Cash back, points, or miles: choosing a reward type
Understand how cash back, points, and miles differ, and compare redemption options, fees, and spending categories before choosing a card.
Read guide →THE CREDIT AND HABIT BLOG
Ideas for smarter credit habits.
Guides, articles, and practical explanations to help you make informed financial decisions.
What to check before applying for a credit card
A practical credit card application checklist covering APR, fees, welcome offers, eligibility, and issuer terms.
Read guide →How to compare secured credit cards
Learn what to check when comparing secured credit cards, including deposits, fees, credit reporting, and upgrade policies.
Read guide →THE CREDIT AND HABIT BLOG
Latest articles and resources
ARTICLE
Statement Balance vs. Current Balance: What Should You Pay?
Understand the difference between statement, current and minimum balances, when a card payment is due, and how to avoid interest while keeping healthy credit habits.
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2% Cash Back vs. Category Rewards: Which Earns More?
See an original spending-based example comparing flat-rate and category credit card rewards, plus annual fees, reward caps and the benefits of pairing cards.
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ARTICLE
Credit Scores Explained: How They Work and How to Build Excellent Credit
A complete, practical guide to credit scores: what changes your score, the five FICO factors, credit utilization, building credit from scratch, fixing mistakes and protecting your history.
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ARTICLE
How to Maximize Bilt Rewards: Points, Bilt Cash & Your Best Spending Strategy
A practical, visual guide to Bilt Points, Bilt Cash, housing rewards, Blue vs. Obsidian vs. Palladium and the 2027 rule changes. Find the right Bilt strategy with our interactive calculator.
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