Big Credit Card Balances Can Cause Big Problems

Most credit cards come with a preset credit limit. A card’s credit limit is the max outstanding balance you can have at any given time. You can pay down your balance and keep using your available over and over as long as you abide by the credit card issuer’s rules. That usually means making the minimum credit card payment each month on time and staying below your credit limit.…
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How Expensive Is Credit Card Debt?

Outstanding credit card debt and average credit card interest rates are both at the highest levels ever, which means consumers are paying a lot of money in credit card interest. Credit card issuers charge monthly interest in the form of a finance charge each month a cardholder carries a balance past the credit card date.…
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What are the Benefits of a Second Credit Card?

There may come a point when you realize that one credit card isn’t enough. Maybe you come to this conclusion because you need more buying power. Or maybe you end up here because you’ve maxed out your other card (more on this below).

There are several benefits of a second credit card, including the following:

  • Access to rewards: If your first credit card doesn’t have a rewards program, you may be enticed by one that does.

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Is Now the Best Time for Your First Credit Card?

Even if you strongly believe that you qualify for a credit card, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should move in this direction. Before doing so, it’s imperative to review both your situation and what you’ll get in return should you decide to proceed.

Here are a few things to think about as you ponder this question:

  • Employment status: It’s never a good idea to apply for a credit card when you’re unemployed.

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