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☆ Credit card users paid nearly $164 billion in fees, interest in 2022. It may 'get a little worse,' analyst warns
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Some credit card companies charge as much as $41 for a missed payment. Proposed changes are meant to fill gaps in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, or CARD Act. The law imposed guardrails on credit card companies, like price controls on penalty fees and specific conditions in which they can be charged. However, there is no restriction on how much APR a company can charge nor language on late fees. How to minimize credit card fees, interestCardholders paid on average $76.27 in fees and interest per credit card account in the fourth quarter of 2022, WalletHub found.

Persons: Oscar Wong, Biden, Schulz, Cardholders, WalletHub, it's, cardholders, Autopay, Matt Schulz, Sara Rathner Organizations: Federal Trade Commission

Don't think that because you can't cut your grocery bill or your utility bill is just high this time of year, you cannot save money. Here are five ways to save money in 10 minutes or less:1. Call your monthly bill providersSet aside a few minutes to call your cell phone or internet provider and see if they can reduce your monthly bill. We went through my bill and by the time I was done, my monthly bill was $185. The idea is to make your credit card almost impossible to access — not just to create a credit card popsicle.

Persons: —, It's, it's Organizations: Service

Here's how to get identity protection and what to look for in an identity protection service. If you have children, an identity theft protection service with a family plan or additional features to prevent child identity theft can be useful. Signs of a good identity theft protection serviceWhat you need from an identity theft protection service will vary based on your assets and needs, but the basics are relatively uniform. Red flags in identity theft protection servicesThere's no clear outline of solutions: The last thing you want from the company you're paying for identity theft protection is a lot of talking in circles. Getting identity theft protection frequently asked questionsWhat is the best identity theft protection service?

Persons: Kurt Sanger, Batten, Sanger, Michael Scheumack, Rebecca Morris, —, Morris, it's Organizations: Research, US Cyber Command, Credit Monitoring, Chevron, Social Locations: United States, Chevron

☆ Autopay Is Making Us Worse at Managing Credit-Card Bills
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Imani Moise | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/autopay-money-management-credit-cards-c546b62c

Persons: Dow Jones

A credit score under these thresholds is also called a sub-prime credit score, which means that creditors might think twice when reviewing your application for a credit line. However, a combination of serious negative marks on your credit score may seriously hurt your credit score, putting you on the lower end of the score range. While one credit check on your credit report may dent your credit score by a few points, several of these in a short period of time will significantly hurt your credit score. While one credit check on your credit report may dent your credit score by a few points, several of these in a short period of time will significantly hurt your credit score. Lowest credit score frequently asked questionsWhat is the lowest credit score to buy a house?

Persons: VantageScore, aren't, you'll, Enoch Omololu, Erik Beguin, Kendall Meade Organizations: Self, New Canadians, Austin Capital Bank Locations: annualcreditreport.com, Chevron

The short answer is that, yes, it is possible to get a grant to help you pay off your student loan debt. Citizens Bank Student Loan Refinancing is one of many strong options for student loan refinancing, particularly because the company allows you to refinance up to $300,000 and to apply with a co-signer. Bottom lineGetting a grant or some other form of loan forgiveness can make a huge difference in your student loan management journey. Every article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of student loan refinance products. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best student loan refinance companies.

Persons: Harris, refinanced Organizations: Education Data, Biden, CNBC, Citizens Bank Student, Citizens Bank, Loan, Federal Reserve Bank of New, AK, IL, CNBC Select's, Facebook, Twitter Locations: California, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, MN, NH, OH, TN, TX

☆ How to Pay Off Your Student Loans Fast
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( Rebecca Safier | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +11 min

5 strategies to pay off your student loans ahead of scheduleMore than half of students take out student loans to pay for college, with the average debt load upon graduation totaling nearly $30,000. Be cautious about refinancing federal student loans: Doing so means sacrificing federal repayment plans and other protections. Pay off interest during school and your grace periodInterest starts accruing on most student loans, such as federal unsubsidized loans and private student loans, from the day they are paid out (known as the disbursement date), usually at the beginning of each semester. Pursue student loan forgiveness and assistanceIf you’re open to switching jobs, consider pursuing a role that would make you eligible for student loan forgiveness or assistance. If you have federal student loans, you may need to set up autopay again before the payment pause ends in October.

