Brittany writes: I am an ’07 grad with a great credit history. I have a $4,900 credit card balance on a 9.99% APR card. I am considering transferring the balance to a new credit card which offers 0% for 12 months and a low fixed regular APR. My problem is that credit card applications ask for annual income, and I was recently laid off from my finance job. I earn a few hundred a month at a part-time job, I am starting to temp, and I hope to find a new position soon, but I don’t want to lie about my income on the credit card application. What do you recommend? [...]

Pam asks: Three years ago I racked up debts on several credit cards. I paid those cards off and closed them. Today, my only card has a 19% APR and no rewards. My credit score is only about 600 because I was (quite) late a few times. Today, I am debt free except for $3,000 on this card. I’ll pay it off in a year, but I hate paying 19% interest. Can I qualify for a balance transfer credit card? [...]

Ready to buy a home with the one you love? Got good credit? What about your sweetheart? If not, getting a mortgage may be difficult, not to mention a strain on your relationship. First, you must understand how mortgage lenders view joint mortgage applications (whether you’re married or not). Then, take these steps to improve the odds you’ll land your dream home…and stay in love! [...]

Oct. 27, 2008 — Unfortunately, Zopa Loans—a UK company—has stopped lending operations in the U.S. due to the tightening credit market. While they will continue to service existing loans, new loan inquiries are being directed to U.S.A. Federal Credit Union. I’ll post more information here as it becomes available. Borrowers seeking personal loans with FICO scores of at least 670 can try peer-to-peer lender Lending Club. The following is my original summary of Zopa Loans while they were still operating: [...]

Mary writes: Since turning 18 (I’m now 26), I have already amassed nine different credit cards with a combined credit limit of around $30,000. I’m paying down a combined credit card debt on four of these cards of about $20,000. I’d like to close out accounts I’m not using and as I pay them off, but I heard it will affect my credit report and score. What do I do? [...]

Advanta, proprietors of super low-rate credit cards specifically marketed to small business owners, recently introduced the Kiva BusinessCard, a 7.99% APR credit card that will match users’ grants to Kiva, the Web’s first person-to-person micro-lending site. [...]

Earlier this month we cautioned readers about foreign currency credit card fees. But is there a credit card out there that stands above others as the best card for international travel? [...]

Many students nationwide may find themselves scrambling to find student loans to pay for tuition this September. According to an ABC News report, more than 100 lenders nationwide have announced they will cease offering student loans due to the crippled credit market. [...]

American credit cards—Visa and MasterCard in particular—are increasingly accepted all over the world. Although these credit cards can be a convenient way to pay while traveling aboard, be prepared to pay foreign currency transaction fees of up to a four percent for every dollar you spend overseas. [...]

Business credit cards are the credit card industry’s best-keep secret. They feature lower APRs, better rewards, and better introductory terms than consumer cards—and anybody with good credit can get one. No business? No problem. Here are five reasons to swap your current plastic for a business card.

Better balance transfers

The number one reason to get a business credit card? Many feature longer 0% balance transfer offers than consumer credit cards. At the time of this article, Advanta—a leading credit card issuer for small businesses—offered a 0% balance transfer for 15 months on the no annual fee Advanta Platinum Card.

Better 0% introductory offers

Want to make a big, new purchase and pay it off over time—for free? Most consumer cards only feature intro APRs for six or 12 months, but some business cards offer 0% APRs for as long as 15 months.

Useful rewards

Credit cards marketed to consumers with excellent credit