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Basic Bank Info

Types of Bank Accounts: Different types of bank accounts serve different needs. Most banks and credit unions offer the following account types: savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and retirement accounts.
Checking Account: A checking account is a federally insured bank account that allows easy access to the money you keep in it, and earn interest on it. You can have your paycheck deposited directly into it, make payments online or write a physical check to pay bills, make purchases and withdraw cash.
Savings Account: A savings account is a bank account that allows you deposit, withdraw, and earn interest on your money. It's a federally insured account used for keeping money for a later date, and separate from everyday spending cash withdrawn from a checking account.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The APR is the annual rate of interest charged to borrowers and paid to investors.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY): The APY is the effective annual rate of return earned on a savings deposit or investment taking into account the effect of compounding interest.
Certificate of Deposit (CD): A CD is a product offered by consumer financial institutions (e.g.; banks, credit unions) that provides an interest rate premium in exchange for the customer agreeing to leave a lump-sum deposit untouched with a fixed interest rate and fixed date of withdrawal for a predetermined period of time. The maturity date is when money from the CD can be withdrawn, otherwise a penalty is charged if the money is taken out earlier.
CD Ladder: A CD ladder is a strategy in which the lump-sum deposit is divided into equal amounts and invested them in CDs with different maturity dates (e.g.; $10,000 in a one-year CD; $10,000 in a two-year CD; $10,000 in a three-year CD, $10,000 in a four-year CD, and $10,000 in a five-year CD).
CD Calculator: This Certificate of Deposit (CD) calculator can assist in determining accumulated interest earnings on CDs over time.
Retirement Accounts: Retirement account offers 401(k) Plans, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, and SEP IRA.
401(k) Plan: A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees of a company to save and invest some money from their paycheck before taxes are taken out; taxes are not paid until the money is withdrawn from the 401(k) account.
Individual Retirement Account (IRA): An IRA is a place where you can keep money for long-term savings, like retirement. There are two types of IRAs; Traditional IRA are set up to provide you with a tax break for the year you put funds into it; Roth IRAs are designed to give you tax-free money later, you won’t receive a tax break on the amount of money you put into the account. At age 59 and 1/2, when you take out the money you may have to pay taxes on them from the Traditional IRA account, and you won’t be charged taxes on the Roth IRA account.
IRA CD: An IRA CD is simply an IRA where all the money is invested in CDs holding in a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA, offering tax advantages.
Jumbo CD: Jumbo CD is a CD that traditionally require a minimum balance of $100,000. In exchange for the higher minimum, these CDs may have a slightly higher interest rates than a regular CD.
Money Market Account: These are similar to having a savings and checking account rolled into one account. Most money market accounts pay a higher interest rate than regular checking and savings accounts, and often allow you to pay bills and withdraw money, but the account holder could be limited to a certain number of transactions each month. Money market accounts also have a minimum balance and monthly fees, but are backed by the FDIC. It's not money market funds, which are often used in brokerage accounts and are not backed by the FDIC.
Renewal Grace Period: This is the time a consumer financial institution (e.g.; banks, credit unions) gives you before rolling over your current CD into one of the same maturity.
529 Plan: A 529 plan, legally known as “qualified tuition plans,” is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs. 529 plans are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Active Banks: There are 4,236 active FDIC-insured commercial banking institutions with 72,166 commercial bank branches in the U.S. as of 3/2023; most banks have at least one physical branch, and some have dozens or hundreds.
FDIC vs NCUA: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) only insures deposits in banks; credit unions have their own insurance fund, run by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

How to Choose a Bank

Fees and Rates: A consumer financial institution (e.g.; bank, credit union) might charge fees for monthly bank account maintenance, ATM use, overdrafts, transferring money between accounts and sending you paper statements, you should look for a bank or credit union that offers no fee or lower fees.
Credit Card or Loan: If you’re looking for a consumer financial institution for a credit card or loan, you should compare interest rates for credit cards and loans and the rates you would earn on deposit accounts.
Advanced Technology: If you don’t want to step into a consumer financial institution, you should look for a bank or a credit union that helps you stay on track with your money, offers securely remote check deposits, makes online payment and transfers money securely and easily.
Money Safety: If you do not want to lose your money when a bank or a credit union files for bankruptcy, you should look for consumer financial institutions whose deposits are backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp or the National Credit Union Administration, which insure balances of up to $250,000.
Electronic Funds Transfer Act: If you didn’t lose your debit card and money disappears from that account, you are not liable for any charges if you report the theft within 60 days. If you wait more than 60 days you won’t get all the money back.

Did You Know?

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An annual home budget becomes far more than a spreadsheet when framed as a roadmap for the year ahead, turning scattered expenses and vague intentions into a clear plan that anticipates seasonal costs, major purchases, and long‑term goals while cutting down on financial surprises; it brings structure to irregular income, steadiness to family spending, and a sense of calm to anyone trying to save or reduce debt, all while offering a wide‑angle view that makes smarter decisions feel natural rather than forced.
Preparing an annual home budget becomes a powerful anchor for homeowners, turning financial uncertainty into a clear, manageable plan. It creates space to track both predictable and surprise expenses, building readiness for everything from routine maintenance to sudden repairs. With a thoughtful budget in place, it becomes easier to anticipate costs, map out maintenance needs, and sidestep unwelcome financial shocks. It also sharpens long‑term goals and strengthens overall control of personal finances, making the entire year feel more intentional and steady.
In 2025, the paychecks of world leaders reveal striking contrasts, with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong earning an extraordinary US$1,647,000 annually, far surpassing peers and reflecting the nation’s policy of competitive salaries to deter corruption. Switzerland’s Federal Council President Karin Keller-Sutter follows with US$553,000, while the U.S. President Donald Trump receives US$400,000, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz earns US$396,000, and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese takes home US$382,000. Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker collects US$311,000, Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever earns US$293,000, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida receives US$316,521, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney earns US$279,000, and Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel rounds out the top ten with US$278,000. These figures highlight a vast disparity, where some leaders command salaries exceeding a million dollars while others, particularly in smaller states, earn symbolic stipends, underscoring the diverse ways nations value leadership and public service.
In 2024, identity theft surged to alarming levels, with the FTC receiving over 1.1 million reports—cementing its place among the top consumer complaints. Once scammers gain access to personal data, they can wreak havoc by opening credit accounts, securing loans, or filing fraudulent tax returns. Even more insidious is the rise of synthetic identity fraud, where real and fabricated details are fused to create entirely new personas. A scammer might pair a legitimate Social Security number with a fake name and address to build a credit profile that slips past detection. These synthetic identities often fly under the radar for months or years, enabling long-term financial exploitation across multiple institutions.
Imposter scams have surged in 2025, with fraudsters posing as trusted authorities—government agents, bank staff, or tech support—to manipulate victims into handing over money or sensitive information. These schemes often begin with a phone call, email, or message that appears legitimate, complete with official-sounding language and spoofed contact details. The urgency is key: targets are pressured to act fast, whether it's resolving a fake tax issue, securing a compromised bank account, or fixing a fabricated tech problem. With AI tools now amplifying the realism of these impersonations, distinguishing truth from deception has become increasingly difficult, making vigilance more critical than ever.
Banking scams in 2025 have reached unsettling levels of sophistication, with AI-generated alerts and phishing messages mimicking legitimate financial institutions down to the tone, branding, and timing. These scams often arrive as urgent notifications—claiming suspicious activity, locked accounts, or pending transactions—and direct recipients to realistic-looking login pages. Once credentials are entered, scammers gain full access to accounts, often initiating transfers before the breach is detected. Some schemes even deploy AI chatbots to simulate real-time customer support, deepening the illusion. In an era where digital trust is currency, these scams exploit familiarity and urgency to devastating effect.
In 2025, scammers have weaponized artificial intelligence to create eerily convincing deepfake videos and voice calls that impersonate executives, relatives, or officials, often demanding urgent financial action. AI-driven chatbots and fake customer service portals mimic legitimate institutions with unsettling accuracy, luring victims into revealing sensitive data. Hyper-personalized phishing emails, crafted by language models, bypass spam filters and exploit emotional triggers with surgical precision. By mining public data, these scams are tailored to individual targets, referencing personal details to build trust and urgency. The result is a new breed of fraud—slick, scalable, and disturbingly persuasive.
As of 2025, roughly 92% of the world’s currency exists only in digital form, leaving a mere 8% as physical cash. This shift reflects a seismic transformation in how economies operate, driven by credit cards, mobile wallets, online banking, and the rise of central bank digital currencies. With trillions flowing invisibly through encrypted networks, money has evolved from something held in hand to something trusted in code. The digital tide has swept across nearly every transaction, turning the global financial system into a vast, invisible engine powered by data and algorithms rather than coins and bills.
Contactless payments bring a swift, seamless twist to card transactions by using Near-Field Communication (NFC) to transmit encrypted data wirelessly. These cards often house EMV chips but skip the dip—instead, a simple tap near a compatible terminal completes the purchase in seconds. The appeal lies in speed and ease: no fumbling with slots or waiting for verification. Despite the rapid exchange, security remains robust, as contactless systems also rely on dynamic data that’s tough to replicate. It’s a blend of convenience and protection, transforming everyday payments into frictionless moments.
EMV chips—named after Europay, MasterCard, and Visa—revolutionized card security by embedding a microchip that generates a unique, one-time code for every transaction. Unlike magnetic stripes that transmit static data vulnerable to cloning, EMV chips dynamically encrypt each purchase. When a card is inserted into a reader, the chip and terminal engage in a secure handshake: the chip authenticates itself, produces a transaction-specific code, and sends it to the bank for verification. Depending on the issuer, the process may also prompt for a PIN or signature. This layered approach makes EMV transactions far more resistant to fraud and counterfeiting.
Though chip-enabled credit cards might seem like a modern marvel, their roots stretch back to the 1980s, when France pioneered the technology with smart cards designed to outsmart magnetic stripes. French inventor Roland Moreno laid the groundwork in the 1970s, and by the mid-1980s, banks in France and Germany were rolling out chip cards that offered enhanced security and fraud resistance. Germany’s early patents and France’s aggressive deployment set the stage for a quiet revolution in payment systems, long before EMV chips became global standards. While the U.S. dabbled in trials as early as 1986, widespread adoption lagged, leaving Europe to lead the charge in transforming everyday transactions into encrypted exchanges of trust.

Origins of Smart Card Technology

1974: French inventor Roland Moreno filed the original patent for the integrated circuit (IC) card, which would later become known as the smart card.
1979: Motorola developed the first secure single-chip microcontroller for use in French banking systems.
1982–1984: France conducted field tests with chip-enabled phone cards and ATM bank cards, paving the way for broader adoption.

France Takes the Lead

1983–1984: France Telecom introduced chip cards for public payphones, marking one of the first widespread uses of smart card technology.
1988: French banks began deploying smart cards nationally, favoring them over magnetic stripe cards due to enhanced security.

Germany Follows Suit

German engineers Helmut Gröttrup and Jürgen Dethloff had already patented the smart card concept in 1968, with the patent granted in 1982.
Germany adopted chip card technology shortly after France, contributing to the development and spread of the technology across Europe.

Early U.S. Trials

In 1986, U.S. banks like the Bank of Virginia and Maryland National Bank distributed thousands of chip cards for testing, though widespread adoption lagged behind Europe.

Why Chips Matter

Chip cards—especially those using the EMV standard (Europay, MasterCard, Visa)—offer greater security than magnetic stripe cards by making data harder to clone.
Their global rollout accelerated in the 2000s and 2010s, becoming the norm for secure transactions.

