Lifestyle and Budget

Paying down loans with credit for rewards may cause more trouble than it's worth.

For some people, the scariest person to visit their house this fall will be the mail carrier, due to the surprises that may be lurking in their credit card statements.

Here’s one of the tricky things about credit scores: They’re about more than credit.Your credit score may not be top of mind while you’re driving to work or browsing the Internet, but if you’re not careful, you could jeopardize your financial future when you least expect it’s at risk.

One question has become a standard part of the check-out process at many retailers: Would you like to open up a store credit card?

If you have a Bank of America debit card, you might soon get an upgraded piece of plastic. While many Bank of America credit cards are already enabled with chip-and-PIN technology, the company announced Sept. 30 that all its new and reissued debit cards will contain integrated circuit cards also known as chips.

Like previous retailers hurt by data breaches, Home Depot started offering free credit monitoring once it discovered that its security had been compromised.

Before you apply for a secured card, it's best to know what fees will be charged and whether that card will be the best fit for your credit profile.

If you ever carry forward a card balance, you're going to pay interest. But how's your rate set and when can your rates rise?

Will you qualify for better credit cards if new changes to scoring systems improve your credit?

While 'flipping' cards to take advantage of promotional deals can lead to free travel and other perks, if you don't play the game correctly, you can trash your credit.

Planning a trip abroad? Make sure your card (and a backup card) has EMV chip technology, no foreign transaction fees and notify your issuer of your plans.

Your credit score reflects less about what cards are in your wallet and more about how you use them.

Students who enter college also begin a lifelong journey with credit and debit card use. Here is how to do it safely.

Keeping cards active and paying loans on time is best way to maintain a strong credit score.

Yes, there are crooks out there waiting to steal your card info, but if you're vigilant you can stop them before they do too much damage.

Some options are drying up, but there are still ways to earn points by buying gift cards and reloadable products

When a bank won't give you a secured card, things are bad. Here's what to do.

Maxing out your card will have a negative effect on your credit score, however, the potentially positive payment history might just be worth it.

If you're under 21 and can't get a credit card, co-signing is an option. But not all issuers offer it.

Prepaid debit cards may be getting better, but they're still no match for proper credit cards.