Tag: Ray Frager

Robinhood Introduces its First Credit Card | Credit Cards
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Robinhood Introduces its First Credit Card | Credit Cards

Key Takeaways Robinhood Gold Card earns 3% cash back on every purchase, with no caps or bonus categories to remember. A Robinhood Gold subscription is required to be eligible for the card, which costs $5 per month (or $50 per year).  The card features travel perks, purchase protections, virtual card numbers and more. With free accounts and trades starting at just $1, Robinhood has become a popular platform for beginning investors. Expanding on this popularity, the Robinhood Gold Card launched in March 2024. This credit card earns unlimited 3% cash back on every purchase, and includes complimentary perks like travel and purchase protections. However, you must hold a Robinhood Gold account in order to apply. Learn more about the Robinhood Gold Card, including how to earn and redeem rewar...
Why You Might Want to Get a Credit Card From a Small Bank or Credit Union | Credit Cards
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Why You Might Want to Get a Credit Card From a Small Bank or Credit Union | Credit Cards

Key Takeaways Credit cards from small issuers may offer lower APRs and annual fees than products from large issuers. Offerings may be simpler with straightforward cash back and limited fees. Small issuers may lack expansive rewards and benefits but could help you limit credit card costs. If you're chasing maximum rewards and benefits, large credit card issuers, including American Express, Capital One, Discover and Chase, generally offer the best options. But if savings are a higher priority for you than earning, don't overlook small credit card issuers. A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau analysis finds that credit cards from small banks and credit unions may offer lower annual percentage rates and fees than cards from large issuers. These credit cards may fly under the radar but co...
Which Hotel Credit Cards Offer a Free Night? | Credit Cards
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Which Hotel Credit Cards Offer a Free Night? | Credit Cards

Key Takeaways Some free nights can be used at any property, while others are capped at certain levels. Many credit cards include free nights automatically, but others have annual spending requirements to earn the benefit. Depending on your annual spending, you may be able to earn a second or third free night on. Travelers can benefit greatly when they hold a co-branded credit card for their favorite hotel brand. Most hotel credit cards offer higher rewards on paid stays, elite status benefits and other perks. One of the best is the annual free night many hotel credit cards offer when you renew the card or meet certain spending requirements. Learn about the hotel credit cards that include free night benefits and how to activate them.Which Hotel Credit Cards Include a Free Night?World of...
Sparrow Review 2023 | U.S. News
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Sparrow Review 2023 | U.S. News

Borrower tip: Refinancing federal student loans into a private student loan can make you ineligible for certain types of protections, such as income-driven repayment plans, federal debt forgiveness programs and forbearance/deferment options through the Department of Education. Find the Best Student Loans for You Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan TermWhat Types of Student Loans Does Sparrow Offer?Sparrow is not a lender, so it doesn’t offer loans itself. However, Sparrow partners with lenders that offer products including: Undergraduate student loans Graduate student loans MBA loans International student loans Parent loans Student loan refinancing How Do...
Prodigy Finance Student Loans Review 2023
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Prodigy Finance Student Loans Review 2023

Find the Best Student Loan Refinance Lenders Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan TermWhat Types of Student Loans Does Prodigy Finance Offer?Prodigy Finance specializes in offering loans for postgraduate students studying abroad. Loans are available in 150 countries for borrowers attending more than 850 schools focused on business, engineering, law, public policy and medicine. In the U.S., Prodigy Finance loans are not available to students in these states: Alabama. Connecticut. Delaware. Idaho. Indiana. Iowa. Michigan. Mississippi. Minnesota. Montana. Nevada. North Dakota. Rhode Island. Vermont. Washington. West Virginia. How Does Prodigy Finance Work? The entire...
Is It Worth Upgrading From the Hilton Surpass to the Hilton Aspire? | Credit Cards
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Is It Worth Upgrading From the Hilton Surpass to the Hilton Aspire? | Credit Cards

Some of the links on this site contain offers from our partners. Hilton offers several co-branded credit cards for travelers looking for extra perks when staying at one of its hotels. These cards carry a range of earning power, benefits, elite status and annual fees. For many years, I used the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card but recently upgraded to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Although Aspire has a much larger annual fee, the earning power and benefits make it worthwhile. Here's why you should consider upgrading if you like staying at Hilton properties.Why I Upgraded From the Hilton Surpass to the Hilton AspireWhen I choose a credit card, I'm looking to get the most value from the card – even if it means paying a higher annual fee. I want to earn more re...
Compare Current VA Loan Rates
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Compare Current VA Loan Rates

National Average Mortgage RatesRates data is based on a borrower with good credit, a conforming loan amount (at least $200,000 but less than the national conforming loan amount), and a loan-to-value ratio of less than 80% (For purchase loans, this corresponds to a down payment of 20% or more). © Zillow, Inc., 2006-2016. Use is subject to Terms of UseU.S. News Expert Insights “Mortgage rates retreated further this week as incoming data on inflation and the labor market continues to point to a cooling economy. In its December meeting, the Federal Reserve elected to hold the federal funds rate at 5.25% to 5.5%, where it's been since July. It appears that the Fed's rate-hike cycle has likely come to an end, so now investors have turned their attention to when rate cuts might com...
Compare FHA Loan Rates | U.S. News
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Compare FHA Loan Rates | U.S. News

National Average Mortgage RatesRates data is based on a borrower with good credit, a conforming loan amount (at least $200,000 but less than the national conforming loan amount), and a loan-to-value ratio of less than 80% (For purchase loans, this corresponds to a down payment of 20% or more). © Zillow, Inc., 2006-2016. Use is subject to Terms of UseU.S. News Expert Insights “Mortgage rates retreated further this week as incoming data on inflation and the labor market continues to point to a cooling economy. In its December meeting, the Federal Reserve elected to hold the federal funds rate at 5.25% to 5.5%, where it's been since July. It appears that the Fed's rate-hike cycle has likely come to an end, so now investors have turned their attention to when rate cuts might com...
Splash Financial Review 2023 | US News
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Splash Financial Review 2023 | US News

Find the Best Student Loan Refinance Lenders Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan TermWhat Types of Student Loans Does Splash Financial Offer? Splash Financial specializes in refinancing loans for: Federal and private student loan borrowers, including parents. Those with completed graduate and professional school degrees. Borrowers with undergraduate degrees (from a Title IV-accredited institution). Associate degree graduates (or those enrolled in the final term and in specific fields of study). Medical degree graduates while completing a residency or fellowship. How Does Splash Financial Work?Splash Financial is a marketplace for student loan refinancing, so it shops its ne...
How Repairing Credit Works | Credit Cards
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How Repairing Credit Works | Credit Cards

If you don't have a good credit score, you may have trouble getting approved for loans or credit cards, or you may only qualify for high interest rates. It makes sense to want to improve your situation right away, but fixing your credit requires patience.Companies may offer paid services for repairing credit, but they are frequently untrustworthy. Armed with time and the right information, you can figure out how to fix credit yourself."The difference is the time and the education," says Stephanie Yates, director of the Regions Institute for Financial Education and chair of the department of accounting and finance at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "Frankly, that's how some less reputable firms make a lot of money – kind of preying on that lack of knowledge and lack of time."How t...