RESOURCE GUIDE
Credit cards: read the costs before the rewards
The official card agreement is a useful place to begin when examining a card’s borrowing costs.
By Staff Writer · Reviewed 2026-10-05
Read the agreement
A rewards offer is only part of a credit card decision. The cardholder agreement describes the account’s terms, including its annual percentage rate and applicable fees. The CFPB’s key-terms guide explains how to locate an agreement and interpret common card terminology.
Who this helps
This starting point is for readers considering a new card or trying to understand an existing account. Separate questions about shopping from questions about a disputed charge or payment difficulty; the CFPB provides dedicated guidance for those issues.
Your next step
Read the current agreement for the card you are considering, then use the official resources below to investigate unfamiliar terms. Confirm any promotional conditions with the issuer. This page does not rank cards or publish unverified offers.