Manage Credit Cards
Practical advice on using credit cards effectively and maximizing their benefits. Topics include rewards programmes, foreign usage, credit ratings, and avoiding common fee traps.
Cancelling Credit Cards Can Affect Credit Ratings
Closing a credit card can hurt your credit score, even if you think you're being responsible with your finances.
Combating the Credit Card Rate Rises
Six million UK credit card holders are facing sudden rate hikes, here's how to fight back if you're one of them.
Credit Ratings and Their Effect
Your credit rating shows lenders whether you're reliable with borrowed money, and it affects your ability to get loans or credit cards.
Do Credit Card Comparison Websites Work?
Credit card comparison websites can help you find deals, but they don't show the full picture and shouldn't be your only source when choosing a card.
Get Cash Back from Credit Cards
Get cash back on your everyday spending with credit cards that return a percentage of what you pay.
Get Free Flights from Credit Cards
Get free flights by signing up for a credit card, meeting the spending requirement, and redeeming your bonus miles for a flight.
High Charges When Using Credit Cards Abroad
Using credit cards abroad can add hidden charges like foreign exchange fees that quickly mount up on your holiday spending.
High Interest Credit Cards to Avoid
High interest credit cards often trap people in debt, here's why you should avoid them and what to watch out for.
Should You Use Credit Cards for Christmas Shopping?
Using credit cards for Christmas shopping can cost you more in interest, so weigh up whether it's worth it for your budget.
Ten Tips to Improve Your Credit Rating
Here are practical ways to fix your credit score, from checking your report to using credit cards strategically.
The Best Freebies from Credit Cards
Credit card companies offer free gifts like cash back and flights, here's how to claim them without overspending.
The Facts on Credit References and Lender Approval
A bad credit record doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting approved for loans—lenders use their own criteria too.
The Pitfalls of Family Members with Secondary Credit Cards
Adding family members as secondary cardholders can backfire if they overspend or damage your credit score.
Using a Credit Card as a Short-Term Loan
Using your credit card to pay off a loan can sometimes be cheaper than the loan itself, but watch out for rate changes and cash advance fees.
Using Your Credit Card Abroad
Using your credit card abroad can rack up hidden charges for foreign purchases, cash withdrawals and even balance checks.
What Is Credit Card Tarting?
Credit card tarting involves switching between 0% deals to avoid interest charges, but it only works when economic conditions make these offers widely available.
When It Pays to Use a Credit Card
Credit cards still offer worthwhile benefits like purchase protection and rewards if you know where to look for them.