Now, for most people, that might not be the biggest deal. After all, the heyday of the greeting card has long since passed, and these days, plenty of folks don't send mail at all.
However, those people also likely didn't spend a decade working in the greeting-card industry.
There's a big difference between 'obligatory' thank-you cards and ones from the heart
My mom taught me to write thank-you cards, but I don't think they're all meaningful.
Anna Wenner
Throughout my career, I've edited and written cards for places like Hallmark, American Greetings, and Lovepop.
One of the most useful things I learned was a term called "obligatory sending" — the idea that you're "required" to send certain cards if you don't want to seem rude.
Most thank-you notes fall into this category, especially the sort that get sent en masse, such as after a graduation or wedding.
Let's be clear: I'm not against gratitude, and I understand why my mom insisted I write thank-you notes as a kid.
However, in my opinion, gifts should always be about sharing something with a person you care about — not the gratitude they show in return.
Personally, I don't need a "thank you for the toaster" note after an event like a bridal shower. The hosts already invited me to share their big moment, usually throwing an elaborate party in the process.
Consider my present a "thank you for including me," and let's just call it even. (Rinse and repeat this approach with any graduations, baby showers, birthday parties, or other big shindigs.)
This doesn't mean I hate all thank-you cards, though. In fact, it's quite the opposite.
To me, the ones that matter are the ones that you were never obligated to send. They're cards from my mentees at work, sharing the ways that they've grown thanks to my help. Or ones I've received during tough times that tell me how much I've helped someone in the past and remind me I have a support system, too.
They're the thank-yous that are unexpected, but never unwanted — ones that come straight from the heart.
One experience always reminds me of the power of genuine gratitude over obligatory politeness
A thank-you card from the writer's family, thanking Taj Palace for their kindness throughout their mother's chemo.
Sarah Henry
A few years ago, my mom was sick with terminal cancer. During chemo, she had trouble eating and drinking much of anything, and she had an intolerance for any cold or spicy foods.
By that point, my mom was reluctant to go to most restaurants. She hated feeling like a "bother" to the staff, and too often, waiters would interpret her requests for ice-free drinks and spice-free foods as high-maintenance customer nitpicking.
However, we found sanctuary when we visited a nearby Indian restaurant, Taj Palace. The welcoming staff took my mom's concerns seriously without making her feel singled out.
When the owner learned that masala chai (a type of tea) was one thing my mom could almost always enjoy, he insisted we stop by whenever it would help — and he was always ready with a cup (or several).
After my mom died, my family brought Taj Palace a card to let them know and, more importantly, to ensure they knew how much their kindness had meant to us.
Five years later, the thank-you card from my family is still on the wall, prominently displayed next to the counter.
Whenever I see it, it reminds me that even the smallest things, like a cup of tea, may have a huge impact — and that saying "thank you" really does matter, and sometimes a card is the best way to do so.
I still hate most thank-you notes, and you won't find me writing the "obligatory" sort anytime soon.
But for those who've made a real difference? Well, those are the cards that I'll always want to send.
If you've ever wondered who's rocking a perfect 850 FICO® Score, here's your answer: not many people. In fact, just 1.54% of Americans are in that elite club, according to Motley Fool Money research.
As someone who spends way too much time buried in credit score data, I can tell you -- it's not luck. People with an 850 have very intentional habits that protect and grow their credit over time.
Here are four traits that the rest of us can learn from.
1. They have two more credit cards
The average American has 3.9 credit cards. But people with perfect credit have close to 5.8.
More cards might sound risky. But having multiple accounts open can actually help your score -- if you manage them well. More cards can give you a higher overall credit limit, which lowers credit utilization. It also shows issuers a diverse credit history.
Now, before you rush out and apply for 10+ new credit cards… remember it's not solely about quantity.
Perfect scorers keep their balances low, make every payment on time, and let those accounts age like fine wine.
Experian data shows people with perfect credit scores carry an average credit card balance of $3,028. That's less than half the national average of $6,501.
And it's not just credit cards. They also tend to have lower balances on auto loans, mortgages, and other loans. Lower debt levels mean less strain and more room to pay bills on time -- a big factor in the average credit score across the U.S.
If you're carrying a lot of debt currently, make a commitment to start chipping away with small extra payments each month. It's a simple move that reduces interest costs and nudges your score upward.
3. They have zero late payments
A perfect credit score almost always comes with a perfect payment history. That means no delinquent payments showing up on their credit report (compared to the national average of 1.5 late payments.
Late payments can drag your score down for years, so avoiding them is priority number one. If you struggle with due dates, here are a few things to try:
Set up autopay for at least the minimum amount
Add payment reminders to your calendar
Pay as soon as the bill arrives instead of waiting until the due date
On-time payments are the single biggest factor in your FICO® Score, making up 35% of it. Nail this, and you're halfway to a better score.
4. They play the long game
Two-thirds of Americans with perfect 850 scores are baby boomers or older, and another 26% are Gen X. Only 8% are millennials or younger.