For joint accounts, FDIC insurance covers up to $250,000 per co-owner, per FDIC-insured bank, meaning a joint account with two owners is insured for up to $500,000 in total. This coverage assumes that each co-owner has equal rights to withdraw funds and that there are no other joint accounts at the same bank with the same ownership combination. If the total balance exceeds this limit, opening additional accounts at other FDIC-insured banks can help ensure full protection of your funds.
How much money people should keep in banks depends on their financial goals, spending habits, and risk tolerance, but some widely accepted guidelines can help. Financial experts typically recommend maintaining one to two months’ worth of living expenses in a checking account, along with a small cushion to prevent overdrafts. For savings, especially in a high-yield account, it’s smart to set aside three to six months’ worth of expenses as an emergency fund—providing both liquidity for unexpected costs and the benefit of earning interest. For larger balances or long-term goals, consider diversifying into certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts, or investment vehicles. It’s also important to remember that FDIC insurance protects up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, so if your balances exceed that limit, spreading funds across multiple institutions can ensure full coverage and peace of mind.
As of July 2025, putting money in a Certificate of Deposit (CD) can be a smart move, especially for those seeking safe, fixed returns without market risk. Top CD rates currently range from 4.25% to 4.75% APY, with short-term CDs—such as 6- or 12-month terms—offering some of the most competitive yields. While the national average for a 12-month CD is around 1.62%, many online banks and credit unions are offering significantly higher rates. CDs are FDIC-insured, making them a low-risk option for savers who don’t need immediate access to their funds and want to lock in a high rate before potential interest rate cuts.
High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are a low-risk, accessible way to grow savings, offering significantly higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts—often exceeding 4% APY in the current market. They are ideal for short-term savings or emergency funds because they provide better returns while maintaining liquidity, allowing customers to access their money at any time without penalties, unlike certificates of deposit (CDs). In addition to higher interest rates and flexibility, HYSAs are typically FDIC-insured up to $250,000, making them a secure and attractive option for individuals looking to earn steady returns without sacrificing access to their cash.
Banks typically invest heavily in government bonds, which on average make up about 9% of their assets, especially in less financially developed countries. These bonds are generally considered safe, but they carry interest rate risk—when interest rates rise, the market value of existing fixed-rate bonds falls. This inverse relationship has become a source of concern for investors, particularly as many banks increased their bond holdings during periods of low interest rates, such as the pandemic. As rates have risen sharply, the decline in bond values has led to unrealized losses on bank balance sheets, which can affect liquidity, capital ratios, and investor confidence. These concerns have fueled fears that other banks may also be vulnerable to similar losses, especially if they are forced to sell these assets at a loss to meet liquidity needs.
Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E, banks are generally required to reimburse customers for unauthorized electronic transactions—such as those made by hackers—if the customer reports the issue within 60 days of receiving their bank statement. However, if the customer initiates the transfer themselves, even if they were tricked by a scammer, the transaction may not be considered unauthorized, and the bank is not legally obligated to refund the money. That said, in some cases where a customer is fraudulently induced into granting access, the transaction may still qualify as unauthorized depending on the circumstances. If a bank refuses to issue a refund, customers can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which will forward the issue to the bank; most banks respond within 15 days, although more complex cases may take longer.
As of 2025, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefits in the U.S. vary depending on the age at which individuals begin claiming. For those who start at age 62, the average monthly benefit is approximately $1,341.61. At age 66, which is close to full retirement age for many, the average benefit rises to around $1,975. For those who delay claiming until age 70, the average monthly benefit increases further to about $2,002.39. These figures reflect the impact of delayed retirement credits and the Social Security Administration’s formula, which calculates benefits based on a worker’s 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for wage inflation. Importantly, delaying benefits beyond age 70 does not increase the monthly payout any further.
The current rate for Medicare in the U.S. is 1.45% for the employer and 1.45% for the employee, or 2.9% total; employers are also responsible for withholding the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax on an individual's wages paid in excess of $200,000 in a calendar year.
Banks often invest heavily in bonds, rising interest rates have caused the price of such bonds to fail, feeding investor concerns that banks might also be vulnerable.
Bonds have an inverse relationship to interest rates, when the cost of borrowing money rises (when interest rates rise), bond prices usually fall, and vice-versa.
In 2023, Zelle processed approximately $806 billion in payments—nearly three times Venmo’s $275 billion—and by 2024, Zelle surpassed $1 trillion in volume with 3.6 billion transactions and 151 million enrolled users. Despite Zelle’s claim that 99.95% of payments were completed without fraud reports, fraud losses were significant, with estimates reaching $725 million in 2023 and over $125 million in early 2024. In response to growing concerns, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit in December 2024 against Zelle and major banks like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, alleging they failed to protect consumers from fraud and did not comply with the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E, which require full refunds for unauthorized transactions. The CFPB claims over $870 million in fraud losses since Zelle’s launch in 2017, while Zelle maintains that it exceeds legal requirements and employs multilayered security to protect users.
In 2021 people sent $490 billion through Zelle, compared with $230 billion through Venmo; and in 2020, nearly 18 million Americans were defrauded through scams involving Zelle, digital wallets and other instant payment applications, and the 1,425 banks and credit unions that use Zelle are aware of the widespread fraud on Zelle. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a policy required each participant institution to provide full refunds for Zelle transactions determined to be unauthorized within the meaning of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E. Banks have to reimburse customers for losses on transfers that were “initiated by a person other than the consumer without actual authority to initiate the transfer,” including those who obtain a victim’s device through fraud or robbery.
Zelle was created and owned by seven banks, Bank of America, Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, PNC, Truist, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo, to enable instant digital money transfers, and the 1,425 banks and credit unions that use Zelle can customize the app and add their own security settings. The Zelle network is operated by Early Warning Services, a company based in Scottsdale, Arizona, responsible for manages the system’s technical infrastructure.
Credit cards can often be identified by their starting digits: those beginning with 4 are Visa cards (typically 13 or 16 digits), 5 indicates MasterCard (16 digits), 6 is for Discover (16 digits), and 3 is used by American Express, Diners Club, or Carte Blanche (usually 15 digits). A Visa card starting with 4147 is indeed valid and commonly associated with major U.S. banks, including Bank of America (Alaska Airlines Visa Signature), Citibank (American Airlines and Singapore Airlines co-branded cards), Chase (Sapphire and Amazon Visa Signature), US Bank, Wells Fargo, and occasionally PNC Bank, Capital One, or Merrill Lynch. These 4147-prefixed cards are part of the Visa network and often carry Visa Signature benefits.
You might have been seeing an increase in new scams involving phone calls, emails, or texts about suspicious your email account, credit card account, social security account, products, charities, medical advice and treatments, etc. Scammers often seek personal information, donations, money or gift cards to resolve urgent requests like a lawsuit, account block or an arrest of a loved one. They may pretend to be a relative, police officer, IRS agent, FBI agent, government official, or even a hospital representative requesting payment for medical treatment. A phone call scam often threatens you and requests your personal information or bank account information. You should hang up immediately because no bank or government official uses a phone call to request this type of information. A new text message or an email scam often alerts you that your account has been blocked, along with a link to log into your account. You should always check requests to ensure they are legitimate before taking any action. If a request is related to your financial account, you can call your bank directly using the phone number on the back of your card for verification. You can get more information and sign up for scam alerts at FTC.gov.
A text communications from a bank typically does not show a complete phone number as the sender of the text. Shorter codes of 5 or 6 digits are usually used by a bank in the U.S. and could be displayed with or without dashes (e.g.; 410-98, 227-898, 872-265, 248487). If you see a full phone number as the sender of the text, this may be a scam. In addition, when your bank sends an email or a text with a link to log into your account directly from the text, the email address and link will always include (yourbank).com. If you think you may have been a victim of a scam or that your personal information has been compromised, you should call the number on the back of your card (e.g.; ATM, Debit, credit card) so your bank can assist you in securing your account.
Due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service extended the federal income tax filing due date from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.
On March 13, 2020, the White House issued an emergency declaration in response to the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic (Emergency Declaration). The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance allowing all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. The guidance also allows corporate taxpayers a similar deferment of up to $10 million of federal income tax payments that would be due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. This guidance does not change the April 15, 2020 filing deadline.
Capital One no longer offers residential mortgage loans, having exited the mortgage business in 2017–2018. It also does not provide personal loans directly, though it may refer customers to third-party lenders. While Capital One does offer home equity loans, its offerings are limited compared to other banks. Additionally, Capital One does not provide investment or retirement account services like IRAs or brokerage accounts; its focus remains on credit cards, checking and savings accounts, and auto loans. The bank has also been aggressively closing branches, with fewer than 500 locations remaining across eight states and D.C. as of 2025. It closed nearly 50 branches in one quarter alone and continues to prioritize digital banking through its Capital One 360 platform3. This strategy reflects a broader industry trend toward online services, though it has left some customers with reduced access to in-person banking.
Capital One has faced significant backlash and legal action from long-time account holders who claimed they were misled into believing their money was in high-interest savings accounts, only to receive far lower returns than expected. The controversy centers on the bank’s decision to introduce a new account, the 360 Performance Savings, offering much higher interest rates than the older 360 Savings account—without adequately informing existing customers of the change. As a result, many continued earning as little as 0.30% APY while new customers earned up to 4.35% APY, leading to an estimated $2 billion in lost interest. In response to these allegations, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit, and Capital One agreed to a $425 million settlement in June 2025. The incident has reinforced the perception that Capital One prioritizes attracting new customers over supporting its existing ones.
In July 2019, Capital One disclosed a massive data breach in which the personal information of approximately 100 million Americans and 6 million Canadians—mostly credit card customers and applicants from 2005 to early 2019—was unlawfully accessed and shared with third parties. The compromised data included names, addresses, dates of birth, credit scores, self-reported income, and in some cases, Social Security and bank account numbers. The breach was traced to a former Amazon Web Services employee who exploited a vulnerability in Capital One’s cloud infrastructure. In August 2020, Capital One agreed to pay an $80 million fine to settle federal charges brought by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which found that the bank had failed to implement adequate risk management and security controls prior to migrating sensitive data to the cloud. The incident remains one of the largest financial data breaches in U.S. history.
In July 2012, Capital One was fined by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for deceptive marketing practices that misled millions of customers into purchasing unnecessary add-on products such as payment protection and credit monitoring when activating their credit cards. Investigations revealed that Capital One’s call center vendors often pressured or misinformed consumers—particularly those with low credit scores—by implying that these products were required or would improve their credit standing. To settle the case, Capital One agreed to pay a total of $210 million, which included $150 million in refunds to approximately two million customers, a $25 million civil penalty to the CFPB, and an additional $35 million penalty to the OCC.
When giving or receiving a gift card, it's important to understand how it works to avoid unexpected fees or loss of value. Under federal law, gift cards cannot expire for less than five years from the date of activation, and inactivity or service fees cannot be charged unless the card has been inactive for at least 12 months—after which only one fee per month may be applied if clearly disclosed. If a gift card has an expiration date but the funds are still available, the issuer must provide a free replacement card upon request. Additionally, some states offer even stronger protections, such as banning expiration dates or inactivity fees altogether. If you believe a gift card issuer is not following these rules, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Under federal law, when you apply for credit or borrow money, lenders are not allowed to discriminate against you because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, and/or receiving money from public assistance. Lenders are allowed to ask you for this type of information in some situations, but they can’t discourage you from applying for a loan or a credit card. They can’t reject your application for any of the reasons on the list — or for exercising your rights under certain consumer protection laws. Also, lenders are not allowed to charge higher costs, like a higher interest rate or higher fees, for these reasons either. If you believe you are the victim of credit discrimination, you can submit a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Credit history is a record of your borrowing behavior, including debts, repayment history, and public records like bankruptcies or legal judgments. It begins when you open your first credit account, such as a credit card or loan. A longer credit history—especially one with low debt and consistent on-time payments—can positively impact your credit score. FICO Scores, used in over 90% of lending decisions, typically range from 300 to 850, though some industry-specific models may range from 250 to 900. The length of credit history accounts for about 15% of your FICO score, factoring in the age of your oldest and newest accounts, and the average age of all accounts. While you can build a decent score in a few years, achieving excellent credit generally requires seven years of open accounts and on-time payments. Most premium credit card offers require a strong credit profile, which takes time and responsible financial behavior to develop.
In response to the massive 2017 data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million Americans, Equifax reached a $700 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and all 50 states. The settlement provided affected individuals with options for compensation, including up to $20,000 for out-of-pocket losses and time spent dealing with the breach, or 10 years of free credit monitoring. Those who already had credit monitoring could opt for a $125 cash payment instead. However, to receive these benefits, individuals had to file a claim by January 22, 2020, and those who wished to retain the right to sue Equifax independently had to opt out of the settlement by November 19, 2019. Failing to take action meant forfeiting both the compensation and the right to pursue future legal claims against Equifax.
Since its inception in 2011, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has handled over 1 million consumer complaints from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, with the top five categories being debt collection (27%), mortgages (23%), credit reporting (17%), credit cards (10%), and bank accounts or services (10%). These complaints highlight the most frequent financial issues faced by consumers, including aggressive debt collection tactics, mortgage servicing problems, inaccuracies in credit reports, and disputes involving credit card charges or banking services.
While most student loan borrowers are young adults between the ages of 18 and 39, consumers aged 60 and older represent the fastest-growing segment of the student loan market. In 2015, older Americans owed an estimated $66.7 billion in student loans, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This increase is driven not only by older individuals still repaying their own educational debt but also by those who have taken out or co-signed loans to help finance the education of their children or grandchildren. As a result, many older borrowers face significant financial strain, especially as they near or enter retirement with limited income and fewer opportunities to manage or repay this debt.
Paying for college, you may choose a student loan with some options. To be eligible for any federal student loans or grants, you need to fill out the FAFSA form. If your aid package doesn’t cover the full cost of college, you may need to talk to your school’s financial aid office about scholarships or alternative loan options. If you need to borrow to pay for school, federal student loans almost always cost less than private student loans and have more protections when it’s time for repayment. Take subsidized loans first, if you are eligible. The government pays the interest on subsidized loans while you are in school. You pay the interest on unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are awarded to students based on financial need. Once you agree to a federal student loan, your interest rate remains the same. Interest rates on private student loans are set by the lender and depend on the lender’s evaluation of your creditworthiness.
A borrower who uses a five-year auto (car) loan to finance $20,000 at a 5 percent interest rate will, after three years, pay $2,190 in interest and have a remaining balance of $8,603. If the same loan is financed over six years at the same interest rate, the borrower will pay about $2,342, which is $152 higher, in interest over the same three-year period and has a remaining balance of $10,747, which is $2,144 higher.
A debt collector may file a lawsuit and win (often by default); as a result, they may be able to seize a car, home or other property after securing a court judgment. However in practice, state and federal law dramatically limit its ability to do so. State exemption laws, which are designed to help protect income and assets from debt collectors, ensure that debtors do not become completely destitute from the payment of debts and to preserve some small amount property for the basic necessities of living.
In 2017, there were 2,043 billionaires worldwide with a combined net worth of $7.67 trillion, marking a significant increase of 233 individuals from the previous year. By 2024, that number had surged to a record 2,781 billionaires with a total net worth of $14.2 trillion—nearly doubling in just seven years. This dramatic growth reflects booming tech valuations, the rise of AI-driven industries, and strong post-pandemic economic rebounds. The top billionaires in 2024 include Elon Musk ($251 billion), Bernard Arnault ($233 billion), a nd Jeff Bezos ($194 billion), underscoring the dominance of technology and luxury sectors in global wealth creation.
As of 2025, the average credit card interest rate in the U.S. is around 23.99%, though it varies slightly depending on the source—Forbes Advisor reports 25.37%, while Federal Reserve data shows 21.91% for accounts that carry a balance. Rates can range widely, from 0% on promotional or balance transfer offers to over 50% for subprime borrowers with poor credit, though most consumers typically see rates between 15% and 30%. This broad variability reflects differences in creditworthiness, card types, and issuer policies.
As of December 2015, there were approximately 318 million credit card accounts in the U.S., with an average monthly spending of $2,330 per account and an average credit line of $9,060 for new customers with excellent credit. By late 2024, the number of credit card accounts had nearly doubled to 617 million, while average monthly spending per card decreased to $1,054, reflecting more cautious consumer behavior amid higher interest rates. In 2025, average annual credit card spending per U.S. adult exceeded $10,700, or about $892 per month, and the average credit limit for superprime borrowers rose to $12,046, indicating increased lender confidence in high-credit consumers.
Payday lenders typically charge fees ranging from $10 to $30 for every $100 borrowed, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. That means for a $500 loan, the fee could be up to $150—which aligns with your example. If the loan is due on your next payday, usually in two weeks, the total repayment would be $650, often withdrawn automatically from the borrower's checking account. This structure results in an effective annual percentage rate (APR) of nearly 400%, making payday loans one of the most expensive forms of borrowing.
According to survey data, 60% of credit card holders with investable assets of $100,000 or more say that cash back is their favorite credit card perk, while 22% prefer frequent flier miles. This reflects a broader trend among affluent consumers who value the simplicity and flexibility of cash rewards over travel-specific benefits.
