/12/2017
Harris Poll finds 61% of consumers think their card falls short
Consumers increase credit card use for small purchases4/11/2017
Survey finds purchases that once went on debit cards now going on credit cards
AGs ask Congress not to abolish protections for prepaid debit card users4/5/2017
A Congressional measure would block protections about to go into effect
NetSpend settles with FTC for $53 million4/3/2017
The company was charged with using deceptive practices to sell prepaid card products to consumers
March, 2017
Supreme Court weighs in on credit card swipe fees3/29/2017
The justices unanimously said existing regulations inhibit free speech, returned the case to a lower court
Credit card and student loan complaints on the rise3/29/2017
CFPB report details gripes over fraudulent charges, identity theft, and rewards programs
Venmo, other p2p systems eclipsing banks, which are planning to fight back3/27/2017
Big banks are launching Zelle, a Venmo-like service, later this year
Temkin rates Discover number one among credit card companies for customer experience3/24/2017
The industry as a whole rates higher with consumers
Average credit card interest rate at record high3/23/2017
Credit card default rate also rose last month
What's the best credit card for business use?3/16/2017
CreditCards.com picks three that it says are the best of 2017
Consumers racking up record credit card debt3/10/2017
The parallels to 2007 are eerie and ominous
Credit Sesame offers new credit card pre-qualification tool3/1/2017
Consumers can find out which Capital One cards they can get
February, 2017
Feds assess $13 million in fines and restitution for RushCard meltdown2/1/2017
The 2015 breakdown left thousands of consumers unable to access their money
January, 2017
Why you really need to start paying down your credit cards1/27/2017
The average rate is the highest since 2007 and is going higher
10 good credit card choices for 20171/10/2017
From travel to cash back, these cards can be rewarding
Returning a purchase? Your credit card may help1/6/2017
Nearly all card networks provide some type of extended return benefit
December, 2016
When a modest credit card debt can feel crushing12/23/2016
A large debt with a small income always spells trouble
Rising concern about credit card debt12/14/2016
NerdWallet study says average household owes more than $16,000
Another reason to skip the extended warranty12/9/2016
Your credit card probably already provides one
Credit card report sounds the debt alarm12/8/2016
Consumers on track to add $80 billion in credit card debt in 2016
November, 2016
Credit card late fees may rise in 201711/28/2016
American Express has already announced it will take advantage of higher federal limits
Credit accounts surge just before Black Friday11/22/2016
But point-of-sale incentives usually not that attractive
Will mobile wallets make headway this holiday season?11/4/2016
Fin-Tech executive says they can increase consumer security
Consumers rejected for credit cards take it personally11/1/2016
But knowing why you were rejected can help you get accepted next time
October, 2016
Should you open a store credit account?10/21/2016
If you already have a general purpose credit card, probably not
September, 2016
Subprime borrowers increase credit access9/21/2016
Experian report also shows delinquency rate is down sharply over five years
How to select the best credit card9/21/2016
Money magazine consults with NerdWallet to offer the top picks
Here are three highly-rated business credit cards9/19/2016
The Capital One Spark Cash for Business makes just about everyone's list
Wells Fargo reportedly faces probe by federal prosecutors9/15/2016
The other shoe may not have dropped in the bogus account scandal
Wells Fargo feeling the heat over fraudulent transactions by its employees9/13/2016
Senate schedules hearings as bank jettisons its sales goals
Credit card debt in second quarter sets record9/12/2016
Study projects total credit card debt will eclipse $1 trillion this year
Have you ever read your credit card agreement?9/8/2016
A study finds these legal documents are over the heads of most consumers
Whose credit card application is the easiest to understand?9/7/2016
A study finds banks are now doing a better job at transparency
PayPal, MasterCard partnership offers more tap-and-pay options9/6/2016
It also makes MasterCard a payment option within PayPal
August, 2016
Are you using the right credit card?8/19/2016
A J.D. Power study shows why you probably aren't
Subprime borrowers continue to increase their credit card usage8/10/2016
But the percentage of those doing so is down sharply from 2008
Russian hackers breach huge point-of-sale payment system8/8/2016
Oracle's MICROS credit card payment system compromised, reports say
Should an annual fee be a credit card deal breaker?8/1/2016
It all depends on how you plan to use the card
July, 2016
Santander Bank to pay $10 million for overdraft service violations7/14/2016
Telemarketers sold overdraft protection deceptively, signed up customers without consent
June, 2016
Sam's Club needles Costco, notes it accepts all credit cards6/28/2016
Costco membership card can be used as a credit card at Sam's through July 4th
Here's what credit card companies look for when you apply6/21/2016
You may be surprised at what can get your application rejected
Your Amex card's no good at Costco anymore6/20/2016
The warehouse chain has switched its allegiance to Visa cards
Consumer credit slowed in April after surging in March6/8/2016
Independent study shows worrisome trend in credit card debt
Costco's switch to Visa from Amex doesn't sit well with everyone6/7/2016
The new Visa card features higher cashback credits, but not everything about it is so rosy
Four good credit cards for buying gas6/7/2016
These cards pay a higher cash back reward for gasoline purchases
May, 2016
Discover to provide free FICO credit score to everyone5/23/2016
Has been providing it free to customers since 2013
Walmart sues Visa to require PIN use with chip credit cards5/11/2016
