Brendan is a personal finance journalist for Bankrate who writes informative and educational content about credit cards and building credit. He works on content specifically geared toward users with bad or fair credit, and about credit cards with low-interest or 0 percent APR offers.
Debt is an uncomfortable situation that nearly half of Americans experience, and I try very hard to avoid it. I never spend more than I can pay off in a single billing cycle, even if it means trimming my grocery haul or my Amazon cart. If I ever choose to borrow money that isn’t going to come in on my next paycheck, it’s probably not a wise financial decision. I want to give myself plenty of breathing room for emergency spending.
“"The road to excellent credit is paved with good credit habits."”
In addition to earning extra cash back in categories such as auto, home, and health, this card allows you to convert credit card debt into a fixed-rate personal loan, making it a great choice for those who need to pay down debt and build their credit. However, there may be lower-interest options available if you are financing a large balance.
The Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard could be the right choice for you if you spend heavily on groceries or online shopping where you can earn cash back rewards.
The Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard offers some great rewards for frequent rail travelers.
Self’s credit card is easily accessible, but the fees and restrictions with the added credit-builder loan might make traditional secured cards better choices.
It’s worth considering the Quicksilver Secured if you want a low-cost way to boost your credit score while earning cash back with no annual fee.
While not as flexible as its bigger sibling, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers strong, year-round cash back on crucial bonus categories like groceries and gas.
A solid secured card choice if you’re serious about getting credit-savvy.
Learn more about the new Ally Everyday Cash Back Mastercard in an in-depth review of its pros, cons and its cash back rate.
