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2 months ago | 
bankrate.com | Poonkulali Thangavelu |Liza Carrasquillo |Bev O'Shea |Alice Lesperance
This page was originally published in late 2022 and still contains relevant reader questions from that time. The rest of the article has since been updated. Because rental properties aren’t protected in the same way that primary residences are, a creditor could potentially go after your rental property to satisfy a debt. However, doing so is a costly process, and it might not be worthwhile to the creditor to pursue.
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2 months ago | 
bankrate.com | Ted Rossman |Alice Lesperance
As an avid user of cash back credit cards, I’m happy with my current credit card strategy, but it’s always good to strive for more, right? Here are three changes I wish the credit card industry would implement in 2025:Have a question about credit cards? E-mail me at [email protected] and I’d be happy to help. Higher bonus category spending capsIf I could make this first, second and third on my list, I would. It’s that important (and that much of a personal pet peeve).
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2 months ago | 
bankrate.com | Benet Wilson |Benét J. Wilson |Poonkulali Thangavelu |Alice Lesperance |Stephanie Zito
Signatures traditionally served as a security measure on credit card transactions, verifying ownership by matching signatures at the point of sale.
With the introduction of chip-and-PIN technology, networks often won’t require a card signature, but some retailers still require credit card transactions due to older systems, broken chip card readers or the need to accept tips. The role of signatures in credit card transactions is likely to decrease as technology becomes more sophisticated.
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2 months ago | 
bankrate.com | Kelli Pate |Alice Lesperance |Grace Pilling
Apple Card Family allows up to six people to share an Apple Card account and earn their own rewards on purchases in the form of Apple Daily Cash. Adding an authorized user requires a formal application and credit check. Co-owners have more control over the account, but are equally responsible for making payments. If you’re new to credit, becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card can give you a jump-start on building a great credit score.
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Mar 6, 2025 | 
bankrate.com | Garrett Yarbrough |Sara Coleman |Alice Lesperance |Courtney Mihocik
The sleepless nights, the excitement and the big questions — all are expected when you’re a new parent. While par for the course with a new addition in the household, adjusting your finances to the new reality can be equally overwhelming. As you re-evaluate your family budget, you may find it an ideal time to add a new credit card to your wallet that earns rewards on the purchases you’re bound to make more regularly.
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Feb 28, 2025 | 
bankrate.com | Meredith Hoffman |Holly Johnson |Alice Lesperance
While talking about money with your partner is essential and healthy, a new study from Fidelity shows that 57 percent of couples don’t discuss finances together at least once per month. If you want to improve your finances, talking about your goals and dreams with your partner is a good place to start. Topics to cover regularly include day-to-day money decisions (e.g. bill payments, your monthly budget and more) and the best ways to save and invest for the future.
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Feb 13, 2025 | 
bankrate.com | Katie Kelton |Alice Lesperance
If you fly often in the U.S. or to Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean, you’re probably familiar with Southwest Airlines. Known for its affordability and customer service, it also boasts a popular loyalty program — Southwest Rapid Rewards. You can sign up for the Rapid Rewards program for free and start earning rewards by buying Southwest flights and booking with eligible hotel and rental car partners. You can also use the Rapid Rewards shopping portal and dining program.
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Feb 9, 2025 | 
bankrate.com | John Egan |Alice Lesperance
Undocumented immigrants can apply for a credit card in the U.S. but may face hurdles like obtaining a federal tax ID number or getting a secured credit card. Credit card issuers may accept alternative forms of identification, such as a foreign passport or U.S. driver’s license, for applicants without a Social Security number. Undocumented immigrants can build credit by becoming an authorized user, applying for a joint credit account or getting a credit card for no credit history.
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Jan 30, 2025 | 
bankrate.com | Brendan Dyer |Margaret has written |Margaret Wack |Alice Lesperance
The BankAmericard® credit card has one of the longer intro APR offers on the market for balance transfers, making it a smart choice to pay off debt. If you use the BankAmericard to pay off debt, be aware that the card does include a 3 percent intro balance transfer fee for transfers in the first 60 days. After that, a 4 percent fee applies. After the intro APR offer has expired, the card comes with few long-term benefits that make it worth keeping, but it has a low variable APR.
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Jan 27, 2025 | 
bankrate.com | Garrett Yarbrough |Steve Bucci |Alice Lesperance
Applying for a credit card triggers a hard pull, which dings your credit score whether you’re approved for the card or not. Fortunately, being approved could offset the drop with the additional credit added to your utilization ratio. New credit applications are only 10 percent of your credit score, so a hard pull may only decrease your score by a few points, although the effect varies based on your credit profile. The credit score drop is only temporary, and often reverts after a few months.