That's not a knock on younger generations -- it's simply a reflection of how credit scoring works.
The longer your accounts have been open, the more history you have and better your score can be.
You can't fast-forward time, but you can avoid resetting your credit history unnecessarily. Closing old accounts, especially your oldest credit card, can shorten your credit history and hurt your score.
An 850 score is built, not bought
Nobody wakes up one morning with a perfect credit score. You only get to a perfect 850 with small, consistent habits stacked over months and years.
The good news is you don't have to hit 850 to enjoy the perks of a great score. Even moving from "fair" to "good" or from "good" to "excellent" can mean better loan rates, higher credit limits, and more rewarding credit cards.
So wherever you are today, keep going. Every on-time payment and smart credit move is another brick in your financial foundation.
Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR well into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it's so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Flying business class feels like you've unlocked a secret level of air travel. We're talking priority boarding, extra-wide seats, delicious meals, and yes -- champagne before takeoff.
But as you're probably well aware, business class tickets can cost an absolute fortune. Like, three to five times more than economy tickets. Who can afford that?! (Not me.)
The good news is savvy travelers have a few tricks to avoid paying full price. Here are some habits you need to start copying.
1. Buy tickets with miles, not money
Most airlines give you two ways to book a ticket: pay cash or redeem miles. And while paying cash might work fine for economy, business class prices often offer discounts for redeeming miles.
For a long international route, it's not uncommon to see fares north of $3,000 if you pay in dollars. But you might be able to book the same business class seat for around 70,000 miles (plus a small amount for taxes and fees). That's an incredible deal.
So how do you rack up enough miles to pull that off? Well, it starts with joining an airline's frequent flyer program. But if you want to speed things up, using credit cards will help.
2. Use travel credit cards for everyday spending
Travel credit cards are the secret weapon for earning enough miles to fly business class. There are two main types you can choose from:
Flexible travel cards that earn points you can transfer to various airlines.
Personally, I prefer cards that give me transfer flexibility. For instance, I use travel cards from Chase and Capital One. Each one earns points I can send to a dozen or more airline partners, which gives me way more choices when I'm ready to book.
The best part is it doesn't cost you anything. Since you earn points on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and shopping, you can continue doing what you're already doing, but quietly build up points/miles in the background.
Many travel cards also offer large welcome offers for new customers. So you could even snag a quick 50,000 points or more after you meet the spending requirement.
Award seat availability is limited, and airlines release business class deals sporadically. So being flexible -- even by just a day or two -- can save you thousands of dollars (or tens of thousands of miles).
Some tools, like Google Flights and airline award calendars, make it easy to spot the cheapest days to fly. Flexibility isn't always convenient, but it's often the difference between flying up front or in the back.
4. Shop for airfare way in advance
Landing a business class bargain often comes down to playing the numbers. If you're booking last minute, you're stuck with whatever high-priced seats are left. So you need to shop as early as possible.
So, when should you start your hunt? According to Going, a site that tracks flight deals, the sweet spot is about one to three months before takeoff for domestic trips, and anywhere from two to eight months out for international flights.
These windows are when airlines typically drop their best fares.
If you're planning to fly during busy seasons -- like summer holidays or spring break -- you'll want to extend that search window by a few extra months.
5. Join loyalty programs and try to score elite status
Most airline loyalty programs are tiered. The more you fly and spend, the higher you climb up the ranks. The top tiers often come with free upgrades to business class when seats are available.
Chasing elite status is only worth it if you travel a lot. But even if you're not aiming for top-tier perks, signing up for loyalty programs never hurts anyway. It's usually free.
And pairing a good travel rewards credit card with airline loyalty programs gives you more ways to earn points and snag better seats. From there, it's just a matter of keeping an eye out for business class deals and working your way up to those elite perks.
Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR well into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it's so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O'Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool recommends Capital One Financial. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, and that means a whole lot more people will eventually need a new microSD card. While the new console comes with 256GB of built-in storage — eight times more than the original Switch and four times more than the Switch OLED — its improved performance means that some games will chew up a ton of that space. Cyberpunk 2077is a 59GB download, for example, while Split Fictionchecks in at 69GB. Other titles aren’t nearly as big (particularly those made by Nintendo itself), but chances are you’ll want to add more room at some point down the road.
Whenever that is, you’ll need a microSD Express card. This is not the same as the old reliable microSD cards you may have bought for the first Switch or other gaming handhelds — they’re newer, faster and far more expensive. But if you want more space, they’re your only choice. If you’re looking to grab one today, we’ve laid out the best microSD cards for the Switch 2 and broken down what you should know before you buy.
The best microSD cards for the Switch 2 (aren't all that important)
Jeff Dunn for Engadget
The Switch 2 is the first mainstream device to require microSD Express for storage expansion, so there aren’t many options available to buy just yet. Of the six compatible models we’ve seen thus far, we’ve tested five: the SanDisk microSD Express Card, the Lexar Play Pro, the Samsung microSD Card for Nintendo Switch 2, the PNY microSD Express Card and the GameStop Express microSD Card for Nintendo Switch 2. The first four are made by genuine storage manufacturers, while the GameStop card appears to be a rebadged version of another model. (This should be the case with another card sold by Walmart under its Onn sub-brand, which we hope to catch in stock before our next update.) We used the 256GB version of every card except for Lexar Play Pro, which was 1TB.
