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How Debit Cards and Credit Cards are Different

By: American Heritage06.08.23 Credit
On the surface, debit cards and credit cards look alike, with a chip and a magnetic stripe, your financial institution's logo, and the card network (like Visa or Mastercard). They both give you a convenient way to make purchases online and in stores. So, what are the differences?

Choosing the Right Travel Credit Card to Fit Your Needs

By: Kirstin Wilson03.16.23 Credit Culture
Traveling can bring excitement, new experiences, and can even help you recharge and reduce stress. But to travel, you’ll need to pay for your trip and expenses that come with it. Travel credit cards are a great option for those looking to earn and redeem points, cash back, and receive valuable perks to help ease travel costs. With many options available to travelers, it’s hard to know which card is your best option. We’ve created a guide to help you determine which type of card best suits your spending habits, travel needs, and expectations.
Senior man holding a credit card and talking on the phone.

Start the New Year Fresh with a Credit Card Balance Transfer

By: American Heritage01.19.23 Credit
Between the rising cost of gas and groceries, holiday expenses, and unexpected bills, chances are your credit card balance may be a little higher than you’d like. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to help you lower your monthly payments and pay off your credit card debt faster: transferring your current balance to a low- or no- interest credit card. Here’s how a credit card balance transfer can help you get a fresh start and give your budget some breathing room in the new year.
Couple using a laptop and paying with a credit card.

Product Spotlight: Cash Reward Mastercard®

By: Holly Benedetto12.15.22 Product Spotlight Credit
Credit cards come in many different forms from many different lenders. To incentivize borrowers to choose their card, lenders include special perks like low rates or cash back. If you're looking for a new addition to your wallet, consider diversifying with a card that specializes in cash back. Continue reading to see if the Cash Reward Mastercard® is a good fit for your spending needs.
Woman with headphones uses credit card to make a purchase on her cell phone

Product Spotlight: Platinum Preferred Mastercard®

By: Holly Benedetto12.01.22 Product Spotlight Credit
Credit cards are the most versatile product in your wallet and can be the ticket to a strong credit score and healthy financial habits. By mastering the most popular financial tool, you can demonstrate to lenders that you are a responsible borrower, ushering in new opportunities. Shopping for a new card? Continue reading to see if the Platinum Preferred Mastercard® is a good fit for your banking habits.
Group of people holding hand together in the park

Empower Yourself and Your Future with Financial Wellness

By: Holly Benedetto10.20.22 Culture Credit
International Credit Union Day ®, also known as ICU Day®, is celebrated on the third Thursday of October. This year marks the 74th anniversary of the day, with the theme “Empower Your Financial Future with a Credit Union™.” This special day is brought to you by World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and Credit Union National Association (CUNA). The third Thursday of October is also known as National Get Smart About Credit Day. Knowing how credit works and how your score is calculated is a great way to live this year’s theme and empower your financial future.

The Young Adult Financial Wellness Starter Kit

By: Kirstin Wilson08.18.22 Savings & Budgeting Credit
Now that we’ve created the Financial Wellness Dictionary for young adults to educate themselves on the most relevant terms to begin their financial wellness journey, the next step is to establish yourself at a financial institution. In today’s blog, we look at a handful of starter accounts, products, and services young adults should have or start familiarizing themselves with to continue towards financial independence.

Here’s How Credit Card Interest Is Calculated

By: Holly Benedetto06.16.22 Credit
Credit card interest is often talked about, but not always understood. Despite the number of people who keep a credit card (or several) in their wallet, not everyone can explain the math that goes on behind the scenes. Understanding how your monetary tools work is an important part of financial literacy, which is why in this article, we’ll break down credit card interest into basic dollars and cents.
A cellphone, held in front of a laptop, showing credit report information

Ask the Experts: Consumer Lending

By: Holly Benedetto08.05.21 Ask the Experts Credit
In this series, we take a look at the inner workings of the Credit Union and meet some of the champions who help our members in every facet of their financial lives. This month, we met up with expert Bryan Eichenbaum, an expert on all things lending at American Heritage.
Blog Zero in on Reducing Debt

Zero in on Reducing Debt with This Type of Credit Card

By: Holly Benedetto07.22.21 Credit
Credit cards are one of the most versatile tools you can carry in your wallet. From getting extra rewards when swiping at gas stations or grocery stores to building your credit score, these pieces of plastic can impact your financial health. With so many options available, how do you choose?
Blog 6 Questions to Ask Before Getting a Loan or CC

6 Questions to Ask Before Getting a Loan or Credit Card

By: American Heritage06.24.21 Credit
The right loan or credit card can give you more financial freedom and open up exciting opportunities – from traveling the world to buying your first car or home. But borrowing money is a big responsibility, and it’s not a decision you should make lightly. Failing to use credit responsibly can damage your credit or lead to serious financial problems.
Blog Guarding Against Debit Credit Card Fraud

Guarding Against Debit & Credit Card Fraud

By: American Heritage06.03.21 Credit Security
It’s no surprise the credit and debit cards are so popular. They’re simple, easy to use, and accepted almost everywhere. But this popularity has also made them a common target for thieves and fraudsters. In 2019 alone, more than 270,000 people fell victim to credit card fraud. The consequences can be serious, from financial loss to damage to your credit (not to mention the stress).

How to Perform a Balance Transfer

By: Holly Benedetto10.22.20 Credit
A credit card balance transfer makes a high-interest credit card balance (or balances) more manageable by transferring that balance to a new credit card with a lower interest rate. For added savings, some balance transfer offers include a lower introductory rate for a limited amount of time or sometimes even the life of the balance. Balance transfers can help you get out of debt faster and make multiple payments easier to manage.
A woman fills out a loan application for a new car

Loans & Borrowing: 10 Terms You Should Know

By: American Heritage09.17.20 Credit
The process of comparing your financing options and choosing the right one can sometimes feel overwhelming – especially with all the financial jargon and concepts associated with loans and borrowing. Fortunately, many of these concepts are less complicated than they seem. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most important borrowing terms you should know. Learn them now, so you can make smarter borrowing decisions later.

The Pros and Cons of Paying Off a 0% Interest Loan Early

By: Holly Benedetto02.20.20 Credit
Sometimes, we get lucky and are offered a 0% interest rate promo for a specific term. This rate is frequently seen at auto dealers, mattress stores, furniture stores, and for credit card promotions. For these big-ticket items, paying no interest could mean a massive savings on each payment. However, should you ever pay off a 0% interest loan early?

Is Debt Consolidation Right for Me?

By: Holly Benedetto01.16.20 Savings & Budgeting Credit
Credit cards are a valuable tool for building credit, making large purchases, or earning rewards. Still, a tool this powerful must be used carefully to prevent avoidable or unmanageable amounts of debt. If you ever find yourself in deeper than expected, don’t worry – there are several ways to tackle credit card debt, one way being debt consolidation.

 

 

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