Wise Bread

Best Credit Cards for Black Friday 2026: Cash Back Compared by Budget

webmaster — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 21:25:47 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/best-credit-cards-for-black-friday

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards is a strong option for Black Friday shoppers buying a mix of products and services across multiple websites.

How to Choose the Best 0% Intro APR Business Credit Card for Your Business

webmaster — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:15:03 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/best-0-intro-apr-business-credit-card

The best 0% intro APR business credit card gives you enough time to repay your purchases while minimizing interest, fees, and other borrowing costs.

Do Online Movie Tickets Count as Online Shopping for Credit Card Rewards?

webmaster — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:09:31 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/do-online-movie-tickets-count-as-online-shoppi...

Online movie tickets can qualify for online-shopping credit-card rewards, but eligibility depends on the card and checkout.

Does Paying for Dinner Online Count as Online Shopping?

webmaster — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 19:20:38 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/does-paying-for-dinner-online-count-as-online-...

Paying for dinner online can count as online shopping for credit-card rewards, depending on the card and checkout.

Why I Chose the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card for Streaming Services

webmaster — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 23:34:43 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/best-credit-card-for-streaming-services

I chose the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for streaming because my banking relationship gives me two benefits: enhanced cash back and a separate debit-card subscription credit.

Best Credit Cards for Chewy, Petco and PetSmart

webmaster — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:19:43 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/best-credit-cards-for-chewy-petco-and-petsmart

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards offers the highest introductory online shopping rate among the four cash-back cards compared here.

How to Earn 6% Cash Back on Groceries in Year One—No Annual Fee

webmaster — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:04:55 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/how-to-earn-6-cash-back-on-groceries

Eligible grocery pickup orders paid online can qualify for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card’s Online Shopping category—even when you pick them up at the store.

Best Credit Card for Pharmacy Purchases in 2026: Is Capped 6% or Unlimited 3% Better?

webmaster — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:18:15 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/best-credit-card-for-pharmacy-purchases

For qualifying pharmacy purchases, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards’ 6% first-year rate can beat an unlimited 3% drugstore card, even with BofA’s $2,500 quarterly spend cap.

What’s a Good Credit Card for Your First International Trip? A 5-Factor Decision Guide

webmaster — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:52:21 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/whats-a-good-credit-card-for-your-first-intern...

For most first-time international travelers, the simplest choice is a $0 annual fee Visa or Mastercard with no foreign transaction fee and rewards that can be redeemed at a predictable value without using a travel portal or transfer partner. Among the cards compared here, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is our top primary-card choice because it has no foreign transaction fee, BofA’s current sample agreement identifies Visa for the card program, and its card agreement documents PIN use at certain merchant terminals.

What Is the Best Gas Credit Card Available in 2026?

webmaster — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:33:55 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/best-gas-credit-card

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is the best overall gas card for most new applicants in 2026. With gas and EV charging selected as the category choice, it earns 6% during the first year and 3% afterward. BofA Rewards can raise the ongoing rate to 3.3%–5.25%, depending on tier.

Business Credit Cards With 0% Intro APR on Purchases for More Than 12 Months

webmaster — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:02:24 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/business-credit-cards-0-intro-apr-more-than-12...

The Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card offers 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles after account opening (then 14.74%–25.74%)—the longest public online offer among eight qualifying no-annual-fee business cards in Wise Bread’s review of seven major national issuers.

What is the Best Cash Back Credit Card for Everyday Purchases?

webmaster — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:23:54 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/customized-cash-vs-flat-rate-card

The best cash-back credit card for everyday purchases depends on where a household spends. Before any BofA Rewards bonus, Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards beats an unlimited 2% card when eligible 3% choice-category spending exceeds spending earning 1%.

What Type of Cash Back Card is Best for Everyday Spending?

webmaster — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:56:46 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/best-cash-back-card-for-everyday-spending

A customizable-category cash back card is the best one-card option for everyday spending when the category you spend the most in changes during the year.