Your credit reports document your history of using credit, and a longer credit history generally helps your credit score. Credit scoring models like FICO and VantageScore consider the age of your oldest account, the average age of all accounts, and how long specific accounts have been open. When you cancel an account—especially an older one—it can reduce the average age of your credit history, which may lower your credit score, particularly under scoring models like VantageScore that may exclude closed accounts from age calculations. So, keeping older accounts open (even if unused) can be beneficial for maintaining a strong credit profile.
Credit reports and credit scores can significantly impact many areas of your financial life, including your mortgage and car loan interest rates, credit card approvals, rental applications, and in some cases, even job opportunities. Lenders and landlords use your credit history to assess your reliability and risk, while some employers—particularly in financial or security-sensitive roles—may review your credit report (with your permission) as part of the hiring process. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that all the information on your credit reports is accurate and up to date, as errors could negatively affect your financial and professional opportunities.
There are several situations where using a debit card is risky and best avoided. These include online shopping, where data breaches are common; purchasing big-ticket items, which are harder to dispute if something goes wrong; and transactions requiring a deposit, such as hotel stays or car rentals, which can tie up your funds with large holds. It's also wise to avoid using debit cards at restaurants, where your card may leave your sight; with unfamiliar or new businesses; for "buy now, take delivery later" purchases; and for recurring payments that can be difficult to cancel. Future travel bookings pose risks if plans change, and gas stations or hotels often place pre-authorization holds. Lastly, avoid using your debit card at ATMs or checkout terminals that look suspicious, as they may be compromised by skimming devices. In all these cases, credit cards offer better fraud protection, dispute resolution, and financial flexibility.
Swiping your debit card at certain places can expose you to significant fraud risks, with four of the riskiest being ATMs, gas stations, websites, and restaurants. ATMs—especially standalone or outdoor machines—are frequent targets for skimming devices that steal your card information and PIN. Gas stations are similarly vulnerable due to outdated pump technology and the ease with which criminals can install skimmers. Online shopping poses risks because debit cards offer less fraud protection than credit cards, and data breaches can compromise your account. Restaurants are also risky since your card often leaves your sight, giving dishonest employees the opportunity to skim or copy your information. In these situations, using a credit card or a secure digital payment method is typically a safer choice.
One of the biggest retirement mistakes people make is leaving their savings in a regular bank account, where low interest rates fail to keep up with inflation. Over time, this erodes purchasing power—at an average inflation rate of 3%, half the value of your money can disappear in about 24 years, meaning your estimate of a 50% loss every 22 years is quite accurate. While bank accounts offer safety and liquidity, they’re not suitable for long-term growth. To protect retirement savings, money should be placed in safe, inflation-resistant investments such as Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), I Bonds, dividend-paying stocks, or diversified portfolios that include equities and real estate. These options help preserve and grow wealth over time, ensuring your savings maintain their value throughout retirement.
According to recent surveys, a troubling number of Americans are unprepared for retirement, with about 45% reporting no retirement savings at all and another 19% having less than $10,000 saved—meaning roughly 64% of Americans are expected to retire with under $10,000 in savings. Additionally, between 21% and 36% of Americans don’t contribute anything to retirement savings, depending on the survey. These figures highlight a widespread lack of financial preparedness and underscore the importance of early and consistent retirement planning.
Your credit score is determined using a weighted formula that draws from the information in your credit report, with the most widely used models—FICO and the latest versions of VantageScore—scoring on a scale from 300 to 850. Among these, FICO is the most commonly used by lenders, and its scoring breakdown includes: 35% based on your payment history, 30% on amounts owed (credit utilization), 15% on the length of your credit history, 10% on new credit inquiries, and 10% on your mix of credit types. Together, these factors provide lenders with a snapshot of your financial behavior and help predict your likelihood of repaying borrowed money responsibly.
The FICO credit score ranges from 300 to 850, with the average score in the U.S. reaching 715 as of 2025. Similarly, the VantageScore now also uses the same 300 to 850 scale, aligning with FICO's range. To qualify for a conventional mortgage, most U.S. lenders typically require a minimum credit score between 620 and 640, depending on the specific loan program and lender criteria. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is generally available to borrowers with scores below 660, but the cost rises as credit scores fall; for instance, those with scores between 620 and 660 may pay between 0.35% and 0.40% of the loan amount annually in PMI premiums. These credit thresholds play a crucial role in determining both loan eligibility and the overall cost of borrowing.
As of June 2025, the average American credit card holder has about four credit cards, although individuals with higher incomes or excellent credit may carry more. Among college students, surveys show that approximately 50% to 60% have at least one credit card, reflecting early engagement with credit but also underscoring the need for financial literacy. These trends highlight the importance of responsible credit use and education, particularly for younger consumers who are just beginning to build their financial profiles.
As of mid-2025, the U.S. federal government continues to rely heavily on borrowing to fund its operations. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the government borrowed $1.1 trillion in just the first seven months of fiscal year 2025, and total federal spending is projected to reach $7.0 trillion for the year. This means that a significant portion—close to 40%—of government spending is financed through borrowing, reflecting a persistent budget deficit and growing national debt. This trend underscores ongoing concerns about the sustainability of federal fiscal policy.
As of June 2025, around 80% of U.S. consumers owned a debit card, slightly more than the 78% who owned a credit card, while 17% reported owning a prepaid card. These figures, drawn from the Federal Reserve’s 2025 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice, highlight the widespread adoption of electronic payment methods, with debit cards maintaining a slight lead in ownership. The data also underscores the importance of understanding the distinct features, protections, and risks associated with each type of card.
As of 2025, approximately 214.9 million U.S. adults have a credit card account in their name, according to recent data. This marks a significant increase from previous years—up from 159 million in 2000, 173 million in 2006, 176.8 million in 2008, and 181 million in 2010—reflecting the continued growth and widespread adoption of credit cards across the country.
It is illegal for debt collectors to make empty threats about filing lawsuits or seizing someone’s home if they have no legal basis or intent to follow through. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors are prohibited from using false, deceptive, or misleading tactics to collect a debt, including threatening legal action they don’t intend to take or claiming they can seize property without proper legal authority. Such actions violate federal law, and consumers who experience them can report the collector to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or their state attorney general’s office—and may even have grounds to sue for damages.
If you are contacted by someone who is trying to collect a debt that you do not owe, you should:
- Contact your local law enforcement agencies if you feel you are in immediate danger;
- Contact your bank(s) and credit card companies;
- Contact the three major credit bureaus and request an alert be put on your file;
- If you have received a legitimate loan and want to verify that you do not have any outstanding obligation, contact the loan company directly;
- File a complaint at www.IC3.gov.
For older debts, the amount of time a collector can legally sue for payment—known as the statute of limitations—varies by state and by the type of debt, typically ranging from two to fifteen years. Once this period expires, the debt becomes “time-barred,” meaning collectors can still attempt to collect it, but they can no longer take legal action to enforce payment. However, in some states, making a payment or even acknowledging the debt can restart the clock on the statute of limitations, so it’s important to understand your rights before responding to old debt claims.
As of early 2025, China and Japan continue to hold the world’s largest foreign exchange reserves, with China maintaining approximately $3.2 trillion and Japan around $1.2 trillion. The Eurozone follows with about $1.1 trillion in reserves, while the United States holds roughly $250 billion—a relatively low amount due to the U.S. dollar’s role as the dominant global reserve currency. These reserves, which include foreign currencies, gold, and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), are used by countries to stabilize their currencies, support trade, and manage economic shocks. While China’s reserves have declined slightly from their 2014 peak, it remains the global leader in total reserve assets.
As of June 2025, 34% of major banks, 70% of community banks, and 78% of credit unions in the U.S. offer no-fee checking accounts to their customers, reflecting a trend toward more consumer-friendly banking options among smaller institutions. At the same time, overdraft fees continue to be a significant source of revenue, accounting for approximately 77% of all checking account fees. This highlights the importance for consumers to carefully review account terms and manage their balances to avoid costly penalties.
From 2020 to 2023, Wall Street bonuses fluctuated significantly in response to market conditions. In 2020, financial firms paid out approximately $31.7 billion in bonuses—a 6.8% increase from the previous year—driven by pandemic-induced market volatility and strong trading activity. Bonuses soared even higher in 2021, marking a record-breaking year with investment bankers and traders seeing increases of 20% to 35%. However, 2022 brought a sharp downturn, with bonuses falling by 20% to 45% across sectors, and the average bonus dropping to $176,700 from $240,400 in 2021, making it the worst bonus year since the 2008 financial crisis. In 2023, bonuses remained flat or declined slightly overall, though some areas like equity underwriting and wealth management experienced modest gains. U.S. financial firms paid about $20.8 billion in bonus for work done in 2010.
As of 2025, the average Wall Street salary in New York City is estimated to be around $470,000, reflecting a strong rebound in profits and bonuses following a volatile few years. In contrast, the average private-sector salary in New York City is approximately $109,601. This means that Wall Street professionals now earn more than four times the average private-sector worker’s salary in the city—slightly less than the fivefold gap seen in 2010, when the average Wall Street salary was $361,330. The widening income disparity continues to underscore the outsized compensation structure of the financial sector relative to the broader labor market.
According to data from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), U.S. financial firms reported approximately $180 billion in net income in 2021, $165 billion in 2022, and $157.2 billion in 2023—amounting to more than $500 billion in profits over three years. These robust earnings were fueled by strong performance in investment banking, trading, and wealth management, even as the industry navigated headwinds like rising interest rates, regulatory shifts, and market volatility.
A debit card may resemble a credit card in appearance, but it functions more like an electronic check. When used at a store, the card is swiped, tapped, or inserted into a payment terminal, which instantly communicates with your financial institution to confirm that sufficient funds are available in your linked checking account. If approved, the transaction is processed and the amount is deducted almost immediately. This real-time verification and direct withdrawal make debit cards a fast, convenient, and secure alternative to carrying cash or writing paper checks.
In November 2024, the U.S. government ran a budget deficit of $366.8 billion, collecting $301.8 billion in revenue while spending $668.5 billion—a 17% increase over the deficit recorded in November 2023. This sharp shortfall contributed to a projected $1.8 trillion deficit for fiscal year 2025, with total federal spending expected to reach $7 trillion against $5.16 trillion in revenue. A major driver of the growing deficit is the rising cost of entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, along with soaring interest payments on the national debt, which alone are projected to exceed $1.2 trillion for the year. In November 2010, the U.S. government ran a $150.39 billion budget deficit; its income was $148.96 billion, and spending was $299.35 billion. In November 2009 the deficit was $120.29 billion
As of June 2025, the total U.S. public debt outstanding has surpassed $36.2 trillion, a dramatic increase from the $13 trillion recorded in June 2010. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury’s special account for public donations to reduce the national debt—originally established in 1843—continues to receive modest contributions. In fiscal year 2022, Americans donated $180,310.32 to this fund. While more recent figures for 2025 have not yet been published, annual contributions in recent years have remained relatively small, typically ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, far below the scale needed to meaningfully impact the national debt.
As of 2025, the United States dollar (USD) is used as the official or de facto currency in several U.S. territories and independent nations. U.S. territories that use the dollar include American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sovereign nations that have adopted the dollar as legal tender include El Salvador, Ecuador, Panama, Timor-Leste, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and Zimbabwe (which uses multiple currencies, including the USD). Additionally, the dollar is widely used in the British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, and unincorporated U.S. territories such as Johnston Island, Midway Islands, and Wake Island. In all these regions, the U.S. dollar serves as a stable and widely accepted medium of exchange.
On 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro (€) as a common currency for financial institutions and electronic transactions among 11 member countries, marking its debut in non-cash form for accounting and financial markets. Three years later, on 1 January 2002, euro banknotes and coins were officially introduced, and the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the participating countries, replacing national currencies like the French franc and Deutsche Mark in daily use.
As of 2025, the euro (€) is the official currency of 20 out of the 27 European Union member countries, collectively known as the eurozone. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. While your original list reflected the early adopters of the euro, several additional countries—such as the Baltic states, Slovakia, Slovenia, and most recently Croatia—have since joined the eurozone, expanding its reach across much of the EU.
As of 2025, seven European Union countries do not use the euro as their official currency: Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria. Denmark has a formal opt-out from adopting the euro, while Sweden has not yet met the necessary criteria and has chosen not to adopt it. The remaining countries—Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria—are legally obligated to adopt the euro in the future but have not yet done so, with Bulgaria expected to join next. Each continues to use its national currency, such as the Danish krone, Swedish krona, Polish zloty, and others.
As of 2025, several non-EU countries and territories use the euro (€) either officially or de facto. Microstates such as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City have formal agreements with the European Union allowing them to use the euro and mint limited quantities of their own euro coins. Montenegro and Kosovo also use the euro as their de facto currency, though without formal agreements with the EU. Additionally, the euro is the official currency in several EU overseas territories and
Bank of America was originally founded as the Bank of Italy on October 17, 1904, in San Francisco by Amadeo Pietro Giannini to serve working-class immigrants, particularly Italian Americans, who were often underserved by traditional banks. The bank gained prominence after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, when Giannini famously rescued its funds and continued operations from a makeshift desk on a wharf. In 1928, the Bank of Italy merged with Bank of America, Los Angeles, and in 1930, the combined institution officially adopted the name Bank of America. While the name change occurred in 1930, the bank’s origins trace back to its founding in 1904.
As of 2025, the number of payment cards in circulation in the United States has grown substantially since 2009. There are now approximately 827 million credit cards in use, with Visa leading the market at around 198 million U.S. cardholders, followed by MasterCard with a significant share of the remainder. Debit card usage has also surged, with about 1.2 billion debit cards in circulation nationwide, largely dominated by Visa and MasterCard networks. American Express has around 67 million active U.S. cardholders out of 118 million globally, while Discover serves over 51 million cardholders, the majority of whom are based in the U.S. This growth reflects the continued shift toward digital payments and the widespread adoption of credit and debit cards for everyday transactions. As of the end of 2009, there were 270 million Visa credit cards, 82 million Visa debit cards, 203 million MasterCard credit cards, 125 million MasterCard debit cards, 48.9 million American Express credit cards, and 54.4 million Discover credit cards in circulation in the United States.
The United States dollar (USD) is also commonly referred to as the American dollar or U.S. dollar, and its symbol is $. The federal government began issuing paper currency in 1861 during the Civil War to help finance the Union’s war effort. These first notes were called Demand Notes, and they earned the nickname “greenbacks” due to their green ink. They were the first paper money issued by the U.S. Treasury for general circulation and are considered the origin of modern U.S. currency.
The evolution of U.S. currency spans centuries, beginning in 1690 when the Massachusetts Bay Colony issued the first paper money in the American colonies. During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress introduced Continental Currency in 1775. The U.S. officially adopted the dollar as its currency unit in 1785, and the Coinage Act of 1792 established the U.S. Mint and a decimal-based coinage system. In 1861, the federal government issued its first paper currency—Demand Notes, or “greenbacks”—to finance the Civil War. The National Banking Act of 1863 standardized banknotes through nationally chartered banks. The creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913 brought a centralized system for issuing currency, and in 1929, U.S. banknotes were standardized in size and design. The U.S. fully abandoned the gold standard in 1971, making the dollar a fiat currency. In the 21st century, the rise of digital payments, contactless cards, and mobile wallets has continued to transform how Americans use money.
The United States Mint is responsible for producing the nation’s coins, while the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has printed paper currency for the Federal Reserve since 1914. Originally, U.S. banknotes were much larger in size, but in 1928, the government standardized them to the smaller, more familiar dimensions used today to reduce production costs and improve handling. As for weight, $1 million in $100 bills weighs approximately 22 pounds, since each bill weighs about one gram and there are 10,000 bills in that amount.
All U.S. paper currency, regardless of denomination, weighs exactly 1 gram per bill, meaning $1 million in $100 bills (10,000 bills) weighs about 10 kilograms, or approximately 22 pounds. In contrast, $1 million in $1 bills would weigh about 1,000 kilograms, or over 2,200 pounds. Coin weights vary by denomination: a penny weighs 2.5 grams, a nickel 5 grams, a dime 2.268 grams, a quarter 5.67 grams, a half dollar 11.34 grams, and a dollar coin 8.1 grams. For example, $1 in quarters weighs about 22.68 grams—the same as $1 in dimes or half dollars—while $100 in quarters weighs roughly 2.27 pounds. This makes high-denomination paper currency far more efficient to transport than coins or lower-value bills.
The $100,000 bill is the largest denomination of U.S. currency ever issued, printed in 1934 as a gold certificate featuring President Woodrow Wilson. It was never released to the public and was used exclusively for transactions between the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve Banks as an internal accounting tool during the gold standard era. Although it technically carries the designation of legal tender, it is illegal for private individuals to own one, and the few surviving examples are held by institutions such as the Smithsonian and the Federal Reserve for educational or display purposes only.
The issuance of high-denomination U.S. currency—specifically the $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 bills—was officially discontinued on July 14, 1969 by the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve System. The primary reasons were declining use in everyday transactions and concerns about their potential use in illegal activities, such as money laundering. Although these notes were last printed in 1945, they remained in circulation until their formal withdrawal in 1969. Today, they are still considered legal tender, but they are extremely rare and mostly held by collectors and museums.
In 1946, the Flatbush National Bank of Brooklyn became the first bank to issue a credit card-like product through a program called “Charg-It,” developed by banker John C. Biggins. This early system allowed local customers to make purchases at participating merchants, with the bank acting as an intermediary by reimbursing the merchants and then collecting payment from the customers. Although limited to a small geographic area, the Charg-It program laid the foundation for the modern credit card system and marked a significant milestone in the history of consumer finance.

