Andy Shuman

Tired of paying high interest rates on your credit card balances? Feel like you’re drowning in debt and can’t seem to make any progress? You’re not alone.

Many people struggle with credit card debt. But the good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your interest rates and save money. Sometimes, you can simply call and ask for a lower rate.

Here are some ways to lower your credit card interest rate.

The City National Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card is marketed as an ultra-premium travel card offered at a slightly-lower-than-its-peers annual fee. But, a restrictive application process, the lack of a welcome bonus and a dearth of rewards partners significantly dull the card’s sparkle.

Unfortunately, you will likely have to wait until you receive your new or replacement credit card in the mail. But once your card does arrive, then you can use a credit card immediately upon activation. If you have an upcoming event or purchase that may require a credit card, it is best to apply as soon as you can. That way, you should receive your new credit card before you actually need to use it.

The right credit card can transform your Hyatt stays through free nights, elite status, and discounted rates — helping you book an unforgettable vacation sooner.

Whether you're a frequent or occasional Hyatt guest, having the right card can help you earn Hyatt rewards faster and unlock perks at Hyatt hotels.

There are only two co-branded World of Hyatt cards. But you can also use certain Chase cards and transfer points to use on Hyatt stays. Here are the top five cards for maximizing Hyatt stays based on rewards and travel benefits.

As the largest hotel chain in the world with over 8,700 properties globally, chances are you’ve enjoyed a stay with Marriott before. But did you know having one of their co-branded cards can help you maximize your stay through elite status and rewards?

We looked through the various Marriott cards to find those that deliver truly exceptional perks. We looked at:

- Lucrative welcome offers & accelerated point bonuses
- Statement credits and annual free night certificates
- Elite status perks like room upgrades, club lounge access, and late checkout
- Key travel protections.

Key takeaways:

- The Mission Lane Visa Credit Card is a good tool for someone with low credit that's looking to start building up their credit score, especially because the card is unsecured.
- With an unsecured credit card, you won't have to put down a security deposit like you would with a secured card.
- But the Mission Lane Visa Credit Card doesn't offer rewards and has a high APR, so if you have fair credit or better, you'd likely get more value out of a different card.

Key takeaways:

- This Valentine's Day, romance doesn't have to break the bank — in fact, there are ways to celebrate the day that can fit any budget.
- Celebrating in creative ways at home can make it easier to save money on the holiday, but so can being savvy with your credit cards.
- Whether you want to go out for a lavish dinner or trade off your favorite candy at home with your loved one, don't forget to plan ahead — reservations will fill up quickly, and sales won't last forever.

A good deal for budget-conscious West Coast residents who frequently fly Alaska Air, the Alaska Airlines Visa card pairs a generous sign-up bonus and valuable rewards program with one of the lowest APRs available on a travel card.

The American Express Business Gold Card gets you a stellar 4-point bonus on the two categories you spend the most in each billing cycle. Plus, you’re entitled to a 25% bonus for eligible redemptions through the American Express travel portal (up to 250,000 points back per calendar year). American Express also offers financing features that give cardholders some options for managing cash flow.

Flexible bonus categories

To help match rewards with your spending, the Business Gold Card rewards 4 ...

Key takeaways:

- The BankAmericard® credit card comes with a great introductory APR, making it a solid option for those wanting to pay off credit card debt over time.

- The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card offers good long-term value with access to cash back, the ability to earn a welcome bonus and a nice introductory APR offer.

- Both credit cards come with basic benefits like free FICO score access, $0 fraud liability, account alerts and access to Museums on Us and BankAmeriDeals.

Key takeaways:

- The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is one of the best balance transfer credit cards thanks to its 0 percent intro APR offer on balance transfers for 21 months.

- This card could be a good fit for consumers who need as much time as possible to pay off credit card debt, but since it doesn't offer rewards or worthwhile benefits, it won't offer much value after the intro offer ends.

- If you don't need a substantial amount of time to pay off your debt, you might want to consider a credit card with a shorter intro balance transfer offer that also offers long-term value.

Got an old credit card lying around? It may be tempting to cancel it, cut it up, and toss it in the trash. But before you get out the scissors, it’s important to think about how closing a card can affect your credit score.

While it sounds counterintuitive, closing a credit card can actually harm your score. We break down the reasons — and how you can cancel your card the right way.