Cathleen McCarthy

Former Senior Editor, Credit Cards

EXPERTISE

Rewards strategy
Small business marketing

EDUCATION

Bachelor of arts degree in journalism, the University of Maryland

Highlights

Journalist published in dozens of magazines, newspapers and websites
Founder and editor of The Jewelry Loupe
Speaker and writer specializing in small-business marketing, travel and credit

Experience

After receiving her B.A. in magazine journalism from the University of Maryland, Cathleen worked as a staff editor for consumer and trade magazines before becoming a full-time freelance writer.

Her stories on design, travel and business have appeared in dozens of publications including the Washington Post, Town & Country, Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, Fodor’s Travel, Departures and The Writer. In 2009, she launched The Jewelry Loupe, a magazine-style blog that now has more than 25,000 followers around the world. Cathleen writes and speaks about marketing creative small businesses.

Media

"Opening a Storefront" for the Jewelry Business Forum last month and building a brand at NYNOW last year.

Business

Blog: https://thejewelryloupe.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/thejewelryloupe/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/thejewelryloupe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thejewelryloupe

Cathleen's latest articles

7 tips for traveling with friends using travel rewards

Booking travel with friends can be tricky when using different rewards programs.

8 min read Nov 08, 2024
How I combined Amex rewards to book a trip for two to Greece

How I combined Amex cards to book a trip for two to Greece.

4 min read Oct 18, 2023

Why you should have money conversations with your children early

Talking money with your kids can help them become financially responsible adults.

4 min read Dec 08, 2023
Why I’m skipping Black Friday for Small Business Saturday

This year, I want to be intentional about shopping small.

4 min read Nov 13, 2023
Credit card application rules by issuer

There are a litany of rules around approvals, welcome bonus eligibility and the number of cards you can have.

9 min read Oct 24, 2023
Best hotel perks you can get with a credit card

Hotel rewards credit card holders can get access to room upgrades, late checkout, free breakfast, lounge access and free nights among other perks.

4 min read Oct 18, 2023
Why I pay my rent with a credit card

Charging rent on a credit card has drawbacks. But given the amount Americans pay for rent, there’s a strong incentive to earn rewards.

5 min read Oct 16, 2023
How I use credit cards to combat inflation

When prices go up, credit cards can help you keep costs down. Here’s how one personal finance expert is using her airline credit card to save money and combat inflation.

3 min read Aug 11, 2023
How to grocery shop during a recession

What to buy, when to shop and how to earn rewards on groceries

3 min read Jul 27, 2023
Cards that get you top-tier hotel elite status via card spending

Whether you’re a business traveler or taking the family on a much-needed vacation, having elite status can pay off.

6 min read Jun 30, 2023

Bitcoin price dips near $38,000, altcoins show mixed results

The world’s largest cryptocurrency has been looking for direction over the last few days.

3 min read Feb 02, 2022
My holidays are funded with credit card rewards

Many people redeem their credit card rewards as soon as they earn them — but a few people save their rewards for one special season.

5 min read Dec 03, 2021
Hilton Honors American Express Card: How to book a vacation with points

The no-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card could be your ticket to a rewards-fueled trip.

6 min read Nov 25, 2021
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One’s new flagship travel card trims the luxury perk fat for a stellar middle-ground elite card.

13 min read Nov 09, 2021
Should you keep or cancel the updated American Express Platinum Card?

In light of the semi-recent annual fee price increase, many American Express Platinum cardholders are asking themselves if the steep price is worth it. For travel lovers, the card may still generate enough [...]

6 min read Nov 08, 2021
Mastercard unveils new ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ program for consumers and merchants

Mastercard announced on Sept. 28 that it’s wading into the deferred payments business with its flagship “buy now, pay later” program.

2 min read Sep 28, 2021
The Points Guy debuts its travel rewards app

Learn about how The Points Guy’s new travel app can help you book award fares with your credit card rewards.

3 min read Sep 28, 2021
Why you can still be on the hook for credit card charges you didn’t make… and how to avoid it

Bankrate spoke to several credit experts to find out how consumers can protect themselves.

5 min read Sep 23, 2021