▷ Taxes

Several countries around the world are known for exceptionally high tax burdens, particularly on personal income, with the steepest rates concentrated in Northern and Western Europe, where top marginal taxes frequently range from the mid‑40s to above 60 percent; this region’s elevated tax structures—seen in countries such as Denmark, Finland, France, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, and the Netherlands—fund expansive social services including universal healthcare, subsidized education, and broad welfare systems, creating a model in which high taxation is closely tied to extensive public benefits.
Denmark stands out as one of the world’s heavyweight tax champions, with a top marginal income tax rate climbing as high as 60.5% under the 2026 reform, a figure built from an 8% AM‑contribution layered with a progressive four‑tier system that includes a 12.01% bottom‑bracket tax, a 7.5% middle‑bracket tax, and a high‑income top‑top tax that pushes earners above DKK 2.6 million into the uppermost range; this steep structure fuels the country’s signature model of universal healthcare, tuition‑free universities, generous parental leave, and a famously robust social safety net, creating a society where high taxes are matched by equally high public trust and visible returns in everyday life.
France has built a reputation as one of the world’s heavyweight high‑tax nations, driven by a mix of steep income taxes and some of the largest social contributions anywhere, creating a total burden that can push top earners above the 50% mark; this system fuels an expansive welfare state that includes universal healthcare, extensive worker protections, subsidized childcare, and a broad network of social programs, making the French model a classic example of high taxation powering equally ambitious public services.
Belgium operates one of Europe’s most demanding tax systems, built around steep progressive income brackets that climb rapidly as earnings rise and paired with hefty social security contributions that significantly increase the overall burden; this combination places Belgium among the highest‑taxed countries globally, supporting an extensive network of public services, from healthcare and pensions to unemployment protections, all woven into a model that trades high deductions for a wide‑reaching social safety structure.
Sweden runs on a famously high‑tax, high‑benefit formula, where substantial income taxes and social contributions fuel one of the world’s most comprehensive welfare systems, delivering universal healthcare, tuition‑free higher education, generous parental leave, and strong worker protections; this model blends steep taxation with an equally expansive network of public services and social safeguards, creating a society known for stability, low inequality, and a deeply rooted sense of collective security.
Finland follows the Nordic tradition of high taxation powering an equally ambitious welfare state, relying on substantial income taxes and social contributions to sustain universal healthcare, tuition‑free education, generous parental leave, and a wide network of social protections; this model mirrors the approaches of Sweden and Denmark, blending a steep tax structure with broad public services that emphasize equality, social stability, and collective well‑being.
Austria runs a tax system that leans heavily on steep personal income rates, especially in the upper brackets where earnings are taxed aggressively to support the country’s broad social programs; this structure places high‑income earners under some of Europe’s more demanding tax pressures, helping fund Austria’s well‑developed public services, from healthcare and education to social insurance programs that form the backbone of its welfare model.
Japan’s tax system reaches some of the highest combined marginal rates among major economies, with national income tax brackets running from 5% up to 45%, and a mandatory 10% local residence tax added on top, pushing the true top marginal rate to 55%, a structure that blends progressive national taxation with flat local levies to create a notably heavy burden for high earners while funding the country’s broad public services and social infrastructure.
The Netherlands operates a sharply progressive tax system that pushes higher earners into some of Europe’s steeper brackets, with 2026 rates ranging from 35.75% on income up to €38,883, 37.56% between €38,884 and €78,426, and a top rate of 49.50% on income above €78,426, a structure that blends income tax with significant social security contributions to fund the country’s extensive public services and social programs.
A number of nations maintain very low overall tax burdens without being fully tax‑free, typically using flat income‑tax systems, low corporate rates, or territorial rules that tax only domestic earnings, creating environments that are highly attractive to investors, entrepreneurs, and globally mobile professionals. Many low‑ or zero‑tax jurisdictions are able to sustain minimal personal taxation because their economies rely on alternative revenue sources: oil‑rich states such as Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia fund government spending through substantial natural‑resource income; tourism‑driven islands like the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands depend on consumption taxes, import duties, and visitor‑related fees; global financial hubs including the UAE, Singapore, and the British Virgin Islands generate significant revenue by attracting international capital and business activity; and countries with territorial tax systems collect taxes only on domestic income, allowing them to maintain low rates while remaining competitive for globally mobile earners.
Many of the world’s lowest‑tax countries fall into two distinct groups: true zero‑tax jurisdictions that impose no personal income tax whatsoever, and low‑tax nations that keep burdens minimal through flat‑rate systems or territorial rules that tax only domestically earned income; these destinations often sustain government budgets through oil revenue, tourism, financial‑services licensing, or import duties rather than taxing individual earnings, a pattern reflected across places like the UAE, Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Qatar, and other tax‑free states identified in global tax analyses.
Global tax analyses identify 17 jurisdictions that impose no personal income tax at all, forming the core of the world’s true zero‑tax environments; this group includes destinations such as Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Vanuatu, Brunei, Bahrain, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, the British Virgin Islands, Monaco, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Somalia, Western Sahara, and several others, all of which rely on alternative revenue sources—ranging from tourism and financial‑services licensing to natural‑resource wealth—rather than taxing individual earnings.
The United Arab Emirates stands out as one of the world’s most attractive low‑tax environments, maintaining a 0% personal income tax, a 9% corporate tax applied only to profits above roughly $100,000, and a modest 5% VAT, a structure that allows the country to fund its operations through oil revenue, trade, and fees rather than taxing individual earnings; combined with modern infrastructure, global connectivity, and long‑term residency pathways, the UAE has become a magnet for entrepreneurs, professionals, and companies seeking a tax‑efficient base in a highly developed setting.
The Cayman Islands operate one of the purest zero‑tax models in the world, imposing no personal income tax, no corporate tax, and no sales tax, relying instead on import duties, financial‑services licensing, and various government fees to fund public operations; this structure has turned the territory into a major global hub for investment funds and offshore finance, built on a tax‑neutral environment that attracts businesses and high‑net‑worth individuals seeking a legally straightforward, low‑burden jurisdiction.
The Bahamas maintains one of the most relaxed tax environments globally, imposing 0% personal income tax, 0% corporate tax, and relying instead on a 12% VAT alongside customs duties and tourism‑driven revenue to fund government operations; this tax‑neutral structure, combined with its proximity to the United States and well‑established residency‑by‑investment pathways, has turned the islands into a favored destination for investors, retirees, and globally mobile professionals seeking a warm, low‑tax base supported by a stable financial framework.
Qatar operates one of the simplest tax structures in the world, maintaining 0% personal income tax while applying a modest 10% corporate tax on most business profits, a system made possible by the country’s substantial natural‑resource revenue, which underpins government spending and allows the state to function without taxing individual earnings; this model has helped position Qatar as a wealthy, investment‑friendly Gulf economy with a streamlined fiscal framework.
Singapore combines low tax rates with a highly structured, investment‑friendly system, featuring a top personal income tax rate of 24%, a competitive 17% corporate tax, and 0% capital gains tax, all within a territorial framework that generally exempts foreign‑sourced income from taxation; with no estate duty and a long‑standing emphasis on attracting global business, the country has built one of the world’s most efficient and strategically designed low‑tax environments.
Bulgaria maintains one of the simplest and lowest‑burden tax systems in the European Union, built around a flat 10% personal income tax, a rate that applies uniformly across all income levels and stands as one of the lowest in the bloc; this streamlined structure has long been a draw for investors, entrepreneurs, and remote workers seeking an EU‑based jurisdiction with minimal taxation and straightforward compliance.
Hungary combines some of Europe’s lowest tax rates with a streamlined, investor‑friendly structure, featuring a 9% corporate tax—the lowest in the EU—and a flat personal income tax that remains far below the levels seen in Western Europe, creating a fiscal environment designed to attract businesses, foreign investment, and skilled workers while keeping compliance simple and predictable.
Cyprus offers one of the most appealing low‑tax frameworks in Europe, built around a flexible, residency‑friendly system that provides major advantages for non‑domiciled individuals, including exemptions on most foreign‑sourced income such as dividends and interest; combined with relatively low corporate taxes, extensive double‑tax treaties, and a lifestyle that attracts long‑term foreign residents, Cyprus has positioned itself as a strategic hub for entrepreneurs, remote professionals, and internationally mobile investors seeking a tax‑efficient base within the EU.
In 2025, income taxes in North America remain significant but not as punishing as in Nordic nations: in the United States, federal brackets range from 10% on income up to $11,600, climbing through 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, and 35%, before reaching a top rate of 37% on earnings above $609,350, with state levies adding as much as 13% in places like California, pushing combined burdens for high earners past 50%. Canada’s federal system begins at 15% on income up to $57,375, then rises to 20.5%, 26%, 29%, and peaks at 33% on income above $253,414, while provincial taxes such as Ontario’s 20.53% and Quebec’s 25.75% can drive overall rates beyond 50%. Compared with Finland’s 57.65% or Denmark’s 55.9%, these figures show that North American taxpayers face heavy but relatively moderate obligations, with the U.S. relying on state variation and Canada’s combined federal–provincial structure ensuring that top earners shoulder some of the highest effective rates outside Europe.
In 2025, the world’s tax heavyweights are led by Finland, where the top personal income tax rate climbs to a staggering 57.65%, followed closely by Denmark at 55.9%, Austria at 55%, Sweden at 52.9%, and Belgium at 50%. Japan also weighs in with a combined rate of 55.95%, while Portugal reaches 53%, the Netherlands 49.5%, France 45% plus social contributions, and Ireland 48%. These steep rates fuel generous welfare systems, universal healthcare, and free education, creating a trade-off between high deductions and enviable living standards. On the corporate side, India imposes 30%, Brazil 34%, and France 25%, showing that both developed and emerging economies use taxation as a lever for public services and redistribution. High taxes may shrink take-home pay, but they often underpin societies with strong safety nets and some of the highest quality-of-life rankings worldwide.
Taxpayers generally do not face an IRS underpayment penalty if they owe less than $1,000 in tax after subtracting withholding and refundable credits. Additionally, the IRS will not charge a penalty if the taxpayer has paid at least 90% of the total tax owed for the current year, or 100% of the tax owed for the previous year (110% if their adjusted gross income was over $150,000). These safe harbor rules are designed to protect taxpayers who make a good-faith effort to pay their taxes throughout the year from being penalized for underpayment.
For the 2025 tax year, the IRS has adjusted federal income tax brackets for inflation. The tax rates are as follows: 10% for incomes up to $11,925 for single filers ($23,850 for married couples filing jointly); 12% for incomes over $11,925 ($23,850 for couples); 22% for incomes over $48,475 ($96,950 for couples); 24% for incomes over $103,350 ($206,700 for couples); 32% for incomes over $197,300 ($394,600 for couples); 35% for incomes over $250,525 ($501,050 for couples); and 37% for incomes over $626,350 ($751,600 for couples). These brackets apply to income earned in 2025 and reflect annual inflation adjustments.
The IRS announced the federal income tax brackets for tax year 2024 rates and corresponding annual income amounts:

37% for incomes over $609,350 ($731,200 for married couples filing jointly)
35% for incomes over $243,725 ($487,450 for married couples filing jointly)
32% for incomes over $191,950 ($383,900 for married couples filing jointly)
24% for incomes over $100,525 ($201,050 for married couples filing jointly)
22% for incomes over $47,150 ($94,300 for married couples filing jointly)
12% for incomes over $11,600 ($23,200 for married couples filing jointly)
10% for incomes of $11,600 or less ($23,200 for married couples filing jointly)

The IRS reminds people to remain alert to aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents. These con artists claim to be IRS employees, but are not. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers and try sound convincing when they call. They may know a lot about their targets, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling. The victims are told they owe money to the IRS and must pay it promptly through a preloaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are often threatened with arrest. In many cases, the con artists becomes hostile and insulting. Alternately, victims may be told they have a refund due to try to trick them into sharing private information. If the phone isn’t answered, the phone scammers often leave an “urgent” call-back request. The IRS doesn't do business like that.
The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies never call you to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method (e.g.; a prepaid debit card, bank account, gift card, wire transfer), never ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone, and never threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying. The IRS does not use these methods for tax payments. You should safeguard your personal information at all times, and don't let the convincing tone of scam calls to lead you to provide personal or credit card information, just hang up and avoid becoming a victim to these criminals.
From 2022 to 2024, several major U.S. corporations paid little to no federal income tax despite earning billions in profits, continuing a long-standing trend of aggressive tax avoidance. General Electric, for example, earned nearly $7 billion in 2023 but received a $423 million federal tax refund, while Tesla reported $4.4 billion in U.S. profits over five years and paid no federal income tax, largely due to prior-year loss carryforwards. T-Mobile earned $17.9 billion over five years and also paid zero net federal income tax, even as it paid its top five executives a combined $675 million. Other large firms, including Meta, General Motors, and Ford, similarly paid effective tax rates far below the statutory 21%, often leveraging tax credits, offshore profit shifting, and stock-based compensation deductions to minimize their liabilities. It is noted that 30 U.S. companies paid less than zero in federal income taxes in at least one year from 2008 to 2010. These companies, whose pretax U.S. profits totaled $160 billion over the three years, included: Pepco Holdings (Profit: $882M; Tax: –$508M; Rate: -57.6%), General Electric (Profit: $10,460M; Tax: –$4,737; Rate: -45.3%), PG&E (Profit: $4,855M; Tax: –$1,027M; Rate: -21.2%), Computer Sciences (Profit: $1,666M; Tax: –$305M; Rate: -18.3%), DuPont (Profit: $2,124M; Tax: –$72M; Rate: -3.4%), Verizon (Profit: $32,518M; Tax: –$951M; Rate: -2.9%), Boeing (Profit: $9,735M; Tax: –$178M; Rate: -1.8%),Wells Fargo (Profit: $49,370M; Tax: –$681M; Rate: -1.4%), and Honeywell (Profit: $4,903M; Tax: –$34M; Rate: -0.7%).
As of 2024 and 2025, the Social Security tax rate in the United States remains unchanged at 6.2% for employers and 6.2% for employees, totaling 12.4%. However, the Social Security wage base—the maximum amount of earnings subject to this tax—has increased from $168,600 in 2024 to $176,100 in 2025. This means that in 2025, only the first $176,100 of an employee’s earnings are subject to the Social Security portion of FICA taxes, resulting in a maximum tax of $10,918.20 per person. The 2023 tax rate for Social Security in the U.S. is 6.2% for the employer and 6.2% for the employee, or 12.4% total; the Social Security wage base is $147,000 for employers and employees.
Americans working abroad are eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), which in 2025 allows them to exclude up to $130,000 of foreign earned income from U.S. federal income taxes. However, even if they earn less than that amount or are paying higher taxes in the country where they work, they are still required to file a U.S. tax return with the IRS. The United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income, so expats must file annually—typically using Form 2555 to claim the exclusion—and may also qualify for additional benefits like the Foreign Tax Credit or the Foreign Housing Exclusion to further reduce their tax liability.

How, What, Where, When & Why

How to Build Credit | Experian
How to Build Credit | TransUnion
How to Build Credit
How to Build Credit and Achieve a Good Credit Score
How to Build Credit Fast: 7 Simple Strategies
How to Build Credit Fast
How to Build Good Credit During College
How to Rebuild Credit
How to Get an Excellent Credit Score
How to Get a Loan from a Bank
How to Get Low Interest Loans
How to Get the Best Car Loan Rates
How to Get the Best Auto Loan Rate | Bankrate
How to Get the Best Car-Loan Rate Despite a Low Credit Score
How to Get the Best Car Interest Rates
How to Get a Low Interest Car Loan
How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate
How to Get a Great Mortgage Rate
How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt
How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt | Millennial Money
How to Get Out of Debt
How to Request a Zelle Chargeback
How to Use a Credit Card
How to Use a Credit Card: Best Practices Explained
How to Calculate Interest Rates on Bank Loans
How to Calculate Early or Late Social Security Retirement Benefits | (ssa.gov)
How to Recognize Best Mortgage Rates and How to Get Them
How to Find the Best Mortgage Rates
How to Find out If You're Affected by the Equifax Hack
How to Find and Open a High-yield Savings Account
How to Invest in CDs
How to Solve Problems on Your Bank Account
How to Resolve Discrepancies with Your Bank Account
How to Handle a Bank Dispute
How to Handle a Dispute with Your Bank.
How to Handle a Bank Error
How to Manage an Online Banking Outage
How to Spot Fake Money
How to Cash in Savings Bonds
How to Identify a Bank Scam to Keep Your Account Safe/a>