After timing these microSD Express cards across a range of Switch 2 games, our advice is simple: Get whichever one is available for the lowest price in the capacity you want. They aren’t identical, especially if you want to move a game to the card from the console’s internal storage (or vice versa). But the differences in load times and overall performance within actual games are tough to notice unless you have a stopwatch handy.
All five cards loaded up the digital version of Mario Kart World, for instance, between 18 and 20 seconds. Each loaded the first Grand Prix race in about 6.5 seconds. Getting to the start screen of Cyberpunk 2077took about 38 seconds in each case. Loading a save in a particularly asset-heavy area (Jig-Jig Street) then took between 26 and 29 seconds, depending on the card.
With Fast Fusion, a smaller native Switch 2 game, the initial load always took six to seven seconds, while each card loaded the first championship race in roughly 4 seconds. It was a similar situation with the Switch 2 upgrade for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (using a Switch 1 cartridge): Each card took just over six seconds to get to the start screen, between 19 and 20 seconds to load a save just before the final boss, about 16 seconds to fast travel between Kakariko Village and Korok Forest, and so on. We saw no significant issues with in-game loads when playing each game, either.
The SanDisk microSD Express Card and Lexar Play Pro.
Jeff Dunn for Engadget
All of this suggests that the Switch 2 has a relatively specific target for these cards to hit, and that there may not be much room for one model to leap too far out in front of the others. We’ll also note that the console’s built-in storage was consistently faster than any external option: The gap wasn’t always big, but no card truly outpaced it in any of our tests. Loading that demanding area in Cyberpunk, for example, took about 22.5 seconds on average. So if you want the absolute fastest load times, don’t put your game on a card at all.
If you need the mental comfort of knowing you technicallyhave the best card available, get the SanDisk microSD Express Card. It had no outliers across our many game loading tests, and it was consistently right near the top when it came to moving games to and from system storage, which means it offers strong sequential read and write performance. Benchmark testing on PC with tools like CrystalDiskMark backed this up, as noted in our broader microSD card buying guide.
Putting Mario Kart (a 21.9GB file) on that card took four minutes and 39 seconds on average, which was only second to the Lexar Play Pro by six seconds. It was the fastest to write Fast Fusion (3.5GB), taking an average of 27 seconds across three runs. Only PNY’s card was faster to move games back to the console’s storage, but that one was far slower at writing games to the card — getting Mario Kart on there took seven minutes and 11 seconds on average. Just note that the 128GB version of SanDisk’s card has slower sequential writes than the larger versions, including much slower sustained write speeds (100 MB/s vs 210-220 MB/s). So transferring a game to that particular model will take much longer.
Practically speaking, though, speed differences aren’t as important in this case as having lots of space to hold games at a price you can live with. To make things easy, we’ve listed every Express card we’ve seen at retailers at the time of writing below. Remember: You want microSD Express, not “Extreme,” like the branding SanDisk uses for some conventional microSD cards. A microSD Express card will have a big “EX” logo printed on it.
All microSD Express cards will have this "EX" logo printed on them.
Nintendo/Engadget
As you can see, while the SanDisk card is fast, it’s also the most expensive of an already-pricey bunch. Is it worth an extra $10-20 to shave a couple seconds off certain loads in certain games, or a couple minutes when moving a game to external storage? Probably not for most people.
But stock for all of these cards has been patchy since the Switch 2 landed, especially for the Walmart Onn model, which is by far the cheapest choice. If only one card is actually available by the time you read this — and you must have it today — it’s safe to just get it. You won’t lose or gain all that much when it comes to real-world performance.
Ultimately, though, we advise holding off on buying any microSD Express card for as long as possible. President Trump’s tariff shenaniganscould spike prices a little higher in the short term, but in general, all of these cards are about as expensive today as they’ll ever be. And compared to traditional microSD options, they are pricey: The Samsung Pro Plus, for example, costs $17 for 128GB, $25 for 256GB, $43 for 512GB and $90 for 1TB as of this writing.
The Switch 2 is extremely popular, so more microSD Express cards will need to be made and prices will (eventually) come down. Ideally, we’ll see more high-capacity options as well: Nintendo says the Switch 2 technically supports cards up to 2TB, but so far only a couple even go up to 1TB. All of this means you should try to use all 256GB baked into the Switch 2 first, even if it means having to delete a game or two. But if you absolutely need more space right away, the cards above should be fine.
What are microSD Express cards?
A microSD Express card like the one on the right has a second row of pins on the back.
