Articles by Thomas (TJ) Porter

TJ Porter has in-depth experience in reviewing financial products such as savings accounts, credit cards, and brokerages, writing how-tos, and answering financial questions. He has also contributed to publications and companies such as Investment Zen and Echo Fox. He aims to provide actionable advice that can help readers better their financial lives. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, Concentration in Information Systems from Northeastern University.

Why You Can’t Buy a Car with a Credit Card Find out why you can't buy a car with a credit card to lock in a lower APR (0% introductory offer) or to earn rewards on a large auto purchase. Credit Card Price Protection: How Does It Work? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Credit Card Price Protection: How Does It Work? Credit cards are incredibly useful financial tools. If you pay off your balance... What is a Credit Card Penalty APR? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter What is a Credit Card Penalty APR? Many Americans have credit cards. They’re an easy way to pay for purchases and let... What Are Credit Card Points and Miles Worth? Credit card rewards programs can come in many forms -- you can get points or miles from spending. See how much they‘re worth (including frequent flyer programs). Can Your Credit Card Company Raise Your APR Out of Nowhere? Find out whether your credit card company can raise your interest rate (APR) out of nowhere and what you can do if it ever happens to your account. Should You Finance the Purchase of a New Laptop? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should You Finance the Purchase of a New Laptop? Whether you’re surfing the internet, playing a game, doing homework, or at the... Credit Card Travel Alerts: How to Set Them (and Why You Might Not Need To) Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Credit Card Travel Alerts: How to Set Them (and Why You Might Not Need To) When you’re planning for a trip, especially an international one, you already have... How to Calculate Net Annual Income for Credit Card Applications Learn how to calculate the net annual income that you have to provide on credit card applications as it is important for determining whether you get approved. Can You Get a Business Credit Card with Only an EIN? Find out whether or not you can apply and qualify for a business credit card with just an EIN (Employer Identification Number) instead of a SSN. Which Credit Cards Provide Card Numbers Instantly After Approval? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Which Credit Cards Provide Card Numbers Instantly After Approval? Depending on how you apply for a credit card and which card issuer you apply with,...