Using a credit card is a common way to pay for everyday expenses for many Americans. Not only can it help you earn rewards, like cash back or travel rewards, but credit cards also come with ...

And those gift card companies want to give that money back," the FTC said in its blog post. Here are steps, highlighted by the agency, that consumers should take if they suspect they have been conned.

Let's say you've bought a $1,400 laptop and charged it to your credit card. Instead of paying it off, you carry the balance and pay $100 per month. At a 23% APR, it takes you 17 months to get rid ...