Jeff Dunn for Engadget
Most microSD cards are based on a standard called Ultra High Speed (UHS), of which there are three versions: UHS-I, UHS-II and UHS-III. The vast majority of cards you may have bought in the past utilize UHS-I. These have one row of pins in the back and a theoretical maximum data transfer speed of 104 megabytes per second (MB/s). (Though many cards are able to surpass that limit with proprietary tech and card readers.) The original Switch has a UHS-I microSD slot, as do most other gaming handhelds like Valve’s Steam Deck.
UHS-II cards add a second row of pins and can reach up to 312 MB/s. These are pricier and much less common than cards based on UHS-I, but they’re supported by some cameras and higher-power handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X. UHS-III, meanwhile, is twice as fast as UHS-II in theory (624 MB/s), but no microSD cards have actually used it.
UHS-I cards have held on over the years because they’re cheap, widely supported and fast enough for the things most people need them to do: record 4K video, stash photos and so on. But with the Switch 2, Nintendo needs more. The new console is dramatically more powerful, which allows it to run demanding games that may have originally been built for stronger hardware like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or gaming PCs. The device also usesUFS 3.1 storage internally, which is much speedier than the eMMC storage used by the original Switch. (A custom file decompression engine helps improve load times as well.) So if the Switch 2 is going to accept microSD cards, it needs ones that won’t bring a serious drop-off in performance and can hold up with modern games.
The Nintendo Switch 2.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Hence, SD Express. This standard has technically been around since 2018 but mostly went nowhere until the Switch 2 came along. It also uses a second row of pins, but it lets microSD cards take advantage of the PCI Express (PCIe)/NVMe interface, which is the same underlying tech used by modern SSDs. As a result, it can produce considerably faster read and write speeds, with a current theoretical maximum of 985 MB/s.
As noted above, real-world performance won’t be quite that fast. Even if it was, the best microSD Express cards would still be much slower than the NVMe SSDs used by the PS5 and Xbox. (Sony recommends SSDs with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s.) And they’ll fall well below their peak speeds under sustained loads: SanDisk, for instance, says sustained write speeds for its 128GB Express card can drop as low as 100 MB/s.
But they’re still a marked improvement over old UHS-I cards, and in theory, they should be quicker than some older SATA-based SSDs when it comes loading game levels, asset streaming, retrieving saves or copying games to external storage. Whereas SanDisk’s microSD Express card can produce sequential read speeds around 900 MB/s, Lexar’s Professional Silver Plus — the top UHS-I pick in our general microSD card guide — topped out just over 200 MB/s, and that’s with a proprietary reader. (On the first Switch, it’d be closer to 100 MB/s.) Sequential writes and random speeds were three to four times better as well, and sometimes even more depending on the benchmark we used.
It remains to be seen how well these Express cards will hold up with years of use, and there’s no way to know exactly when their sky-high prices will drop. Non-Switch 2 devices that support microSD Express are still exceedingly rare, and the standard itself isn’t backwards compatible with UHS-II, so you’ll be limited to UHS-I speeds if you want to use your card with another device (unless you buy a pricey external reader). Still, while the increased costs and limited selection are annoying, the tech itself is worthy of a next-gen Switch.
How we test microSD Express cards
Jeff Dunn for Engadget
We put our microSD Express cards through a series of tests meant to simulate how people would use each card on the Switch 2 in the real world. We mainly worked with four games: a mid-sized title in Mario Kart World, a small one in Fast Fusion, a relatively large one in Cyberpunk 2077 and a hybrid in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which ran off a Switch 1 cartridge but used a roughly 10GB Switch 2 upgrade pack that was downloaded and installed digitally.
We first timed how long it took to move each game from the system’s internal storage to the card in question, and vice versa. We then timed how long it took to load each game when installed to a given card. After that, we measured how quickly the cards could load certain in-game scenarios: the first Grand Prix race in Mario Kart; the first championship race in Fast Fusion; fast traveling between the Jig-Jig Street, Embers and Downtown Central areas in Cyberpunk and fast traveling between the Kakariko Village, Korok Forest and the Hyrule Castle Town Ruins areas in Zelda. (We chose those places in the latter two games because they’re more taxing than other regions.) With Cyberpunk and Zelda, we also timed how long it took to load up different save files in those locations.
With each test, we completed three to five runs to account for any irregularities and marked down the average time taken between them. We did each test in airplane mode, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off, to minimize any performance drain that could arise from background downloads. Between each test, we also spent at least an hour playing the games off each card to ensure there were no significant drop-offs compared to the console’s built-in storage.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/best-microsd-cards-for-nintendo-switch-2-160052947.html?src=rss
JPMorgan and Citi reported strong consumer spending and borrowing despite economic uncertainty.
Investment banking activity also rebounded as companies shrugged off tariff concerns.
The data surprised Wall Street watchers, but the economy is not out of the woods yet.
The labor market is rocky, costs are climbing, and uncertainty hangs over the economy. Yet consumers and businesses are showing few signs of strain — at least according to some of Wall Street's biggest banks.
Bank earnings season kicked off Tuesday with JPMorgan Chase and Citi reporting strong consumer spending and borrowing, and unexpected jumps in fees tied to M&A and other investment banking activity.
