Minimum payment due, reads the box on your credit-card statement. What an enticing idea: Pay a small amount and you’re off the hook for the whole bill—for a while, anyway. Alas, as the more than 45% of Americans who carry a …
Paying With Plastic
On Square, Biohazards, Biting and the Psychology of Money
The deal announced this week between Square and Starbucks is exciting but worrisome. Square streamlines the transactions that define our everyday economic lives — just say your name and you’ve paid. Partnering with the coffee …
Back to School: How to Vet Student Bank Accounts
If you have ever looked for the perfect bank account for your teen, you know how frustrating the search can be. Linked accounts, transfer limits and fees, ATM fees, overdraft protection and more vary from bank to bank and from account to account. How do you sort through this maze?
Mobile Gift Cards: Major Push On for the ‘Cooler’ Gift Card
In a recent survey, roughly 15% of U.S. retailers offer digital gift cards that are truly mobile—meaning they can be used immediately for a purchase via smartphone. A major growth spurt for mobile gift cards seems to be in the works. In the same survey, 61% of retailers said they plan on offering such cards in the next three years.
Why Smartphones Won’t Be Replacing Wallets Anytime Soon
For quite some time, we’ve heard that smartphones will replace wallets. Instead of using cash or plastic, the day will come, likely soon, when consumers will simply wave, tap, or swipe their phones for payment. While there are …
A Store Without a Checkout Counter? JCPenney Presses on with Retail Revolution
JCPenney’s dramatic makeover has led to customer confusion and subpar sales, but the company is sticking with its plan to revolutionize its brand.
Retailers Can Now Charge Extra For Credit Card Buys — But Will They?
The 7-year fight between merchants and credit card companies over interchange fees on credit cards has finally been resolved. A settlement was reached on Friday that gives retailers a little over $6 billion in a lump sum payment, …
Vacation Spending: Credit or Debit?
Packing for vacation inevitably involves some decision making: Do I bring extra sunglasses? Flip flops or sandals? But a more important question is whether you should use a credit or debit card for vacation spending. Debit cards, …
Credit Card Surcharges May Be Coming to a Retailer Near You
Retailers have been fighting for the right to charge people more if they pay with a credit card. They may soon win that battle.
How Exactly Do Cyber Criminals Steal $78 Million?
Let’s say you’re a cyberthief who just compromised hundreds of bank accounts worth millions of dollars. Congratulations! You’re now the scourge of the global community. Now, all you need to do is get your hands on that money. …
How to Pick a Cash-Back Credit Card
The idea of a credit card that gives you money for spending is pretty appealing, which goes a long way to explaining the enduring popularity of cash-back credit cards. The more you spend, the more you earn.
5 Smart Strategies for Managing Your Debt
Consumers have been good about paying down their debt. But they stink at managing what debt remains. Here are five ways to keep control.
