Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Certificates of deposit (CDs) are available in a variety of terms. The maximum that many banks offer is 5-year CDs. No matter how long of a CD you get, you need to keep your money there for the full term to avoid an early withdrawal penalty.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. If you’ve been looking for a secure option with a competitive interest rate, a 5-year CD may have caught your eye. Before you open one, you need to be aware of how you’d benefit from one and the potential risk.The benefit of opening a 5-year CDThe main reason to open a CD is to lock in an interest rate. That’s a big perk right now, because interest rates are expected to drop. For the time being, you can still get high rates. There are currently multiple 5-year CDs paying in the 3.5% to 4% range (or more if you’re willing to open a brokered CD, which work a bit differently than standard CDs) — click here to explore our top picks for the best CDs.Let’s say you have $10,000 you won’t need anytime soon. If you put it in a 5-year CD with a 3.75% APY, it would earn $2,021 in interest.You could also use a high-yield savings account and get a similar rate. But if interest rates decline as expected, that savings account could be paying 3.50%, 2.75%, or less in the coming years. You wouldn’t need to worry about that with a CD.Another option would be investing your money in the stock market. While stocks have much more growth potential than CDs and savings accounts, they also carry the risk of losing money. Your $10,000 could be worth $8,000 when you need it. Investing is a smart financial decision, but only with money you can keep invested for the long haul.The drawback of opening a 5-year CDCDs have strict rules about withdrawals. You’re supposed to wait until the maturity date, which is the end of the term, to withdraw your money. Otherwise, you’re looking at an early withdrawal penalty.The penalty amount depends on the bank, but it’s typically largest for long CDs. For 5-year CDs, a common penalty amount is six months of the interest you’ve earned. Since the whole point of a CD is to earn interest, paying it back as a penalty defeats the purpose.Only open a CD if you’re confident you won’t need the money until the maturity date. It gets harder to predict this over longer periods of time. You might be fairly sure you can set some cash aside for six months or a year, but five years is quite a bit longer. Your money will be locked up until 2030. Make sure to think about what you’d do if you lose your job or face some unexpected bills.If you’re not sure you can commit to a CD, a high-yield savings account is a great alternative. To maximize interest, consider one of our favorite high-yield savings accounts from this list.A long-term commitmentWith any CD, you’re trading the convenience of being able to access your money whenever for the safety of a fixed rate. With shorter CDs, this might not be an issue. A 5-year CD requires much more planning to figure out if you can afford to lock up your money for that long.For a stable, guaranteed return, it could be worth opening a 5-year CD in 2025. But for savings you may need sooner than that, find a high-yield savings account that lets you make deposits and withdrawals at any time.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”:”

Certificates of deposit (CDs) are available in a variety of terms. The maximum that many banks offer is 5-year CDs. No matter how long of a CD you get, you need to keep your money there for the full term to avoid an early withdrawal penalty.

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.

If you’ve been looking for a secure option with a competitive interest rate, a 5-year CD may have caught your eye. Before you open one, you need to be aware of how you’d benefit from one and the potential risk.

The benefit of opening a 5-year CD

The main reason to open a CD is to lock in an interest rate. That’s a big perk right now, because interest rates are expected to drop. For the time being, you can still get high rates. There are currently multiple 5-year CDs paying in the 3.5% to 4% range (or more if you’re willing to open a brokered CD, which work a bit differently than standard CDs) — click here to explore our top picks for the best CDs.

Let’s say you have $10,000 you won’t need anytime soon. If you put it in a 5-year CD with a 3.75% APY, it would earn $2,021 in interest.

You could also use a high-yield savings account and get a similar rate. But if interest rates decline as expected, that savings account could be paying 3.50%, 2.75%, or less in the coming years. You wouldn’t need to worry about that with a CD.

Another option would be investing your money in the stock market. While stocks have much more growth potential than CDs and savings accounts, they also carry the risk of losing money. Your $10,000 could be worth $8,000 when you need it. Investing is a smart financial decision, but only with money you can keep invested for the long haul.

The drawback of opening a 5-year CD

CDs have strict rules about withdrawals. You’re supposed to wait until the maturity date, which is the end of the term, to withdraw your money. Otherwise, you’re looking at an early withdrawal penalty.

The penalty amount depends on the bank, but it’s typically largest for long CDs. For 5-year CDs, a common penalty amount is six months of the interest you’ve earned. Since the whole point of a CD is to earn interest, paying it back as a penalty defeats the purpose.

