Credit Cards Articles

Many people are finding it better to close their credit cards these days. Considering that credit cards aren’t as attractive as they once were, I don’t blame anyone for wanting to get rid of a useless credit card. But, make sure you do it the right way.

Wrong: Call customer service and say “Take this credit card and [bleep]!” Hang up. Cut up the card. Ignore future mail and phone calls from the credit card company.

Right: Pay off your balance completely. Make sure closing the card won’t hurt your credit. Call to request your credit card to be closed.

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Feeling gluttonous? Here are 10 meals that will pack on the pounds and thin out your wallet.

Mélisse‘s Mac and Cheese

Cost: $95

If Kraft can’t kick your mac and cheese craving, Mélisse in Los Angeles offers a pricier blue box alternative. Crafted by chef Josiah Citrin, the dish replaces macaroni with fresh tagliatelle, covered in white truffles and Parmesan cheese.
 
Barclay Prime‘s Philly Cheesesteak

Cost: $100

Forget the Liberty Bell. Philadelphians take real pride in their cheesesteaks, which helps explain the high price tag on this swanky sandwich. Ba

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One of our forum readers, Nathan_K, has a charge-off from his gas company. He wants to pay in exchange for having the charge-off deleted from his credit report. Do you have any suggestions for how he could convince the gas company to remove the charge-off in exchange for payment? Help him out in the forums.

More in the Credit/Debt Management Forums:

• Can an old debt collection resurface on my credit report?
• Will my credit card co-signer be hurt by my bankruptcy?
• Post your credit and debt questions in the forum.

What can credit card issuers do to get cardholders to make more purchases? As this question would seem comical, it is one that has probably been brought up in every credit card issuers’ boardroom across the country. While it may seem like the answer is simple, now that many people have shifted to other forms of payment, card issuer may have more to worry about than lowering interest rates.

While lowering interest rates is one thing that could possible get consumers to start using their plastic more, it is only part of the answer. After a year of increased interest rates and decreased limits on majority if not all cardholders, many have had no other choice but to rethink how they will pay for goods and services. D

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