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If you use credit cards as a financial tool rather than as just a means for credit, they can help you get that trip to the beach or plasma TV faster than you could have gotten it on your own…without depleting your savings.

The most obvious way to have a great credit score it to pay your bills on time. There are, however, additional moves that can be made to further improve a great credit score or help repair a mediocre one.

The Durbin Amendment, part of the Dodd-Frank Act, was intended to help save consumers money and stimulate the economy by reducing what credit card companies could charge retailers for interchange fees applied when debit or credit cards were used in purchases. Did it work?

A recent surge in settlements against credit card issuers that will result in hundreds of millions of dollars being returned to consumers has brought the new Consumer Finance Protection Bureau into the public eye. This development is a strong, positive sign that the government is serious about restoring consumer confidence in our finance system by protecting consumers.

For those consumers aiming to quickly rack up frequent flier miles and hotel points, the Bluebird card introduces huge new opportunities.

Chase offers a great credit card intended for small and medium size business to use, that can make sense for anyone engaged in any sort of business capacity.

Yes, Walmart and American Express have introduced a product that changes the game, appealing to those who are underbanked, those who are tired of paying for services in a prepaid card, and those who seek the services and protections offered by American Express.

For those looking for a credit card that offers low interest rate, no annual fees, and no balance transfer fees, where cardholders can pitch new ideas and change features on the card, the Barclaycard Ring may be a perfect option.

"Spend $500 in the first three months and get $100 back." Remember, the last time you signed up for a credit card like that? Or being tempted to do so, only to think, I can always cancel the card later. Well, think again before signing up for cards just for promotional rewards and then canceling them. Truth is, canceling your credit card can be damaging to your credit score.

For those looking for a credit card that offers great travel rewards, the Citi ThankYou Premier card might be a decent option.

One of the best credit card offers for frequent travelers is the Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature card.

When applying for a credit card, it is important to understand how the interest rate, which is usually charged each month on your unpaid balance, is determined. This can help you to save money by choosing the credit card with the lowest interest rate as well as avoiding surprises when you get your monthly statement.