Only open a CD if you’re confident you won’t need the money until the maturity date. It gets harder to predict this over longer periods of time. You might be fairly sure you can set some cash aside for six months or a year, but five years is quite a bit longer. Your money will be locked up until 2030. Make sure to think about what you’d do if you lose your job or face some unexpected bills.

If you’re not sure you can commit to a CD, a high-yield savings account is a great alternative. To maximize interest, consider one of our favorite high-yield savings accounts from this list.

A long-term commitment

With any CD, you’re trading the convenience of being able to access your money whenever for the safety of a fixed rate. With shorter CDs, this might not be an issue. A 5-year CD requires much more planning to figure out if you can afford to lock up your money for that long.

For a stable, guaranteed return, it could be worth opening a 5-year CD in 2025. But for savings you may need sooner than that, find a high-yield savings account that lets you make deposits and withdrawals at any time.

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”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
Still need to shop for the special men in your life? You still have plenty of time, and Kohl’s has some fantastic deals on great items that the guys in your life will love. The retailer continuously offers coupons to help you maximize your savings when shopping at your local store and Kohls.com.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. Ready to shop? Here are a few of the best men’s gifts you can buy from Kohl’s.1. Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker: $99.99If you have a music lover on your list, a portable Bluetooth speaker would make for a perfect present. Kohl’s is selling the Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker at a $50 discount for Black Friday. Through Nov. 29, you can buy it for $99.99. This durable, water-resistant portable speaker has a battery life of up to 24 hours. It retails for $149.99, so you’ll want to add this item to your cart soon so you don’t miss out on this fantastic Black Friday offer.2. BAGSMART Blast Travel Backpack: $47.59If you have a man in your life who loves to travel, this is a great gift idea he’ll appreciate. A quality travel bag can make traveling less stressful. The BAGSMART Blast Travel Backpack is available at Kohl’s for $55.99. It’s on sale through Nov. 29 for Black Friday.When using coupon code SHOP15 at checkout, you’ll pay only $47.59. That’s an amazing price, considering this travel backpack retails for $69.99. This stylish backpack features six compartments, three interior pockets, and six exterior pockets. It makes for a winning gift that your favorite traveler can use for many years to come.Want to save more on your next Kohl’s haul? You can earn cash back with the right credit card. Click here to review our list of the top cash back credit cards with big rewards.3. Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller: $54.99Is your guy an avid gamer? Now is the perfect time to get him an extra PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller. You can pick one up at Kohl’s for $54.99. These controllers retail for $74.99, so you can leave the store with a great gift and an extra $20 in your checking account.4. Men’s Columbia Steens Mountain Full-Zip Fleece Jacket: $34.99A fleece jacket would make an excellent addition to any man’s wardrobe. Kohl’s has some great Black Friday deals on comfy and stylish fleece jackets. You may want to scoop up a Men’s Columbia Steens Mountain Full-Zip Fleece Jacket at Kohl’s. Through Nov. 29, it’s on sale for $34.99 instead of $64. This is an excellent price for a well-rated midweight jacket.5. Men’s Sonoma Goods For Life Flannel Drawstring Pajama Pants: $12.74Is there such a thing as too many pajama pants? Nope — and that’s why it’s a great gift idea. Through Nov. 29, Men’s Sonoma Goods For Life Flannel Drawstring Pajama Pants are on sale at Kohl’s. You’ll pay $14.99 instead of $19.99 for comfy pajama pants. They’re available in various styles and sizes. You can use the coupon SHOP15 to score a bigger discount. With this coupon, you’ll pay only $12.74. At that price, you can go ahead and get several.Related: If you’re looking for a great card for your holiday shopping, check out our curated list of the top credit cards.Keep alert to deals that help you stretch your budget furtherKohl’s is one of many retailers with great holiday deals. As you shop for the men in your life, look for discount opportunities that help you stretch your holiday shopping budget further. It’s possible to buy winning gifts without overspending. Every dollar you save makes a 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!
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”:”

Still need to shop for the special men in your life? You still have plenty of time, and Kohl’s has some fantastic deals on great items that the guys in your life will love. The retailer continuously offers coupons to help you maximize your savings when shopping at your local store and Kohls.com.

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.

Ready to shop? Here are a few of the best men’s gifts you can buy from Kohl’s.

1. Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker: $99.99

If you have a music lover on your list, a portable Bluetooth speaker would make for a perfect present. Kohl’s is selling the Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker at a $50 discount for Black Friday. Through Nov. 29, you can buy it for $99.99. This durable, water-resistant portable speaker has a battery life of up to 24 hours. It retails for $149.99, so you’ll want to add this item to your cart soon so you don’t miss out on this fantastic Black Friday offer.

2. BAGSMART Blast Travel Backpack: $47.59

If you have a man in your life who loves to travel, this is a great gift idea he’ll appreciate. A quality travel bag can make traveling less stressful. The BAGSMART Blast Travel Backpack is available at Kohl’s for $55.99. It’s on sale through Nov. 29 for Black Friday.

When using coupon code SHOP15 at checkout, you’ll pay only $47.59. That’s an amazing price, considering this travel backpack retails for $69.99. This stylish backpack features six compartments, three interior pockets, and six exterior pockets. It makes for a winning gift that your favorite traveler can use for many years to come.

Want to save more on your next Kohl’s haul? You can earn cash back with the right credit card. Click here to review our list of the top cash back credit cards with big rewards.

3. Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller: $54.99

Is your guy an avid gamer? Now is the perfect time to get him an extra PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller. You can pick one up at Kohl’s for $54.99. These controllers retail for $74.99, so you can leave the store with a great gift and an extra $20 in your checking account.

4. Men’s Columbia Steens Mountain Full-Zip Fleece Jacket: $34.99

A fleece jacket would make an excellent addition to any man’s wardrobe. Kohl’s has some great Black Friday deals on comfy and stylish fleece jackets. You may want to scoop up a Men’s Columbia Steens Mountain Full-Zip Fleece Jacket at Kohl’s. Through Nov. 29, it’s on sale for $34.99 instead of $64. This is an excellent price for a well-rated midweight jacket.

5. Men’s Sonoma Goods For Life Flannel Drawstring Pajama Pants: $12.74

Is there such a thing as too many pajama pants? Nope — and that’s why it’s a great gift idea. Through Nov. 29, Men’s Sonoma Goods For Life Flannel Drawstring Pajama Pants are on sale at Kohl’s. You’ll pay $14.99 instead of $19.99 for comfy pajama pants. They’re available in various styles and sizes. You can use the coupon SHOP15 to score a bigger discount. With this coupon, you’ll pay only $12.74. At that price, you can go ahead and get several.

Related: If you’re looking for a great card for your holiday shopping, check out our curated list of the top credit cards.

Keep alert to deals that help you stretch your budget further

Kohl’s is one of many retailers with great holiday deals. As you shop for the men in your life, look for discount opportunities that help you stretch your holiday shopping budget further. It’s possible to buy winning gifts without overspending. Every dollar you save makes a 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!

