Compare the best credit cards, calculate loan payments, and get expert personal finance advice. Find cash back cards, travel rewards, and low-rate personal loans with our free financial tools.
Calculate loan payments, credit card payoff times, and mortgage costs with our comprehensive financial calculators. Make informed money decisions with accurate calculations.
Compare top-rated credit cards including cash back cards, travel rewards cards, and balance transfer offers. Find the perfect credit card match for your spending habits and financial goals.
Stay informed with our latest insights, comprehensive guides, and expert tips on credit building, debt management, investing, and smart money decisions for 2024.
Learn the essential steps to build and maintain excellent credit, from understanding credit scores to choosing the right credit cards for beginners.
Compare personal loans and credit cards for debt consolidation, major purchases, and emergency expenses. Find the best option for your financial situation.
Everything you need to know about buying your first home, from saving for a down payment to understanding mortgage types and closing costs.
Choosing the right credit card can significantly impact your financial health. Whether you’re looking to build credit, earn rewards, or consolidate debt, understanding your options is crucial for making an informed decision.
If you’re new to credit or rebuilding after financial difficulties, secured credit cards and student cards offer the best starting points. These cards typically have lower approval requirements and help establish a positive payment history.
Always pay your full balance on time each month. Payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score, making it the most important factor in building good credit.
Once you have established credit, rewards cards can help you earn cash back, points, or miles on your everyday spending. Consider these categories:
If you’re carrying high-interest debt, balance transfer cards with 0% introductory APR periods can save you hundreds or thousands in interest charges. Look for cards offering 15-21 months of 0% APR with reasonable balance transfer fees.
Balance transfer cards work best when you have a clear payoff plan. Calculate whether you can pay off the balance before the promotional rate expires.
Consider these factors when selecting a credit card:
Use our comparison tool to find cards that match your credit profile and spending habits.
Get answers to common questions about credit cards, personal loans, and financial planning
Generally, you’ll need a credit score of 670 or higher to qualify for the best credit card offers. Premium rewards cards typically require excellent credit (740+), while secured cards are available for those building or rebuilding credit.
Personal loans typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards, especially for borrowers with good credit. Personal loan APRs range from 7-25%, while credit card APRs often range from 18-29%. Personal loans also have fixed rates and set repayment terms.
If your credit card interest rates are higher than expected investment returns (typically 18%+), prioritize paying off credit card debt first. This provides a guaranteed “return” equal to your interest rate. Consider investing after paying off high-interest debt and building an emergency fund.
Compare personal loan offers from top lenders and find competitive rates for debt consolidation, home improvements, and major purchases
Rates as of December 2024 • Subject to credit approval
| Lender | APR Range | Loan Amount | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SoFi
No fees
|
8.99% – 23.43% | $5,000 – $100,000 | 2-7 years |
|
LightStream
Rate discount available
|
7.49% – 25.49% | $5,000 – $100,000 | 2-7 years |
|
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
No fees
|
7.99% – 24.99% | $3,500 – $40,000 | 3-6 years |