Credit Card Articles, Including Free Articles Written by our Staff For Your Website, Classroom, Etc.

Kudos! We are proud that our articles have been published in the Sept. 2004 issue of Military Money Magazine and the Sept. and Dec. 2004 issues of Young Money Magazine. Both magazines are affiliated with InCharge® Institute of America, Inc., a national non-profit organization specializing in personal finance education and credit counseling. We are also pleased that several of our articles have been featured in the credit section of About.com, a top 15 Web property which is owned by the New York Times Co, and that one of our articles was recently referenced by E/The Environmental Magazine.

Check out our credit card news stories (updated daily)!

Business Credit Card Comparison Shopping
Business owners have options when it comes to the business of credit cards. This article will help you learn how to comparison shop for a new business credit card. (12/10/04)

Credit Cards Offer Security for Online Purchases
Zero or limited liability provides an extra layer of protection. But not all cards are created equal. (12/06/04)

Credit Card Cash Advance Pitfalls
Cash advances on your credit card should be avoided at all costs. If you have to get an advance, then you should be aware of the many traps that you are likely to encounter. (Originally posted 8/1/00- Updated 12/1/04)

Credit Card Binding Arbitration- A Consumer Rights Giveaway
Binding arbitration, a little noticed clause in many credit card agreements, strips consumers of their fundamental rights, including the right to sue individually or join a class-action suit if they have a problem with a credit card company. (11/17/04)

Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards
Debit cards are an increasingly popular form of payment for many consumers and are often viewed as being consumer friendly, but debit cards lack many of the consumer benefits and protections that credit cards offer. This article explains the major differences between debit and credit cards from a consumer standpoint. (Originally posted 11/1/00- Updated 11/15/04)

Can I keep My Credit Cards Through Bankruptcy?
I must file for bankruptcy. I have been living on my credit cards and I am in deep. I have not used many of my department store cards and I am wondering: Since I owe nothing on them and they will not be part of the bankruptcy filing, will they be taken away from me? (11/8/04)*

New Credit Card Offers from Discover and American Express
The Supreme Court has let stand a lower court ruling that said Visa and MasterCard's "exclusionary rules" stifled competition and, as a result, consumers can expect to see more credit card offers from Discover and American Express in the near future. More importantly, increased competition in the card industry could result in more attractive card offers. (11/2/04)

How to Get Better Interest Rates on Existing Credit Cards
Keep the old cards. The age of the accounts helps your credit score. So does reducing the ratio of credit used to credit available, but continuing to apply for additional credit cards can actually hurt your credit score. (11/2/04)*

Credit Related Scams
Credit related fraud is becoming increasingly widespread according to a recent study by the Federal Trade Commission. Here are some tips that can help you avoid becoming a victim of a credit scam. (10/14/04)

Declining Credit Card Delinquency Rates
Credit card delinquency rates are reported to have fallen to a four-year low, but this is largely a reflection of liberal lending policies by credit card issuers. (10/1/04- Originally published 8/30/04)

Your Credit Rights during Bankruptcy Proceedings
Bankruptcy should always be a last resort. However, if you decide to file for bankruptcy, then it is very important that you know your credit rights before doing so. (9/17/04)

Credit Card Rates are Starting to Climb
Recent interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve have resulted in rate increases for many variable rate cardholders. Unfortunately, fixed rate cardholders are not safe from rate hikes either. (9/15/04)

Hidden Fees and Agreements That Could Land You in Credit Card Debt
Credit cards. It may seem very difficult to get by without them in this day and age, but the fact of the matter is it's becoming more and more expensive to live with them. That's because credit card companies have managed to stack the deck in their favor. (9/15/04)*

Student Credit Cards 101
A "crash course" on student credit cards for young adults heading off to college, whether newbies or old pros. Also on the recommended reading list for parents of college students! (8/26/04)

How Credit Card Debt Can Snowball in College
As a college student, it's easy to shrug off worries about credit card debt. Shrugging off the actual debt is a whole nother story. Ask Bridget Melinn of Okemos, Mich. As a student at Michigan State University, she signed up for credit cards at MSU sporting events because she liked the free T-shirts. (8/26/04)*

Redeeming Unused Credit Card Reward Points- Your Options
Can't use those 50,000 frequent-flier miles because they're in 10 different programs? You can consolidate and redeem those points. (8/24/04- Originally published 5/3/04)

Your Credit Rights under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act
Protect yourself from credit discrimination - The Equal Credit Opportunity Act requires creditors to be fair. (8/23/04- Originally published 2/27/04)

Your Credit Rights under The Fair Credit Billing Act
Do you have a credit card billing error problem? The law is on your side, if you know how to use it. (8/23/04- Originally published 11/11/03)

15 Signs you May Need Credit Counseling
Self-help measures are great when your drowning in debt, but some consumers need outside help. If you recognize yourself here, it's time to call in a financial fitness expert. (8/20/04)

How to Avoid Extra Credit Card Costs
Think before you charge. Unless you're in the habit of paying your credit card bill in full each month, don't use the cards for anything you can eat or wear. (8/20/04)*