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”:”Image source: Getty Images
When I look for a travel card, my philosophy is go big or go home. I love finding cards with benefits that save me a ton of money, dramatically upgrade my travel experience, or both. I couldn’t care less about small perks, like $10 spending credits to restaurants I never visit.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. After eight years of using travel cards, the list below covers the most valuable perks I’ve found. Each of them could potentially save you over $500. If you want to see cards that have these benefits and more, check out our curated list of the top travel rewards cards.1. A free night certificateMany hotel credit cards offer a free night certificate. This is normally a yearly benefit, although you can sometimes earn additional certificates if you spend enough. They work just like they sound — you get a free night at one of the hotel’s properties.Where you can use these depends on the certificate. As a general rule, the higher your hotel card’s annual fee, the more options you’ll have to redeem your free night.If you like staying at nice hotels, you could get incredible value from a free night certificate. Some travelers, myself included, have saved $500 to $1,000 with this benefit. You can usually combine a free night certificate with a stay you book in points, too, and get a luxury stay for as little as $0.2. A welcome offerTravel cards tend to have the biggest welcome offers for new cardholders. Cash back cards typically offer anywhere from $150 to $250 in bonus cash. But with travel cards, it’s not uncommon to see welcome offers of 50,000 to 100,000 points. Depending on the rewards program, 100,000 points would be worth $1,000 or significantly more.Most welcome offers have a spending requirement you need to reach to earn them. Before you apply, make sure you won’t have any trouble spending enough to reach the minimum. Falling short of the spending requirement also means missing out on your card’s welcome offer.3. Airport lounge accessKicking back in an airport lounge before your flight is far more enjoyable than spending that time in the general boarding area. Premium travel cards often include a complimentary membership to a lounge program.Everyone has their own opinion on how much airport lounge access is worth. Some people put it at $50 per visit, based on the value of a better airport experience and what they’ll save on food and drinks. At that value, if you take 10 flights per year (five round trips), you’d be getting $500 out of this benefit.4. Hotel elite statusThis is another perk you can get from hotel credit cards. Instead of needing to stay a certain number of nights per year to reach elite status, you get it automatically thanks to your credit card.The benefits depend on the hotel and the status you have with it. Here are some of the typical perks you could get courtesy of hotel elite status:Complimentary upgrades when availableFree daily breakfast for twoLate check-in and early checkout when availableA fifth night free on award staysConsidering hotel breakfast prices these days, just getting that for free can help you save quite a bit. For a firsthand example, it saved me $328 earlier this year during a four-night hotel stay. Upgrades, although not guaranteed, are also a valuable benefit.5. Travel insuranceAs exciting as travel is, there’s a lot that can go wrong. Bad weather leads to your flight being canceled. The airline loses your luggage. Your rental car gets scratched in a parking lot. These are all issues that could easily cost you $500 or more.Travel insurance can protect you in these kinds of situations, and some credit cards provide it as a complimentary benefit. Here are a few examples of the travel protections available with certain credit cards:Rental car damage and theft insuranceLost or delayed luggage reimbursementTrip delay reimbursementTrip cancellation and interruption insuranceIf you’re trying to find a credit card, figuring out which benefits you want can help narrow down the list. Now that you know about some of the best travel card perks, you can pick the ones you like and start looking for your next card.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.Lyle Daly 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”:”

When I look for a travel card, my philosophy is go big or go home. I love finding cards with benefits that save me a ton of money, dramatically upgrade my travel experience, or both. I couldn’t care less about small perks, like $10 spending credits to restaurants I never visit.

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.

After eight years of using travel cards, the list below covers the most valuable perks I’ve found. Each of them could potentially save you over $500. If you want to see cards that have these benefits and more, check out our curated list of the top travel rewards cards.

1. A free night certificate

Many hotel credit cards offer a free night certificate. This is normally a yearly benefit, although you can sometimes earn additional certificates if you spend enough. They work just like they sound — you get a free night at one of the hotel’s properties.

Where you can use these depends on the certificate. As a general rule, the higher your hotel card’s annual fee, the more options you’ll have to redeem your free night.

If you like staying at nice hotels, you could get incredible value from a free night certificate. Some travelers, myself included, have saved $500 to $1,000 with this benefit. You can usually combine a free night certificate with a stay you book in points, too, and get a luxury stay for as little as $0.

2. A welcome offer

Travel cards tend to have the biggest welcome offers for new cardholders. Cash back cards typically offer anywhere from $150 to $250 in bonus cash. But with travel cards, it’s not uncommon to see welcome offers of 50,000 to 100,000 points. Depending on the rewards program, 100,000 points would be worth $1,000 or significantly more.

Most welcome offers have a spending requirement you need to reach to earn them. Before you apply, make sure you won’t have any trouble spending enough to reach the minimum. Falling short of the spending requirement also means missing out on your card’s welcome offer.

3. Airport lounge access

Kicking back in an airport lounge before your flight is far more enjoyable than spending that time in the general boarding area. Premium travel cards often include a complimentary membership to a lounge program.

Everyone has their own opinion on how much airport lounge access is worth. Some people put it at $50 per visit, based on the value of a better airport experience and what they’ll save on food and drinks. At that value, if you take 10 flights per year (five round trips), you’d be getting $500 out of this benefit.

4. Hotel elite status

This is another perk you can get from hotel credit cards. Instead of needing to stay a certain number of nights per year to reach elite status, you get it automatically thanks to your credit card.

The benefits depend on the hotel and the status you have with it. Here are some of the typical perks you could get courtesy of hotel elite status:

• Complimentary upgrades when available
• Free daily breakfast for two
• Late check-in and early checkout when available
• A fifth night free on award stays

Considering hotel breakfast prices these days, just getting that for free can help you save quite a bit. For a firsthand example, it saved me $328 earlier this year during a four-night hotel stay. Upgrades, although not guaranteed, are also a valuable benefit.

