- Where Millennials’ Credit Scores Have Risen the Fastest
Credit scores across the country are on the rise. Up about 1% on average, according to Experian data. But does that fact hold for every generation? Millennials sometimes have a reputation for not handling their finances well, are their credit scores also rising? We decided to investigate and found the places where millennial credit scores… read more…
- Where Millennials Are Struggling to Pay Credit Card Debt
Paying off a large amount of credit card debt can be challenging. It is especially difficult when you are saddled with high rent costs and bleak employment prospects like some millennials are. How much are these two factors affecting millennials’ ability to stay on top of debt? We looked at these and other metrics to find out… read more…
- What Credit Cards Does Costco Accept?
You’re smart to want to know which credit cards Costco accepts, because it only accepts one: Visa. The largest members-only warehouse club in the country, Costco has an exclusivity deal with Visa, the largest credit network in the world. For many years,… read more…
- The Most Credit Card Reliant Places in America
Credit cards are a powerful personal finance tool. Used correctly they can unlock tremendous rewards, worth thousands of dollars. Used incorrectly and they can lead to spiraling debt and thousands of dollars lost in high interest payments. With this in mind SmartAsset looked at which places of the U.S. are the most reliant on their credit… read more…
- The States Most Vulnerable to Identity Theft
Identity theft is a major problem in the U.S. Over 15 million people were victims of identity theft in 2016, a 15% increase from the year before. While everyone is at risk of having their identity stolen, some people are at… read more…
- States With the Worst Credit Card Habits
Relying too much on credit cards to make ends meet is a bad habit to get into. Credit cards typically come with high interest rates and harsh penalties for late payment fees, meaning even small amounts of credit card debt can spiral out of control. Some states do a better job of staying on top of… read more…
- The Best Cities for Golfers to Live In
Most golfers have a course in mind when they think of their favorite place to hit the links. But what about certain cities? With plenty of warm sunny days, affordable housing and a wide range of golf courses, some cities are better suited for regular trips to the course. SmartAsset looked at these and other… read more…
- States Most Affected If the CFPB Is Eliminated
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has given nearly $12 billion back to consumers since 2011. In recent weeks however, President Trump has talked about firing CFPB Director Richard Cordray, and possibly getting rid of the bureau altogether. If this were to happen, consumers in some states have more to worry about than others. Below SmartAsset takes a… read more…
- The States With the Most Debt
All debt is not created equal. If you take on a mortgage to buy a house, that can be a smart move as long as you can afford it. Likewise, student loan debt is often considered to be “good debt” by experts, as pursuing a higher education degree has the potential to increase your lifetime… read more…
- What’s the Prime Interest Rate?
The Federal Reserve recently raised the federal funds rate for the second time in a few months. The Fed seems to be fairly confident about the direction that the economy is moving in. That means more rate hikes are likely to occur in the near future. Interest rate hikes affect consumers in different ways. For… read more…
- All About Credit Card Chargebacks
Many cardholders have access to hidden credit card benefits. For example, you may be unaware of the fact that your credit card company offers roadside assistance. So if your car suddenly breaks down or you find yourself with a flat… read more…
- The Average Credit Card Limit
Your credit limit determines how much you can charge to your credit card before you start racking up interest. In combination with how much you spend, your credit limit also determines your credit utilization ratio. That’s the ratio of the credit… read more…
- How to Win a Credit Card Dispute
Reviewing your credit card statement every month is important. If you toss it in the trash as soon as you receive it, you may miss the chance to catch a mistake. A merchant may have charged you twice for the… read more…
- When Should You Apply for a Credit Card?
Some of us have too many credit cards. Depending on your lifestyle, it might make sense to have three or four cards in your wallet. And as long as you’re keeping up with your monthly bills, there’s nothing wrong with… read more…
- The Biggest Credit Card Complaints in America
Credit card complaints can be difficult to address. Sometimes credit card companies are hard to reach or it’s not clear who you should be complaining to. In the wake of the financial crisis of 2008, the federal government set up… read more…
- What Is the Average American’s Debt by Age Group?
Americans’ debt levels tend to peak in middle age, while seniors usually have lower debt levels. That’s because they’ve had more time to pay down mortgage, credit card and student loan debt. For many Americans, a debt-free retirement is a… read more…
- States Where Credit Card Debt Has Shrunk the Fastest
In 2015, 73% of Americans had credit card debt, according the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Credit card debt can sneak up on you. One month you’re on top of it, making regular payments, and the next you find yourself behind and unable to catch up. Sometimes it’s an unexpected emergency that puts you… read more…
- Where Your Airline Reward Miles Go the Furthest
Calling all those bargain hunters with wanderlust! There is a lot of ground to be covered, literally, by judiciously using airline reward miles. For many people racking up reward miles has become a hobby. But it’s not only about collecting the miles (often by choosing the best airline-specific credit cards), it’s also in how you redeem… read more…
- America’s Best Wine Destinations of 2017
Is a wine-soaked vacation on your bucket list? Ours too. If you’re on a budget or short on vacation days, the good news is you don’t have to head all the way to France or Italy to visit wine country. There are premier wine destinations right here in America. For the wine lovers who want… read more…
- What Is a Penalty APR?
Credit cards can be a useful tool for managing your finances and accruing rewards. If you have credit card debt, you may be wondering whether a balance transfer could help you cut down on the interest you’re paying on your credit card balance(s). In addition, if you’re behind on payments, you may be paying a penalty… read more…
- Are Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers Guaranteed?
If you’re like most adults, you probably receive mail from credit card companies regularly. In some cases, you might receive a notice about your latest credit card statement. Or you may get a letter that says you’ve been pre-approved for… read more…
- The Best Time to Buy a Laptop
You may not always get to choose when you buy a laptop, such as if yours breaks down and you need it for school or work. However, if you’re wanting to upgrade then you may consider waiting around for a… read more…
- What Are the Credit Score Ranges?
Each of the three major credit bureaus evaluates credit scores differently, with each score falling into a specific range. However, the most commonly used basis for these credit scores was created by FICO. The FICO credit score ranges vary from… read more…
- Are Credit Card Rewards Taxable?
Credit card companies will do almost anything to get you to sign up for their cards. Some offer travel miles and others use sign-up bonuses to entice customers. No doubt those incentives sound great and they may have tricked you into… read more…
- How to Close a Secured Credit Card
Secured credit cards can be perfect for anyone trying to establish or rebuild their credit. But there will come a time when the secured card has served its purpose and you’re ready to move on. While it may be tempting to… read more…