Reena P Thomas

3 weeks ago | bankrate.com | India Davis |Reena P Thomas

I was 19 when I received my first credit card and I had no idea what I was doing — and I’m not alone. In fact, according to a recent Bankrate survery, over half of Americans have not received a strong financial education, affecting their ability to build positive money habits. If you are a parent or a guardian, then teaching your children about credit cards may take a backseat to teaching them how to drive or make their bed.

Jan 23, 2025 | bankrate.com | Reena P Thomas |Liza Carrasquillo |Emily Sherman

Recurring credit card charges include any bills that are charged to your account automatically, including gym memberships and other subscription services. Subscriptions can be hard to keep track of and even harder to cancel. Using an app or subscription management tool is a popular way to find out just how many subscriptions you’re paying for and cancel the ones you don’t really need.

Jan 7, 2025 | bankrate.com | Erica Sandberg |Reena P Thomas |Nicole Dieker

For a startup that doesn’t have a business credit history, lenders will look at your personal credit history to gauge business risk. You should pay off old debts and keep personal and business expenses separate. Build your business credit history by applying for a small business credit card and making on-time payments. For many entrepreneurs, starting a small business is no small feat.

Dec 3, 2024 | bankrate.com | Reena P Thomas |Nouri Zarrugh |Ryan Flanigan

I was 24 when I got my first credit card, and for a long time it was my one and only. Even though I’ve been writing about credit cards and rewards for a while now, I don’t keep many cards in my wallet and I refuse to pay an annual fee. I know I’m leaving cash back on the table, but I just can’t shake the feeling that more cards means more risk. I blame my parents. When they came to the U.S. from India in the 1970s, credit cards were just beginning to litter the retail landscape.

Oct 23, 2024 | bankrate.com | Reena P Thomas |Nouri Zarrugh

If you haven’t established a credit history or have poor credit, you might consider a secured credit card for your business, which involves putting down a cash deposit as collateral for the credit line. Before applying for a secured business credit card, review the terms, requirements and benefits to make sure all are reasonable for you. Be sure to pay off your purchases in full and on time and keep your credit utilization ratio below 30 percent to demonstrate responsible card use.