Lifestyle and Budget

You've banked the sign-up miles from your new card. Here's how to escape yearly fees and keep your credit score up.

Starting this year, card issuers can charge $26 the first time you make a late payment, up from $25 in 2013.

Don't be a victim of mounting credit card debt. Follow these tips to maintain control.

For a fee, charity gift cards let recipients choose a favorite cause to support

Getting a credit card in college takes a lot more than filling out an application. 

Good Samaritans can actually make things worse if they take the wrong action. Read our surprising list of do's and don'ts for handling lost credit cards

If you have signed a legal contract with a card processing company, you are most likely on the hook to follow the terms of the agreement, even if another company offers you a better deal.

Some unexpectedly good news has the potential to change the economic narrative for 2013 -- or at least for 2014.

Visa reported a 28% decline in its 4Q earnings amid a tough year-over-year comparison, while revenue was lifted by a surge in credit card transactions.

Consumers have gotten dozens of perks from using credit card reward programs, and AmEx is now allowing cardholders use points for NYC taxis. 

Occasional tardiness won gentler treatment under a 2009 reform law, but repeat offenses bring heavier penalties

Swiping a credit card has replaced tearing a ticket stub as the mode of entry to a growing number of entertainment events. No card? No entry.

Yes, you love your perks and discounts, but at some point, your loyalty may cost you too much time and headaches to be worthwhile.

Checking fees are on the rise. But don't be too quick getting angry. 

If you travel internationally a lot, you might consider one of the premium credit cards that offer to refund your application fee for Global Entry, the U.S. Customs program allowing expedited entry into the U.S.

Three things stand between credit cards and low interest rates. What are they?

When a young person is given an adult's card to make purchases, but then the adult cries foul and threatens to sue, is the child liable for the charges?

While the CARD Act has raised interest rates, it also has bolstered consumer protections.

More employers in the U.S. are offering their employees reloadable payroll cards in lieu of issuing checks or direct deposits. There are, however, a wide variety of costs and risks associated with payroll cards

A new report names the prepaid cards that stand out from the pack -- and those that lag behind.