Claire Dickey

Former Editor, Credit Cards

EXPERTISE

Rewards credit cards
Travel credit cards
Credit card news
Building credit

EDUCATION

A.B.J. Advertising, Grady College of Journalism at The University of Georgia

There’s no reason to feel intimidated by a credit card. As long as you pay off your purchases every month, there’s little risk and tons of upside.
— Claire Dickey

Claire Dickey is a credit cards editor at Bankrate, focusing on news, product guides and educational content. Her areas of expertise include rewards and travel credit cards, building credit and credit card news. Always on the lookout for the latest credit cards and card perks, as well as cards-related legislation and regulations, Claire is passionate about demystifying personal finance topics. Her goal is to help readers save money, earn rewards and protect their credit scores.

When she’s not strategizing about how to maximize rewards on her next trip, Claire is an avid runner and day hiker.

Claire wants you to know

If you’re trying to build credit, my best advice is to keep things simple. A credit card is a great way to show your creditworthiness, but picking one can be overwhelming since there are so many options out there and so many features to consider. Stick to the basics: Look for a card with low fees and the option to put down a large deposit and get a matching credit limit. If you pay on time and only charge small purchases to the card, your score can grow surprisingly quickly.

Claire's recommended readings

There’s no reason to feel intimidated by a credit card. As long as you pay off your purchases every month, there’s little risk and tons of upside.
— Claire Dickey

Claire's latest articles

Recession-proof your finances, pay off credit card debt now

Paying off your credit card debt now can make you more financially resilient later.

5 min read Jan 05, 2023
Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®

For the devoted American Airlines flier, the Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® is worth considering — especially since you can test drive it for a year without paying the $99 annual fee.

7 min read Dec 06, 2022
American Express announces pilot card application experience, offering risk-free card approval

Select Amex applicants can be preapproved for a U.S. personal card via a pilot card application experience.

2 min read Nov 21, 2022
Capital One and Uber partnership brings cardholders 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats, Uber One membership

Capital One’s new partnership with Uber brings more benefits to various cardholders.

2 min read Nov 16, 2022
Ally Bank launches three new credit cards, from cash back to credit building

Ally is launching three new cards: two cash back cards and one credit-building card.

3 min read Nov 01, 2022
Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard®

The Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard® helps frequent travelers and loyalists to the Virgin Atlantic airline earn miles on travel and all other purchases.

8 min read Oct 03, 2022
Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards

For those who find tracking bonus categories too cumbersome and just want simple cash-back rewards, the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards card delivers.

3 min read Apr 25, 2022
Bank of America launches new travel rewards card and expands Preferred Rewards

Bank of America is entering into the premium travel card space with the introduction of its Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card.

4 min read Dec 10, 2021

Is the Chase Freedom Student card worth it?

Find out whether the Chase Freedom Student card is a good match for you.

4 min read Sep 12, 2024
Guide to Radisson Rewards Americas

This program lets you earn and redeem points at more than 600 hotels in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America.

7 min read Apr 30, 2024
Best credit cards for large purchases

If you’re paying for a large purchase with a credit card, use a card with a low APR or a generous rewards system.

6 min read Oct 23, 2023
Best Western Rewards guide

The Best Western Rewards program features plenty of attractive benefits.

6 min read Oct 20, 2023
Your complete guide to the Bonvoy Brilliant $300 dining credit

The Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant’s $300 dining credit might be a downgrade from the previous hotel credit. Here’s everything you need to know about this and other changes to this card.

4 min read Oct 12, 2023
Why the Amex Gold is great for traveling foodies

Use the Amex Gold to earn rewards on dining, groceries and travel. Then, take advantage of boosted rewards redemption through the Amex Travel portal.

4 min read Oct 04, 2023
Best starter credit cards for 2023

A starter card can be a great tool for building credit while practicing good habits, like paying off balances each month.

7 min read Sep 20, 2023
Guide to refunds and elite status during coronavirus

Our updated guide explains refund guidelines and elite status requirements for airlines during coronavirus.

8 min read Aug 11, 2023

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Earn generous rewards percentages on your small business necessities with this cash back card.

12 min read Sep 05, 2024
Capital One Platinum Credit Card

A card for consumers with fair credit who may not be eligible for the best rewards cards on the market today.

10 min read Jul 16, 2024
5 ways a 0% APR credit card could actually hurt your credit

A 0 percent intro APR card can hurt your credit in some instances, so use it well.

3 min read Apr 17, 2024
Best investments for military families

This guide is intended to help military families learn about some of the top investments available to them.

7 min read Apr 16, 2024
Capital One Spark Cash Plus

The Capital One Spark Cash for Business Plus is ideal for business owners who want rewards for their spending but have no time for rewards categories.

11 min read Mar 11, 2024
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Business owners who have a lot of expenditures in the bonus categories can benefit from owning the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.

12 min read Jan 18, 2024
Can you pay rent with a credit card?

Paying rent with a credit card can be a quick way to earn rewards, but beware of the risks before you decide.

6 min read Oct 26, 2023
Cash management account vs. money market fund — Which is better?

Here are key pros and cons of cash management accounts and money market funds

5 min read Jul 11, 2023