Persons: Rebecca Safier, you’d, “, ”, Karen McCarthy, Let’s, you’ll, Biden, Michael Lux, Joe DePaulo, McCarthy, autopay, forbearance, It’s, you’ve, Jan Miller Organizations: National Association of Student Financial, Public, Student Loan Sherpa, College Ave

☆ Rewards Cards: Put Those Points to Work
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Julie Weed | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Sign-up bonuses, lounge access, cash rebates, free hotel rooms and plenty of fine print: The dizzying promotions and Byzantine rules on earning and redeeming points with rewards credit cards can make your head spin. Rewards cards offer three types of value. There is typically a sign-up bonus, up to 120,000 points or miles after spending a minimum amount within a certain period. Make partnerships work for youA co-branded card, like the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature (fee $95), helps you achieve status faster with that airline. Hotel chains offer similar co-branded cards.

Persons: Autopay Organizations: Alaska Airlines Visa, Hyatt Visa, Marriott Locations: Alaska

☆ Student-loan borrowers are facing new bills next month — but minor paperwork errors and lost payments are causing 'a lack of clarity about absolutely anything'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The student-loan payment pause is over, and some borrowers are facing problems with repayment. "You remain responsible for making your monthly payments." AdvertisementAdvertisementAfter more than three years, the pause on federal student-loan payments ended on Friday — interest started accruing again on September 1, and borrowers will face monthly bills again beginning in October. Still, there's a chance relief could come for borrowers who have been making payments on income-driven repayment plans. But for borrowers like Hunter who are struggling to get answers from their servicer, it's unclear what improvements can be made.

Persons: they're, Heather Hunter, Hunter, Sarah, she's, —, servicers, there's, Joe Biden Organizations: Service, Education Department, Consumer Financial, Federal Student Aid Locations: Wall, Silicon, autopay

☆ FedNow: A new instant payment system may be coming to a bank near you
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“The Federal Reserve built the FedNow Service to help make everyday payments over the coming years faster and more convenient,” said Fed Chair Jerome Powell. FedNow instant payments won’t benefit you, however, if:You don’t have a bank or credit union accountYour financial institution is not part of the FedNow network. If your bank or credit union is among them, it may take some time before they start offering instant payments and deposits for customers using FedNow. And some initially may only offer to receive FedNow payments for their customers, but not send them. And in this first phase of use, the FedNow Service will only be available to process domestic payments between US depository institutions.

Persons: ”, Jerome Powell, “, it’s, Wells Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Service, FedNow Service, …, Fiscal Service, JPMorgan Chase, Community Bank Locations: New York, Treasury’s, Wells Fargo

☆ 12 things to do when you get the Venture X Card
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( Ariana Arghandewal | Add An Authorized User | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card made quite a splash when it launched in 2021. Getty ImagesWhile you’re moving monthly bills to your Capital One Venture X card, don’t forget your cell phone bill. Getty ImagesThe Capital One Venture X card offers a $100 application fee credit towards Global Entry or TSA Precheck. As a Capital One Venture X card holder, you can claim a free PRIOR subscription by navigating to your accounts benefit tab. Join Gravity HausAs a Capital One Venture X card holder, you’ll receive a $300 discount on an annual Gravity Haus membership every 12 months.

Persons: you’ll, it’s, Hertz, you’re, Hilton Organizations: CNN, American Express, Venture, Capital, Hertz, Global, TSA, Getty, Reebok, Bloomingdale’s, GameStop, IHG, Booking.com, Entertainment, The, Francisco’s Legion, Royal Academy of Arts, Gravity, Gravity Haus Locations: New York, London

☆ The Best Debit Cards for Kids and Teens
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-02 | by ( Kerri Anne Renzulli | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +15 min

Banks, credit unions, financial technology companies and even investment firms all offer debit cards geared toward under 18-year-olds. With Greenlight, children receive a physical debit card with their name on it. In addition to its abundance of customizable features, Greenlight also rises above other kids debit cards thanks to the educational tools and games included in its app. This is possible because the Step Visa Card is not technically a debit card, though it functions very similarly. How we pickedTo pick Buy Side from WSJ’s Best Debit Cards for Kids and Teens, we looked at card options available to those under the age of 18, including prepaid debit cards, checking account-linked debit cards, secured credit cards and brokerage account-linked debit cards.

Persons: Kerri Anne Renzulli, they’ve, Banks, we’ve, Greenlight, Chase, it’s, Side’s, —, Equifax, Roth Organizations: Community Federal Savings Bank, Capital, Teens, Chase, Teen, Fidelity, Learning, Kids

☆ How to Pay Off Your Student Loans
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( Rebecca Safier | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +13 min

Here’s how to pay off student loans in a way that works for your budget and goals. Look into specialized loan forgiveness programsWhile the Supreme Court hasn’t shared its ruling on Biden’s widespread forgiveness initiative yet, there are other options for loan discharge, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness. You can pay off federal student loans early, as there’s no student loan prepayment penalty. If you want to retain access to federal protections, it wouldn’t make sense to refinance your federal student loans. In the end, there’s no single right way to pay off student loans faster.