"We continue to struggle to see signs of weakness," JPMorgan's chief financial officer, Jeremy Barnum, said in a Tuesday conference call to discuss the results. The consumer "basically seems to be fine," he added.
The comments suggest that American households — even amid stubborn inflation and higher borrowing costs — are still swiping, spending, and managing their finances, in many cases more than expected.
Businesses are also showing signs of resilience. Both JPMorgan and Citi also said investment banking activity rebounded last quarter as companies decided to ignore tariff uncertainty and move ahead with mergers, acquisitions, or capital raising.
In one potential sign of consumer strength, JPMorgan said it's seen "positive early reactions" to the costly refresh of its marquee Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, which now costs $795, up from $550.
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon acknowledged on Tuesday that some people were taken aback by the cost hike but said many are continuing to pay the hefty annual fee.
"I've got a lot of comments from people, from friends of my kids," he said, adding that some people have said they are keeping it for what he called "value-added" benefits like access to the Chase Sapphire lounge at the La Guardia Airport.
Inflation remains a factor
At JPMorgan, revenue in the Consumer and Community Banking division rose 6% year-over-year to $18.8 billion, while net income increased 23% to nearly $5.2 billion. Spending on credit and debit cards increased 7% from a year earlier, and average loans across the consumer segment ticked up 1%. Charge-offs on card loans, a key measure of borrower stress, held relatively steady at 3.4%.
Citigroup reported an 11% increase in branded cards revenue, and said average card loans rose 5% in the quarter to $114 billion. Spending volumes increased 4% from the year before to $136 billion. Retail banking revenue also jumped, helped by higher deposit spreads, the firm said.
"We saw good growth in branded cards while retail banking benefited from higher deposit spreads," CEO Jane Fraser said. She expressed a positive outlook for Citi's core consumer business.
The data follows signs of an improving job market in June, even as tech giants and other large companies slash jobs in an effort to cut costs, and the Trump administration warns of looming cuts to government jobs.
Inflation ticked higher in June, rising to 2.7% from 2.4% the month before, according to new government data released Monday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's the second straight month prices have accelerated, with increases seen in food, clothing, rent, and furniture.
The bump was partly blamed on new tariffs, and it may give the Federal Reserve pause as it weighs whether to cut interest rates later this year. For now, markets are dialing back expectations for a rate cut in July or September, analysts said in reactions to the data. One analyst predicted the full impact of Trump's tariffs wouldn't materialize in inflationary data till later this summer.
JPMorgan's investment banking fees rose 7%, driven by gains in debt underwriting and advisory work. Citi reported a 13% jump in fees, led by equity capital markets and advisory — two areas that have struggled since the Fed's rate-hiking cycle cooled dealmaking in 2022 and 2023.
But those benefits often come with a steep price tag. And if you're not using the card strategically, you might be paying far more than you're getting back.
Just because a card has premium perks doesn't mean it's a good fit for you. Below are three warning signs that you're not getting your money's worth -- and what you can do instead.
1. You won't spend enough to earn the welcome bonus
One of the biggest incentives to open a new credit card is the welcome bonus. Many premium cards offer bonuses worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you meet a spending requirement, usually within the first three to six months.
But these minimums aren't always small. You might need to spend thousands over the course of just a few months to qualify. If that's far above your normal monthly spending, hitting the target can be tough.
And if you're forcing purchases just to reach the bonus, you're putting yourself at risk of carrying a balance and paying interest -- quickly wiping out the value of any rewards.
If you're not sure you can meet the requirement without overspending or going into debt, it's a sign the card might not be worth it.
A premium card is only worth the cost if you're actually using the perks it offers. It's easy to get aspirational when you apply for a credit card -- some people overestimate how often they'll use benefits like airport lounge access, free hotel nights, or travel credits.
For example, a travel rewards card might offer a $300 travel credit -- but if you rarely travel or never book through the card's portal, that credit could go unused. The same goes for more niche perks like Uber Cash, streaming credits or fitness-related discounts. These can sound great on paper, but if they don't match your daily routine or preferences, they won't deliver real value.
Before renewing a card with a high annual fee, take a moment to look back over the past year. Which perks did you actually use? Which ones went untouched? If the answer skews heavily toward the latter, it's time to consider a downgrade.
3. You already have a card with similar perks
It's common to carry multiple rewards cards -- but that makes it easy to overlook overlapping benefits. If two or more of your cards offer things like trip insurance, purchase protection, or the similar bonus categories, you're probably paying for a card you don't need.
If you keep both, you'll likely end up favoring one card over the other, anyway, while one of them collects dust -- despite its hefty annual fee.
Every so often, it's smart to lay out your cards side by side and compare them directly. If one card clearly does the job of two, you can save money by closing or downgrading the less useful one.
Match your credit cards to your lifestyle today
The perks of a premium credit card can be valuable, but only if they match your actual spending habits and lifestyle.
If you're paying a high annual fee without getting enough back, it's time to rethink your strategy. In these cases, a lower-fee or no-annual-fee card could offer more value long-term.
Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it's so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Getting denied for a credit card feels frustrating and, honestly, a little personal. But most of the time, it's not about you. It's about applying for the wrong card or missing a few key steps that can seriously boost your approval odds.
With a little prep, you can avoid another "no" and finally get the approval you're hoping for. Here's what to know before you apply, and how to give yourself the best shot at hearing "you're approved!"
1. Know your credit score before you apply
Every credit card is designed for a certain type of borrower. Some cards are meant for people with excellent credit. Others are built for beginners. If you don't know your score, you're basically guessing at which cards might fit.
You can check your score for free through Experian, and your bank may offer free credit scores as well. I personally use my Chase app -- it gives me a quick overview of what's helping or hurting my score, and that context matters. (Like when it told me my history was "good" but not "great" because my card wasn't old enough. Annoying, but helpful.)
2. Pick a card that matches your credit profile
This is where most rejections happen. People apply for premium rewards cards when their credit doesn't qualify yet. That mismatch almost guarantees a no.
If your score is still a work in progress, look for cards designed for fair credit or secured cards that require a deposit. These cards aren't flashy, but they're easier to get approved for, and they can help you build your way up to rewards cards.
3. Use prequalification tools
Before applying, see if you're prequalified. It takes a soft credit check (so no harm to your score), and it helps narrow down which cards you actually have a shot at getting.
Most major issuers offer this on their websites. You'll enter some basic info -- name, address, last four digits of your Social -- and see if any cards come up. It's not a guarantee, but if you see an offer, that's a good sign.
4. Lower your credit card balances (if you can)
Your credit utilization -- i.e., how much of your available credit you're using -- is a big factor in your score. Try to keep it under 30%, or under 10% if you really want to look responsible to lenders.
Even paying off a few hundred bucks before you apply can give your score a helpful boost.
5. Don't rush. Apply smart
Once you've found a card that fits your profile, apply online through the issuer's site. Have your personal info and income ready. And only apply for one card at a time -- too many applications can temporarily ding your score.
Bottom line
Applying for a credit card doesn't have to feel like a shot in the dark. With a little prep and the right card, you can turn a string of rejections into your first approval, and start unlocking the rewards and credit-building benefits that come with it.
Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it's so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Brooklyn Welch has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Right now, the average personal loan interest rate is 12.65%, according to Bankrate. But what if there was a way to get a 0% interest rate for almost two full years instead?
Before taking out a personal loan, see if you can qualify for a 0% intro APR credit card. In many cases, you can accomplish the same goals -- like consolidating high-interest debt or financing a large purchase -- without paying any interest at all.
This strategy isn't talked about enough, but it could save you thousands in 2025. Let's break down how it works.
What is a 0% intro APR credit card?
A 0% intro APR credit card lets you avoid interest charges for a promotional period, often 12 to 21 months.
The no-interest period can be for either:
New purchases (useful for big expenses you want to split into payments)
Balance transfers (good for consolidating and paying off existing high-interest debt)
Some cards offer both.
During the 0% APR promo window, every dollar you pay goes toward your actual balance, not toward interest. It's like hitting "pause" on the cost of borrowing.
This can be an amazing tool for people who are stuck with a mountain of existing credit card debt. Pausing interest gives them breathing room to pay down principal, and get out of debt faster with less interest.
If you're looking for a longer 0% APR period, check out this card that we recommend. It offers nearly two years of 0% intro APR for both new purchases and balance transfers. That's a huge window of time to make payments and pay no interest.
Why personal loans aren't always the best choice
I get why people like personal loans. They're great for bigger projects and payoff timeframes stretching multiple years. They're also predictable, structured, and can be easier to qualify for with fair credit.
But here's the problem. The interest starts immediately, and the rates aren't exactly cheap.
For example, let's say you take out a $10,000 personal loan at 11% APR for two years. Your total interest paid would be over $1,185.
Now compare that to putting that same $10,000 on a 0% intro APR card and paying it off over 21 months. You could pay zero in interest if you're disciplined.
When using a 0% intro APR card makes sense
Credit cards aren't magic. They can be a double-edge sword which can either help your finances or hurt them.
Here's when 0% intro APR credit cards make sense:
Paying off high-interest credit card debt
Balance transfer cards let you move your existing balance(s) to a new card with 0% APR for a set period.
Making a large one-time purchase
Got an unexpected car repair or medical bill? Instead of financing it with a personal loan, a 0% intro APR card can let you pay it off gradually over a lengthy promo period.
You have good-to-excellent credit
Most of the top 0% intro APR cards require good credit or higher (typically 670+). So definitely check your score first before applying.
What to watch out for
Two quick gotchas that you should be aware of:
Balance transfers come with a fee. This is usually 3% to 5% of whatever balance you transfer over. This isn't too bad though, as it's usually more than offset by the interest you can save.
