Consumer Credit Card Debt Breaks Records… Again.
It’s official. Consumers ended 2018 with a record $870 billion in credit card debt. If you have high balances to pay, Consolidated Credit has some advice...Read full article
Category: Credit Cards
Learn how to make your credit cards work for you without creating debt problems!
Credit cards don’t have to be the enemy of a balanced budget. If you develop the right habits and pay attention to important updates and industry trends, you can use credit effectively. Whether you need to eliminate your current balances or want to develop better habits moving forward, we have the solutions you need.
The articles included in this category cover everything you need to know about your credit cards. We offer tips to help you common debt traps hiding in our economy today. We also explain how to use current trending credit card features so you can get ahead. If you need more information on how to manage your revolving debt, visit Consolidated Credit’s Free Credit Card Debt Guide.
A Snapshot of Credit Card Debt by State in 2019
Total debt and the number of delinquent accounts are both climbing. We look at average credit card debt by state and offer tips to eliminate debt...Read full article
Two Major Creditors Scale Back on Customer Credit Card Limits
Credit card companies set credit card limits based on your score, but your credit limit may also change for other reasons. Here’s what you need to know...Read full article
Understanding the Effects of Missed Payments
If you have credit cards, the impact of missed payments can be massive. Here’s what you can expect for budget and credit if you miss a credit card payment...Read full article
Reducing the High Cost of Credit Card Debt
Consumers pay over $100 billion every year on credit card interest charges and fees. We explain how to minimize the high cost of credit card debt...Read full article
Warning: Credit Rewards Can Lead to Overspending
1 in 3 Americans admit that they use credit just to get rewards, but if credit rewards lead to overspending, rewards credit cards aren’t helping you...Read full article
Do You Know Your Annual Interest Rates?
Half of credit card users that carry at least one credit card balance don’t know their annual interest rates, which means they’re probably overpaying...Read full article
Are Gas Cards Still a Good Value in 2018?
As gas prices increase and interest rates on gas cards rise, is it still wise to use a co-branded gas credit card to fill up? Some experts say no...Read full article
Are Store Credit Cards Bad?
A new trend in increased credit card delinquencies on store credit cards reveals two good reasons why you might want to think twice before opening a in-store credit card. Consolidated Credit explains how to decide if store credit cards are a bad idea for your finances...Read full article
Which State Has the Most Credit Card Debt in 2018?
Americans have more credit card debt than ever, but four states outspend the others significantly. Learn which state has the most credit card debt and what you can do to pay your part of it off...Read full article
One More Good Reason You Don’t Need Credit
For more than two decades, attractive rewards programs have been a big reason that many consumers turn to credit cards at checkout. But as banks scale back credit card rewards and increase debit card rewards, this trend may be changing...Read full article
When is the Right Time to Retire Old Credit Cards?
20 million people haven’t changed their primary credit card in 10 years, but are old credit cards effective or is it time for an update? Learn what to do with old accounts to avoid credit damage...Read full article
Can You Afford the Cost of Debt?
Another interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve means that the cost of debt for consumers just got higher again. WalletHub has revised their map of cities with the most and least sustainable credit card balances. Can you still afford to pay off your debt in a cost-effective way or do you need debt relief?..Read full article
Don’t Loan Credit Cards!
If you thought lending money to family was a bad idea, consider that 36 million Americans admit they’ve run into trouble when they decided to loan credit cards to friends and family. Learn why it’s a bad idea and what you can do instead to help someone out...Read full article
12% of Americans Had a Credit Card Declined Last Year
One in ten Americans had a credit card declined last year, but embarrassment is really the least of your worries if it happens to you. Learn why cardholders experienced a declined credit card last year and what you can do to avoid it...Read full article
5 Good Reasons to Call Your Credit Card Company
A credit card company wants your business, so they’re usually willing to give you certain money-saving perks for sticking with them. Learn how you can turn customer loyalty into more credit card rewards, cut annual fees and lower interest rates...Read full article
Big Changes Coming to Credit Cards Offering 0 Interest on Balance Transfers
As consumer debt levels continue to break records, driven by credit card debt, many households may turn to balance transfer credit cards to consolidate. However, new changes in credit cards offering 0 interest on balance transfers could make this type of consolidation less beneficial...Read full article
What Causes America’s High Credit Card Balances?
Americans have record high credit card balances that are often caused by covering daily expenses to make ends meet. We look at reasons for debt and offer helpful tips on how to achieve a balanced budget so you can avoid credit card debt...Read full article
15 Million Americans Hide Credit Cards
A new study finds 15 million people hide credit cards and bank accounts from their partners. We look at current trends in financial infidelity and offer tips on how to have an honest money talk with your significant other, just in time for Valentine’s Day!..Read full article
Say Goodbye to Credit Card Signature Requirements
The last major credit issuer just announced they will phase out signature credit card signature requirements on most transactions this year. As EMV chip technology improves, you should see less request for your John Hancock, and hopefully less fraud...Read full article
Credit Card Use Continues to Climb
Consumer credit card use continues to climb, now beating pre-recession levels of spending. Credit card debt increased by 13% in November alone, leading to an all-time high of $1.023 trillion. Here’s what you can do to pay off your debt...Read full article
How to Use Cash Back Credit Cards
Experts predict that cash back credit cards may be king in 2018 as more credit card issuers roll out even sweeter reward programs. But if you want to get the most out of cash back incentive programs, you need the right strategy...Read full article
Living without Credit Cards
Whether you’ve been denied credit or you don’t think credit cards are necessary, there are things you should do when you’re living without credit cards...Read full article
Cash Back or Coffee Rewards?
Coffee giant Starbucks announces a new credit card with coffee rewards for java fanatics, but is this is the right choices for caffeine addicts on a budget?..Read full article