Persons: Rebecca Safier, Biden’s, ”, Robert Farrington, you’re, you’ve, Michael Lux, “, Farrington, Autopay, servicers, autopay, servicer Nelnet, hasn’t, Adam Minsky, You’ll, Mark Kantrowitz Organizations: Education Department, College Investor, millennials, Federal, Aid, Grad, Student Loan Sherpa, Student Aid, autopay, Peace Corps, Corinthian, Education Locations: “, SavingforCollege.com

See Insider's picks for the best personal loans >>Compare Personal Loan RatesHere's how you can get approved for a $20,000 loan from a credit union, bank, or online lender. $20,000 loan offersThere are plenty of personal loan options out there for folks shopping around for a good deal on a $20,000 loan. You can take out a loan as low as $5,000 and as high as $100,000, so a $20,000 loan is more than doable with SoFi. How to get a $20,000 loan FAQsHow much would a $20,000 loan cost per month? The monthly cost of a $20,000 loan can vary greatly based on the annual percentage rate (APR) and the terms of your loan.

Persons: —, It's, You'll, you'll, SoFi, Wells Organizations: Service, Social, National Credit Union Administration, Wells Fargo, Wells, PenFed Credit, Avant, Chevron Locations: Wells Fargo, Massachusetts , Ohio, New Mexico, Georgia

☆ A 'fabulously gay' lifestyle put them $51,000 in debt. Now their net worth is over $1 million
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-17 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Instead, they had $51,000 in credit card debt and a lease on a basement apartment in Denver, Colorado. But one line item proved particularly shocking: interest charges from their credit card balance. It took the Auten-Schneiders less than three years to pay down $51,000 in credit card debt. Courtesy of Debt Free GuysThe couple used a 0% balance transfer to eliminate interest payments and stopped using credit altogether. Nearly everything they saved, they funneled toward paying down their credit card debt.

Persons: John Schneider, David Auten, they'd, Schneider, Auten, You'd Locations: Denver , Colorado, autopay

☆ Over 14 million student-loan borrowers will resume payments this year under new companies — and that'll further 'complicate' the repayment process, a federal consumer watchdog says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-16 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

14 million student-loan borrowers could resume payments under a new servicer, the CFPB said in a new report. It could "complicate" the repayment process due to confusion on where the debt is owed, per the report. According to the report, 44%, or 14 million, student-loan borrowers in the bureau's sample will have their loans managed by at least one new student-loan company when payments resume, which could "complicate" the process. Additionally, the bureau found that about one in five borrowers in its sample have "risk factors" that suggest they could struggle when payments resume. "I'm in this limbo period not really knowing what's going on with my student loans," he said.

Persons: —, delinquencies, MOHELA, I'm Organizations: Service, Education Department, Consumer Financial, Public, Federal Student Aid, — Locations: autopay

Credit score and history: Your credit score and history are key to getting your loan approved for a personal loan. How to qualify for a $10,000 loan with bad creditA good credit score is essential when getting approved for a $10,000 loan. $10,000 loan offersIf you're looking to take out a $10,000 loan, here are some lenders worth considering:LightStream is best for borrowers with excellent credit scores, but you can still qualify with a score as low as 660. How to get a $10,000 loan FAQsHow much would a $10,000 loan cost per month? The cost per month for a $10,000 loan can vary greatly based on the regular annual percentage rate (APR) and the terms of your loan.

Persons: —, you've, They're, LightStream, SoFi, Avant Organizations: Service, Social, National Credit Union Administration, SoFi, PenFed Credit, Avant, Chevron Locations: prequalification, Massachusetts , Ohio, New Mexico, Georgia

The Chase Freedom Rise℠ is a beginner credit card that earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. How to Apply for the Chase Freedom RiseTo apply for the Chase Freedom Rise℠, you must fill out an application at a physical Chase bank branch. Chase Freedom Rise Benefits and RewardsThe Chase Freedom Rise℠ is similar to the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom Unlimited® in that it earns rewards in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which you can redeem at a rate of 1 cent each for cash back, gift cards, or travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal. Unlike the other Freedom cards, the Chase Freedom Rise℠ doesn't offer a traditional welcome bonus tied to a spending requirement. That's not a bad deal considering many starter credit cards don't offer a bonus at all, but it's significantly less than what the best cash-back credit cards offer.

