Lifestyle and Budget

Paying off card debt brings immeasurable relief, but once the balance is zero, do you keep the cards open or close them immediately?

Tiny debts, if unpaid, can blossom into huge problems by marring your credit score and dropping obstacles in your financial path.

The way you use a credit card is about to change significantly as the U.S. catches up with the rest of the world and moves to cards.

Identity thieves are following the money when it comes to selecting their next victim. Here's why the wealthy can be easy targets with big paydays.

Fewer health-care financing options populate the market since the recession. Compare the terms and conditions of the top medical credit cards and loans before you apply.

Marketers are combining vast stores of data into predictive scores that help them decide what offers you see -- to the concern of privacy advocates.

When it comes to protecting our identities, many of us are looking to play defense when we should be playing offense. 

Your credit report has a long memory. Here's how to get it to forget your checkered past.

Canceling a credit card can impact your credit score in these four ways.

A surge of pricey new high-fee credit cards on the market boosted the average annual fee to $163, nearly double a year ago.

Authorized users can't mess up a credit utilization ratio for charge cards, because there's no ratio to upset. However, late pays still damage credit.

One of the first lessons of young adulthood: it's much easier to get into debt than get out of it. We look at some of the pitfalls young people fall into with credit and how to avoid them

Insurance companies and government agencies are increasingly using plastic and virtual credit cards to pay doctors. But practices can request other payment methods that carry lower fees.

If you stay vigilant and know how to read your bills, you may be able to get a credit card fee waived.

Wanting to clean out your wallet can be a good call, but there are downsides.

A perfect payment record on a starter credit card won't earn great rewards. Try a personal loan at the same bank that offers the rewards card you want.

Closing accounts can ding your credit. Before you refinance, double-check with the bank.

Forget everything you think you know about crime. It will be obsolete in 20 years. Today’s criminals are limited by physical proximity, skill and daring. Future criminals won’t face any such restrictions. Get ready.

Businesses that accept stolen credit card information may be on the hook for a refund. But the thief is the one who broke the law -- and cardholders need to take steps to prevent further damage.

Prepaid debit cards fill an important financial need for people without traditional bank accounts, but they have fewer protections and are prone to scams.