When a Debt Collector Targets an Old Credit Card Debt
Just because you've put that unpaid credit card bill behind you doesn't mean you can forget about it. (8/6/04- Originally published 1/16/04)

Ignoring Credit Card Change-of-Terms Notices Can Cost You
Most credit card holders who receive change-of-term notices trash them without knowing what's about to smack them in the wallet. (8/6/04- Originally published 1/29/04)

Can you be Personally Liable for Company Credit Cards?
You can be personally liable for the credit card bill if your employer pays late or goes under. (8/6/04- Originally published 2/11/04)

How to Pay Off a Credit Card the Right Way
The credit card payoff balance on your statement is a moving target, and you're likely to get hit with additional "residual interest." (8/6/04- Originally published 2/13/04)

Debit Card Reward Programs
Debit cards offer rewards -- They're not just air miles anymore. But how good are the rewards, and are they worth the costs? (8/5/04- Originally published 2/24/04)

Balance Transfer Offers for Life: Proceed with Caution
Permanent low-rate credit card deals for the life of your credit card balance are worth examining, as long as you do so closely. (8/4/04- Originally published 3/5/04)

What Do Credit Card Companies Think of You?
Take this quick 12 question quiz to see yourself the way credit card companies see you. (8/3/04- Originally published 3/23/04)

Pre-approved Credit Card Offers Going to the Dogs
Who is the ideal candidate for a pre-approved credit card offer? Well, it could be your next-door neighbor with the spotless credit. Then again, it could be your dog -- or maybe your infant. (8/2/04- Originally published 4/20/04)

Pay One Credit Card Bill Late, Get Punished by Many
A record number of credit card companies have built "universal default" clauses into their agreements, which allow them to raise your interest rate if you're late making a payment -- even to someone else! (8/1/04- Originally published 1/20/04)

Secured Credit Card Consumer Tips
Secured credit cards are a great way to establish or rebuild your credit. Not all secured cards are created equal, though. Reviewing our latest secured card consumer tips can help you become a savvy secured cardholder. (7/26/04)

Should You Report Credit Card Scams to the Better Business Bureau?
There are quite a few complaints about this company bouncing around on the Internet. Others, like you, paid $249 or more to receive a credit card with a $2,000 to $5,000 credit line at zero percent interest over the next three years. What they received in return didn't match the card holders' expectations for the card. (7/15/04)*

Charge It! Perspectives on Retail and Department Store Credit Cards.
Many retail stores want to offer you a line of credit. But before you sign up to get 10% off your purchase and a free umbrella, you need to understand the effect that such cards can have on your credit—both good and bad. (7/12/04)

What is a Mixed or Split Credit Report?
Having a mixed or split credit report can adversely affect your credit rating. This article discusses what a mixed or split credit report is and what measures that you can take to correct split or mixed credit files. (6/21/04)

Protecting Your Credit Following ID Theft: A Step-by-Step Plan of Action
The FTC has new guidelines regarding identity theft. This step-by-step guide gives identity theft victims a concise and organized plan of action to protect one of their most valuable assets. (6/18/04)

Low Introductory Rate Credit Card Offers Not Always Destined for the Junk Pile
Odds are that you receive low introductory rate credit card offers frequently in the mail (such as the 0% or 1.9% rate offers). Lately it seems as if credit card companies are tripping over each other to give you the best rates on credit cards and balance transfer offers. It may be to your benefit to review these offers instead of trashing them without second thought. (6/08/04)

Getting a Credit Card and Reestablishing Credit After Bankruptcy
I want to be very careful about reestablishing credit. Can you please tell me the best places to apply for a credit card? I am concerned that due to the bankruptcy I will be charged outrageous interest rates. (5/28/04)*

Fill ‘er Up: Earning Cash Rebates while Filling your Tank
You can cut your gas bill by 5% by simply using gas rebate credit cards. This informative article explores the latest rage among reward credit cards. (5/06/04)

Are Preapproved Credit Cards Offers Out of Control?
Who is the ideal candidate for a pre-approved credit card offer? Well, it could be your next-door neighbor with the spotless credit. Then again, it could be your dog -- or maybe your infant. (4/20/04)*

Cashback vs. Airline Reward Credit Cards
Cashback credit cards are the most popular rebate credit cards, but travel reward credit cards have appeal to many consumers as well. This article discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages of both types of reward cards. (4/09/04)

Can I Ask For Lower Interest Rates on My Credit Cards?
A lower interest rate on your credit card account could be yours just for the asking. That's right. In the competitive credit card industry, your card issuer wants to keep you, the existing, charging customer. (4/06/04)*

Saving for Your Child’s Education with a Credit Card
Can using a credit card today help you to avoid debt in the future? Get the inside scoop on the new 529 rebate credit cards. (3/23/04)

Are No Fee Reward Credit Cards Really Free?
No annual fee reward credit cards are everywhere these days. But, as is often the case with the card industry, there are some "strings attached". These tips can help you learn how to play the reward credit card game and win. (02/20/04- Originally published 10/06/03)

The Eufora Card is Worth a Look
Innovative programs indicate an innovative card. Among other things, Eufora cardholders can earn cash and a chance to win a car. (02/02/04)

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