Did You Know You Can Request Credit Card Relief?

July 10, 2022

You don’t plan to run up a credit card balance that you can’t manage, but you never know what the future will bring. So, if you find yourself bogged down by credit card debt, you must implement a plan for digging your way out.  Your credit card issuer is under no obligation to provide relief, but most companies are willing to hear you out and look into ways to assist you. After all, they’d rather you pay back the money
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How to Improve Your Credit Score (Top 6 Tips)

July 5, 2022

In the United States, your credit score and report are major factors in determining your interest rate on auto loans and home loans. They also affect what type of loan product you can get. If the score’s too low, you may not be able to obtain a mortgage unless you apply for a “hard money loan” and are willing to pay high interest rates. If the score is less than 620, you may have to get an FHA loan with
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Credit Spotlight: Kikoff

June 30, 2022

Building credit doesn’t have to be difficult. It doesn’t have to be something that consumes your life and adds to your financial stress. With Kikoff, it’s easier than ever to take the steps needed to boost your credit score in a reasonable period of time. Start Here Kikoff addresses three key factors that determine 80 percent of your credit score: 1. Payment history  We report your monthly payments to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Every payment
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Answer These Questions to Find the Best Rewards Credit Card

June 7, 2022

Here’s some advice: if you’re going to use a credit card, use one that gives you something in return. The best optoin is a rewards credit card. This allows you to earn points for every dollar you spend. You can then redeem them for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more. As you begin your search for a rewards credit card, you’ll soon realize that there are hundreds of offers. Your goal is to narrow your options. Shoot for three
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Credit Card Grace Period: Everything You Need to Know

May 25, 2022

There are many terms associated with credit cards that you need to understand. And that’s especially true among those that could cost you money at some point. Understanding the ins and outs of a grace period could work in your favor if you lose track of your balance and/or when your next payment is due. Note: if you want to learn more about a grace period as it applies to your account, it’s best to contact your credit card company
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The Benefits of Using a Credit Card When Traveling

May 13, 2022

There’s a lot to think about when traveling, so it’s easy to overlook the manner in which you’ll make purchases when away from home. You have many options, but using a credit card should be at the top of your list.  Here are some of the top benefits of using a credit card when traveling.  1. A credit card is safer You take a much bigger risk when traveling with cash. Not only are you a bigger target for people
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Things You Can Negotiate With Your Credit Card Company

April 11, 2022

Many people overlook the fact that they can negotiate with their credit card companies. It’s not something that you’ll do regularly, but there are unique situations when it makes sense to take action. Here are just a few of the many things that you can negotiate: 1. Fees There are many types of fees associated with using a credit card. For example, your card may have an annual fee. If you’re unsure that you want to pay this fee the
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Credit Spotlight: Nearside

March 29, 2022

With so many business banking options, it can be challenging to choose the right financial institution. And for that reason, it’s natural to turn your attention to the products that are designed with simplicity in mind. And that’s where a Nearside business checking account fits in. Let’s start with a quick overview of its top features: Open a free account in minutes without a credit check.  Earn unlimited 2.2 percent cash back on every business-related purchase. No monthly fees or
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Traits to Look For in a Small Business Credit Card

March 15, 2022

Imagine you’re a small business owner in search of a credit card. As you begin to browse and compare offers, you come to find that there’s no shortage. While that’s a good thing, it can also bog you down when attempting to make a final decision. Understanding the most coveted traits in a small business credit card can help you find what you’re looking for. Here’s a list to get you started: 1. Sign-up bonus With so much competition, most
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5 Simple Reasons to Create and Follow a Monthly Budget

March 10, 2022

There will always be people who don’t understand the benefits of creating and following a monthly budget. Even if this has been you in the past, you don’t have to continue down this road in the future. You can make a change for the better at any time. If you’re wondering why it makes sense to change your approach, here are five simple reasons: 1. Financial clarity There’s never a good time for confusion in regards to your financial circumstances.
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Credit Spotlight: Walmart MoneyCard®

