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Credit Cards
Page 3
![Three of the Best Ways to Improve Your Credit Score](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/videos/01HF2HPGF1XKD67KTFWYS1S33Y/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699834943.png)
![Three of the Best Ways to Improve Your Credit Score](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/videos/01HF2HPGF1XKD67KTFWYS1S33Y/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699834943.png)
Three of the Best Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
Plus, let's figure out what a good credit score actually is.
![How to Get Cell Phone Insurance for Free](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2H5ZQX1P402C1386AK109S/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833660.jpg)
![How to Get Cell Phone Insurance for Free](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2H5ZQX1P402C1386AK109S/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833660.jpg)
How to Get Cell Phone Insurance for Free
Many cells phones offer cell phone theft and damage insurance for no additional cost.
![Why a Crypto Rewards Credit Card Is Probably a Bad Idea](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2H3GR1R5E9419QVYB1REA6/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699835899.jpg)
![Why a Crypto Rewards Credit Card Is Probably a Bad Idea](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2H3GR1R5E9419QVYB1REA6/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699835899.jpg)
Why a Crypto Rewards Credit Card Is Probably a Bad Idea
For most borrowers, a simple cash back card is always going to be the better option.
![The Difference Between a Charge Card and Credit Card (and Why It Matters)](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GTQ5JC1SN6BHZ5GFQGEE4/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833624.jpg)
![The Difference Between a Charge Card and Credit Card (and Why It Matters)](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GTQ5JC1SN6BHZ5GFQGEE4/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833624.jpg)
The Difference Between a Charge Card and Credit Card (and Why It Matters)
Charge cards are a whole other financial product, apart from credit cards.
![Is 'The Smartest Credit Card Ever Made' Actually That Smart?](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2HC3PD8JCDPN62B0MCX1D7/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699835356.jpg)
![Is 'The Smartest Credit Card Ever Made' Actually That Smart?](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2HC3PD8JCDPN62B0MCX1D7/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699835356.jpg)
Is 'The Smartest Credit Card Ever Made' Actually That Smart?
Silicon Valley's X1 credit card does have some “smart” offerings you don’t see with traditional lenders.
![When to Downgrade Your Credit Card Instead of Canceling](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GT3215SCERG7ERWFBAKTW/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699835593.jpg)
![When to Downgrade Your Credit Card Instead of Canceling](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GT3215SCERG7ERWFBAKTW/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699835593.jpg)
When to Downgrade Your Credit Card Instead of Canceling
Sometimes downgrading is a better option than canceling your card completely.
![Is Your Credit Card Annual Fee Refundable?](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GMFGF1ZRGNYYPXYDBCSCR/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699834055.jpg)
![Is Your Credit Card Annual Fee Refundable?](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GMFGF1ZRGNYYPXYDBCSCR/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699834055.jpg)
Is Your Credit Card Annual Fee Refundable?
Lenders' policies vary, but your best bet is to close your account within a month of renewal.
![Why You Might Want a No-Fee Hotel Credit Card (Even If You Don’t Travel Often)](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GSG78JSW64BKN9AQ6QND0/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833373.jpg)
![Why You Might Want a No-Fee Hotel Credit Card (Even If You Don’t Travel Often)](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GSG78JSW64BKN9AQ6QND0/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833373.jpg)
Why You Might Want a No-Fee Hotel Credit Card (Even If You Don’t Travel Often)
Many hotel cards offer automatic upgrades and perks that don't require extra spending.
![How to Time Your Credit Card Payments to Raise Your Credit Score](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GQJ0JCF9CC9T3MDGT1100/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833599.jpg)
![How to Time Your Credit Card Payments to Raise Your Credit Score](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GQJ0JCF9CC9T3MDGT1100/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833599.jpg)
How to Time Your Credit Card Payments to Raise Your Credit Score
To get the best credit score, you'll need to know your credit card's closing date.
![Why AmEx's Platinum Travel Card Is Worth the Absurd New $700 Annual Fee](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GNWE4FREK46E3E9QN40EH/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699836189.jpg)
![Why AmEx's Platinum Travel Card Is Worth the Absurd New $700 Annual Fee](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GNWE4FREK46E3E9QN40EH/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699836189.jpg)
Why AmEx's Platinum Travel Card Is Worth the Absurd New $700 Annual Fee
The price hike comes with additional—and generous—spending credits to offset it.
![Ensure You'll Be Approved for a Credit Limit Increase Before You Apply](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GG79P51PNVNKV0P0QS9QV/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699834511.jpg)
![Ensure You'll Be Approved for a Credit Limit Increase Before You Apply](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GG79P51PNVNKV0P0QS9QV/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699834511.jpg)
Ensure You'll Be Approved for a Credit Limit Increase Before You Apply
Requesting an increase can temporarily ding your credit—here's how to know it'll pay off.
![Always Ask for a Credit Card Sign-up Bonus, Even If You Already Signed Up](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2H38526M11TS93P0DE2WH8/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833400.jpg)
![Always Ask for a Credit Card Sign-up Bonus, Even If You Already Signed Up](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2H38526M11TS93P0DE2WH8/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833400.jpg)
Always Ask for a Credit Card Sign-up Bonus, Even If You Already Signed Up
Maybe you'll be turned down, but some lenders will honor bonuses even after you've signed up.
![You Shouldn't Use Your New Credit Card Until You Do These Things](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GF83ERQNBRX34VRAZ8MKE/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699836052.jpg)
![You Shouldn't Use Your New Credit Card Until You Do These Things](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GF83ERQNBRX34VRAZ8MKE/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699836052.jpg)
You Shouldn't Use Your New Credit Card Until You Do These Things
It's a good idea to fine-tune a few credit card account settings before you start spending.
![Paying Your Rent With Credit Might Actually Make Sense With This New Card](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2HGX85FCYHYKCVB5YEJGN0/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699836431.jpg)
![Paying Your Rent With Credit Might Actually Make Sense With This New Card](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2HGX85FCYHYKCVB5YEJGN0/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699836431.jpg)
Paying Your Rent With Credit Might Actually Make Sense With This New Card
The Bilt Mastercard can be used to pay rent without any of the usual service fees.
![What You Need to Know About Statement Credits Before Choosing a Credit Card](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2H0J5AR5ZBJSNPCDRK8MGD/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833548.jpg)
![What You Need to Know About Statement Credits Before Choosing a Credit Card](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2H0J5AR5ZBJSNPCDRK8MGD/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1699833548.jpg)
What You Need to Know About Statement Credits Before Choosing a Credit Card
Spending credits can offset annual fees that usually total $100-550, if you use them.