5. Travel insurance

As exciting as travel is, there’s a lot that can go wrong. Bad weather leads to your flight being canceled. The airline loses your luggage. Your rental car gets scratched in a parking lot. These are all issues that could easily cost you $500 or more.

Travel insurance can protect you in these kinds of situations, and some credit cards provide it as a complimentary benefit. Here are a few examples of the travel protections available with certain credit cards:

• Rental car damage and theft insurance
• Lost or delayed luggage reimbursement
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

If you’re trying to find a credit card, figuring out which benefits you want can help narrow down the list. Now that you know about some of the best travel card perks, you can pick the ones you like and start looking for your next card.

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.Lyle Daly 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
Getting a low credit limit is normal when you don’t have much credit history. My first credit card had a limit of just $500 — enough to pay for a few trips to the grocery store or half a smartphone.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. If you’re in this situation, you’ve probably experienced how inconvenient it is. You need to carefully manage your spending to avoid hitting your credit limit. And even if you don’t max out your card, using a large portion of your limit could still hurt your credit score.I’ve been able to increase my credit quite a bit over the years. I now have over $200,000 in limits across my cards. Here’s how to do this.1. Always pay on timeYour credit limit primarily depends on two factors: your credit score and your income. If you have a high credit score, that can help you get a higher credit limit.The most important part of your credit score is your payment history. A track record of on-time payments will boost your credit score, but even a single lay payment can seriously damage it.The good news is that payments are only considered late once they’re at least 30 days past due. If you pay a day or two late, or even 29 days late, it’s still considered an on-time payment for credit scoring purposes.I’ve never had any late payments on my credit history, and I’ve built an excellent credit score. Because I’ve proven to be a reliable borrower, banks are willing to trust me with more credit.If you have a high credit score, make sure you’re taking full advantage. Check out our list of the best credit cards for big bonus opportunities, 0% intro APR offers, and much more.2. Increase your incomeThe other key factor that determines your credit limit is your income. Card issuers are required to consider how much you could realistically repay when they set your credit limit. If someone makes $25,000 per year, they probably won’t be able to get a $100,000 credit limit.You don’t need to earn a massive salary to get a high credit limit. But raising your income can help, especially if you want a large amount of credit. It can also make life easier for you. The more money you make, the more you can save and invest.When your income goes up, don’t forget to let your credit card issuer know. You can normally update your income in your online account. You may even get an automatic credit limit increase.3. Open multiple credit cards with different banksMy credit isn’t all with one card or bank. It’s spread out across cards with Chase, American Express, U.S. Bank, and several other card issuers. Yes, I have a lot of credit cards.This is important because card issuers have limits on how much credit they’ll extend to you. Let’s say you have a $10,000 credit limit on a card. Your bank has decided that $10,000 is the most it feels comfortable letting you borrow, so it won’t approve you for any more credit cards or any credit limit increases.The simple solution is to apply for a card with a different bank so those internal limits aren’t a problem. It’s also a good opportunity to branch out and try cards with new perks. Maybe you’d like to save some money on your next vacation or get into airport lounges free of charge. If so, click here to see our picks for the top travel rewards cards.4. Ask for credit limit increasesIf you want a higher credit limit, you can always ask the card issuer. Call the number on the back of your card or check if there’s an option to request a credit limit increase online. You’re more likely to succeed if you’ve been using the card for at least six months and have always paid on time. If your income is higher now than it was when you opened the card, that also helps.I did this as I was building credit, and I still do with my cards that have smaller limits. You have nothing to lose, and you could get a higher credit limit in a matter of minutes.Don’t get discouraged if you have a low credit limit. Banks are risk-averse, and they usually start people out small. If you follow those steps, you’ll quickly qualify for more credit.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.American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase and U.S. Bancorp. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Getting a low credit limit is normal when you don’t have much credit history. My first credit card had a limit of just $500 — enough to pay for a few trips to the grocery store or half a smartphone.

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.

If you’re in this situation, you’ve probably experienced how inconvenient it is. You need to carefully manage your spending to avoid hitting your credit limit. And even if you don’t max out your card, using a large portion of your limit could still hurt your credit score.

I’ve been able to increase my credit quite a bit over the years. I now have over $200,000 in limits across my cards. Here’s how to do this.

1. Always pay on time

Your credit limit primarily depends on two factors: your credit score and your income. If you have a high credit score, that can help you get a higher credit limit.

