Alice Bryant

Holiday shopping is in full swing, and there are certainly great deals to be found everywhere this year. However, you can save even more money if you shop for those deals with the right rewards credit cards in hand. In fact, in some instances you can even receive an additional 25% in discounts! So before you hit the shops this year, make sure you know what discounts and rewards are offered by the credit cards you already carry in your wallet. Or, consider applying for a new rewards credit card to maximize your holiday savings.  Here are some of our favorites if you're already on the hunt:

We still use magnetic stripe credit cards in the U.S., and it doesn't seem like a change is on the way anytime soon. On the other hand, many countries outside the U.S. have ditched the swipe and sign process for chip-and-PIN cards - also known as "smart cards". The best part of using these credit cards is that they never leave your hands. They are safer, more efficient, and are arguably better at preventing credit card fraud.

One of the most common questions we receive from readers is "what's the best way to dispute errors on my credit report"? Contrary to popular belief, disputing online through the credit bureaus' websites isn't the best way to get results or document your efforts. It may be the the fastest, but it's certainly not the most effective route to take. If you want to make sure your dispute is not only taken seriously, but also well documented, follow these 3 easy steps the next time inaccurate information pops up on your credit reports: