Smart Everyday Living

Best Cash-Back Credit Cards and How to Use Them Wisely Cash-back credit cards reward you for everyday spending, making them one of the easiest ways to save money without changing your habits. But to get the most out of them, it’s important to understand how they work — and how to avoid common pitfalls. What Is a Cash-Back Credit Card? A cash-back card earns you a percentage of your spending back in the form of rewards. Some cards offer a flat rate on all purchases, while others give more on categories like groceries or gas. Top Cash-Back Credit Cards in 2025 Discover it® Cash Back – 5% back on rotating categories, matched cash back for the first year. Chase Freedom Unlimited® – 1.5% cash back on all purchases plus bonus categories. Citi Custom Cash® Card – 5% back on your top eligible spending category each month. Amex Cash Magnet® – Unlimited 1.5% cash back with no rotating categories. How to Maximize Your Cash Back Pay in Full Monthly: Interest charges...

Understanding Credit Cards — A Beginner’s Guide Credit cards are powerful financial tools that can help you build credit, earn rewards, and manage your cash flow—when used responsibly. If you're new to credit cards, understanding how they work is the first step to using them wisely. What Is a Credit Card? A credit card lets you borrow money from a bank or credit issuer up to a set limit. You can make purchases and repay them either in full or over time, with interest applied to any unpaid balance. Benefits of Credit Cards Build Credit History: On-time payments are reported to credit bureaus, helping boost your credit score. Rewards: Many cards offer cashback, points, or miles for your purchases. Popular options include the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Platinum . Fraud Protection: Credit cards typically offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. You're usually not liable for unauthorized charges. Emergency Flexibility: A credit card can help c...