Persons: Chase, Read, —, you'll, We're, That's, Cardholders, you've Organizations: Service, Chase, Quicksilver, Chevron, Gas, Business, Chase Credit Locations: autopay

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is one of the best secured credit cards for earning cash back. US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card Review: Is It the Best Credit Card for You? Insider's Featured Secured Credit Cards Discover it® Secured Credit CardSelf Visa® Credit CardCapital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card RewardsHow to earn rewardsThe U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card has a better cash back earning rate than you'll find on most credit cards — making it a screaming deal for a secured credit card. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightUS Bank Cash Plus Secured Card Annual Fee and Other CostsThe U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is a $0-annual-fee card.

Persons: You'll, That's, You've, It's, you've, you'll, We're, —, it's Organizations: Bank, Rewards, EV, U.S, Bank's, U.S . Bank, Business, Reading Chevron, US, Visa, Discover, Bank Cash, Quicksilver, Chevron, Gas, Department, Sporting, Travel, Cash, . Bank, Card, US Bank, Credit Cards, Card U.S, Go, Cards, Capital, US Bank Cash Locations: U.S

Our experts answer readers' student loan questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess student loans). See Insider's picks for the best lenders to refinance student loans >>If you have federal student loans, you have options for debt forgiveness, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Income-Driven Repayment Plans. Insider's Featured Student Loan Refinance Companies SoFi Student Loan RefinancingSplash Financial Student Loan RefinancingEarnest Student Loan Refinancing Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Show more Variable: 5.32 % - 8.94%, Fixed: 4.96% - 8.99% (with AutoPay discount) Editor's Rating 3.5/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Apply now Apply now Apply now2. While private student loans aren't eligible for forbearance in the same way federal student loans are, you still have options if you're struggling to keep up with your payments.

Persons: —, Pell Grant, Autopay, forbearance Organizations: Service, Public, Biden, Loan, SoFi, AutoPay, Federal Reserve Bank of New, AK, IL, forbearance Locations: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, MN, NH, OH, TN, TX, California, Florida, Texas, In Texas

Pros Check mark icon A check mark. Pros Check mark icon A check mark. Geoff Cudd, Owner of FindTheBestCarPrice.comKareem Saleh, founder and CEO of FairPlay AIRyan Wangman, loans reporter at Personal Finance InsiderHow to Choose the Best Auto Loan for Bad CreditTo pick the best auto loan, take stock of the factors that are most important to you. See our full ratings methodology for auto loans »Auto Loans for Bad Credit Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I get auto financing with a 500 credit score? Our Experts' Advice for Choosing the Best Auto Loan for Bad CreditCan you get an auto loan with bad credit?

Our experts answer readers' personal loan questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess personal loans). Our Experts for the Best Personal Loans With No Origination FeesWe consulted personal loan and financial experts to give their insights into finding the best personal loans with no origination fees. Personal Loan With No Origination Fees Frequently Asked QuestionsCan you get a personal loan without an origination fee? How to Choose the Best Personal Loan With No Origination FeesTo select the best personal loan for you, look at the factors that are most important to you. Methodology: How we chose the best personal loans without origination feesWe rate all personal loan products in our reviews and guides on a 1-5 scale.

Our experts answer readers' student loan questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess student loans). See Insider's picks for the best student loan refinance companies »Insider's Featured Student Loan Refinance Companies SoFi Student Loan RefinancingSplash Financial Student Loan RefinancingEarnest Student Loan Refinancing Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. APR Variable: 5.38% - 8.99%, Fixed: 4.99% - 8.99% Editor's Rating 4.5/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star APR Variable: 4.74% - 9.99% with AutoPay, Fixed: 4.49% - 9.99% with AutoPay Editor's Rating 3.5/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star APR Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Please note, we are not able to offer variable rate loans in AK, IL, MN, NH, OH, TN, and TX. Show more Variable: 4.99% - 8.94%, Fixed: 4.96% - 8.99% (with AutoPay discount) Editor's Rating 3.5/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Apply now Apply now Apply nowGetting the most bang for your buckI was an English major at Berkeley.

Splash Financial Student Loan Refinancing Apply now Compare loan options and get your rates today. Types of Student Loans Offered by Splash FinancialSplash Financial only offers student loans refinancing in two forms, including:Student loan refinancingMedical student loan refinancingSplash Financial Student Loan Refinancing DetailsTo get a loan, you must meet the following qualifications:A low debt-to-income ratio (no more than 30%)A history of on-time paymentsGood to excellent credit (preferably 700 or higher)You should consider your federal student loan options before refinancing into any private student loan, including one with Splash Financial, as you can often get better terms and protections through the government. Splash Financial Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat credit score is needed for Splash Financial? Splash Financial CompetitorsSide-by-side snapshot Splash Financial Student Loan RefinancingLaurel Road Student Loan RefinancingEarnest Student Loan Refinancing Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Methodology: How We rated Splash Financial Student Loan RefinancingWe rate all student loan products in our reviews and guides on a 1-5 scale.

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