Banking & Credit
Your guide to smarter banking
View Our Topics on Banking & Credit
Latest Articles
Are Credit Card Annual Fees Worth the Cost?
The vast majority of credit cards charge no annual fee for using the card. Certain cards will charge an annual fee for additional perks and benefits - but are the fees worth it?
Top 5 Things to Consider In a Checking Account
Looking to open a new checking account. Here is a list of the Top 5 most important things to consider before opening the account and making that initial deposit.
Are Credit Card Rewards Taxable Income?
Credit card rewards are generally exempt from federal income taxes; however, there are cases where they might be included in your income.
Online Bank vs. Brick-and-Mortar Bank: Which One Is Right for You?
One of the pivotal choices is deciding whether to use an online bank or a traditional brick-and-mortar banking institution. In this article, we examine each option's benefits and drawbacks.
What is the Card Act of 2009?
In 2009, Congress passed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act) to address a growing number of predatory and unfair practices in the credit card industry.
Will LLC Debts Impact Your Personal Credit Score?
Many small business owners open credit cards and lines of credit for their legal entities. What is often the case, however, is the owner must provide a personal guarantee for the debts and have a credit check.
Using Personal Loans to Fund Investment Opportunities
Many investors wonder whether it makes financial sense to fund an investment using a high-interest unsecured personal loan. Although it carries some risks, under some circumstances it may be worthwhile.
Parent’s Guide to Bank Accounts for Children
A minor child is generally unable to open a bank account without their parent or guardian. This guide summarizes the key things to remember when opening a joint or custodial bank account.
Use a Personal Loan to Consolidate Credit Card Debts
If you're struggling with multiple high-interest credit card balances, using a personal loan to consolidate those balances may be a useful financial tool.
Foreign Bank Accounts for US Persons – What Do You Need to Know?
When a U.S. person opens a foreign bank account, the U.S. person may have some additional tax filing and reporting obligations. This article and video discuss those issues for U.S. persons.
Do Bank Overdrafts Lower Your Credit Score?
Bank overdraft fees can be an unwelcome surprise for many account holders, especially if you're unaware of how they might affect your financial standing.
Secured vs. Unsecured Debt Obligations
Whether you're considering secured or unsecured debt, it's important to fully understand the loan terms, including interest rates, repayment timelines, and their impact on your credit score.
How Much Money to Keep In Your Checking Account
One of the many challenges in personal finance is managing your cash balances. It's important to find a balance between liquidity and maximizing your return on investment.
Use a Balance Transfer to Save Interest
A balance transfer offer from a new credit card company can be a great way to save interest expense on balances with high interest rates. In this article we discuss the benefits of balance transfers between cards.
How Does a Personal Loan Impact Your Credit Score
A personal loan is a common way to consolidate debt and pay for unexpected expenses. It's important, however, to understand how personal loans impact your credit score.