Credit Insights

Explore insights for your lifestyle

Security

Dark Web Security Tips to Keep Your Finances Safe

Keep scammers from getting enough information to breach your identity.
Change your passwords often, and use a password manager if you tend to forget password, or don't know how to create strong options.
Home

ARMs Versus Temporary Buydowns

When looking for a lower interest rate on a loan, shop around and consider all options before deciding.
Not all loans are created equal.
Credit

Considering Differences Between Rewards Cards

Comparing rewards programs can help you find the right credit card for your goals and spending style.
The most common rewards cards offer one of three types of benefits: cash back, travel miles or rewards points.
Career

Stop Fearing a Credit Check for Employment

Stressed about how a credit check for employment could impact your career? Fear not.
Any employer that wants to conduct a credit check for employment must secure your written approval to do so.
Home

Home Renovations: Pros and Cons

Remodeling your home may be better than buying, but be aware of possible complications.
If you buy on the open market, you are often stuck with some of your wish list but not everything.
Family

Making Sense of the Wild Car Market

Arm yourself with information and shop around before you plunge into today's high-priced car markets.
Prices are expected to remain high through June and probably beyond.
Credit

A Breakdown of the 5 Cs of Credit

Discover the five factors that guide banks' lending decisions.
Banks typically look for a debt-to-income ratio of less than 36% as an indicator of a responsible borrower.
Insurance

What Credit Card Rental Car Insurance Covers

Understanding your credit card rental car insurance benefits can save you a bundle of money.
Most major credit card companies offer some form of rental car insurance.
Credit

Are You Paying Too Much in Credit Card Fees?

With interest rates rising, it's more important than ever to evaluate the fees you're paying on your credit cards.
The option with the lowest fee isn't always the best deal. You'll need to weigh your card's cost against its benefits.
Credit

Can You Build Credit With a Store Card?

A store card can be helpful for repairing credit, but there's a catch.
It's important to have realistic expectations about what responsible use of a store card can accomplish.
Credit

Wonder What Those Credit Card Fees Are on Your Bill?

No one likes surprise charges. Understand common credit fees before you use your card.
Many credit cards charge a fee each year just to have the card.
Credit

What You Need to Know About Your First Credit Card

Are you applying for your first credit card? Get ready by learning the basics of using a card.
Some cards offer rewards, such as cash back, merchandise, gift cards or airline miles.
Credit

Guide to Credit Scores

Credit scores are important, so it's critical to understand how they're calculated and what makes a good credit score.
A credit score is a snapshot of your potential risk to a lender.
Debt

What Should You Do if Interest Rates Rise?

From locking in low rates to navigating the markets, it helps to get advice on rising interest rates.
If you’re worried about rising rates impacting your investments or 401(k), consider the fact that rising interest rates are often a sign of an expanding economy.
Credit

Should You Use Debit or Credit?

Debit and credit cards each have their advantages. Learn when it's smart to use debit versus credit.
Many credit cards come with travel protections like insurance that covers stolen phones, flight delays or other situations that can arise on a trip.
Credit

What is APR, and How Does it Work?

Learn all about annual percentage rates, or APRs, and understand how they differ from interest rates.
Position yourself to get the best APR rate for your finances.

Showing 1 - 16 of 32 results

Showing 1 to 16 of 32 results

This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be relied on or interpreted as accounting, financial planning, investment, legal or tax advice. First Citizens Bank (or its affiliates) neither endorses nor guarantees this information, and encourages you to consult a professional for advice applicable to your specific situation.

Third parties mentioned are not affiliated with First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company.

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