Credit Card Offers

Credit card standards eased for some of the nation’s top 16 lenders for the first time since 2008, as 25 percent reported that their underwriting requirements fell in the 12-month period that ended February 28, 2011, according to the latest annual study from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. It was also the largest increase in relaxed standards since at least 2002.

“For the first time since the 2008 survey, 25 percent of banks offering credit cards have eased their underwriting standards, primarily in response to changes in economic outlook, the competitive environment, market strategy and regulatory policy,” the study’s authors wrote. “The pr

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In a down-to-the-wire decision that could affect how much Americans pay for everything from gas to checking accounts, the Federal Reserve announced new rules Wednesday that it will cut the debit card swipe fees that retailers pay in half.

Consumers are unlikely to notice big changes any time soon in the price of things they buy. But over time, the decision could translate into slightly lower costs at the register, and slightly higher costs for bank services like credit cards, checking accounts and prepaid cards.

“Rather than this causing a dramatic change for your checking account or your debit card, I think any changes in fees for those accounts will be gradual,” says Gerri Detweiler, Credit.com’s consumer credit expert. “And

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The man who orchestrated a $1.9-billion mortgage scam, and hoped to cover it up with $533 million from the federal bailout program, could be sentenced to prison for 385 years. Lee Farkas, CEO of one of the largest mortgage companies during the subprime boom, “orchestrated a fraud of staggering proportions—one of the largest bank fraud schemes in this country’s history,” according to a sentencing request filed last week by federal prosecutors.

Farkas was found guilty of 14 charges of selling falsified mortgage loans. Each cou

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With credit scores being more important than ever, debit fees on the rise and the changing need for credit as life goes on—we’re here to offer you the best advice the web has to offer. Take a look at this week’s selections to get a good read on where you stand, or where you would like to stand in the world of credit. As always, if you enjoy any of our favorite bloggers, we encourage you to follow them on Twitter for regular updates. And d

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Question: I have bad credit and am considering opening a credit card or car loan to rebuild my credit. Would it be better for me if I got a credit card—even though I don’t want one, or should I get a car loan instead? Ultimately, I want to clean up my credit in order to qualify and buy a home.  My aim is to improve my credit but I’m worried I’ll make it worse. Help!

- Desperately Seeking A Mortgage (DSAM)

Dear DSAM,

There is no single best approach for rebuilding credit because it will be unique to each person’s situation.  A key factor to understand is that the process of rebuilding credit will take time, especially if you have a history of negative information (missed payments, late payments, collections, etc.) in your credit reports. The good ne

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I was 10 when I spent my first $100. And it was on a doll.

I was the only kid on my block who had a toy chest overflowing with Barbie dolls, Cabbage Patch kids, porcelain dolls, and yes, even Barbie’s three-story mansion with elevator. (Those porcelain dolls were my least favorite, because what little girl likes to play with porcelain dolls?)

Dolls were my thing. I would play out elaborate adventures with my best friend Jennifer and our massive combined doll collection. We spent hours concocting storylines for Barbie and Ken and picking out appropriate outfits.

Maybe Barbie and her beau were dressing up for a fancy date night or heading to the beach in their swimwear. W

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