How to Open a Business Checking Account with Bad Credit
How to Overcome Financial Stress and Improve Finances
How to Sue a Bank
How to Close a Bank Account | Forbes
How to Close a Bank Account
How to Close a Bank Account After a Death
How to Cancel a Credit Card
How to Legally Unfreeze a Frozen Bank Account
How to Protect Bank Account from Garnishment and Creditors
How to Dispute a Debit Card Purchase with a Bank
How to Keep Your Bank Accounts Safe from Fraud
How to Link a Bank Account to My PayPal Account?
How to Live With No Bank Account
How to Choose a Checking Account
How to Make Sure Your Bank Is FDIC-Insured — and What to Watch for with Nonbanks
How to Fix Mistakes in Your Credit Card Bill.
How to Survive and Thrive Without Credit Cards
How to Claim Your Benefits of Equifax Data Breach Settlement
How to Maintain a Good Credit Score
How to Cancel a Credit Card
How to Prepare for Lower Interest Rates (and 4 Money Moves You Should Avoid)
How to Plan Financially If You’ve Been Laid Off Unexpectedly
How to Tell Which Card Number Is What Credit Company?
How to Tell If You Should Close Your Credit Card
How to Help Your Aging Parents When Money Is Tight
How to Help Protect Personal Finances during Coronavirus
How to Be Successful in Finance and Life
How to Choose a Credit Card Processing Company.
How to Avoid Common Mortgage Scams
How to Avoid the 8 Latest Zelle Scams
How to Avoid an Online Payday Loan or Window to a Scam.
How to Avoid Bank Fees
How to Save on International Bank Transfer Fees
How to Rebuild Credit in 7 Steps & How Long It Will Take.
How to Check My Bank Account Is Active or Not Online
How to Check Your Credit Report.
How to Deal with a Low Credit Score
How to Deal with Debt Collection Agencies.
How to Verify Whether or Not a Debt Collector Is Legitimate.
How to Respond to a Debt Collector's Request.
How to Pick a Financial Adviser
How to Have the ‘Money Talk’ With Your Kids
How to Manage Your Money.
How to Pass Generational Wealth Tax Free
How to Report Your Interest Income
How to File Your Federal Taxes
How to Deduct Student Loan Interest on Your Taxes (1098-E)
How to Improve Your Credit Score.
How to Improve Your Credit Score | Bankrate
How to Improve Your Credit Score | Credit.com.
How to Improve Your Credit Score | Investopedia
How to Improve Your Credit Score | State Farm®
How to Improve Your Credit Score.
How to Improve Your Credit Score: Tips & Tricks.
How to Improve Your Credit Score: 5 Tips.
How to Improve Your Credit Score: 8 Tips.
How to Improve Your Credit Score Fast
How to Improve Your Finances at Every Age
How to Improve Your Credit Score Right Away
How to Repair Your Credit and Improve Your FICO ® Scores.
How to Raise Your Credit Score Fast.
How to Check My Credit Score.
How to Order Your Free Credit Reports.
How to Maximize Credit Card Rewards
How to Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards | USBank
How to Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards | Bankrate
How to Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards | The Motley Fool
How to Set Up a Debt Repayment Plan in 6 Easy Steps.
How to Settle Credit Card Debt
How to Recover from Identity Theft
How a FICO Credit Score Is Determined
How a Credit Card Is Processed.
How Credit Card Transaction Processing Works: Steps, Fees.
How Long Does It Take to Improve a Credit Score?.
How Is a Car Taxed?
How Is Interest Income Taxed and Reported?
How Are Groceries, Candy, and Soda Taxed in Your State?
How Are Credit Scores Calculated?.
How Do Banks Work?
How Do US Taxes Compare Internationally?
How Do Payday Loans Work? Dangers & Payday Loan Alternatives
How Do You Compare Credit Score Ranges?
How Do I Get and Keep a Good Credit Score?.
How Do I Get Over Anxiety About Checking My Bank Account?.
How Do Low and Negative Interest Rates Affect Banks?
How Do I Restore Returns in H&R Block® Business 2019 and Newer?
How Do Brokered CDs Work?
How Does the Average American Live?
How Does a Credit Card Work?
How Does Credit Card Processing Work?.
How Credit Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score
How Credit Card Processing Works for Small Businesses
How Credit Cards Work
How Credit Cards Work | debt.org
How Credit Score Affects Your Mortgage Rate
How Credit Card Processing Works.
How the Credit Reporting Agencies Exclude Latinos, Younger Consumers, Low-Income Consumers, and Immigrants.
How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Financial Future.
How Your Credit Score Affects Car Financing
How US Banks Can Wiggle Out of the $650 Billion Balance-Sheet Bomb Hanging Over Them
How the Federal Reserve Creates Money
How Banking Works, Types of Banks, and How to Choose the Best Bank
How Currency Works
How Coins Are Made: Bringing Coins Into Circulation
How Cash Gets Into Circulation
How Secret Consumer Scores Threaten Your Privacy and Your Future
How Long It Takes to Build Good Credit
How Many Different Taxes Do We Pay?
How Much Should I Have in Savings?
How Much Should I Keep in My Checking Account?
How Much Money Should I Keep in My Checking Account?
How Much Money Should I Keep in CDs?
How Much Money Should You Keep in a CD | Bankrate
How Much Money Should You Keep in a CD?
How Much Money Should You Keep in a CD Account?
How Much Should You Keep in a CD? Balancing Safety and Yields in a Falling-rate Environment
How Much Money Should You Put in CDs?
How Much Money Is in Circulation?
How Much Money Can You Inherit Before Paying Taxes?
How Much Do You Really Pay Taxes?
How Much Does It Cost to Live the Good Life
How Much Does the Good Life Cost?
How Much Does Life Cost?
How Much Are Credit Card Processing Fees?
How Much Is the Social Security Tax and Who Pays It?
How Much Americans Pay in Taxes in Every US State
How Much Inheritance Is Tax-Free? Do I Have to Pay an Inheritance Tax?
How Much Revenue Has the U.S. Government Collected This Year?
How Good Will CD Interest Rates Forecast in 2023?
How High CD Rates Could Go in 2023
How High CD Rates Will Rates Rise
How Safe Are Money e-Transfers?
How Payday Loans Work
How Banks Conduct Transaction Fraud Investigations
How Banks Set Interest Rates on Your Loans
How American Banks Are Responding to Rising Interest Rates
How Washington Mutual (WaMu) Went Bankrupt
How Compound Interest Works and How to Calculate It
How Central Banks Affect Interest Rates
How States Raise Their Tax Dollars, FY 2022
How Fed Hikes May Affect Your Car Loan, Credit Card Rate, Mortgage
How the Federal Reserve's Rate Hike Impacts Student Loan Borrower
How Technology Aims to Make Banking More Accessible
How Different Forms of Debt Affect Our Mental Health
How Zelle Scams Work, and How to Protect Your Money
What Does a Bank Do with Your Personal Information?
What Does Your Credit Report Says About You?
What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen
What to Do If You're Denied a Bank Account
What to Do If Financial Anxiety Makes You Scared to Check Bank Account
What to Do When Dealing with Overdrafted Your Bank Account.
What to Do When Don’t Recognize that Debt?
What to Do If Your Stimulus Check Was Deposited into a Wrong Bank Account
What to Do If You Can't Pay Your Credit Card Bill
What to Do Before Finalizing Your Financial Resolutions
What to Do When Your Bills Are Due During Coronavirus Pandemic
What to Do After a Data Breach ...
What to Do With Your Cash Now That Interest Rates Are Rising
What to Do When Chase Cancels Your Credit Card
What to Know About Reverse Mortgages
What to Expect from Your Checking Account
What an IRA Is for and How It Works
What Is a Checking Account and How Does It Work?
What Is the Difference Between the Equifax Credit Score and the FICO Score?
What Is a Good Credit Score? | Experian
What Is a Good Credit Score?
What Is a Good Credit Score and How to Get One?
What Is a Good Credit Score for an Auto Loan?
What Is a Credit Score?
What Is a Credit Score? | Transunion
What Is a Credit Score and How Is It Defined?
What Is a FICO Score and How Does It Work?
What Is a FICO Score and How Does It Work? | DaveRamsey
What Is a FICO Score and Why Is It Important?
What Is a FICO Score? | myFICO
What Is a FICO Score?
What Is in Your FICO Score? - How Your FICO Score Is Calculated
What Is a Good FICO Score Range and How to Improve It
What Is a Credit Card Number? - The Meaning of Each Digit
What Is the Difference Between Visa and MasterCard?
What Is a Callable CD?
What Is an IRA CD?
What Is a CD Ladder?
What Is a High-Yield Savings Account?
What Is a Budget & Why Is Budgeting Important?
What Is Amortization?
What Is Mortgage Fraud?
What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
What Is a Good Interest Rate on a Car Loan?
What Is a Good Interest Rate?
What Is a Good Interest Rate for a Personal Loan?
What Is Predatory Lending?
What Is Debt Collection?
What Is a Debt Collector and Why Are They Contacting Me?
What Is on Your Credit History Report & Who Checks It?
What Is the Difference Between U.S. Bonds vs. Bills vs. Notes?
What Is the Difference Between a Bond vs. Note Payable?
What Is the Difference Between the FDIC and the NCUA?
What Is Credit Card Fraud? & How to Report It
What Is a Credit-Builder Loan?
What Is Double Taxation? - How it Works
What Is the Average Tax Rate in the US
What Is the Minimum Interest to Report to IRS?
What Is Inheritance Tax and Who Pays It?
What Is the Current U.S. Inflation Rate?
What Is Medicare Tax?
What Exactly Is Credit Utilization Ratio?
What Are the Average Monthly Expenses for One Person?
What Are Brokered CDs?
What Are the Pros and Cons of Variable Rate CDs?
What Are Credit and Credit Card Debt?
What Are Your Rights If Your Bank Account Is Frozen?
What Are the Different Types of Credit Cards?
What Are the Main Types of Taxes in the USA?
What Are the Types of Debt?
What Are Variable and Fixed Expenses? How Can I Budget for Them?
What Do the Numbers on Your Credit Card Mean?
What Do Credit Card Numbers Mean?
What Do You Need to Know About Currency Exchange?
What You Need to Know of Best Cash Back Credit Cards
What You Need to Know About Credit Card Processing.
What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself When Dealing with Debt Collection.
What You Need to Know About Mortgage Fraud.
What You Should Know About Equifax Data Breach Settlement
What You Should Know: Taxable Income vs. Nontaxable Income
What You Should Know About U.S. Agency Bonds
What Can I Do If DOR/CSE Seizes -“Levies” My Bank Account
What Can I Do If My Bank Account Information Is Rejected
What Happens If You Can't Pay Your Credit Card Bills?
What Happens When the Bank Closes Your Account?
What Happens to Bank Accounts After Death?
What Happens to Old Money?
What Happens If Someone Debits Your Bank Account Without Permission?
What Happens If You Inherit a House With a Reverse Mortgage?
What 2008 Recession Was and What Caused It
What Your Credit Says About You
What Hurt Credit Score?
What APR Tells You About a Loan
What Medicare Tax Is, Who Has to Pay It, Current Rates
What Inheritance Tax Is, How It's Calculated, and Who Pays It
What Federal Income Tax Is and Why We Pay It
What the Fed Rate Increase Means for Savings Accounts
What Fed Rate Increases in 2023 Mean for CDs
What Factors Affect Your Credit Scores?
What Affects Your Credit Scores? | Experian
What Affects Your Credit Score? The Top 5 Factors
What Affects Your Credit Score? | U.S. News
What the Coronavirus Means for Your Credit Cards?
What Credit Card Starts with 4147?
What Credit Card Starts With 5178?
What Investors Need to Know About Certificates of Deposit: Pros & Cons of Rounding Out Your Portfolio With CDs
What Type of Estate and Tax Planning Do I Need to Do?
What Your Bank Doesn't Want You to Know?
What Hackers Want More Than Your Credit Card Number?
What Every Adult Child Beneficiary Should Know About Inheriting Assets
When You Know It’s Time to Switch to an Online Bank.
When Is Social Security Taxable?
When Did Credit Scores Start? | Credit
When Did Credit Scores Start?
When Do Student Loan Payments Resume?
Where Can I Set up a Trust Bank Account for My Children?
Where to Find Financial Help During the Coronavirus | Gofundme
Where to Find Financial Relief During Coronavirus
Which Are the Most Tax-Friendly States for the Wealthy?
Which Should You Choose Between Short-Term and Long-Term CDs?
Which Type of Credit Cards Are Most Accepted Worldwide?
Who Invented Credit Score?
Who Should I Name as My IRA Beneficiary?
Who Will Be Responsible for Credit Card Debt After a Death?
Who Is Keeping Score?
Who Owns the House With a Reverse Mortgage?
Who Pays the Personal Property Tax on a Leased Car?
Who Pays Taxes in America?
Who Decides How Much Money There Should Be in Circulation?
Why Have So Few Bankers Gone to Jail for Their Part in the Crisis?
Why Your Business Bank Account Has Been Frozen
Why You May Be Denied a Checking or Savings Account
Why Should You Have Multiple Bank Accounts
Why You Should Separate Your Personal and Business Funds
Why You Shouldn't Freak Out Equifax Breach 2017
Why Bank Stocks Are Tumbling Even as Interest Rates Climb
Why Grocery Taxes Hurt Low Income Families More
Why We Pay Taxes
Why Do We Pay Taxes?
Why Do We Pay Taxes to the Government?
Why Do Bond Yields Keep Rising?
Why Does Virginia Have a ‘Car Tax’?
Why Does It Matter If the Fed Raises Interest Rates?
Why Did My Credit Card Company Close My Account?
Why Is Good Credit So Important?
Why Is It a Share Account Instead of a Savings Account?
Why Is the Federal Government Buying Bonds?
Why Are Banks Paying So Little Interest on Deposits?
Why Are Interest Rates Going Up?
Why Are Central Banks Pushing to Raise Interest Rates?
Why Would a Netspend Account Be Locked
Why Would a Bank Close Your Account Without Warning
Why Banks Are Suddenly Closing Down Customer Accounts
Why 4 Major Banks Just Issued $40 Billion in Bonds
Why It’s Worth to Switch Between High-Yield Savings and Traditional Savings Account
Why Is Budgeting Important?

News, Info, Facts, Tips & Outlook

▷ Finance Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum .

▷ News, Info & Facts

Majority of Americans Aren’t Confident in the Safety and Reliability of Cryptocurrency
Most Americans Don’t Feel Crypto Is Safe
Most Americans Still Skeptical of Crypto, Says Survey
Americans Are Right. Cryptocurrency Investing Isn’t Safe or Reliable
The Cryptocurrency-Cybercrime Connection
Bitcoin: More than a Bit Risky.
Zelle Fraud Is Rising. And Banks Aren’t Coming to the Rescue
Fraud Is Flourishing on Zelle. The Banks Say It’s Not Their Problem
Bank of America's Zelle Issues: What to Know
The Collapse of a Fintech Firm With 10 Million Users Has Left Many Americans Without Access to Their Money
Are Banks Closing Customer Accounts Without Warning — And Should You Be Worried?
Big Four Banks Failing to Protect Customers Against Scams
U.S. Banks Are Abruptly Freezing Accounts, Halting Withdrawals Without Warning or Explanation
U.S. Bank Fined for Opening 'Sham' Accounts for Customers
U.S. Bank Opened Fake Accounts for Unsuspecting Customers
U.S. Banking Giants to Report Higher Profits Even as Dealmaking Drags
U.S. Banking Sector Shaken: Moody's Drops Credit Ratings of 10 Banks, Sounds Alarm for More Downgrades
U.S. Inflation Rate 1960-2022
U.S. Inflation Rate by Year: 1929-2023
U.S. Inflation Rate
U.S. Credit Cards - Statistics & Facts
UK Banks Are Closing more than 1,000 Accounts Every Day
Banks, Government Bonds, and Default
Banks Aren't Doing Enough to Protect Customers From Scams
Banks & Credit Unions Reviews
Moody's Downgrades US Banks, Warns of Possible Cuts to Others
Moody's Cuts ratings of 10 U.S. Banks and Puts Some Big Names on Downgrade Watch
Moody's Warns It Could Cut Credit Ratings of 6 Big US Banks
Global Banks Rattled After Moody's Cuts, Italy Windfall Tax
Another Bank Has Been Accused of Fake Accounts. Keep an Eye on Yours.
Failed Bank List
High-Yield CD Offers Can Be Bait for High-Commission Investments.
Certificate of Deposit (CD) Calculator.
Certificate of Deposit (CD) Rates.
Certificate of Deposit (CD).
Certificate of Deposit (CD) | Fidelity
Are CDs Worth Investing In Right Now?
Are CDs Worth It?
CD Rate Predictions: When to Lock in for the Long Term ...
CD Interest Rates Forecast: Will CD Rates Go Up In 2024?
CD Interest Rates Forecast for 2023: Expect Yields to Peak Before Leveling Off
CD Investing: The Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons of CDs
Pros and Cons of Using a Certificate of Deposit (CD) for Your Savings
The Pros and Cons of Certificates of Deposit (CD)
The Pros and Cons of Online Banking
Automatic Bill Payments: Pros and Cons
High-Yield CDs: Red Flags that Signal a Scam.
Should Seniors Put Money into a Long-term CD?
High-Yield Savings Accounts: Pros and Cons
Joint Checking Account: Things to Consider When Combining Finances
Comparing Credit Unions With Other Depository Institutions
Changes in U.S. Family Finances from 2016 to 2019: Evidence from the Survey of Consumer Finances
Low Interest Rates, High Inflation Impact How Americans Save
Currency in Circulation Definition
Currency in Circulation
Understanding the Concept of Money
Currency in Circulation: Volume
The Problem With Adding Your Child to Your Bank Account
The Right Way to Add Adult Children to Your Bank Account
The Seven Denominations
The Most Powerful People in Finance
The Most Diabolical Credit Card Scams of the Past Decade
The Most Counterfeit-Proof Currencies
The Costs of Financial Mistakes: Evidence from US Customers
Money Mistakes
Money Mistakes to Avoid over 50
Avoiding Financial Mistakes
Too Many Bank Accounts Can Harm Your Money
Wells Fargo Is Shutting Down All Personal Line of Credit Accounts
Interest Rates and Bank Profitability
Interest Rates: Definition, Types and Why They're So Important
Central Banks, Summary of Current Interest Rates
Learning from Financial Regulation's Mistakes
Coronavirus Stimulus Checks, Debt Relief and Your Finances
Protect Yourself Against Zelle® Scams
Protect Yourself Financially from the Impact of the Coronavirus
Protecting Your Credit During the Coronavirus
Protecting Your Credit During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Protecting Your Finances During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Protecting Against Credit Card Fraud
Personal Finance Advice for the Coronavirus Crisis
Coronavirus and Your Money
Coronavirus and Credit Card Relief
Coronavirus Stimulus Checks, Debt Relief and Your Finances
Managing Your Money During Coronavirus
Managing Your Financial Health During Coronavirus
List of Banks Offering Help to Customers Impacted by the Coronavirus
List of Banks Offering Relief to Customers Affected by Coronavirus
Fraud Is Flourishing on Zelle. The Banks Say It’s Not Their Problem
Family Finances - Money Management
Common Scams and Frauds
Common Mistakes in Financial Statements
Common Scams and Crimes | FBI
Common Financial Scams
Common Scams that Target Seniors (and How to Avoid Them)
Top Scams that Target Seniors and How to Avoid Them
Top Scams Targeting Older Americans
From Puppies to Tech Support: Popular Scams Targeting People | PFCU
Watch Out for This Clever Credit Card Scam
Visa Fraud Investigation Scam
Financial Scams
Financial Resolutions, Mistakes, and Accomplishments
Financial Literacy: An Essential Tool for Informed Consumer Choice.
Financial Planning for Singles.
Time to Democratize the Banking System
Biden Wants to Change How Credit Scores Work in America
The System that Determines Credit Scores Is 'Broken'
Scoring and Modeling | FDIC
The Basics of Credit Scores.
The Invention of the Modern Credit Score
FICO Credit Score Algorithm
FICO Score Definition.
FICO Credit Score Basics.
The Highest Achievable FICO Score
The Difference Between VantageScore and FICO Score
Damage Control for Your Credit Score.
The Impact of Credit Scoring on Consumer Lending
All About Credit Scores
Types of Credit Cards Compared
Types of Suspicious Activities or Transactions
Types of Bankruptcies Explained: Chapter 7, 11 and 13
Types of Credit Cards That Start With 4147.
A 4427 Credit Card Type
Different Types of Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Different Types of Credit Cards, Explained
Types of Credit Cards: Understanding the Differences
Dealing with a Payment Incorrectly Deposited into Bank Account
Consumer Credit Reporting, Credit Bureaus, Credit Scoring, and Related Policy Issues
Consumer Credit Bill of Rights
Consumer Protection on Debt Collection. | FDIC
Consumer Credit Card Industry Study
Consumer Debt Statistics & Demographics in America
Consumer Credit - G.19
Consumer Spending Statistics
Consumer Credit Review | Experian
Consumer Credit Card Industry Study
Consumers Count: Tools and Resources for Money Decisions
The Consumer Credit Card Market
The Consumer Credit Card Market Reports: 2015 - 2017 - 2019
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
Discriminatory Effects of Credit Scoring on Communities of Color
Scaling Up Affordable Lending: Inclusive Credit Scoring
The Problems with Current Credit Scoring Models
A Quantitative Theory of the Credit Score
The Predictive Value of Alternative Credit Scores
The Importance of Credit Scoring for Economic Growth
The Impact of Differences between Consumer - and Creditor-Purchased Credit Scores
Knowing the Score: New Data, Underwriting, and Marketing in the Consumer Credit Marketplace
Report to the Congress on Credit Scoring and Its Effects on ...
Know the Score: Credit Score Modeling and Impacts
Summary Report of Issues Identified in the Selected Credit Rating Agencies
The Importance of Credit Scoring for Economic
Can I Raise My Credit Score Fast?
Number of Credit Cards and Credit Card Holders
The Basics of Credit Cards
Interesting Credit Card Facts
Proven Ways to Earn More Credit Card Rewards
Keys to Successfully Managing Personal Finances
Equifax Data Breach Settlement for Benefits Claim
Equifax Breach: Q&A | CNN
An Equifax Hack Settlement Promises a $125
Affected by Equifax Data Breach? How to File a Claim
The Landscape of U.S. Credit Card Debt
Improving Your Credit Score | Federal Reserve
Identity Theft 101
Identity Theft and Online Security
Budgeting 101
US Health Care & Medical Debt Statistics
Staying out of Trouble With Credit Cards
Data Point: Mortgage Market Activity and Trends
Study: Intro Bonus Offers for Travel Rewards Cards Nearly Triple in 10 Years
MasterCard - Understanding Interchange Rates
The Visa System: Rates, Fees and Rules
The Visa Interchange Rates
Current US Interchange Rates
Mastercard 2022–2023 U.S. Region Interchange Programs and Rates
States Most Vulnerable to Identity Theft & Fraud
My Data Was Compromised in the Equifax Hack. What Now?
Does Closing a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?
Beware of Fake Check Scams.
Household Finance | Harvard.
Daily Mortgage Rates | Time
Compare Today's Current Mortgage Rates | Zillow
Beware of Reverse Mortgage Scams
Reverse Mortgages | FTC
Reverse Mortgage Scams | FBI
Reverse Mortgage Scams | ConsumerAffairs
Reverse Mortgages Common Issues | CFPB
Reverse Mortgages: Avoiding a Reversal of Fortune.
Reverse Mortgage Problems
Reverse Mortgage Problems: Myths and Truths
Reverse Mortgage Reviews: Is It a Rip Off or a Good Idea?
Reverse Mortgages: FHA Needs to Improve Monitoring and Oversight of Loan Outcomes and Servicing
Snapshot Reverse Mortgage Complaints
Problems with Reverse Mortgage
Can You Lose Your House With a Reverse Mortgage?
Hacking Reverse Mortgages | MIT
The Unfulfilled Promise of Reverse Mortgages: Can a Better Market Improve Retirement Security?
Review of Reverse Mortgage Lending in Australia
Failing Borrowers Throughout Mortgage Servicing Process | CFPB

The Detection and Deterrence of Mortgage Fraud Against Financial Institutions
Traditional Mortgages vs. Reverse Mortgages
Don’t Be Misled by Reverse Mortgage Advertising
Recognizing the Signs of Mortgage Fraud
Mortgage Fraud. | FBI
Mortgage Fraud.
Mortgage Fraud: Understanding and Avoiding It.
Mortgage Loan Fraud | FinCEN.gov
Quick Facts of Mortgage Fraud Offenses
Compute Loan Interest with Calculators or Templates.
The Detection and Deterrence of Mortgage Fraud Against Financial Institutions.
New Twists to Telephone Collection Scam Related to Delinquent Payday Loans.
Joe Biden, CFPB Target Junk Fees, ...
CFPB Orders Bank Of America to Pay $727 Million in Consumer Relief for Illegal Credit Card Practices
CFPB Orders Bank of America to Pay $10 Million Penalty for Illegal Garnishments
The Good, Bad and Worrisome News about Credit Cards.
Know Your Risk Before Giving Credit Card to a Relative
Dispute an Error on My Credit Report
Negotiate Down My Credit Card APR
Managing the Financial Impact of Unexpected Job Loss
An Overview of Consumer Finance and Policy Issues
The Consequences of Aggressive Debt Repayment
Your Credit Card Is Changing: What You Need to Know
Places to Never Use a Debit or Credit Card to Make a Payment
Go Inside Your Credit Report
Interest Rates Vs. Rewards: Choosing the Better Credit Card
Raise Your Credit Score Without Lifting a Finger
Closing Bank Accounts and Your Credit Score
Protecting Credit Cards from RFID Scanning Theft.
Cracking Your PIN Code: Easy as 1-2-3-4
ATM Thieves Conducted Massive Cyber Attack.
Hackers Stole $45M in ATM Card Breach.
'Like a Drug': Payday Loan Users Hooked on Quick-Cash Cycle.
Payday Lending | FDIC
Payday Lending Abuses and Predatory Practices
Payday Lending in America: Who Borrows, Where They Borrow, and Why
Payday Lending Stores in Alabama: Facts and Issues
Payday Lending in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas: Toward Effective Protections for Borrowers
Payday, Vehicle Title, and High-Cost Installment Lending Rule
Payday Lending: Protecting or Harming Consumers?
Payday Lending: A Profitability Analysis
Opportunities and Challenges in Online Marketplace Lending
Racism, Capitalism, and Predatory Lending ...
Predatory Payday Lending
Circumventing State Consumer Protection Laws: Tribal Immunity and Internet Payday Lending
The Politics of Payday Lending Regulation in Australia
An Economic Analysis of the Payday Loan Industry ...
Drowning in Debt: A Health Impact Assessment of How Payday Loan Reforms Improve the Health of Minnesota's Most Vulnerable
On Poverty, Interest Rates, and Payday Loans
An Analysis of Consumers’ Use of Payday Loans
The Portability of Payday Loans
Disputing a Charge on Your Credit Card.
Secrets of Surviving Bankruptcy
Ways to Make More Money to Pay Down Your Debt
Prepaid Debit Cards: A Weak Link in Bank Security
Basic Money Lessons You (Probably) Missed in High School
Coping with Financial Stress.
State of Credit: Rise in Scores Despite Pandemic Challenges
The Age of Reason: Financial Decisions over the Life Cycle.
Does Paying off Debt Lower Credit Scores?
Present-Biased Preferences and Credit Card Borrowing
Putting Credit Card Debt on Notice
The Structure and Practices of the Debt Buying Industry
Average U.S. Credit Card Debt Statistics
Average Credit Card Debt in America (50+ Facts & Stats)
Average Credit Card Debt in America | Ramsey
Average Credit Card Debt in America
Average Credit Score Hits New High, While Debt Balances Rise
Ways to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Proof of Consumer Credit Indebtedness
In Debt and Afraid: Dealing with Debt Collectors.
Know Your Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Dealing With Debt | Harvard
The Real Effects of Debt
Complaint Snapshot: An Analysis of Debt Collection Complaints
Inside the Dark, Lucrative World of Consumer Debt Collection.
The Secret World of Government Debt Collection.
Someone Else's Debt Could Ruin Your Credit Rating.
Handling Debt Collection Calls: Dos and Don'ts.
Short-Term Debt: Definition, Types & Examples
A Debt Collector's Day.
Facing Debt Collection? Know Your Rights.
U.S. State Debt Collection Policies
State Debt Collection Laws
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Debt Collection Laws in Every State
Debt Collection FAQs | FTC
Debt Collection | FTC
Debt and Mental Health
Debt Collection Practices: When Hardball Tactics Go Too Far.
Can a Debt Collector Get into My Bank Account?
Out of Debt-Collecting and Bullying.
The State of Debt Among Americans
Substantive Defenses to Consumer Debt Collection Suits
Proof of Consumer Credit Indebtedness
Universal Credit and Debt
American Household Credit Card Debt Statistics
Canceled Debts, Foreclosures, Repossessions, and Abandonments - IRS Publication 4681
Millennials and Credit Card Debt Study

Solving Credit Card and Debt Problems.
Credit Card Debt Study
Credit Card Statistics & Studies
Credit Card Debt Statistics
Credit Card Debt Statistics in America
Credit Card Debt and Spending Statistics in the US
Credit Card Debt Can Be Bad for Your Health, Study Finds
Credit Card Debt Statute of Limitations
Credit Card Debt Relief Options
Credit Card Debt Collection
Credit Card Debt and Age
Credit Card Debt Study: Trends & Insights
Credit Card Balances Fall Sharply Again.
Credit Card Reform and Gift Cards.
Credit Card Countdown: Higher Rates Abound.
Credit Cards: Break Up, or Make Up?
Credit Card Legislation Gaining Momentum and Fed Rules.
Credit Cards Canceled Without Warning
Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act
Credit Card Usage of College Students
Credit Cards News.
Credit Card Transaction Processing Basics.
Credit Card Processing in 8 Simple Steps.
Credit Card Order Process Flowchart.
Credit Card Transaction Process (Flowchart).
Credit Cards - General Overview
Credit Card for:

Credit and Your Consumer Rights
Credit Report Reboot: 4 Changes You Need to Know About
Credit Report Mistake 1 in 3 Americans Make
Credit Report Scoring.
Credit Reports and Scores | usa.gov
Credit Reports and Credit Scores
Credit Reports and Credit Scores | Federal Reserve
Credit Score in the United States
Credit Score Range (300 - 850) Explained
Credit Scores 101
Credit Score Breakdown (Infographic)
Credit Scoring in the Era of Big Data
Credit Scores Are Supposed to Be Race-Neutral. That’s Impossible.
Credit Issues and Bad Credit
Credit Card Issuers Offer Customer Assistance in Response to Coronavirus
Credit Suisse Guilty Plea Takes Financial Sector Into Rarely Explored Territory
Credit Bureaus in the Digital Age
Credit Card Scams
Credit Card Fraud
Credit Card Fraud | Wikipedia
Credit Card Reward Programs Under Scrutiny by Federal Regulators
Credit Protection Laws - The Consumer Credit Protection Act
Credit Monitoring Services for Feds Affected by 2015 OPM Data Breach
Credit Management: Five Simple Steps Toward Better Credit.
Card-Not-Present Fraud: What It Is and How It Works
Payment Processing - Get the Basics on Payment Processing.
Payments 101: Credit and Debit Card Payments.
First Credit Card: How to Get Credit
The Real Problem with Credit Cards: The Cardholders.
FBI Warns of Banking Scam.
"Phishing" and Other Online Identity Theft Scams: Don't Take the Bait.
Beware Banking Text Messages.
Email Hack Attack? Notify Brokerage Firms and Financial Institutions
Beware Tricky Overdraft Pitches.
Sex + Lies + Overspending = Financial Infidelity
Safety a Key Issue for Mobile Banking.
Picking the Best Income-Driven Repayment Plan for a Student Loan.
Time to Stop Tossing Those Notices About Your Credit Cards.
There's a Cost to Paying Less Than You Owe.
Understanding Your Credit Score and How Credit Scoring Works
Understanding Credit Card Interest
Understanding Your Debt Collection Rights.
Understanding Your FICO Score.
Understanding FICO Scores
Understanding Your Credit Report and Score.
Understanding Credit
Understanding Credit Cards and Credit Management
A Detailed Timeline of the 2008 Financial Crisis
Failed Bank List | FDIC |
Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
The Inside Story of WaMu - The Biggest Bank Failure in American History
SVB Is Largest Bank Failure Since 2008 Financial Crisis
Timeline: The U.S. Financial Crisis
Best Banks for Savings Accounts for 2024
Best Banks in America
Best Banks in the U.S.
Best Checking, Savings, CD and Online Bank Accounts
Best Banks for Savings Accounts
Best National Banks
Best Credit Cards
Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
Best Credit Card Processing Companies.
Best Credit Card Processors | Consumer Affairs
The Best Credit Card Processing for Small Business Owners.
The Best Banks
The Best Big Banks
Ally Bank Review 2024
Bank of America to Pay Over $250 Million Over Junk Fees, Other Issues
Bank of America Accused of Opening Fake Accounts and Charging Illegal Junk Fees
Bank of America Review 2024
Barclays Bank Review 2024
Capital One Bank Review 2024
Capital One Reviews 2024 – All You Need to Know
Capital One Data Breach: 100 Million People Impacted, Including SSNs
Capital One $190 Million Data Breach Settlement
Chase Bank Review
PNC Bank Review
Popular Direct Bank Review 2024
Truist Bank Review 2024
U.S. Bank Review
Wells Fargo Bank Review
Wells Fargo Bank Review 2024
Wells Fargo Forced to Pay $3 Billion for the Bank’s Fake Account Scandal
Wells Fargo Cross-Selling Scandal
Vast Leak Exposes How Swiss Bank Served Strongmen, Spies
Data Leak Exposes How a Swiss Bank Served Strongmen and Spies
Data Leak Exposes How a Swiss Bank Served Strongmen and Spies | NYT
3-6-3 Rule: Slang Term for How Banks Used to Operate
3 Tricks How to Save Money.
3 Strategies to Deal With Debt Collectors.
4 Features Your Checking Account Should Have
4 Top Reasons to Use an Online Bank.
4 Crazy New Credit Card Scams & Protection from Becoming a Victim
4 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Fast
5 Best National Banks
5 Personal Finance Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s
5 Facts About Debit, Credit, and Prepaid Cards
5 Easy Steps to Improve Your Credit Score | CNN Business
5 Keys to Successfully Managing Your Personal Finances
5 Sneaky Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
5 Ways to Increase Your FICO Score
5 Ways to Build Credit If You Have No Credit History
5 Do's and Don'ts That Can Help You Achieve Greater Financial Security
5 Reasons a Credit Card Company Can Close Your Account With No Notice
5 Reasons Not to Purchase the Extended Warranty
5 Reasons to Refinance Your Home.
6 Reasons to Beware of Market-Linked CDs
6 Reasons for a Credit Card Account Cancellation
6 Ways to Deal With a Financial Emergency
6 Daily Habits to Create Financial Success
6 Indicators That It’s Time to Refinance.
6 Common Money Management Mistakes College Students Make
6 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Credit Card
6 Scams that Target Your Bank Account
6 Steps to Get Out of Debt
7 Steps to Manage Your Money
7 Steps to a Healthier Credit Score.
7 Best Ways to Resolve a Bank Dispute
7 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Fast
7 Ways to Build and Improve Your Personal Credit Score
7 Ways to Track Your Monthly Expenses
7 Things You Must Know About Credit Cards
7 Things You May Not Know About U.S. Currency
7 Keys to Achieve Financial Success
7 Reverse Mortgage Scams to Watch Out For
8 Strategies to Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards
8 Simple Ways to Start Saving Money
8 Things You Must Know About Credit Card Debt
8 Financial Mistakes to Avoid When Building a New Home
8 Crucial Money Lessons We Can Learn From the Holidays
8 Fun Facts About Credit Cards.
8 Most Sophisticated Phone Scams the Average Person Falls for
8 Best Payment Gateways of 2023
9 Best Banks With the Highest-Interest CD Rates
9 Best Credit Card Processing
9 Ways to Take Your Credit Card Rewards to the Next Level
9 Things You Need to Know About Prepaid Credit Card.
9 Common Zelle Scams to Avoid
10 Essential Strategies to Help You Qualify for a Credit Card
10 More Common Money Mistakes.
10 Most Common Bank Customer Complaints.
10 Most Common Life Insurance Mistakes and how to Avoid Them
10 Best CD Rates
10 Best National Banks in America.
10 Best Credit Card Processing Companies
10 Payment Processing Companies.
10 States Where Credit Data Is Most and Least Significant
10 Easy Ways to Pay Off Debt
10 Places Not to Use Your Debit Card.
10 Debt Collection Rights for Consumers.
10 Dangers of Mobile Banking
10 Ways Your Debt May Be Hurting You
10 Ways to Save Money When You Return to College
10 Things Everyone Should Know About Credit Scores
10 Things First-Time Credit Card Users Need to Know
11 Things to Know Before Getting Your First Credit Card
11 Credit Card Debt Settlement Facts
12 Best CD Rates
12 Common Questions About Consumer Credit and Direct Marketing
13 Money Mistakes You Need to Avoid
15 Largest Banks in the US
15 of the World’s Most Exclusive Credit Cards
15 Financial Resolutions for 2025
15 Must Avoid Personal Finance Mistakes.
20 Money Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s
21 Best High Interest Savings Accounts in Canada
23 Things Beginners Absolutely Must Know About Saving.
24 Personal Finance Facts You Should Know – But Probably Don't.
30 Credit Card Do's and Don'ts
50 Ways to Improve Your Finances
51 Ways to Save Hundreds on Loans and Credit Cards.
54 Ways to Save Money
60 Super Simple Ways to Save Money
66 Interesting Credit Card Facts
77 Common Financial Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
100 Ways to Save Money
100 Largest Banks in the World
101 Ways to Legally Improve Credit Score

▷ Taxes

Types of Taxes
Types of Taxes in the US
The Tax System in the USA
Income Tax
Income Taxes in the United States
Federal Income Tax Brackets for Tax Years 2025 and 2026 in U.S.
Federal Income Tax Rates and Brackets | IRS
Federal Individual Income Tax Brackets in U.S., Standard Deduction, and Personal Exemption: 1988 to 2025
Tax Tables 2025: Federal Income Tax Rates Explained Simply
Taxes | USAGov
Tax Tables 2025 Edition
Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates
Tax Burden by State
Tax and Other Consequences of Inheriting a POD Account
Tax-exempt Interest Income?
Tax Facts Infographic
Tax Scams - Consumer Alerts | IRS
Taxes on Investments: 5 Basics to Know
Taxation
Taxation in the United States
Taxation of Foreign Nationals by the United States
Taxable Interest
Interest Income and Taxes
Understanding Double Taxation and 7 Ways to Avoid It
Understanding Taxes
Digital Taxation Around the World
Property Taxes by State
The 2025 Tax Rates for Individuals: Ordinary Income, Capital Gains, and Standard Deductions Under the New Law
The 2025 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates
The 2025 Federal Income Tax Brackets and Rates
The 2025 and 2026 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates
U.S. Federal Income Tax Rates and Brackets | IRS
U.S. Income Taxes and the Constitution ...
List of State Income Tax Rates
Sales Tax on Grocery Items
Sales Tax by State 2025
State Income Tax Rates Across America
States That Don't Tax Retirement Income, Pensions, Social Security
State Sales Tax Rates
State Government Tax Revenue by State U.S. 2022
State and Local Sales Tax Rates: 2026 & 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 & 2019
States With the Best & Worst Taxpayer ROI
States with the Lowest Income Taxes and Highest Income Taxes
States With the Lowest Property and Vehicle Taxes
States With the Highest & Lowest Tax Rates
US States With No Income Tax
U.S. Gambling Taxes by State
US Taxes Abroad for Dummies
Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections
Government Taxes (State Tax Collections / Quarterly Tax Revenues)
Best States to Be Rich or Poor from a Tax Perspective
The Best States for High-Earners and Affluent Families
The Most Tax-Friendly States for the Rich
Ranking Individual Income Taxes on the 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index
IRS Tax Refund Calendar 2023 and Direct Deposit Dates
IRS Quietly Changed the Rules on Your Children’s Inheritance
IRS Unveils "Dirty Dozen" List of Tax Scams
Remote Work Tax Issues to Consider When Filing Your Return
Corporate Tax Rates by Country
Corporate Tax Rate Report
Americans Are Moving to the Most Tax-Friendly States in the Country
Inheriting Parents' Real Estate: Can You Inherit Favorable Tax Treatment?
Must You Pay Income Tax on Inherited Money?
Is the Inheritance I Received Taxable? | IRS
Coronavirus Tax Relief for Businesses and Tax-Exempt Entities | IRS
Taxpayers Should Know the Signs of a Phone Scam, Especially During Filing Season
Phone Scams on the Rise During Tax Season
Laffer Curve
Doing Business in the United States: Federal Tax Issues
Understanding Employment Taxes | IRS
The Behavioral and Tax Factors Behind When to Sell Stocks at a Loss
The 2023-2024 Income Tax Rates by State
Minimum Income Requirements for 2022 Tax Returns
Reporting Interest Income on the 2022 Federal Income Tax Return
Filing Tax Form 1099-INT: Interest Income
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Your Car Every Year?
Do I Have to Claim Interest If It Is Less than $1.00?
Did Trump Donate His Salary in 2025
Did Trump Donate His Presidential Salary to Charity as...
Trump Reveals How He Actually Uses His Presidential Salary ...
Trump's Tax Returns, Salary Donation | USAToday
Grocery Taxes Increase the Likelihood of Food Insecurity
Researchers Find Grocery Taxes Harm Low Income Households
Will You Pay Tax on the Sale of Your Home?
Is Living in a State With No Income Tax Better or Worse?
Gas Taxes and What You Need to Know
4 Ways to Get Out of Tax Debt
5 Ways to Minimize Your Tax Bill
5 Taxation Systems Around the World
6 Biggest Screw-ups People Make on Their Tax Returns
6 Tax Strategies That Will Have You Planning Ahead.
7 Top Tax Mistakes Made in Planning a Wealth Transfer
7 Different Types of Taxes That You Pay
9 States With No Income Tax
9 States With No Income Tax and the Lowest Tax Burdens
10 Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirees
10 Best States for High Earners
12 IRS Tax Refund Scams - Common Frauds to Avoid
15 Ways to Invite an IRS Audit.
18 Most Tax-Friendly States to Retire in 2024

▷ Taxes by Countries

Canada Tax Brackets 2025 - Federal & Provincial/Territorial
Tax Rates and Income Brackets for Individuals in Canada

Denmark 2026 Tax Reform - New Top-Top Tax
Denmark - Individual - Taxes on Personal Income
Danish Top-top Tax Is a Reality from 2026
New Top-bracket and Additional Top-bracket Taxes

Japan Tax Rates & System (2025)
Japan Tax Calculator 2026: Income Tax 5-45% + Residence Tax 10% = 15-55% Total

Jersey
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nauru
Netherlands
New Zealand
North Korea
Norway
Pakistan
Palestine
Panama
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Russia
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Zambia
European Union
List of Countries by Government Budget
List of Countries by Government Budget as Percentage of GDP
List of Countries by Social Welfare Spending
List of Countries by Tax Rates
List of Countries by Tax Revenue
Tax Rates in Europe
Tax Comparisons Around the World
Tax-to-GDP Ratio: Comparing Tax Systems Around the World
Tax Revenue as Share of GDP, 2023
Income Tax Around the World
Highest Taxed Countries 2025
Highest Tax Paying Countries: Complete List
Countries with the Highest Income Tax Rates in 2025
U.S. Citizens and Residents Abroad Filing Requirements | IRS
7 Countries Have the Highest Tax Rates in 2025
10 Countries with the Highest Tax Rates in the World
10 Top Highest-taxed Countries in 2025
11 Top Countries with the Lowest Taxes in 2026
17 Countries with the Highest Tax Rates in the World
20 Countries with the Highest Taxes
25 Top Countries with the Lowest Income Tax

▷ History, Guides & Tips

Historical Credit Card Interest Rates
Historical CD Interest Rates 1984-2021
Historical CD Rates: Highs, Lows and the Stories Behind Them
Historical Inflation Rates: 1914-2022
History of Money - From 12,000 B.C. to the Present
The History of Credit Cards.
The History of Consumer Credit in One Giant (Infographic)
The History of Credit Cards - Timeline and Major Events
The History of Credit Cards | Experian
The History of the FICO Score.
The History of Credit Scores (1989 - 2021).
The Long, Twisted History of Your Credit Score.
The Use of Credit History for Personal Lines of Insurance
A Brief History of Taxes in the U.S.
Your Credit History: Five Surprising Things That May Impact Your Score.
Credit Card for No Credit History
Indian Currency History, History of Indian Rupee
A Guide to US Taxes for Citizens Living Abroad
A Guide to COVID-19 and Your Finances
A Guide to the Different Types of Taxes
A Judicial Guide to Credit Card Debt Cases
Guide to Understanding Credit Scores and Score Ranges
Guide to CD Rates
Guide to Credit Rating Essentials
Guide to Build Good Credit
Guide to Financial Literacy: Definition and How to Improve
Guide to Your Employers Benefits Programs, Tax-Wise (401(k)
Deferred Tax – A Chief Financial Officer’s Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls
Credit Card Basics: A Beginner's Guide to Credit Cards
Beginner's Guide to Managing Your Money
Beginner's Guide to Credit Cards
The Complete Tax Guide for Buying and Selling Cars in the USA
U.S. Tax Time Guide | IRS
Publication 15 (2022), (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide | IRS
Income Tax Guide for Tax Season 2022
A Visual Guide to Taxing Bonuses (Infographic)
US Taxes for Expats - A Complete Guide
Do US Citizens Living Abroad Pay Taxes? Guide for Expats
IRS Issues Guidance on State Tax Payments to Help Taxpayers
Credit Card Tips and Advice
Personal Finance Tips
Personal Finance Tips: The ABCs of Managing Your Money
Personal Finance Tips from Billionaires
Most Popular Personal Finance Tips.
Financial Tips During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Keeping Your Account Secure: Tips for Protecting Your Financial Information.
Credit Card Facts and Tips
Coronavirus-Related Fraud Prevention Tips and Resources
Tips for Getting First Credit Card and Building Credit
Tips to Avoid Common Budgeting Mistakes
Tipping Do’s and Don’ts: When and How Much to Tip
IRS Tax Tips
4 Best Ways to Use a Credit Card
4 Common Personal Finance Tips That Will Actually Fail You.
5 Helpful Tips to Build Good Credit With a Credit Card
5 Tips on Using a Secured Credit Card Wisely
5 Tips to Help You Get Approved for a Mortgage.
5 Tips for a Tiptop Credit Score
5 Tips to Keep Your Finances from Going Off a Cliff.
6 Simple Personal Finance Tips that Lead to a Big Payoff
6 Coronavirus Fighting Tips for Your Finances
6 Tips for Dealing with Debt Collectors.
7 Credit Card Tips Everyone Should Know.
7 Credit Card Tips
7 Credit Card Tips for Smart Users
7 Credit Card Tips Everyone Should Know
7 Best Personal Finance Tips
7 Money Management Tips
7 Tips for Handling Your First Credit Card.
7 Tips for Paying off Credit Card Debt
8 Tips for Using Credit in Uncertain Times
8 Tips to Help You Succeed in Finance
8 Tips for Never Missing a Due Date.
8 Financial Tips for Young Adults.
10 Top Financial Tips
10 Tips for Managing Credit Card Debt
11 Money Tips for Women.
12 Credit Card Tips
12-Step Guide to Financial Success
13 Financial Tips for Newlyweds
14 Helpful Tips for Maintaining a Good Credit Score
17 Tips to Save Money.
18 Top Money Management Tips to Help Your Personal Finance.
20 Simple Tips to Save Money
20 Best Financial Tips
29 of the Best Personal Finance Tips for Beginners and Beyond
50 Personal Finance Tips That Will Change the Way You Think About Money.
54 Great Personal Finance Tips
75 Personal Finance Tips to Help You Make & Save Money
75 Money Management Tips to Follow (2020)

Currency Exchange Rate per U.S. Dollar - Latest Update

Assets - 10 Largest Banks in the U.S.