What Is the Best Credit Card for Students Studying Abroad? A 3-Factor Decision Guide

webmaster — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:50:49 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/best-credit-card-for-students-studying-abroad

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students is the strongest overall choice among the four no-annual-fee cards evaluated for study-abroad use. It is the only card in the comparison that clearly meets all three overseas-use standards: no foreign transaction fee, a Visa or Mastercard network, and issuer-supported PIN use for purchases abroad.

What is the best no-annual-fee credit card for home improvement purchases?

webmaster — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:34:28 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/compare/best-no-annual-fee-credit-card-for-home-improv...

For most home improvement projects, the no-annual-fee Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card beats store cards from Lowe's and Home Depot. It earns 6% back in year one, adds a $200 bonus, and skips the deferred-interest trap. Here's how all three cards stack up.

Is the New BofA Rewards Program Worth Joining?

webmaster — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:13:43 +0000

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https://www.wisebread.com/is-the-new-bofa-rewards-program-worth-joining

The new BofA Rewards loyalty program is more than worth it. There is no enrollment fee and you’re basically getting rewards for free. Here’s how each tier stacks up by required balance, benefits, and value.

How to Choose a Credit Card for Dining Rewards

webmaster — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 18:50:28 +0000

Link for teaser title:

https://www.wisebread.com/how-to-choose-a-credit-card-for-dining-rewards

The Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is the best dining rewards card for most people in 2026 — because it charges no annual fee, offers a multi-tiered reward rate structure, and provides industry-leading category flexibility.

How to Dispute Mistakes On Your Credit Report

Holly Johnson — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 22:46:07 +0000

There are several obvious reasons to give a hoot about your credit score, and very few reasons you should ignore it. After all, you'll need a good credit score and a solid credit history if you ever plan to purchase a home or take out an auto loan. A bad credit score can even come back to bite you if you want to rent an apartment or apply for certain jobs.

But your score isn't the only detail you need to pay attention to. You also need to keep an eye on your credit report — the document that lists your formal credit history including any accounts you have open, balances due, and payments you've made.

Your report and your score are intricately intertwined. If bad information gets on your credit report due to fraud or misreporting, this can easily cause your credit score to nosedive. Likewise, a clear credit report with nothing but true (and positive) information can help your credit score reach greater heights.

That's why, every single year, you should get a free copy of your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Fortunately, this part is easy to accomplish via AnnualCreditReport.com.

How to dispute information on your credit report

Once you have a copy of your credit report from all three bureaus, you'll want to look over all the details to make sure they're correct. Incorrect information you might notice on your report may include:

Errors regarding your name or personal information
Accounts that aren't even yours
Accounts belonging to someone with a name that is similar to yours
Closed accounts that are reported as open
Incorrectly reported late payments
Accounts listed more than once
Incorrect balances on accounts
Incorrect credit limits on accounts

Thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), both the credit bureau and whoever is providing them with information are responsible for correcting misinformation on your credit report. This means that, if a specific retailer or bank is reporting an account that isn't yours or an incorrect balance, both the credit bureau and the retailer or bank have to work together to make things right.

If you find an error, here are the steps you should take right away:

Inform the credit bureau with the incorrect information of the mistake

The first step you should take is informing the credit reporting agency of their error, keeping in mind that it's possible not all the credit bureaus will have the same information. You should let them know about the mistake in writing, taking special care to list important details about the mistake with proper documentation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) even offers a sample letter you can use if you need help.

Note that credit bureaus usually have 30 days to investigate your claim and they are required to get back to you with a response. They are also required to forward the information you sent them to the provider who shared the information with them in the first place.

Inform whoever provided the information of the mistake

You'll also want to provide the company reporting the incorrect information with copies of any documentation that prove an error has occurred. Make sure to include all details required to prove your claim along with copies of documentation that backs you up. The FTC offers another sample dispute letter you can use for this instance.