The 0% intro APR period eventually ends. And when it runs out, the normal APR for the credit card will kick in (and it's likely super high!). So if you anticipate needing a loan for two years or longer, a personal loan may be a better fit.
Using a 0% intro APR credit card instead of a personal loan could save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars over the next couple years.
I've seen folks use these cards to escape debt faster, tackle emergencies, or finally feel in control again. It's a tool, not a shortcut -- but the right tool can make all the difference.
Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it's so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
But seriously, if you're still using a debit card to pay for travel stuff -- like flights, hotels, or rental cars -- you might be unknowingly leaving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on the table.
Not to mention, you could be missing out on some other perks and protections that can save your trip if things go sideways.
Here's everything you need to know -- and how to switch things up without overcomplicating your life.
Credit card rewards can offset your entire trip
Let's talk numbers. Many of the best travel cards offer anywhere between 2% to 5% back in rewards on travel-related purchases. That may not sound like much -- until you add it all up…
Say you spend $3,000 on flights, hotels, and food during a single trip. That could net you an easy $60 - $150 or more in rewards, depending on the card you have.
And that's just for a single trip! If you're traveling multiple times a year, and using the card on regular purchases, it's easy to rack up over $500 in annual travel rewards.
Debit cards don't offer anything close to this in rewards.
If you're looking for an easy starter travel card, check out this crowd favorite from Chase. I've personally used it for years, and right now it comes with a massive welcome offer for a limited time.
Built-in protections can save your trip (and your wallet)
Beyond points, another huge benefit of travel cards is built in protections and insurance.
Here are just a few of the protections you can get when you book travel with the right cards:
Trip cancellation or interruption coverage: Get reimbursed if your trip gets delayed or canceled for covered reasons
Lost luggage reimbursement: Receive money if your bags go MIA
Rental car insurance: Decline the rental company's pricey coverage and still be protected
Emergency assistance: Access help abroad, from medical referrals to travel coordination
If you book travel with a debit card, you probably won't get any of these. That means if your plans go sideways, you're likely on your own -- financially and logistically.
How to switch smartly (and maximize your rewards)
Here's a simple four-step way to dip your toe in the credit card rewards pool:
Pick a starter travel card -- Here's our best travel cards list. You can't go wrong with either of the top two.
Start with travel bookings -- Use this credit card only when buying flights, hotel stays, or rental cars.
Pay it off right away -- Treat it like a debit card by paying the balance in full after each use.
Track your rewards -- Use the issuer's portal or app to see how quickly your points add up.
This strategy gives you all the best rewards, protections, and perks, without risking credit card debt or overspending.
You're booking travel anyway. Might as well earn rewards by using different cards. Your next trip could pay for your next-next trip. Just sayin'!
Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it's so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O'Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Now, Chase has changed the card's fees and rewards structure. It's $795 for a personal card. Some people say they'll cancel.
For me, schadenfreude is almost as satisfying as a good deal.
Some financial windfalls are all about the timing — and luck: A handful of California gold nuggets in 1848. A SoHo loft in 1984. Bitcoin in 2013. A home mortgage rate in 2020.
I've made peace with missing out on some of life's chances to accidentally inflate my financial standing in the world. But the one that has always made me slightly sick to my stomach is missing out on the late 2016 Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card points bonanza.
Now, my painful case of FOMO has been cured.
Last week, Chase said it was revamping the Sapphire Reserve — and upping its annual fee to $795, from the current $550. And it's making a bunch of changes to its rewards structure, which some people are downright furious about. They say they'll cancel. (Chase says its card will become even more valuable, with "over $2,700 in annual value.")
Well, as a world-class hater, sore loser, and jealous snake, I couldn't be more thrilled.
When the new yearly fee and rewards were announced last week, I watched in absolute glee as friends of mine and strangers on the internet lamented and wailed at the fact that the card that had once showered them with rewards points would not be worth the fee (again, only for some people).
It seemed almost impossible not to have the credit card make you money (of course, assuming you paid off your balances and wisely used the points).
The new benefits — and costs — attached to the Chase Sapphire Reserve sparked a firestorm. I finally can let go of my FOMO for not having one.
BusinessWire via AP
I never had the Chase Sapphire Reserve; when it launched, my friends were excited and extolling its virtues, but I thought I needed another credit card and was intimidated by the points gaming. At some point, I realized I had missed the boat. I didn't get in while the getting was good.
Now, I've been reading the r/SapphireReserve subreddit with glee, seeing some of the former evangelists of the card defeated by its new fee. The main post about the news: "Welp. It's bad and official."
I should note here that the card may indeed still be a good deal for some people — it matters how much you spend, and what kind of rewards/perks you're most interested in.
The perks, however, are not exactly what everyone wants, like Apple TV+ or Apple Music subscriptions (less appealing for a Spotify user). There are credits for certain hotels from Chase's selection of hand-picked hotels (which may not be the ones you want). If you spend $75,000 a year on the card, you will get status on Southwest Airlines.
But as one Redditor said: "Who is spending $75k per year on this card that also wants status on Southwest Airlines?"
