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Credit Card Advice

Check out the latest rewards credit card news and advice from our team at Bankrate.
We can help you find the right credit card to earn cash back and maximize your points and miles.

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What is a credit card?
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Pros and cons of being an authorized user on a credit card
How to get a credit card for the first time
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How to use your first credit card
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See the best credit cards for no credit history
  • Applying for a Credit Card
  • Guide to finding your first credit card
  • Guide to using your first credit card
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How to apply for a credit card and get approved

Learn everything you need to do to apply for a credit card and increase your chances of approval.
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When is the best time to apply for a new credit card?

The best time to apply for a credit card depends more on your financial situation.
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How long does it take to get a credit card?

The credit card approval process can be speedy or could take weeks.
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How long should I wait between credit card applications?

Making too many credit card applications in a short period can hurt your credit score
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What to do when your credit card application is denied

So, your credit card application has been denied — here’s what to do next.
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Does applying for a credit card hurt your credit?

To process a credit card application, issuers will do a hard inquiry on your credit.
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How to see if you’re prequalified for a credit card

Credit card preapproval or prequalification — which is better?
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Bankrate's CardMatch Tool

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Should I apply for a credit card even if I don’t need one now?

Deciding whether or not to get a credit card comes down to your personal finances.
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6 red flags when looking for first card

Watch out for these red flags before picking your first card.
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How to get a credit card for the first time

Once you understand the basics of credit, you’ll want to weigh your options.
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Best credit cards for no credit history

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Average credit limit on a first credit card

Average credit limits on first credit cards vary by credit score, income and type.
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How to use your first credit card

Find out how to use your credit card and which pitfalls to avoid.
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7 credit card tips for beginners

Find out the best practices for your first credit card and which pitfalls to avoid.
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Rethinking credit: Tips for first-generation credit users

How to reset your parents’ resistance to credit.
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Best credit cards for no credit history

Featured by names you know and trust

The Latest Credit Card Advice

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What is a purchase APR?

Here’s what you need to know about your card’s purchase APR, or annual interest rate.
Jul 17, 2025
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How to hit your minimum spending requirements and earn your welcome bonus

Nine tips to help you earn your welcome bonus.
Jul 16, 2025
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Don’t sleep on the “online shopping” rewards category

“Online shopping” is an all-too-often forgotten credit card bonus category. Here’s why it could be one of the most lucrative bonus categories out there.
Jul 16, 2025
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How to cancel a credit card in 5 steps

Canceling a credit card lowers your credit score, but you can minimize the damage.
Jul 15, 2025
Smiling young Asian woman using smart phone and credit card to mange online banking, sitting on the balcony with dramatic sunlight. Online shopping makes life easier.

If you return a purchase, can you keep the credit card rewards?

Returning an item purchased with credit will cause points earned to be deducted.
Jul 15, 2025
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Can a merchant store my credit card details without permission?

Discover how security standards protect your card details with merchants.
Jul 15, 2025
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Best credit cards for Uber and Lyft

The right credit card can help you to save money on ridesharing.
Jul 14, 2025
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When to use buy now, pay later vs. a credit card

Should you go with BNPL financing or credit cards?
Jul 09, 2025