Learn About Credit Cards

Understand the basics before you make a decision.

Credit cards don’t have to be complicated. Learn how APRs, fees, balance transfers, rewards and credit work so you can understand an offer before you apply.

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How credit card APR works

APR, or annual percentage rate, is the interest rate a credit card issuer charges when you carry a balance. A higher APR generally means carrying the same balance will cost you more in interest.

Intro APR: what happens when it ends

When an introductory APR period ends, any remaining balance is generally subject to the card’s ongoing APR. That’s why it’s important to know both the promotional rate and the rate that comes afterward.

Balance transfer fees

A balance transfer fee is usually charged as a percentage of the amount you transfer. Even with a 0% introductory APR, this upfront fee can affect how much you actually save

Want to see the numbers? See whether a balance transfer is worth it before you transfer.

Annual fees

An annual fee is the amount you pay each year to keep a card. A card with an annual fee can still make sense if the benefits you actually use are worth more than the fee.

Rewards and welcome offers

Rewards can add value, but compare them with the card’s APR and fees. A welcome offer may also require you to spend a certain amount within a specific period, so make sure the requirement fits your normal spending.

Credit building: what matters

Building credit is less about finding a flashy offer and more about how you manage the account. Paying on time, keeping balances manageable, and avoiding unnecessary applications can all play a role in your credit profile.

Keep it real

A credit card should fit how you actually use it—not just look good in an advertisement. Understand the costs, compare the terms, and decide what makes sense for you.

Ready to compare your options?

Use our comparison tools to look at the numbers side by side before you decide.

Balance Transfer Guides

Thinking about moving credit card debt to a 0% offer? These guides can help you understand the fees, potential savings, payoff timeline and other details before you make a decision.

Credit Card APR & Interest Guides

Understand how credit card interest works, when interest starts, how APR affects what you pay and how different types of APR can apply to your balance.

Understand APR

Credit Card APR Explained: How Interest Really Works

What Is a Good APR for a Credit Card?

What Is Purchase APR on a Credit Card?

What Is the Difference Between Purchase APR and Balance Transfer APR?

Understand Interest

How Is Credit Card Interest Calculated?

When Does Credit Card Interest Start Accruing?

Does Credit Card Interest Compound Daily?

How Does Credit Card Interest Work if You Make Multiple Purchases?

Avoid and Reduce Interest

How Does a Credit Card Grace Period Work?

Can You Avoid Credit Card Interest by Paying the Statement Balance?

What Happens to Credit Card Interest When You Make a Payment?

Manage Your Balance

Should You Pay Your Credit Card in Full Every Month?

Should You Pay Your Credit Card Before the Due Date?

Credit Card Fees & Costs Guides

Understand the fees a credit card may charge, when those fees apply and how to decide whether the benefits of a card are worth the cost.

Understand Common Credit Card Fees

What Credit Card Fees Should You Watch Out For?

When Is a Credit Card Annual Fee Charged?

Is a Credit Card Annual Fee Worth It?

What Is a Foreign Transaction Fee on a Credit Card?

What Is a Cash Advance Fee on a Credit Card?

What Is a Returned Payment Fee on a Credit Card?

Avoid Unnecessary Costs

What Happens If You Pay Your Credit Card Late?

Credit Card Rewards & Cash Back Guides

Understand how credit card rewards work, what points and cash back are really worth and how to evaluate rewards before choosing or using a card.

Understand Credit Card Rewards

How Does Credit Card Cash Back Work?

Credit Card Points vs. Cash Back: What’s the Difference?

Flat-Rate vs. Category Cash Back: Which Earns More?

How Do Rotating Cash-Back Categories Work?

Welcome Bonuses & Reward Value

How Do Credit Card Welcome Bonuses Work?

How Does a Credit Card Welcome Bonus Work After You Earn It?

How Much Are Credit Card Points Actually Worth?

Protect Your Rewards

Do Credit Card Rewards Expire?

What Happens to Credit Card Rewards if You Return a Purchase?

Can You Lose Credit Card Rewards?

Credit Scores & Credit Building Guides

Learn how credit cards can affect your credit score, what credit utilization means and how everyday credit card decisions can influence your credit over time.

Understand Your Credit Score

How Does a Credit Card Affect Your Credit Score?

What Is Credit Utilization and How Does It Affect Your Credit Score?

Does Carrying a Balance on a Credit Card Help Your Credit Score?

Does Checking Your Credit Score Hurt Your Credit?

Applications & Account Changes

Does Applying for a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Build Credit

How to Build Credit With a Credit Card: What Really Matters

Credit Card Payments & Debt Guides

Understand how credit card payments work, how to manage balances and what different payment strategies can mean for your interest costs and debt.

Understand Your Payments

How Do Credit Card Minimum Payments Work?

Should You Pay Your Credit Card in Full Every Month?

Should You Pay Your Credit Card Before the Due Date?

Pay Down Credit Card Debt

How Long Does It Take to Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

Which Credit Card Should You Pay Off First?

Is It Better to Pay Off Credit Card Debt or Save Money?

What Happens After You Pay Off a Credit Card?

Choosing & Comparing Credit Card Guides

Learn what to compare when choosing a credit card and how to decide which features, fees and rewards fit the way you actually plan to use the card.

Choose the Right Card

How Do You Choose the Right Credit Card?

What Should You Compare When Choosing a Credit Card?

What Credit Card Should You Get First?

Compare Card Features

Is a No-Annual-Fee Credit Card Better?

Cash Back or Travel Rewards: Which Credit Card Is Better?

Should You Get a Store Credit Card?

Should You Get a Credit Card With a Sign-Up Bonus?

Should You Get a Credit Card With 0% Intro APR?

Is It Better to Have a Visa or Mastercard?

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?

Credit Card Approval & Qualification Guides

Understand what credit card issuers may consider when reviewing an application and what you can do if you are trying to qualify for a new card.

Before You Apply

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Credit Card?

Can You Get Preapproved for a Credit Card?

What Income Do You Need to Get a Credit Card?

How Do Credit Card Companies Decide Your Credit Limit?

If Approval Is Difficult

Why Was My Credit Card Application Denied?

Can You Get a Credit Card After a Denial?

How Long Should You Wait Between Credit Card Applications?

Can You Get a Credit Card With No Credit History?

Can You Get a Credit Card With Bad Credit?

Can You Get a Credit Card After Bankruptcy?

Everyday Credit Card Use Guides

Understand the everyday details of using a credit card, from reading your statement and tracking available credit to refunds, declined charges and disputes.