The most important part of your credit score is your payment history. A track record of on-time payments will boost your credit score, but even a single lay payment can seriously damage it.

The good news is that payments are only considered late once they’re at least 30 days past due. If you pay a day or two late, or even 29 days late, it’s still considered an on-time payment for credit scoring purposes.

I’ve never had any late payments on my credit history, and I’ve built an excellent credit score. Because I’ve proven to be a reliable borrower, banks are willing to trust me with more credit.

If you have a high credit score, make sure you’re taking full advantage. Check out our list of the best credit cards for big bonus opportunities, 0% intro APR offers, and much more.

2. Increase your income

The other key factor that determines your credit limit is your income. Card issuers are required to consider how much you could realistically repay when they set your credit limit. If someone makes $25,000 per year, they probably won’t be able to get a $100,000 credit limit.

You don’t need to earn a massive salary to get a high credit limit. But raising your income can help, especially if you want a large amount of credit. It can also make life easier for you. The more money you make, the more you can save and invest.

When your income goes up, don’t forget to let your credit card issuer know. You can normally update your income in your online account. You may even get an automatic credit limit increase.

3. Open multiple credit cards with different banks

My credit isn’t all with one card or bank. It’s spread out across cards with Chase, American Express, U.S. Bank, and several other card issuers. Yes, I have a lot of credit cards.

This is important because card issuers have limits on how much credit they’ll extend to you. Let’s say you have a $10,000 credit limit on a card. Your bank has decided that $10,000 is the most it feels comfortable letting you borrow, so it won’t approve you for any more credit cards or any credit limit increases.

The simple solution is to apply for a card with a different bank so those internal limits aren’t a problem. It’s also a good opportunity to branch out and try cards with new perks. Maybe you’d like to save some money on your next vacation or get into airport lounges free of charge. If so, click here to see our picks for the top travel rewards cards.

4. Ask for credit limit increases

If you want a higher credit limit, you can always ask the card issuer. Call the number on the back of your card or check if there’s an option to request a credit limit increase online. You’re more likely to succeed if you’ve been using the card for at least six months and have always paid on time. If your income is higher now than it was when you opened the card, that also helps.

I did this as I was building credit, and I still do with my cards that have smaller limits. You have nothing to lose, and you could get a higher credit limit in a matter of minutes.

Don’t get discouraged if you have a low credit limit. Banks are risk-averse, and they usually start people out small. If you follow those steps, you’ll quickly qualify for more credit.

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.American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase and U.S. Bancorp. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
A Costco Gold Star membership costs $65 a year, or $130 if you want to upgrade to an Executive membership that gives you 2% cash back on your purchases. And for many people, either fee is more than worth paying. But if these signs apply to you, you may be wasting your money by paying for Costco access.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. 1. Bulk groceries and supplies don’t work for youMaybe you’re a household of one. Or maybe you don’t have much physical space at home.In either situation, buying products in bulk may not make sense or be feasible. And since that’s a big reason to join Costco, you’ll need to ask yourself whether you’re using the store’s other benefits enough for a membership to make sense.To be clear, it can absolutely pay to be a Costco member even if you rarely buy groceries or 12 rolls of paper towels at a time. Booking a single trip through Costco Travel, for example, could save you more than enough money to recoup your membership fee.But if you know off the bat that buying in bulk doesn’t make sense, and you’re also not using Costco for the various services it offers, like travel, home improvement, and so forth, then you may be better off canceling your membership.You also don’t want to force yourself to buy groceries in bulk for the express purpose of feeling like you’re getting your money’s worth from your membership. If you save $12 on a week’s worth of groceries but throw out most of your haul, that’s not really saving anything.So if you don’t have room for bulk purchases or can’t justify them due to your household size, instead of paying for Costco, cancel and use the money you’re saving at a regular supermarket.You should also know that swiping the right credit card at the grocery store could help you save more on regular-sized items. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for non-Costco grocery purchases.2. You don’t have a carIt’s possible to benefit from a Costco membership if you don’t own a car. But without a car, shopping in person is going to be tough. And also, without a car, you miss out on many of the benefits Costco has to offer.One major perk of joining Costco is saving money on gas. Another big benefit is that Costco sells quality tires that come with free maintenance and a five-year road hazard warranty. But without a car, these aren’t things you can take advantage of.3. You only order from Costco.comMaybe you like Costco’s prices but can’t stand going to the store because of the crowds. If you pretty much only make purchases from Costco.com, then you may not need a membership.Costco does not require a membership for online orders, but what it does is tack on a 5% surcharge for non-members. But if you don’t order all that frequently, or your orders tend to be fairly small, it could make sense to pay that surcharge instead of a membership fee.It takes $1,300 a year in Costco.com purchases to rack up $65 in surcharges, which is the cost of a Gold Star membership. But if you spend $1,200 a year at Costco.com, you’re only paying $60 extra for your purchases, so you might as well save yourself the $5.That said, some Costco.com products are member-only. If you don’t pay for the membership, you lose access to those.Also worth considering is the fact that online prices are generally higher on Costco items (surcharge aside), than what you’d find in store. For example, you might pay $23.49 for Costco’s Kirkland Signature toilet paper online, and just $19.99 in store. And that $23.49 is before the surcharge is tacked on at checkout. That’s already about a 17.5% increase in price you’ll pay for ordering online. So, overall, if you’re primarily shopping online at Costco, member or not, you’re not reaping the kind of savings you could be by shopping in a warehouse store as a paying member.There are plenty of good reasons to keep paying for Costco access. But if any of these signs apply to you, you may want to consider canceling.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!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.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

