Brooklyn Lowery

2 weeks ago | bankrate.com | Ted Rossman |Brooklyn Lowery

The job market has historically been one of the biggest predictors of consumer spending and debt patterns. While the unemployment rate has risen from 3.4 percent last April to 4.2 percent at present, that’s still low, historically speaking. The 3.4 percent reading last spring was the lowest level since 1969. Even today’s 4.2 percent unemployment rate is considered roughly in line with full employment. Of course, there have been some disconcerting headlines connected to the labor market.

3 weeks ago | bankrate.com | Seychelle Thomas |Poonkulali Thangavelu |Brooklyn Lowery

Digital wallets offer a higher level of security than physical cards with tokenized card numbers and authentication measures to protect your data in the event of a merchant security breach. Fraudsters often use social engeneering tactics to target your digital wallet and trick you into revealing account details. Digital wallet fraud is on the rise, with U.S. consumer losses exceeding $347 million in 2024, primarily through scams using compromised credentials.

3 weeks ago | bankrate.com | Katie Kelton |Aja McClanahan |Brooklyn Lowery

With so many rewards cards strategies to consider — like bonus categories, travel points and miles valuations and more — some cardholders opt to go the simpler route. A flat-rate cash back card lets you earn a consistent, unlimited rewards rate for every purchase you make. Redemption options are simple, too, usually in the form of a statement credit, direct deposit or gift card. Other cardholders pair a flat-rate cash back card with another bonus category rewards card.

1 month ago | bankrate.com | Katie Kelton |Brooklyn Lowery

Rewards are one of the biggest perks of credit cards. They can fly you to a new destination, secure you a rental car or pay for your next grocery run. That could be why so many people continue chasing rewards even with debt hanging over their heads. A new Bankrate survey shows that, among credit cardholders carrying a balance month to month, 72 percent are still making an effort to earn credit card rewards.

1 month ago | bankrate.com | Katie Kelton |Brooklyn Lowery

Affirm just announced it will start reporting all pay-over-time loans, including Pay in 4, to the credit bureau, Experian. BNPL doesn’t significantly affect borrowers’ credit scores right now, but might have a significant impact in the near future. BNPL users — often young people — will have the chance to build their credit with on-time payments. But missed payments could also hurt their credit.