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Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. SHARE: Photo by Getty Images/Illustration by Bankrate December 02, 2020 Ana Staples is a reporter for Bankrate and an expert on all things credit basics and personal finance for the younger generation. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise
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You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. A credit card might seem like a simple enough concept. You get one, you spend the money, you pay it back. Yet, to really get the most out of your —or at least not hurt your credit and budget—you need to know a bit more than that. Still, as you dive into details and fine print, the world of credit cards might start to seem overwhelming. There are that pay you back for every purchase, that earn you points or miles, store cards that reward you for shopping with your favorite brand and cards that don’t offer any of that but can do wonders for your credit score. Not to mention credit cards that don’t charge any interest for months, credit cards designed for balance transfers and credit cards for good and not-so-good credit. If your head is already spinning, wait till I tell you about rotating cash back categories, variable interest and annual fees. All this can be overwhelming even for finance experts. Fret not, for in this guide you’ll find many resources that will help you with credit card basics, provide you with useful credit card tips and lead you every step along the way of your credit journey. Are you growing your credit and have a question for Ana? Drop her a line at the page! Part 1 Your first credit card
You’re ready for your first credit card. Before you can fly with points and get huge cash back, you’ll have to prove to credit card issuers that you can handle your credit with a simpler credit card product. When you’re new to credit, lenders see you as a potentially risky borrower since you don’t have enough payment history for them to evaluate your credit behavior. In this section, you’ll find advice on getting your first credit card and compare your options. Part 2 Credit reports and scores
Now that you have your first credit card, you can use it as a tool to improve your credit and get access to more exciting products full of perks (think hundreds of dollars in travel credits or 5 percent cash back on select purchases). Credit is a beast of its own, but start with these few articles to figure it out and make it work for you. Spoiler alert: It’s really all about not overspending and always paying on time. Part 3 Matching card and lifestyle
So you’ve got a good or even now. The doors to best credit cards are open for you, and it’s time to find the cards that match your lifestyle and spending habits. This way, you can get the most out of your plastic (or metal, if you’re fancy like that). Part 4 Costs and fees
You found an amazing credit card that fits your spending patterns perfectly. Good for you. Now, what about the fees? In this section, you’ll find useful information on limits, fees and rates. I understand this doesn’t sound fun at all, but it may get costly not to know about these things. Not to mention, those pesky charges can eat away at your rewards. Part 5 Managing your cards
You pay promptly and never go over the limit. But, do you pay enough? And do you know your consumer rights? And what if you’re not happy with your credit card? Let’s go deeper into the credit card woods, so you can become a credit card pro and do awesome things like balance transfers and credit limit increases. Part 6 Using credit wisely
Savvy spenders use credit carefully. Discover how to use your credit cards to your advantage, whether your goal is to improve your credit, maximize cash back or earn travel rewards. Now you have all the information to go and turn your credit cards into the valuable financial tools they’re meant to be, rather than a way to get into dangerous debt (which they can also become when misused). Use your credit card responsibly, put some thought into managing it and, soon enough, your wallet will thank you. SHARE: Ana Staples is a reporter for Bankrate and an expert on all things credit basics and personal finance for the younger generation. Related Articles