CardRatings.com

1 week ago | cardratings.com | John Schmoll

Have you ever received blank checks with your monthly credit card statement? These credit card checks provide access to your line of credit to get quick cash or make a purchase. Convenience checks, as they’re called, provide ease of use, but like with anything tied to a credit card, it’s important to know how they work and the potential costs involved. We discuss how to use convenience checks and if they’re a good resource to use on your financial journey.

1 week ago | cardratings.com | Lena Borrelli |Jennifer Doss

It seems a new premium credit card boasting lavish benefits emerges almost daily, if headlines are any indication. These exclusive cards often feature perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, and trip insurance, promising significant value. But what truly defines a premium credit card, and are its advantages genuinely worthwhile? Here, we take a look at the best premium credit cards, as well as what makes one in the first place.

3 weeks ago | cardratings.com | Richard Barrington |Jennifer Doss

Americans have a conflicted relationship with credit-builder/secured credit cards. A CardRatings.com survey found that people with these cards are less satisfied than customers of other types of credit cards. And yet, people with credit-builder/secured credit cards are less likely to feel they could do better with another credit card. In effect, these customers feel trapped in a bad relationship. To some extent, that’s the kind of trap that comes with having bad credit.

3 weeks ago | cardratings.com | John Schmoll |Jennifer Doss

Wisely managing credit cards is essential to growing your credit score. Sometimes life can get in the way and you miss a payment. Being a few days late may be of minimal consequence, but being 30 days late can have a fatal impact on your financial health. It doesn’t have to stay that way. Here’s how to deal with late payments and prevent them from ruining your financial life. In reality, a payment is late once you miss the due date.

3 weeks ago | cardratings.com | Holly Johnson |Jennifer Doss

When it comes to hotel points you can earn through paid hotel stays and spending on hotel credit cards, the most common lodging options that come to mind are traditional hotels and resorts. For example, earning Hilton Honors points makes it possible to redeem rewards for stays at more than 8,000 properties around the world with brands like Conrad Hotels and Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and even small luxury hotels around the world.