Watch for your credit report to be updated

Generally speaking, credit reporting agencies are required to inform you in writing of the results of your case. They are also legally required to give you another free copy of your credit report if your dispute caused a permanent change.

You also have the option to ask the credit bureau to send notices of any corrections to anyone who has requested your credit report within the last six months. You can even have an updated copy sent to anyone who has asked for a modified version of your credit report for reasons regarding employment.

Caring about your credit

While the steps above may sound tedious, it's crucial to understand the damage incorrect information on your credit report can do. If you have inaccurate late payments on your report, for example, you could see your credit score plummet through no fault of your own. And if there are accounts on your credit report that aren't even yours, that could signify a much larger problem, such as outright identity theft.

Fortunately, the small amount of time required to dispute an item on your credit report really can pay off in a big way. After all, any negative information you manage to get wiped clean should immediately stop dragging your score down.

However, you should also note that you'll only be able to get false negative information removed from your credit reports. Any damaging information that's true will have to linger on your report until enough time has passed. Generally speaking, negative information and reporting can remain on your credit report for up to seven years and bankruptcy can stay on your report for 10 years.

The bottom line

Errors happen all the time, and they may never be uncovered if you don't find them yourself. In addition to staying on top of your credit reports, it can help to sign up for a free service that gives you updates on new accounts in your name or fluctuations in your credit score. CreditKarma.com and CreditSesame.com are two that offer a similar free service with these features, so they are both worth checking out.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 8 Most Eye-Opening Money Attractions in the U.S.

Dr Penny Pincher — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:32:44 +0000

Some of my most memorable vacations have centered around money — and didn't require spending much of it at all. I had my photo taken next to a $1 million stack of bills at Binion's on a recent trip to Las Vegas. Another memorable experience was visiting the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. to see millions of dollars of being printed on the production floor.

If you get excited about money, check out these unique attractions across the U.S.

1. U.S. Mint

See the coin manufacturing process up close by taking a free tour at the Philadelphia and Denver facilities of the U.S. Mint. Learn about the process of minting coins from the design to the striking of coins. You'll be able to see how billions of coins are produced each year, and learn the history of coin-making. (See also: Where Are They Now? The Forgotten Dollar Bills (and Coins))

2. Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel

Get a free souvenir photo of yourself standing next to $1 million in cash at Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas. Stop by to have your photo taken and come back about an hour later to pick up your free printed copy. It's pretty incredible to see that much cash up close.

3. U.S. Treasury

The main building of U.S. Treasury is the third oldest building in Washington, D.C. and has been renovated to preserve its impressive Greek Revival architecture. Some historical highlights at the U.S. Treasury include the offices of Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury during the Civil War, and the offices used by President Andrew Johnson following Abraham Lincoln's assassination. The stately marble Cash Room has been restored to appear as it was at Ulysses S. Grant's inaugural reception in 1869. You can tour all of these sites by setting up a reservation ahead of your visit.

4. Wall Street

If your travels take you to New York City, check out the attractions of Wall Street, an area of New York City that has been focused on finance for over 200 years. Highlights include:

New York Stock Exchange: On the corner of Wall Street and Broad Street
Federal Hall National Memorial: On the corner of Wall Street and Broad Street
Museum of American Finance: Located at 48 Wall Street

You can take self-guided tours on foot, or there are other tour options available for free or under $40. (See also: 6 Confidence-Inspiring Facts About the Stock Market)

5. Chicago Board of Trade

Visit the home of the trading floors of the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to see traders at work in the pits as they buy and sell commodities. The Chicago Board of Trade building was once the tallest building in Chicago. Although it has been eclipsed by other taller buildings, it remains an Art Deco historic landmark with a glass observation deck with views of the skyline. Tours last an hour, and cost $20 per person.

6. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

If you want to see where money comes from, this is the stop for you! Learn about the production process for paper currency and watch millions of dollars being printed on the floor of the production facility at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. The tour includes an introductory film and stops along the steps of the production process that results in legal tender. Admission is free, but a ticket is required. (See also: 10 Must-See Museums in the U.S.)

