Credit cards can be dangerous ways to get stuck in debt. But if used knowledgeably, they can also be powerful tools for making future purchases easier and actually making some money back in the long run.

What exactly are credit cards? How do they work? A quick rundown of all the terminology and processes behind getting and using a credit card.

An explanation of what credit scores are, how they can be raised or lowered, and why they are so important.

Now that you know how credit cards work, we dive deeper into the reasons for (and against) getting one.

Discussion of some of the more prominent credit cards available, with comparisons and recommendations of several types.