Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images Key takeaways Short-term loans provide financing with a brief repayment period and often require collateral to obtain. These loans are generally capped at $2,000 and are often used by borrowers who are strapped for cash or who have a low credit score. Loan funds are…

Holiday spending came in at the high end of projected ranges for 2025 despite numerous economic challenges. According to Mastercard, U.S. retail sales (excluding automotive) increased 3.9% year-over-year from Nov. 1 through Dec. 21, 2025. CNBC and the National Retail Federation published a similar increase, reporting holiday sales grew 4.1%…

ljubaphoto/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways The interest rate on a mortgage indicates how much interest you’ll pay for the amount you borrow. The annual percentage rate (APR) is the interest rate plus additional fees and any points. When comparing loan offers, it’s best to compare APRs to…

Christina Zelow Lundquist/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new, bigger one. The borrower receives the difference between the two balances in cash. The terms of your refinanced mortgage might differ from your original loan, including a new interest…

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VIEW press/Contributor/Getty Images Wells Fargo is a financial institution that offers its customers personal, small business, commercial, corporate and investment banking solutions. There are currently around 5,600 branches and 11,000  ATMs nationwide. Wells Fargo Bank near me You can find a Wells Fargo retail banking…

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Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways A business credit score is like your personal credit score, only it applies to the financial health of your business. Business credit scores help separate your personal and business finances, lower insurance rates and make business financing more accessible. Business credit scores…

Key takeaways The CARD Act of 2009 requires applicants under 21 to have proof of income or a co-signer to get a credit card in their name. Most major credit card issuers no longer allow co-signers, making it difficult for those under 21 to get a credit card. An alternative…

Elon Musk has risen to fame by founding some of the most innovative tech companies in the world today, including electric vehicle maker Tesla and space exploration company SpaceX. Today, Musk ranks as the richest person in the world, according to Bloomberg, largely thanks to his roughly 13 percent stake…

Is this method of consolidating debts a good idea? If you are considering using a credit card as a debt consolidation option here is what you need to know. A low interest credit card often comes with strings attached, so be very cautious if you’re considering applying for a new…

This page was originally published in early 2023 and still contains relevant interview quotes from that time. The rest of the article has since been updated. Key takeaways Making your child an authorized user on your credit card can help them learn responsible spending habits and build their credit. Authorized…

The idea of investing can be intimidating for many beginner investors who are just starting out, but it’s an important part of saving for various financial goals and building wealth. You’ll encounter many different market environments throughout your investing life, so don’t get too caught up in whether right now…

Key takeaways Business credit cards offer unique benefits such as the ability to build business credit and better access to record-keeping tools and employee spending tracking. Personal credit cards allow you to build personal credit, offer long 0 percent intro APR periods and consumer protections. Both personal and business cards…

While most personal loan interest rates are fixed, federal rate changes and inflation do impact interest rates for new loan borrowers, although indirectly. As the cost of living rises and more Americans take on personal loan debt, it is important for consumers to understand how inflation and federal rate changes…

Key takeaways Membership in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program can increase rewards earnings by 25 to 75 percent on every transaction. Qualifying for the program requires a minimum three-month combined average daily balance of $20,000 across eligible accounts. Taking advantage of the Preferred Rewards program boosts the rewards…

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