Credit Cards
How credit cards work, how to avoid interest and fees, choosing the right card, and using cards to build credit rather than debt.
Credit card basics
| Provider | Regular APR | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First Tech Federal Credit Union Platinum Mastercard, opens in a new tab | 10.49%–18.00% variable | Visit site First Tech Federal Credit Union Platinum Mastercard, opens in a new tab |
| Bank of America BankAmericard, opens in a new tab | 15.24%–26.24% variable | Visit site Bank of America BankAmericard, opens in a new tab |
| Citi Diamond Preferred Card, opens in a new tab | 16.74%–27.49% variable | Visit site Citi Diamond Preferred Card, opens in a new tab |
See all 6 cards and how we chose them
For information only, not a recommendation. Rates and terms change often and may depend on where you live; check the details with the provider before you apply. Pond.com isn't paid by any provider listed here.
| Provider | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum Secured, opens in a new tab | Secured | Visit site Capital One Platinum Secured, opens in a new tab |
| Chase Freedom Rise, opens in a new tab | Unsecured, for people new to credit | Visit site Chase Freedom Rise, opens in a new tab |
| Digital Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Secured, opens in a new tab | Secured | Visit site Digital Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Secured, opens in a new tab |
See all 4 cards and how we chose them
For information only, not a recommendation. Rates and terms change often and may depend on where you live; check the details with the provider before you apply. Pond.com isn't paid by any provider listed here.
| Provider | Cash back | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Citi Double Cash Card, opens in a new tab | 2% | Visit site Citi Double Cash Card, opens in a new tab |
| Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card, opens in a new tab | 2% into a Fidelity account | Visit site Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card, opens in a new tab |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, opens in a new tab | 2% | Visit site Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, opens in a new tab |
See all 5 cards and how we chose them
For information only, not a recommendation. Rates and terms change often and may depend on where you live; check the details with the provider before you apply. Pond.com isn't paid by any provider listed here.
| Provider | Intro APR on transfers | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Citi Diamond Preferred Card, opens in a new tab | 0% for 21 months | Visit site Citi Diamond Preferred Card, opens in a new tab |
| Chase Slate, opens in a new tab | 0% for 21 months | Visit site Chase Slate, opens in a new tab |
| U.S. Bank Shield Visa Card, opens in a new tab | 0% for 21 billing cycles | Visit site U.S. Bank Shield Visa Card, opens in a new tab |
See all 6 cards and how we chose them
For information only, not a recommendation. Rates and terms change often and may depend on where you live; check the details with the provider before you apply. Pond.com isn't paid by any provider listed here.
Using credit cards wisely
Used well, a credit card is a convenient, safe way to pay that builds your credit history and can earn rewards. Used badly, it's one of the most expensive ways to borrow. The difference comes down to paying the full balance every month.
How credit cards work explains interest rates, grace periods, minimum payments, fees and rewards, and how to choose a card that fits how you spend. To compare types of card, see cash back vs points, balance transfer cards and low-interest credit cards.
Your card habits affect your credit score more than almost anything else. Paying on time and keeping balances low compared with your limits both matter; see how credit scores work.
If you already carry a balance, make a plan to clear it with debt snowball vs avalanche, and avoid adding to it during busy spending seasons with how to avoid holiday debt. Traveling abroad? Choose a card with no foreign transaction fees; see travel money.
Common questions
Pay your full statement balance by the due date every month. Most cards give you a grace period on new purchases when you do, so you pay no interest. Carrying even part of a balance usually means interest on new purchases too.
There's no right number. One or two cards you use responsibly is plenty for most people. Opening several cards in a short time can lower your score temporarily, and more cards can make spending harder to track.
Often it's better to keep a no-fee card open, because closing it lowers your total available credit and can raise your credit utilization. If a card has an annual fee you don't want to pay, ask about switching to a no-fee version before closing it.