Retailers continue to insist the new cards aren't as fraud-proof as they could be
April, 2016
Three good credit cards for small business owners4/29/2016
All three have business-friendly features and no annual fee
Best credit cards for poor credit, bad credit, and no credit4/26/2016
Used responsibly, they can be tools for rebuilding your credit
March, 2016
Survey: 42% of retailers are still swiping credit cards3/28/2016
More than half of consumers think that's just fine
Credit card showdown: Chase Freedom vs. Blue Cash Preferred3/24/2016
Both cards are excellent for day to day purchases
The four best airline credit cards3/14/2016
They aren't for everyone, but if you travel a lot you can reap generous rewards
Banks tracking customers' cell phone locations to detect fraud3/7/2016
The opt-in program should also reduce declines when customers are traveling
November, 2015
Attorneys general join push for PINs with new chip cards11/17/2015
Nine state officials say new chip cards need added protection
October, 2015
RushCard: Systems restored, reimbursements pending for customers who suffered financial losses10/30/2015
Russell Simmons: "I will not rest" until customers' trust is regained
Sales down, debit card fraud up at Walmart10/14/2015
What's the best way to safeguard your debit card? Don't have one
September, 2015
Pay attention to credit card update notices, consumer site warns9/15/2015
The benefits your card offers aren't etched in stone; they can disappear overnight
July, 2015
Citibank fined $700 million for illegal credit card practices7/21/2015
CFPB: Consumers spent millions of dollars for services they didn't order
American Express introduces Express Checkout7/13/2015
Promoted as a safer, easier way to buy things online
May, 2015
New mass retail/business hacking: customer data stolen from Harbortouch Point-Of-Sale systems5/1/2015
How many businesses are affected, and which businesses are they? That information is not yet available
March, 2015
Target offers $10 million settlement over 2013 data breach3/19/2015
Individual victims could claim up to $10,000 in damages, if a federal judge accepts Target's proposal
Costco picks Citi Visa to replace American Express3/2/2015
Costco customers will be offered a new co-branded card to replace their Amex
January, 2015
Don't let “breach fatigue” leave you vulnerable to hackers and malware1/5/2015
Everyone's sick and tired of all these hackings — except the hackers themselves
October, 2014
Home Depot security breach cost credit unions at least $60 million10/30/2014
Re-issuing a single stolen card number costs over $8
“Replay” lets fraudsters disguise fake credit card charges as legitimate chip-card transactions10/27/2014
Banks and card companies disagree over who is responsible
September, 2014
Home Depot customer database hacked?9/2/2014
Early reports indicate all U.S. stores might be affected, ever since last April or May
Thermal-imaging devices can steal your PINs and passcodes9/2/2014
Luckily, a NASA engineer discovered an easy way to protect yourself
July, 2014
Wocket Wallet: Is it the wallet of the future?7/11/2014
Digital device holds all your cards and encrypts the data
June, 2014
How hackers profit: a look inside a professional “carding shop” 6/5/2014
A security blogger visits a black market in the Internet underworld
April, 2014
Bank of America to pay $727 million for deceptive marketing of credit card add-ons4/9/2014
Feds say at least 1.4 million consumers were harmed by the illegal practices
December, 2013
A 'masked' credit card could be marketer's nightmare12/9/2013
Prevents consumers from being signed up for products they didn't ask for
August, 2012
Unauthorized Credit Card Charge May Mean Your Card Has Been Hacked8/9/2012
Credit card thieves are apparently making purchases to verify cards are still valid
July, 2012
Capital One To Refund $140 Million to 2 Million Consumers7/18/2012
The bank also faces a $25 million penalty imposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
March, 2012
Credit & Debit Card Processor Hit by Data Breach3/30/2012
Global Payments Inc. not yet saying much about the situation
November, 2011
American Express Offers $25 Credit On 'Small Business Saturday'11/16/2011
Consumers get money back for spending at small businesses
March, 2011
Chase Snips Debit Card Perks, Blames Feds3/22/2011
No more free miles on Continental or United for Chase debit card holders
How Secure Are RFID Credit Cards?3/3/2011
Identity theft group is impressed, so far
February, 2011
New Law Brings Credit Card Clarity2/16/2011
CARD Act makes pricing clearer, more competitive, study finds
January, 2011
Credit Card Offers On the Increase1/27/2011
But some consumers will pay higher rates and fees
December, 2010
Study: Credit Card Reward Programs Lead to More Debt12/30/2010
It all started with those frequent flyer points
May, 2008
Credit Card Processor Agrees To $26 Million FTC Settlement5/15/2008
Marketers deceived small businesses nationwide
March, 2008
Unauthorized Charge? How To Fight It3/11/2008
Dialing for dollars doesn't work; disputing the charge often does
January, 2008
First National Card: Too Good to be True?1/7/2008
Skipping the fine print can get expensive
November, 2007
Canadians Crushed By Credit Card Debt11/15/2007
Loonie soars but so does unsecured debt
High-Fee, Low-Credit Charge Cards Prey Upon the Poor11/8/2007
Feds override state consumer protection laws
October, 2006
"Convenience Checks" Carry a Heavy Price Tag10/12/2006
You Pay Very Dearly for the Convenience
"Trailing Interest" Snags Bank Of America Customers10/3/2006
Paid in full? Doesn't matter. You may still be charged "trailing interest"
May, 2006
Plastic Peril: Credit Cards and Students5/15/2006
January, 2006
Three Ways To Avoid Credit Card Fraud1/14/2006
Credit card fraud is on the rise, with thieves stealing numbers and making millions of dollars of purchases
June, 2005
New Forms of Credit Scoring6/8/2005
New Opportunity Or New Set of Problems?
March, 2005
Senate Passes MBNA's Bankruptcy Bill3/11/2005
Bill is a victory for banks, a disaster for consumers