But before you hit that withdrawal button at the ATM and take out a credit card cash advance, let’s talk about what you're signing up for. Our guide will cover how it works, and whether it’s the best move for your wallet. The short answer is: probably not. cardrates.com/advice/what-is…

A frequent flyer program is a loyalty program for airline customers who want to earn free flights, travel rewards, and other perks. Our guide will teach you how to earn and redeem miles for different programs and how to gain maximum rewards. cardrates.com/advice/what-is…

Global Entry provides expedited security screening and faster entry at eligible U.S. Customs locations. Our latest guide covers the details of the Global Entry program, its benefits, and how your credit card can help you enjoy this perk for free. cardrates.com/advice/what-is…

The CARD Act isn’t as complicated as it sounds, and in our guide, we'll break down its history, origins, and key provisions that matter to you. I'll also summarize all of the protections you need to know about before applying for credit.  cardrates.com/advice/what-is…

Equifax is one of the major credit bureaus that compiles reports to help credit card issuers assess your creditworthiness. Our latest guide covers the information Equifax uses to compile credit reports, and how your report impacts credit applications. cardrates.com/advice/what-is…

As a payment security provider with a decades-long legacy, Bluefin helps merchants avoid processor lock-in and preserve optionality through its innovative ShieldConex Tokenization Platform. Read more: cardrates.com/news/how-vault…

A fraud alert is a red flag that you can place on your credit report to warn potential creditors that fraudsters may have compromised your identity. Our guide will help you get up to speed on the topic — and possibly prevent it. cardrates.com/advice/what-is…

If you have a poor credit score, or are just banking-averse, you can use a reloadable credit card to make purchases at most places that accept credit cards. Our in-depth guide will cover the benefits, drawbacks, and how to choose the right prepaid card. cardrates.com/advice/what-is…

Commercial and residential real-estate backing circumvents traditional constraints and enables private lenders to do more deals. In California, Arizona, Minnesota, Colorado, and Texas, Source Capital helps investors realize their potential. Read: cardrates.com/news/a-private…

Working with merchants to locate payment processors that can help them achieve their goals, Swipesum engages with prospective customers to understand their businesses before recommending solutions. Read more: cardrates.com/news/swipesum-…

We’d all like to improve our credit, but it’s easier said than done. StellarFi helps people build credit and manage their bills. StellarFI is a public benefit corporation that’s committed to making a positive impact on society. Read more: cardrates.com/news/build-you…

Credit card points are rewards you earn when you use certain credit cards to make purchases. Our handy guide will show you how to redeem points for items such as travel, cash back, or gift cards — and some other nifty tricks. cardrates.com/advice/what-ar…

The regular APR, or annual percentage rate, tells you how much interest you will pay each year if you carry a balance on your credit card. Our latest guide covers everything you need to know about your card’s annual financing cost. cardrates.com/advice/what-is…

A closed-loop card is a card you can only use to make purchases at a specific retailer or a group of affiliated retailers. These types of cards can maximize your shopping experience with exclusive rewards and benefits. Read our guide to learn much more. cardrates.com/advice/what-is…

Credit card bonus miles are additional rewards you can earn through purchases in categories that earn additional rewards, such as traveling or dining, or by meeting a card’s signup bonus requirement. Learn more in our comprehensive guide. cardrates.com/advice/what-ar…

A credit card maintenance fee refers to a monthly charge subprime credit card issuers impose for the privilege of using their cards. Read our in-depth guide to understand why. cardrates.com/advice/what-is…

Sometimes the best banking option for a small business isn’t a bank at all. Bluevine is a financial technology company that builds banking solutions for small businesses to help them grow and thrive. Read more: cardrates.com/news/the-right…

A leading solution for small and midmarket businesses looking to save time on routine tasks, Fyle automates expense reporting, card reconciliation, and employee reimbursement while syncing to your preferred accounting platform. Read more: cardrates.com/news/expense-m…

Credit monitoring is the process of checking your credit report to see if there are any new changes. Read our comprehensive guide to learn if you can do it yourself or if you need help from a professional. cardrates.com/advice/what-is…

Prepaid cards are physical cards you pre-load with funds and are sometimes referred to as prepaid debit cards or prepaid credit cards. Our handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about prepaid cards. cardrates.com/advice/what-is…