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1 week ago | 
money.usnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Jessica Merritt |Emily Hayes
Company OverviewLendingUSA isn't a traditional personal loan provider. It's a point-of-sale financing platform for merchants to help their customers finance goods and services. The Sherman Oaks, California-based company has over 10,000 merchant partners in medical, health care, funeral, veterinary and other industries. LendingUSA says applicants should have a credit score of at least 620.
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1 week ago | 
money.usnews.com | Jessica Merritt |Emily Hayes |Ray Frager
Getty ImagesA credit card that offers automatic primary rental car coverage can help you save money if you rent cars frequently. Key Takeaways Rental car coverage may be complimentary with your credit card. Primary rental car coverage is preferred, as you can bypass your personal auto insurance when filing a claim. Credit cards with rental car coverage may offer additional travel protections, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
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2 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Jessica Merritt |Emily Roth |Emily Hayes
Key Takeaways You'll typically forfeit unused rewards when closing a credit card account. You can preserve your rewards value by transferring or redeeming points before closing an account. Co-branded card rewards usually stay with the participating loyalty program, but watch for expiration dates. When you close a credit card, it's typically a use-it-or-lose-it situation for rewards – and you may miss out on huge value if you don't take action.
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2 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Jessica Merritt |Emily Hayes |Ray Frager
Key Takeaways If you make on-time payments and spend at least $3,000 over 12 billing cycles, you'll receive a two-point APR reduction on the PNC Spend Wise℠ Visa®. Purchases and balance transfers have an 18-month 0% APR, followed by a variable 20.24% to 30.24% APR. The card doesn't earn rewards, but has no annual fee and offers valuable shopping protection benefits. PNC Bank has launched the PNC Spend Wise℠ Visa®, a no-annual-fee card designed to encourage spending and on-time payments.
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3 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Jessica Merritt |Emily Roth |Ray Frager
Key Takeaways Recent data shows that Gen Z is using credit cards earlier than millennials did at the same age. Higher balances and delinquency rates suggest some Gen Z credit card users struggle with repayment. As Gen Zers adopt credit cards, issuers are taking notice by offering products tailored to their digital preferences aGeneration Z is adopting credit cards earlier and using them more aggressively than previous generations.
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3 weeks ago | 
upgradedpoints.com | Jessica Merritt
Planning my family trip to New York City was exciting but overwhelming, with many things to do and ways to get there. So when my family flew through NYC on our way to Connecticut, I turned to ChatGPT to bring structure to our loose plans. With short windows on our arrival and departure days, we really had to make the most of our time to sightsee.
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3 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Jessica Merritt |Colin Hogan |Emily Hayes
Getty ImagesEven if you have bad credit, you're not out of options. Key Takeaways Getting a mortgage with a bad credit history is possible, but you'll likely face higher rates and fewer options. Government-backed mortgages, including FHA, VA and USDA loans, offer flexibility for low credit scores. Improving your credit even slightly might save you thousands over the life of your mortgage. Ready to buy a home, but not sure your credit can get you in the door?
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3 weeks ago | 
upgradedpoints.com | Jessica Merritt
The author stayed as an invited guest of Walt Disney World. All opinions are the author’s own, and Walt Disney World had no input in any part of this review. I visited Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with my best friend for 3 nights in mid-March 2025 as part of a media event promoting the park’s summer attractions. Though I’m a frequent Walt Disney World visitor, this was my first time staying at a Disney resort.
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1 month ago | 
money.usnews.com | Jessica Merritt |Emily Hayes |Ray Frager
Key Takeaways The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers travel benefits that potentially offset its cost. Primary rental car insurance and premium travel protection are rare for a credit card with a $95 annual fee. Chase Ultimate Rewards are flexible and valuable, especially when redeemed with travel partners or the Chase Travel portal. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most well-known travel rewards cards, and for good reason.
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1 month ago | 
money.usnews.com | Jessica Merritt |Ray Frager |Adriana Ocanas
Getty ImagesA late payment could stain your credit score for as long as seven years. Key Takeaways If you're a few days late on your credit card payment, you can still make it right without it affecting your credit score. You'll most likely face a late fee, but you can ask your issuer to waive it – especially if it's your first late payment with that issuer. Once a payment is 30 days late, it appears on your credit report and will lower your credit score.