7. New York Fed Gold Vault

Unfortunately the bullion vault at Fort Knox is closed to visitors, but there is a place you can see tons of gold — literally. The gold vault at the New York Federal Reserve Bank houses approximately 508,000 gold bars, weighing in at 6,350 tons. Tour the gold vault for free and learn about the Federal Reserve System as you tour the Federal Reserve Bank.

8. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Visit the Learning Center and Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland for interactive exhibits and activities. Try your hand at bartering, see if you can correctly identify counterfeit bills, and even try making your own currency. Take a look inside the impressive building that houses the Cleveland Fed and learn how central banks operate. Admission and tours are free.

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This article is from Dr Penny Pincher of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Someone Took Out a Loan in Your Name. Now What?

Kat Tretina — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 20:33:27 +0000

Identity theft wears many different faces. From credit cards to student loans, thieves can open different forms of credit in your name and just like that, destroy your credit history and financial standing.

If this happens to you, getting the situation fixed can be difficult and time-consuming. But you can set things right.

If someone took out a loan in your name, it's important to take action right away to prevent further damage to your credit. Follow these steps to protect yourself and get rid of the fraudulent accounts.

1. File a police report

The first thing you should do is file a police report with your local police department. You might be able to do this online. In many cases, you will be required to submit a police report documenting the theft in order for lenders to remove the fraudulent loans from your account. (See also: 9 Signs Your Identity Was Stolen)

2. Contact the lender

If someone took out a loan or opened a credit card in your name, contact the lender or credit card company directly to notify them of the fraudulent account and to have it removed from your credit report. For credit cards and even personal loans, the problem can usually be resolved quickly.

When it comes to student loans, identity theft can have huge consequences for the victim. Failure to pay a student loan can result in wage garnishment, a suspended license, or the government seizing your tax refund — so it's critical that you cut any fraudulent activity off at the pass and get the loans discharged quickly.

In general, you'll need to contact the lender who issued the student loan and provide them with a police report. The lender will also ask you to complete an identity theft report. While your application for discharge is under review, you aren't held responsible for payments.

If you have private student loans, the process is similar. Each lender has their own process for handling student loan identity theft. However, you typically will be asked to submit a police report as proof, and the lender will do an investigation.

3. Notify the school, if necessary

If someone took out student loans in your name, contact the school the thief used to take out the loans. Call their financial aid or registrar's office and explain that a student there took out loans under your name. They can flag the account in their system and prevent someone from taking out any more loans with your information. (See also: How to Protect Your Child From Identity Theft)

4. Dispute the errors with the credit bureaus

When you find evidence of fraudulent activity, you need to dispute the errors with each of the three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You should contact each one and submit evidence, such as your police report or a letter from the lender acknowledging the occurrence of identity theft. Once the credit reporting bureau has that information, they can remove the accounts from your credit history.

If your credit score took a hit due to thieves defaulting on your loans, getting them removed can help improve your score. It can take weeks or even months for your score to fully recover, but it will eventually be restored to its previous level. (See also: Don't Panic: Do This If Your Identity Gets Stolen)

5. Place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit report

As soon as you find out you're the victim of a fraudulent loan, place a fraud alert on your credit report with one of the three credit reporting agencies. You can do so online:

When you place a fraud alert on your account, potential creditors or lenders will receive a notification when they run your credit. The alert prompts them to take additional steps to verify your identity before issuing a loan or form of credit in your name. (See also: How to Get a Free Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report)

In some cases, it might be a good idea to freeze your credit. With a credit freeze, creditors cannot view your credit report or issue you new credit unless you remove the freeze.

6. Check your credit report regularly

Finally, check your credit report regularly to ensure no new accounts are opened in your name. You can request a free report from each of the three credit reporting agencies once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. You can stagger the reports so you take out one every four months, helping you keep a close eye on account activity throughout the year. (See also: How to Read a Credit Report)

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This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: