Tarra Jackson

[[{“value”:”If you’re like me, you try to use your credit card for everything possible. Aside from the convenience and purchase protections, you can earn sweet rewards points for every dollar you spend.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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. But lately, you may have noticed a new and annoying trend: Many small businesses, restaurants, and even some service providers are starting to tack on a 1% to 3% surcharge when you pay with a credit card. For cash or debit — no charge.So that leads to the big question: Is it actually worth paying a small fee to use a credit card and earn rewards?Let’s break it down.When the math works out in your favorAll rewards credit cards work differently. But here’s what you can typically expect in terms of rewards value:Cash back cards: 1% to 2% on most spendingTravel cards: 1 to 2 points per dollar, sometimes 3 to 5 on bonus categories. Points are generally worth $0.01 to $0.02 each when used for travel.So, if your card earns 2% cash back, and the surcharge is 2%, it’s a wash.But what if you’re earning 3x points on travel and redeeming those points for $0.015 each? That’s effectively a 4.5% return. Paying a 2% fee still nets you a 2.5% gain.Here’s a quick cheat sheet with various reward rates, and the net gain after a 2% surcharge fee:Reward RateSurchargeNet Gain/Loss1.5%2%(0.5%)2%2%0%4.5%2%2.5%Data source: Author’s calculations.It really pays to know your exact cash back rate. And if you’re using a travel card, you also need to know the value of the points you’re earning.Personally, I’m a huge fan of simple 2% cash back credit cards. There’s no complicated points system to worry about — you just get a flat 2% back for every purchase. That makes it easy to determine if a fee is worth paying or not.Check out this great cash back card option available now. You’ll get unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases, plus the chance to earn a welcome bonus when you meet a minimum spending threshold in a given period of time after account opening.When paying the fee might make senseThere are specific cases when paying a 1% to 2% surcharge could still be a smart money move. For example:Meeting a welcome offer minimum spend: If you’re $500 away from unlocking 60,000 points on a new card, then a 2% fee on that $500 ($10) could be worth the trade.Earning high-value points or miles: If you know how to maximize travel points (for example, transferring to airline partners at a high ratio) your points might be worth far more than $0.01 each.Getting extra protections: Some big purchases (like electronics, appliances, or services) come with extended warranties or purchase protection if paid by credit card, which may justify the fee.When to skip the card and save the feeIf your rewards are clearly lower than the surcharge, it’s better to pay another way.Here are a few situations where you’ll want to skip the fee and pay with another method:You don’t have a rewards credit cardYour card earns less than 1% rewardsThe surcharge is absurdly high (think 3% or higher)Also, sometimes you can ask the merchant for a discount if you pay in cash. Not only do you avoid the fee, but you could snag a discount. Win/win.The bottom lineThe short answer is: If your credit card earns more than the fee costs, you’re in the clear.But if you’re not breaking even, it’s cheaper just to use another payment method.Regardless of fees, always try to earn the highest reward rate you can. And if you want a simple, no-stress option, check out these top cash back cards for quick and easy rewards.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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. 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.”}]] [[{“value”:”

If you’re like me, you try to use your credit card for everything possible. Aside from the convenience and purchase protections, you can earn sweet rewards points for every dollar you spend.

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

But lately, you may have noticed a new and annoying trend: Many small businesses, restaurants, and even some service providers are starting to tack on a 1% to 3% surcharge when you pay with a credit card. For cash or debit — no charge.

So that leads to the big question: Is it actually worth paying a small fee to use a credit card and earn rewards?

Let’s break it down.

When the math works out in your favor

All rewards credit cards work differently. But here’s what you can typically expect in terms of rewards value:

• Cash back cards: 1% to 2% on most spending
• Travel cards: 1 to 2 points per dollar, sometimes 3 to 5 on bonus categories. Points are generally worth $0.01 to $0.02 each when used for travel.

So, if your card earns 2% cash back, and the surcharge is 2%, it’s a wash.

But what if you’re earning 3x points on travel and redeeming those points for $0.015 each? That’s effectively a 4.5% return. Paying a 2% fee still nets you a 2.5% gain.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet with various reward rates, and the net gain after a 2% surcharge fee:

It really pays to know your exact cash back rate. And if you’re using a travel card, you also need to know the value of the points you’re earning.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of simple 2% cash back credit cards. There’s no complicated points system to worry about — you just get a flat 2% back for every purchase. That makes it easy to determine if a fee is worth paying or not.

Check out this great cash back card option available now. You’ll get unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases, plus the chance to earn a welcome bonus when you meet a minimum spending threshold in a given period of time after account opening.

When paying the fee might make sense

There are specific cases when paying a 1% to 2% surcharge could still be a smart money move. For example:

1. Meeting a welcome offer minimum spend: If you’re $500 away from unlocking 60,000 points on a new card, then a 2% fee on that $500 ($10) could be worth the trade.
2. Earning high-value points or miles: If you know how to maximize travel points (for example, transferring to airline partners at a high ratio) your points might be worth far more than $0.01 each.
3. Getting extra protections: Some big purchases (like electronics, appliances, or services) come with extended warranties or purchase protection if paid by credit card, which may justify the fee.

When to skip the card and save the fee

If your rewards are clearly lower than the surcharge, it’s better to pay another way.

Here are a few situations where you’ll want to skip the fee and pay with another method:

• You don’t have a rewards credit card
• Your card earns less than 1% rewards
• The surcharge is absurdly high (think 3% or higher)

Also, sometimes you can ask the merchant for a discount if you pay in cash. Not only do you avoid the fee, but you could snag a discount. Win/win.

The bottom line

The short answer is: If your credit card earns more than the fee costs, you’re in the clear.

But if you’re not breaking even, it’s cheaper just to use another payment method.

Regardless of fees, always try to earn the highest reward rate you can. And if you want a simple, no-stress option, check out these top cash back cards for quick and easy rewards.

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

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.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Buy now, pay later (BNPL) sounds like a great concept — split up your payments, no interest, no worries. But behind the shiny checkout button lie some sneaky commonly-reported issues.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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Almost half (49%) of BNPL users said they’ve experienced issues like overspending and missing payments, according to a new Bankrate survey. There’s also a hefty amount of buyer regret, which is frustrating because these services are supposed to make life easier — not add financial stress.So what’s a better option if you want to spread out purchases, but still avoid paying interest? Let me show you a little trick that helped a friend of mine save over $1,000 in interest.How 0% intro APR credit cards workThe trick is using a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer. These aren’t sketchy promos — they’re real offers from big-name banks. Most give you anywhere from six to 21 months of 0% interest on purchases and/or balance transfers.Here’s how they work:You apply for a credit card that offers a 0% intro APR on purchases (or balance transfers).You make your new purchases, or transfer debt from an old card.You’ve then got the entire intro APR period — say, 18 months — to pay it off without any interest.Example: Let’s say you buy a $1,000 patio set on a card offering 0% intro APR for 18 months. You then make payments of $56 per month during that interest-free period, and you’re done. No interest paid.How 0% intro APR cards give you more breathing roomBNPL is like juggling flaming swords. Each plan is short term (often six weeks to six months), and it’s easy to forget a payment.Meanwhile, 0% intro APR cards are like a wide safety net. You can:Stretch payments over 12 to 21 monthsConsolidate multiple purchases into one planAvoid juggling multiple due datesThey’re especially handy for financing large purchases. Or transferring balances to help pay off high-interest debt from another card faster.Just make sure you pick the right 0% intro APR card. Some only offer a deal for purchases, others only for transfers, and some do both. Compare the top 0% intro APR credit cards here and find one that suits your needs.Understand the fees and rulesBefore applying for a 0% intro APR credit card, here are a few key things to know:Most 0% intro APR cards require good credit (typically 670 or higher FICO® Score).There’s usually a 3%-5% fee to transfer a balance (but you can still save way more than paying high interest).Missing a payment could void your 0% deal. Always pay on time.Remember, the 0% intro rate will eventually expire. So don’t treat it like free money or build a lifestyle around borrowed cash. It’s a tool to help you catch up — not fall further behind.Used wisely, 0% intro APR cards give you more time and flexibility than most BNPL plans. But in either case, the smartest move is sticking to purchases that fit your budget.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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. 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.Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) sounds like a great concept — split up your payments, no interest, no worries. But behind the shiny checkout button lie some sneaky commonly-reported issues.

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Almost half (49%) of BNPL users said they’ve experienced issues like overspending and missing payments, according to a new Bankrate survey. There’s also a hefty amount of buyer regret, which is frustrating because these services are supposed to make life easier — not add financial stress.

So what’s a better option if you want to spread out purchases, but still avoid paying interest? Let me show you a little trick that helped a friend of mine save over $1,000 in interest.

How 0% intro APR credit cards work

The trick is using a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer. These aren’t sketchy promos — they’re real offers from big-name banks. Most give you anywhere from six to 21 months of 0% interest on purchases and/or balance transfers.

Here’s how they work:

1. You apply for a credit card that offers a 0% intro APR on purchases (or balance transfers).
2. You make your new purchases, or transfer debt from an old card.
3. You’ve then got the entire intro APR period — say, 18 months — to pay it off without any interest.

Example: Let’s say you buy a $1,000 patio set on a card offering 0% intro APR for 18 months. You then make payments of $56 per month during that interest-free period, and you’re done. No interest paid.

