The Credit Carder

Back From Hiatus

TheCreditCarder — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:40:04 +0000

Aaaand…we’re back! There was a bit of downtime as the world’s economy seemed to collapse and all of the credit card issuers and banks stopped issuing credit, but I think we’re finally coming out of it at long last. The financial institutions are coming out with new products, but the game has changed a bit [...]

When Using Credit Cards Is Smart

TheCreditCarder — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:46:46 +0000

The Wall Street Journal recently posted an article detailing the "Five Ways to Use Plastic Wisely". As an individual that is sick of always hearing why credit cards are inherently bad from those that lack the willpower to control their own spending habits, I applaud the publishing or articles on smart-spending that the WSJ (among [...]

Credit Card Deals: The Best of What’s Left

TheCreditCarder — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:15:17 +0000

The credit industry has taken a beating over the past six months. It used to be that companies were paying hundreds of dollars to get you to sign up for their card. They used to offer such perks as 0% APR balance transfers with no fees. Not anymore. Now your lucky if what you have [...]

FICO Credit Score Changes

TheCreditCarder — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:37:44 +0000

Since last Thursday, February 5th, your credit score has been calculated differently. Ever since having passed vote in the Federal Reserve Board (as discussed on the forum) I've been waiting to see when the changes would actually take effect. Well, they've taken effect, so it's best to know about them so that you can tailor [...]

American Express Clamps Down

TheCreditCarder — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:11:33 +0000

Everybody is hurting in these rough economic times. Now, one of the most respected names in the credit card industry is doing their best to remain viable in a tough situation. The latest headlines include American Express significantly reducing advertising, lowering credit limits, increasing APR's, and the outright canceling of some people's cards. First there [...]

Happy Holidays!

TheCreditCarder — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 21:48:55 +0000

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday season and a great new year!

The Bad Credit Hotel

TheCreditCarder — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:47:32 +0000

Credit has become such an issue that the government has created a kitschy web site devoted to teaching consumers the basics of how the system works. Yes, welcome to the 'Bad Credit Hotel' located over at ControlYourCredit.gov. Staffed entirely by African-Americans for some reason, this slow-loading Flash 'game' has the feel of the old graphic [...]

Recent Credit Card Industry Changes

TheCreditCarder — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:34:21 +0000

It's not until you start a industry-focused blog like this that you really begin noticing all of the changes taking place in that industry. Well, right now I can plainly see that the credit card and banking industry is really hurting. It's hard to find any bank that isn't in a distressed situation, trying every [...]

Discover Card Holiday Mall Promo: Save 10%

TheCreditCarder — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:50:59 +0000

A little bit late with this one as I have been out of the country on vacation recently, but here is something to remember while doing your Christmas shopping during the next month. Through January 4th, 2009, use your Discover card for any purchases at participating malls around the country, and receive a $20 gift [...]

R.I.P. Chase Freedom Rewards Card

TheCreditCarder — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:53:06 +0000

It had to come about sometime. I have heard directly from an affiliate of Chase Bank that they are yielding to the recent economic woes and significantly downgrading the Chase Freedom Visa card. Goodbye 3% cash back, hello same ol' 1% rewards that all of the other cash-back cards offer. If you've been visiting the [...]

Dining For Miles/Cash Programs

TheCreditCarder — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:21:21 +0000

Did you know that you can get free airline miles or free cash rewards on top of the rewards offered by the card itself just by signing up for one of multiple free programs available? There are a few options out there, but I am going to focus on the Rewards Network program as it [...]

Vacation Time!

TheCreditCarder — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:08:50 +0000

Site updates will be slow in the next few weeks as I am off on a vacation/work-trip to Japan. Be sure to check back for the newest credit card offers, news, and tips in the coming weeks!

Visa & MasterCard Online Discounts

TheCreditCarder — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:29:43 +0000

Pretty much all of us have at least one Visa and/or MasterCard in our possession, being the top two credit card brands in the world. Did you know that you can get special offers, discount codes, and coupons just for being a Visa/MasterCard holder? It's not highly publicized, but if you check out the Visa [...]

JD Power Credit Card Survey

TheCreditCarder — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:29:46 +0000

J.D. Power & Associates recently published the 2008 Credit Card Satisfaction Study. This survey serves to aggregate the customers of the top credit card issuers to see how each rates in terms of customer service, rates and fees, rewards programs, etc. Cheat sheet below. Overall Winner: American Express American Express won by a large [...]

Best Airline Miles Credit Card?

TheCreditCarder — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:01:46 +0000

Tired of all of the fees and restrictions when it comes to airline frequent flier mile cards? Most of the time they just don't pay off, especially compared to other reward programs (for more info read my post Frequent Flier Credit Cards: Worth It?). However, there may be one card that actually works: the Discover [...]

AmEx Is Watching You

TheCreditCarder — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:45:01 +0000

It's pretty common knowledge that credit card companies track your credit score to evaluate your credit-worthiness. But do you know just how far they go to avoid risk, especially in today's economy? American Express lays it all out for us. There was a story over at MSNBC about a guy who received a letter in [...]

Building Your Credit History

TheCreditCarder — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:06:05 +0000

There is always talk about the best way of establishing or correct your credit score/history. This information is most useful to both those having little credit because of age (e.g. college students) and those having poor credit because of past mistakes (e.g. bankruptcies, defaults, etc.). Read on for six important tips on building your credit. [...]

Advanta Kiva Business MasterCard

TheCreditCarder — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:43:06 +0000

Although this was part of the 0% APR Offers list I thought I'd feature this card as it stands out from the rest of the pack in a special way. Advanta offers the new Kiva Business MasterCardto businesses and individuals that are looking to help make change in the world. Along with the very generous [...]

Simplifying Credit Cards

TheCreditCarder — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:24:27 +0000

The Federal Reserve Board has released a handy-dandy checklist, glossary, and credit card fact sheet all-in-one. This will make comparing and choosing from a list of credit cards easier as you'll have all of the information right in front of you (well, once you write it down of course). If you're new to credit cards [...]

Credit Cards For The Credit-Less

TheCreditCarder — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:32:30 +0000

It's tough living nowadays with no credit. Sure, it's possible, but it's a pain. Just about everything is tied to your credit. Want to buy a car? They're going to check your credit. Want to get a housing loan? They're going to check your credit. Looking for a job? Some employers even check the credit [...]