Terms of Use Credit or debit card blocking happens most often when you rent a car or check into a hotel. For example, when you present your credit card, the clerk scans your card and this action may electronically ask the financial institution that issued the card to “block,” or reserve, part of your line of credit to cover the expected costs. If it's a hotel, the amount could be the cost of your room for the length of your stay, plus extra expenses like meals and phone calls y  More...

Terms of Use You may think of debit and credit cards as nearly the same thing, with the exception of having money withdrawn from your account immediately (debit card) or receiving a bill for payment later (credit card). There are some key differences beyond this that you should consider the next time you decide on using a debit or credit card. Although most debit card issuers treat disputes the same as in a credit card transaction, you have no dispute rights under federal law if you're n  More...

Terms of Use: Overdrafts occur when you spend more than you have on balance in your account. This spending can occur from online bill payment, check writing, use of an ATM, or purchases made with a debit card (sometimes called a check card). While it's important to maintain your balance in your account to avoid overdrawing it, once in awhile you may accidentally overdraw your account. Depending on the arrangements you have with your financial institution, you may have overdraft or bounce prote  More...

Terms of Use: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act applies to those who collect debts owed to creditors for personal, family and household debts, including car loans, mortgages, charge accounts and money owed for medical bills. A debt collector is someone hired to collect money owed by you. A debt collector may not: Contact you at unreasonable times or places, for example, before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree, or at work if you tell the debt collector your employer disapproves  More...

Terms of Use: Your Get out of Debt Step-by-Step Roadmap You've heard the old saying, live within your means. Easier said than done for some. The important thing is that you've reached a point where you realize your life would be a lot less stressful if you didn't have bills to worry about. Short of winning the lottery, what can you do? Here's help. Four rules to live by: 1. Be realistic! If you are spending $500 a month now on food, don't expect to cut your grocery bill t  More...

Terms of Use Grey charges are charges made to your credit card that you may not even notice. Some examples: Remember the free magazine subscription you started receiving? It may have only been for an introductory period, then the paid subscription kicks in and your credit card is charged What about the newsletter that let you sign up for a free trial? How about an old domain name that you registered? Did the kids sign up for a gaming membership? Maybe you signed up for satellite radio   More...

Terms of Use The credit card you pick can save you money Table of Contents: Credit Card Interest Rates How Much Will You Pay? Credit Card Shopper's Checklist Deciphering the Application Glossary For More Information Smart consumers comparison shop for credit, whether they're looking for a mortgage, an auto loan, or a credit card. Comparison shopping is important because it could save you money. When you're looking for a credit card, be sure to consider the costs and terms. They can  More...

Terms of U se High debt and misuse of credit cards make it tough to save for retirement. Money that goes to pay interest, late fees, and old bills is money that could earn money for retirement and other goals. How much debt is too much debt? Debt isn't necessarily bad, but too much debt is. Add up what you pay monthly in car loans, student loans, credit card and charge card loans, personal loans - everything but your mortgage. Divide that total by the money you bring home each month. The r  More...

Terms of Use: With annual fees and interest rates on credit cards, you may be wondering whether to close out an account you're not using. Some are also concerned about identity theft as well as the need to simply control the amount of debt. Whatever your reason for considering closing a credit card account, here are some things to consider: If you close out a credit card that has an unpaid balance on it, your available credit (or credit limit) on that card goes to zero. Your credit score look  More...

Terms of Use: Friendly looking people proclaiming the benefits. Smiling representatives, extending a hand. The ads for payday loans and check cashing services are appealing and perhaps you've been tempted to check them out. What is a payday loan? Payday loans are usually small, short-term, high-rate loans intended to get you cash before payday. The idea is that once you receive your paycheck, you'll pay off the loan. These loans may also be called cash advance loans, check advance loans or p  More...