How 0% intro APR cards give you more breathing room

BNPL is like juggling flaming swords. Each plan is short term (often six weeks to six months), and it’s easy to forget a payment.

Meanwhile, 0% intro APR cards are like a wide safety net. You can:

• Stretch payments over 12 to 21 months
• Consolidate multiple purchases into one plan
• Avoid juggling multiple due dates

They’re especially handy for financing large purchases. Or transferring balances to help pay off high-interest debt from another card faster.

Understand the fees and rules

Before applying for a 0% intro APR credit card, here are a few key things to know:

• Most 0% intro APR cards require good credit (typically 670 or higher FICO® Score).
• There’s usually a 3%-5% fee to transfer a balance (but you can still save way more than paying high interest).
• Missing a payment could void your 0% deal. Always pay on time.

Remember, the 0% intro rate will eventually expire. So don’t treat it like free money or build a lifestyle around borrowed cash. It’s a tool to help you catch up — not fall further behind.

Used wisely, 0% intro APR cards give you more time and flexibility than most BNPL plans. But in either case, the smartest move is sticking to purchases that fit your budget.

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

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.Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
If you’re thinking about locking in a certificate of deposit (CD), you’re not alone. Interest rates are still high, but they’re expected to drop later this year.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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. But which term is the smarter move right now: a 6-month CD or a 5-year CD?Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each, as well as a third option you should consider.How do the rates compare?Top 6-month CDs: ~4.50% APYTop 5-year CDs: ~4.00% APYAt these rates, a $10,000 deposit would earn a total of $223 in a 6-month CD or $2,167 in a 5-year CD.Which would earn more over the course of five years, assuming you reinvested in 6-month CDs every time they matured? Nobody can say for sure. However, the Federal Reserve and economic experts alike are predicting interest rate cuts later this year — and possibly in 2026, too.In that case, there’s a good chance a 5-year CD would earn you more interest overall.Bear in mind that there’s nothing stopping you from investing in both 6-month and 5-year CDs. That could even be a smart way to hedge your bets.But these two terms have pros and cons that you should think about before committing your money.The case for 6-month CDsWho should consider 6-month CDs?6-month CDs are best for savers who:Might need their cash within the next six monthsWant more frequent access to their money so they can act on short-term opportunitiesBelieve interest rates are more likely to rise in the near termThe case for 5-year CDsWho should consider 5-year CDs?5-year CDs are best for people who:Have extra cash they won’t need for a long timeWant safety more than the highest possible returnsExpect interest rates to drop in the near futureHere’s a third option to considerIf you’re hesitant to lock your money up at all, then a high-yield savings account might be the better choice. Your interest rate can change at any time, but right now the best HYSAs pay an APY of around 4.00% or even more. And you can withdraw and deposit cash whenever you want.Our favorite HYSAs pay APYs as high as 4.40%. If you want to start earning a top-tier interest rate without committing to a lengthy CD term, check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts and open a new account today.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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. 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.James McClenathen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

If you’re thinking about locking in a certificate of deposit (CD), you’re not alone. Interest rates are still high, but they’re expected to drop later this year.

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

But which term is the smarter move right now: a 6-month CD or a 5-year CD?

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each, as well as a third option you should consider.

How do the rates compare?

• Top 6-month CDs: ~4.50% APY
• Top 5-year CDs: ~4.00% APY

At these rates, a $10,000 deposit would earn a total of $223 in a 6-month CD or $2,167 in a 5-year CD.

Which would earn more over the course of five years, assuming you reinvested in 6-month CDs every time they matured? Nobody can say for sure. However, the Federal Reserve and economic experts alike are predicting interest rate cuts later this year — and possibly in 2026, too.

In that case, there’s a good chance a 5-year CD would earn you more interest overall.

Bear in mind that there’s nothing stopping you from investing in both 6-month and 5-year CDs. That could even be a smart way to hedge your bets.

But these two terms have pros and cons that you should think about before committing your money.

The case for 6-month CDs

Who should consider 6-month CDs?

6-month CDs are best for savers who:

1. Might need their cash within the next six months
2. Want more frequent access to their money so they can act on short-term opportunities
3. Believe interest rates are more likely to rise in the near term

The case for 5-year CDs

Who should consider 5-year CDs?

5-year CDs are best for people who:

• Have extra cash they won’t need for a long time
• Want safety more than the highest possible returns
• Expect interest rates to drop in the near future

Here’s a third option to consider

If you’re hesitant to lock your money up at all, then a high-yield savings account might be the better choice. Your interest rate can change at any time, but right now the best HYSAs pay an APY of around 4.00% or even more. And you can withdraw and deposit cash whenever you want.

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

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.James McClenathen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More