U.S. Banks (by States) \| Alabama \| Alaska \| Arizona \| Arkansas \| California \| Colorado \| Connecticut \| Delaware \| District of Columbia \| Florida \| Georgia \| Hawaii \| Idaho \| Illinois \| Indiana \| Iowa \| Kansas \| Kentucky \| Louisiana \| Maine \| Maryland \| Massachusetts \| Michigan \| Minnesota \| Mississippi \| Missouri \| Montana \| Nebraska \| Nevada \| New Hampshire \| New Jersey \| New Mexico \| New York \| North Carolina \| North Dakota \| Ohio \| Oklahoma \| Oregon \| Pennsylvania \| Rhode Island \| South Carolina \| South Dakota \| Tennessee \| Texas \| Utah \| Vermont \| Virginia \| Washington \| West Virginia \| Wisconsin \| Wyoming \|

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Allied Irish Bank

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Credit Unions:

Fees for Checking & Debit Card

BANK	CHECKING	DEBIT CARD
------------------	-----------------------------------------------	---------------
Bank of America	$25 deposit to open; $8.95 monthly fee unless statements are paperless and deposits/ withdrawals are done online or by ATM.	No fee
Wells Fargo	$100 deposit to open; $5 monthly fee unless direct deposit or average balance of $1,500.	No fee
JPMorgan Chase	$25 deposit to open; $12 monthly fee unless direct deposit of at least $500, minimum balance of $1,500 or $5,000 average daily balance in linked accounts.	No fee
Citigroup	$0 to open; $10 monthly fee unless balance of at least $1,500 in prior month or one direct deposit and one bill payment each month.	No fee
US Bank	$50 to open; $6.95 monthly fee with online statements or $8.95 with paper statements unless direct deposits of at least $500 or average account balance of $1,500.	No fee
PNC	$25 to open; no monthly fee.	No fee
TD Bank	$0 to open; $2.99 monthly fee with online statements or $3.99 monthly fee with paper statements.	No fee
Capital One	$50 to open; $8.95 monthly fee unless $300 minimum daily balance or monthly direct deposit of at least $250.	No fee
Sun Trust	$100 to open; $7 monthly fee unless minimum balance of $500 or direct deposit.	No fee
BB&T	$50 to open; $10 monthly fee unless direct deposit of at least $100; $1,500 average balance or a mortgage with BB&T.	No fee.

Safeguarding Your Credit Score

Pay all bills on time to avoid late-payment fees; do not miss or make late loan payments.
Pay down or pay off credit card balances as soon as their bills arrive.
Do not use over 30% of your available credit line.
Keep your oldest accounts open.
Use only one or two cards.
Have a variety of loans, such as a mortgage or car loan.
Under federal law, you’re entitled to a free credit report. Check your credit reports on a regular basis, at least once a year, to make sure there are no errors on it at

Equifax (1-800-685-1111)
Experian (1-888-397-3742)
TransUnion Corporation (1-800-916-8800)

Build a solid credit history over time.
Refrain from opening any new accounts; do not open credit accounts all at once.
Do not open multiple new lines of credit, especially in a short period of time.
Search for the highest credit limit for which you can qualify.
Use a low-interest-rate card, preferably with no annual fee.
Read credit card reviews.
Credit Reports - Notification of rights for consumers:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- California (to request credit report and score)
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin

Your Rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
- You must be told if information in your file has been used against you.
- You have the right to know what is in your file.
- You have the right to ask for a credit score.
- You have the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information.
- Consumer reporting agencies must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information.
- Consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information.
- Access to your file is limited.
- You may limit "prescreened" offers of credit and insurance you get based on information in your credit report.
- You may seek damages from violators.
- Identity theft victims and active duty military personnel have additional rights.

Fraud Prevention & Detection

Regularly review credit cards and bank statements for possible misuse.
Report suspicious activity to credit card companies, banks or financial institutions immediately.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission or law enforcement with any reports of identity theft.
Get free credit reports from each nationwide credit reporting agency: Equifax (1-800-685-1111), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and TransUnion Corporation (1-800-916-8800); review each carefully, and request any fraudulent transactions be deleted.
Fraud and Scams resource | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Credit Card Act: Charges & Changes

If a credit card company raises your interest rate, it will have to tell you the reasons. Furthermore, credit card issuers must give you 45 days advance warning of upcoming changes (e.g.; interest rates).
If your credit rate increases, credit card issuers must reevaluate it every six-month period. If you deserve to have it lowered, the card issuer must comply within 45 days of the evaluation.
Customers have the right to opt out of fee increases and interest rate hikes (e.g.; cancel cards and pay off the existing balances).
Consumers get 21 days to make a payment after a bill is delivered instead of 14 days.
Credit card issuers can not raise rates on any existing balances. If your rate increases, it will only apply to new charges.
Issuers cannot raise your rates because you miss a payment or fall behind on a different account.
Payments will be applied to the balance with the highest interest rate first.
Penalty rates on existing balances can only be applied if your payment is 60 days late. If you then remain in good standing, your rate must go back down after six months.
Promotional rates must last at least six months.
Any penalty fees or rates must be "reasonable and proportional," as defined by the Federal Reserve.
Card issuers must periodically review your account and potentially reduce your rates.
Credit card issuers cannot charge you a penalty fee that is larger the infraction. For example, if you are late on a $10 payment or you spend more $10 more than your max, your penalty fee cannot be more than $10.
Credit card issuers will no longer be able to charge you an inactivity fee or not using your card.
All gift cards sold must be good for at least five years. You can also request a replacement for any expired gift card for free. Only one fee per month can be charged and dormancy fees can only be assessed if you haven't used your gift card in a year.

Credit Card 101 for Students

To open a credit card account if you are under 21, you will need to show that you have the income to make required payments or get a co-signer 21 or older who has the ability to do so.
Anyone 21 or older - not just parents, legal guardian or a spouse - can co-sign for younger students to get a credit card.
Once you have a credit card with a co-signer, if you want a higher credit limit, the co-signer must agree in writing to the increase.
Co-signer is equally responsible for the debt, and his/her credit card scores can be impacted.
If you need to use a credit card to buy a product online, you only use it with a "https" site; never use a credit card on a site without "s" after http.

Financial Scams Prevention & Detection

Be vigilant. Scammers are impersonating your Bank. When in Doubt - Don't Reply!

Scammers are making fraudulent calls informing customers of fraudulent transactions initiated on their account. Calls are followed by text messages containing malicious links to fake login pages. Customers who engage and enter their credentials on the fake site are having their Business Online Banking accounts compromised!
Red Flags:

Unexpected Call and Text with a link. Be suspicious if you receive a call claiming fraud, typically followed by a text message asking you to "resolve" the issue.
Fake Website URLs. Be wary of unusual domains and not your bank's URL.
Requests for Credentials Over the Phone. Your bank will NEVER ask for your full password or one-time passcode over the phone.

If you encounter suspicious activity related to your account with Bank, you can contact your bank by calling the number provided in your bank statement.

If someone contacts you by phone, text, email, computer alert or social media to ask you to act immediately, provide your personal information or codes, and/or pay in an unusual way, these are signs you're being scammed.

Never Wire Money to ...

Someone you don't know.
Someone claiming to be a relative in a crisis - and who wants to keep their request for money a secret.
Someone who says a money transfer is the only form of payment that's acceptable.
Someone who asks you to deposit a check and send some of the money back.

Be Alert:

A scammer may call, email, or text you, pretending to be from your bank, and ask for information that allows them to access your bank account.

If you receive a one-time passcode you didn’t request, discard it.
If you receive a text message or an email appeared to be from your bank requesting to click on a link, discard it.
Scammers may tell you there is an urgent fraud situation to catch you off guard.
Hang up on suspicious calls immediately, even if they appear to be from your bank. Scammers sometimes use technology to "spoof" phone numbers, so it appears the call is originating from your bank. If you have any concerns that the call might not be legitimate, call your bank at the number found on your account statement.

Scammers may make unusual requests for sending or transferring money.

Fraudsters may contact you to pretend to help you with an ongoing fraud situation. To reverse it, they suggest you transfer money "to yourself" when, in fact, the account you transfer money to belongs to the scammer. This could cause you to lose money or even become unknowingly involved in a crime.
If you have any concerns that the call might not be legitimate, call your bank at the number found on your bank account statement.

Be Proactive:

Monitor your account activity regularly.
Set up bank account alerts so that you are notified for high dollar transactions or withdrawals on your bank accounts
Stay calm. Scammers may try to alarm you, so you will give them what they want. If you're told to take action right away, it could be a scam.

Identity Protection

Online:

Create complex passwords using a combination of letters, numbers, cases, and symbols to form an unpredictable string of characters that doesn't resemble words or names.
Change the password quarterly.
Use security feature on your mobile device, such as installing the free AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security app.
Avoid using public wifi network to eliminate risk of accidentally sharing secret, important, or sensitive information.
Update sharing and firewall setting.

Doing Business:

Do not carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet; once it's loose, identify thieves can exploit it to get loans, obtain credit cards or other financial chicanery in your name.
Only give out your Social Security number when necessary.
Keep your personally identifiable information (PII) private. PII is information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as name, home address, phone number, social security number, driver’s license number, passport number, credit account number, or bank account number.
Do not share personal information via email or over the phone. Financial institutions never ask for your account number, Social Security number, address, PIN, or password in an email, text message, or incoming phone call. If you have any concerns that the call might not be legitimate, call your bank at the number found on your account statement or credit card.

At Home:

Securely keep your financial records, academic records (e.g.; transcripts), insurance cards, account number, birth certificate, Social Security number, address, PIN, or password.
Check your bills and account statements carefully for unusual activity
Review your credit report and credit score at least once a year.
Check your mail; make an investigation if you stop getting a bill or start getting mails you do not recognize.

Identity Theft Protection:

Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. File a report online at IdentityTheft.gov or call their hotline at 1-877-438-4338.
Lock down your credit files. You have a right to a free credit freeze. To learn how to place a freeze on the FTC’s website by searching for “Credit Freeze.” Once a freeze is placed, the credit bureaus can’t release any information without your permission.
Contact the Social Security Administration. Let the agency know that someone has stolen your Social Security number and is fraudulently using it for their employment. If you know your Social Security number has been compromised, you can ask the Social Security Administration to block electronic access by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will have to verify your identity if you want to remove the block.
Get a “Self Lock” with E-Verify — a free online service that the federal government provides to employers to check if an employee is eligible to work in the U.S. and also protects against identity fraud. Individuals can also create an E-Verify account. If you use this option, you should unlock your Social Security number to allow an employer to check your status.
Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN) to prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS.

eMacromall.com

Financial Crisis

FDIC - Latest U.S. Failed Bank List.
Global Financial Crisis — Global Issues
Financial Crises: Explanations, Types, and Implications
Timeline: The U.S. Financial Crisis (1992-2018)
Financial Crisis of 2007–2008 | Wikipedia
The 2007–2008 Financial Crisis in Review
Financial Crisis of 2007–08: Definition, Causes, Effects, & Facts
Financial Crisis - Meaning, Explained, Timeline, Causes, Examples
The Six Root Causes of the Financial Crisis
Financial Crisis - Overview, How It Happens, Future Occurrences
Problem Bank List.
HSBC Issues.
Bank Failures Drain FDIC Insurance.
FDIC Asks Banks to Cover an Expected $100B in Losses
Record U.S. Deficit of $1.4 Trillion Could Have Been Worse
The Message of Dollar Disdain.
When Credit Problems Become a Personal Financial Crisis.
The IMF’s Unresolved Financial Crisis.
Financial Crisis: Effects of the Financial Crisis
Therapy for Money and Financial Issues
Financial Crisis: Effects of the Financial Crisis
The Current Financial Crisis - Causes and Policy Issues
A History of the Past 40 Years in Financial Crises
Greek Debt Crisis: Summary, Causes, Timeline, Outlook
Does Financial Crisis Threaten America's Central Role in Global Economy?
The Social and Political Costs of the Financial Crisis, 10 Years Later
White House Overhauling Rescue Plan (2008).
From Booms to Bailouts: The Banking Crisis of the 1980s
Victimizing the Borrowers: Predatory Lending's Role in the Subprime Mortgage Crisis
Financial Crisis FAQs

U.S. Deficit Spending Facts (Source: Heritage.org)

Public Debts
Source: CIA
Country	% of GDP	Year	Country	% of GDP	Year
USA	78.8	2017	Portugal	125.7	2017
Japan	237.6	2017	Austria	78.6	2017
Germany	63.9	2017	Hungary	73.6	2017
Italy	131.8	2017	Syria	94.8	2017
India	71.2	2017	Israel	72.6	2017
China	47.0	2017	Croatia	77.8	2017
France	96.8	2017	European Union	86.8	2016
UK	87.5	2017	Ukraine	71.0	2017
Brazil	84.0	2017	U.A.E	19.7	2017
Canada	89.7	2017	Denmark	35.3	2017
Spain	98.4	2017	Romania	36.8	2017
Mexico	54.3	2017	Indonesia	28.8	2017
Greece	181.8	2017	Iran	39.5	2017
Netherlands	56.5	2017	Saudi Arabia	17.2	2017
Turkey	32.7	2016	Norway	36.5	2017
Belgium	103.4	2017	Australia	40.8	2017
Egypt	103.0	2017	Philippines	39.9	2017
Poland	50.0	2017	Sweden	40.8	2017
South Korea	39.5	2017	Vietnam	58.5	2017
Singapore	111.1	2017	Thailand	41.9	2017
Taiwan	35.7	2017	Kenya	54.2	2017

Public Debt is the total of all government borrowings less repayments that are denominated in a country's home currency.

* CIA's World Factbook list only percentage of GDP, the debt amount and per capita is calculated with GDP (PPP) and population figures of same report.

Loan Calculator

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Credit-Rating Firms

Moody's - Found in 1900 and began rating securities in 1909, Moody's Corporation rates more than 150,000 corporate, government securities, 75,000 public finance obligations, 10,000 corporate relationships, and 100 nations. Moody’s has more than 2,100 employees in 18 countries. Its revenue is $1.25 billion, including about $363.9 million in net income. The firm makes up about 40% of the credit-rating business.

Standard & Poor's - Found in 1860 and began rating corporate debt in 1916, Standard & Poor's rates about 100 countries with more than $7 trillion in bonds and other financial obligations in more than 50 countries. Standard & Poor's has more than 5,000 employees in 20 countries. Its revenue is about $1 billion. The firm makes up about 40% of the credit-rating business.

Fitch Ratings - Found in 1913 and began rating business in 1924, Fitch Ratings (Paris-based Fimalac SA), rates about 3,000 financial institutions, 1000 corporations, 85 countries and 39,000 municipal offerings. Fitch Ratings has about 1,400 employees in 50 countries. Its revenue is about $500 million, $125 million in net income. The firm makes up about 14% of the credit-rating business.

eMacromall.com - Credit Card Payment Calculator

VISA - Visa is a private, membership association jointly owned by 21,000 member financial institutions around the world. With more than 1 billion cards in circulation, and with unsurpassed acceptance in over 150 countries, the reach and popularity of Visa-branded cards is nearly universal.

Master Card - MC is one of the most recognized and respected global payment brands in the world. With approximately 25,000 MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro members worldwide, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses, both large and small, in 210 countries and territories with over 22 million locations around the globe.

American Express - Established in 1850 in New York, American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel and financial services company. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, investment products, insurance and international and online banking.

Discover Financial Services - A business unit of Morgan Stanley, operates the Discover® Card brands. It offers a variety of Cards, including Discover Classic Card, Discover Gold Card, Discover Platinum Card, Miles Card from Discover Card and an array of affinity cards.

The Federal Reserve System - is the central bank of the United States, responsible for providing the US with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system, supervising financial institutions, and ensuring that consumers receive adequate information and fair treatment in their business with the banking system.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - FDDI, a US independent agency, preserves and promotes public confidence in the US financial system by insuring deposits in banks for up to $100,000 (temporary $250,000 during the current world financial crisis), and by monitoring and addressing risks to the deposit insurance funds.

The World Bank - is the financial organization that provides low-interest loans, interest-free credit, and grants to developing countries. Some 10,000 development professionals from nearly every country in the world work in the World Bank's Washington DC headquarters or in its 109 country offices.

The International Monetary Fund - The IMF is an international organization of 184 member countries with the headquarters in Washington, DC. Its operations -- which involve surveillance, financial assistance, and technical assistance -- have developed to meet the changing needs of its member countries in an evolving world economy.

The African Development Bank - The AFDB is a regional multilateral development finance institution established in 1964 and engaged in mobilizing resources towards the economic and social progress of its regional member countries. It is headquartered in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).

The Asian Development Bank - The ADB is a multilateral development finance institution dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1966, it is now owned by 64 members, mostly from the region. The ADB's headquarters is in Manila with 26 other offices around the world.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)- Established in 1991, owned by 60 countries and 2 intergovernmental institutions, the EBRD uses tools of investment to help build market economies and democracies in 27 countries from central Europe to central Asia.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)- Established in 1959 as a partnership between 19 Latin American countries and the United States, the IDB is the main source of multilateral financing for economic, social and institutional development projects as well as trade and regional integration programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.