A Costco Gold Star membership costs $65 a year, or $130 if you want to upgrade to an Executive membership that gives you 2% cash back on your purchases. And for many people, either fee is more than worth paying. But if these signs apply to you, you may be wasting your money by paying for Costco access.

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.

1. Bulk groceries and supplies don’t work for you

Maybe you’re a household of one. Or maybe you don’t have much physical space at home.

In either situation, buying products in bulk may not make sense or be feasible. And since that’s a big reason to join Costco, you’ll need to ask yourself whether you’re using the store’s other benefits enough for a membership to make sense.

To be clear, it can absolutely pay to be a Costco member even if you rarely buy groceries or 12 rolls of paper towels at a time. Booking a single trip through Costco Travel, for example, could save you more than enough money to recoup your membership fee.

But if you know off the bat that buying in bulk doesn’t make sense, and you’re also not using Costco for the various services it offers, like travel, home improvement, and so forth, then you may be better off canceling your membership.

You also don’t want to force yourself to buy groceries in bulk for the express purpose of feeling like you’re getting your money’s worth from your membership. If you save $12 on a week’s worth of groceries but throw out most of your haul, that’s not really saving anything.

So if you don’t have room for bulk purchases or can’t justify them due to your household size, instead of paying for Costco, cancel and use the money you’re saving at a regular supermarket.

You should also know that swiping the right credit card at the grocery store could help you save more on regular-sized items. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for non-Costco grocery purchases.

2. You don’t have a car

It’s possible to benefit from a Costco membership if you don’t own a car. But without a car, shopping in person is going to be tough. And also, without a car, you miss out on many of the benefits Costco has to offer.

One major perk of joining Costco is saving money on gas. Another big benefit is that Costco sells quality tires that come with free maintenance and a five-year road hazard warranty. But without a car, these aren’t things you can take advantage of.

3. You only order from Costco.com

Maybe you like Costco’s prices but can’t stand going to the store because of the crowds. If you pretty much only make purchases from Costco.com, then you may not need a membership.

Costco does not require a membership for online orders, but what it does is tack on a 5% surcharge for non-members. But if you don’t order all that frequently, or your orders tend to be fairly small, it could make sense to pay that surcharge instead of a membership fee.

It takes $1,300 a year in Costco.com purchases to rack up $65 in surcharges, which is the cost of a Gold Star membership. But if you spend $1,200 a year at Costco.com, you’re only paying $60 extra for your purchases, so you might as well save yourself the $5.

That said, some Costco.com products are member-only. If you don’t pay for the membership, you lose access to those.

Also worth considering is the fact that online prices are generally higher on Costco items (surcharge aside), than what you’d find in store. For example, you might pay $23.49 for Costco’s Kirkland Signature toilet paper online, and just $19.99 in store. And that $23.49 is before the surcharge is tacked on at checkout. That’s already about a 17.5% increase in price you’ll pay for ordering online. So, overall, if you’re primarily shopping online at Costco, member or not, you’re not reaping the kind of savings you could be by shopping in a warehouse store as a paying member.

There are plenty of good reasons to keep paying for Costco access. But if any of these signs apply to you, you may want to consider canceling.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

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.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More