February 28, 2022

In the retail world, there aren’t many brands with a bigger name than Walmart. So, if you’re searching for a reloadable debit card account, this is a good place to start.  The Walmart MoneyCard® is full of benefits and high-level features designed to make your life easier as a consumer. It’s not a credit card but is instead a debit card that you can reload at your convenience. And of course, you can set up direct deposit if that’s easier
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The Benefits of Prepaid Credit Cards

February 15, 2022

There are many benefits of prepaid credit cards, all of which may have you considering this product at some point. While it may not be necessary if you have good or excellent credit, it’s the perfect choice for those who have no credit or poor credit. Here are five of the top benefits of prepaid credit cards: 1. Less risk of overspending With a prepaid credit card, you can only spend up to your balance. So, if your balance is
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Can You Trust Your College Student With a Credit Card?

January 15, 2022

Maybe your college student has asked you if they can apply for a credit card. Perhaps they even need you to co-sign so they qualify. It’s even possible you’ve had the idea to give them a credit card for specific expenses and emergencies.  Before you decide for or against this, there’s one question to answer: can you trust your college student with a credit card? In many ways, this is what your decision comes down to.  If the answer is
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Mistakes to Avoid When Comparing Credit Cards

January 9, 2022

There’s a lot that goes into comparing credit card offers. You know the right one is out there, but that doesn’t mean you’ll find it immediately. It could take you several days or longer of searching to find exactly what you’re looking for. And there’s nothing wrong with that. You’re making a big financial decision so you don’t want to get ahead of yourself.  While patience can go a long way in helping you avoid mistakes, knowledge of what you’re
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Credit Spotlight: Aspire® Cash Back Reward Card

December 28, 2021

It’s not always easy to decide where to start your financial journey. And that’s especially true when it comes to choosing a credit card. Fortunately, offers like the Aspire® Cash Back Reward credit card are available. Here’s how Aspire® — a credit card issued by The Bank of Missouri — describes its cash back credit card: Take the first step on your financial journey with Aspire®. With just a few clicks, you can enter your acceptance code and request your
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Steps to Take if You Lose Your Credit Card

December 18, 2021

Even if you’re overly protective of your finances, there may still come a time when you lose your credit card. And if that happens, you must take the right steps without delay.  Here are four things you should do: 1. Contact your credit card issuer This is priority number one, as your credit card issuer can cancel the card and issue you a new one (with new numbers). Doing so ensures that nobody can use your credit card.  The longer
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Do You Have to Use Your Credit Card?

December 11, 2021

Just because you have a credit card does not mean you have an obligation to use it. In fact, you may have applied for a credit card with the idea that you’ll use it sparingly, such as in the event of an emergency. Even though you don’t have to use your credit card, there are some things to keep in mind if this is the approach you’re going to take. Here are several points of consideration: 1. You could still
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Can I Get a Credit Card With Bad Credit?

December 5, 2021

If you have bad credit, it’s easy to assume that you’re disqualified from obtaining a credit card or loan. While it’s sure to be more difficult, there are steps you can take to improve the odds of securing the financial product you’re most interested in. So, can I get a credit card with bad credit? The simple answer is yes. Even if your credit score is less than desirable, there are steps you can take to obtain a credit card
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Top Reasons to Get a Credit Card

November 30, 2021

Are you thinking about applying for a credit card? Are you wondering if it’s a good idea? Do you have questions about how you’ll use it?  It’s natural to have questions and concerns when considering applying for a credit card. This is a big decision in your financial life. Fortunately, once you understand some of the top reasons to go down this path, it becomes easier to do so with confidence. Here are five top reasons to get a credit
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How to Choose the Right Student Credit Card

November 15, 2021

As a college student, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about your finances. This is particularly true if you don’t have any outside financial assistance, such as from your parents or another loved one. Students from all walks of life can benefit from a student credit card. However, before you apply for the first offer you come across, it’s critical to learn more about your many options. Here’s how you can do just that: Search online to compile a
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