CreditLimit

It's not just politics that defines the differences between Republican-leaning "red states" and Democrat-leaning "blue states" -- and some of those differences may surprise you. For example, when it comes to credit scores, blue states are where the smart money is.

Credit scores affect many aspects of our lives -- more than you may think. Paying bills on time and staying well below your credit limits are sure-fire ways to build and maintain good credit. But there are some lesser-known strategies to boost your score as well.

Now that consumer protection laws have pushed back against some of the methods banks devised to make excessive profits at your expense, the financial institutions are trying new techniques. Here's one that at first glance seems like a benefit: Taking away your credit limit.

A reader named Crystal wanted to increase the limit on her credit card, but got denied -- and she found the explanation the card company gave her cryptic. DailyFinance's Laura Rowley decodes the message and offers tips on accessing credit.

Credit card banks know plenty about you -- but what do you really know about them? CreditKarma.com wants to give you the inside scoop on which cards cater to whom, so you'll be able to find the best fit for you -- and avoid having your credit report dinged by turn-downs.

What would you think if I told you that because of the new CARD Act, which takes effect Feb. 22, visitors to national parks can now carry licensed guns? Strange, but true. Congress has a tendency to pass minor or unpopular legislation under the cover of supported changes. It's a bit of a...

Fearing that the Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights could pass Congress this year, credit card companies are jacking up rates and lowering credit limits even on their low-risk customers with credit scores above 700. People with top credit scores are seeing those scores drop 100 points or more,...