As for Chase, it touts 8X points on all Chase Travel purchases, which is up from 5X on flights, but slightly down from 10X on hotels and car rentals. It also touts 4X points on flights and hotels purchased directly with the airline or hotel, up from 3X.
The points system for the card is somewhat complicated (part of why I have always avoided a points-based card), and people's individual situations will vary a lot about whether this card is better or worse or worth it. For some people, the higher yearly fee will net out with all the new rewards; for others, they're thinking of downgrading to a cheaper version or canceling altogether.
I wish all of the Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders the best journey to the path that works best for them. Me, I'm just feeling a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. Ahhhh ….
In most cases, yes. A $50,000 credit limit, for example, means you likely have a strong credit history, high income, and low existing debt. But for big spenders, a high credit limit comes with risks.
Here's what you need to know about the pros and cons of a $50,000 credit limit.
Benefits of a high credit limit
Greater financial flexibility
A high credit limit can be a great way to pay for big purchases or cover you in an emergency.
You never want to charge more than you can pay off in full. That's why everyone needs an emergency fund in a savings account. But a high-limit credit card can come in very handy when you need to cover a big expense -- especially if it's on short notice.
Improved credit utilization ratio
Credit utilization is the ratio of your credit card balances to your credit limits, and it accounts for about 30% of your credit score. Basically, credit issuers like to see that you're not always using up most or all of the credit they're giving you.
If you maintain low balances, a higher credit limit will lower your credit utilization ratio and increase your credit score.
Valuable rewards and perks
Premium, high-limit credit cards often come with superior rewards, including higher cash back rates, travel rewards, and exclusive offers.
Click here to check out one travel credit card with a minimum credit limit of $5,000 and user-reported limits reaching $50,000 or more. You'll also earn boosted points in certain categories like travel and dining, and a higher redemption value for your points when redeemed through the issuer's portal.
Risks of a high credit limit
Potential for overspending
A higher limit may tempt some people to spend beyond their means, leading to increased debt and financial strain.
If you have a history of overspending, it's probably smart to start with a lower credit limit and slowly work your way up.
Impact on credit score
While a higher limit can improve your credit utilization ratio, carrying a high balance can harm it. It'll also result in interest charges if you don't pay it off on time.
Always remember the number one rule of credit cards: Never spend more than you can pay off in full every month. Try to avoid carrying a monthly balance at all costs.
Should you aim for a $50,000 credit limit?
A $50,000 credit limit can be a blessing or a curse. Consider the following:
Financial discipline: If you consistently pay off your balances in full, a higher limit can be a plus.
Income level: A higher income may justify a larger credit limit if you're spending lots every month.
Credit goals: A higher limit can lower your credit utilization ratio and thus improve your credit score.
If you struggle with managing credit or are prone to overspending, however, a lower limit may be a better starting point.
Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it's so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
It's a no-brainer -- it guarantees I'll never miss a payment by accident, and the bank just pulls the money straight from my checking account.
But choosing the wrong auto-pay settings (or just accepting the bank's default) can cost you big time. If you're not careful, you could end up only paying the minimum due -- while the rest of your balance racks up interest.
Here's how to make sure auto-pay is actually working for you.
Understanding your auto-pay options
When you set up auto-pay, most banks offer a few choices:
Pay the minimum payment (usually 1% to 3% of your balance)
Pay the statement balance (everything you owed last billing cycle)
Pay the current balance (everything you owe up to that time)
If you're not paying attention, it's really easy to choose "minimum payment." But this means over 95% of your statement rolls over to the next month. Next, interest is charged, typically compounding daily, and things get ugly real quick.
Best practices when setting up auto-pay
Here are a few tips for when you set up auto-pay:
Choose "pay statement balance" (if possible). This pays off what you owed last cycle, on time, every time. You'll avoid paying any interest, and you don't need to pay for today's new purchases yet.
Set up "pay current balance" if you're a heavy spender. This will pay everything you owe -- including recent charges -- so you're fully caught up. As a side benefit, this keeps your credit utilization as low as possible, which helps your credit score.
Double-check your bank's default setting. Before finalizing, make sure you're not accidentally locked into minimum payments.
Set a reminder a few days before due dates. Even with auto-pay, it's smart to eyeball your checking account balance and make sure you've definitely got the funds to cover your payment.
Here's an example of the consequences of only making minimum payments:
My wife and I usually put about $3,500 a month on our credit cards. Let's say we only paid the minimum -- maybe 2% of the balance, or about $70.
The rest of the balance would roll over and start racking up interest. My credit card APR sits at about 22% right now, so this means I'll pay $63 in interest the first month.
And if we kept rolling that balance over without paying it off? We'd fork over hundreds -- even thousands -- of dollars in interest over the course of a year (while also racking up a ridiculous balance!)
Smart habits, bigger wins
Setting up auto-pay the right way isn't just about avoiding late fees.
It's a key part of building smart credit card habits. Responsible usage keeps you out of debt and puts you in full control of your cash.
Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it's so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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