Survey: Despite safety concerns, 64% of U.S. cardholders save their information online
Saving payment info online is convenient, but many Americans still worry about safety.
5 min read
Oct 24, 2019
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
- How do travel credit cards work?
- Tips for planning summer travel with your credit card
- Bilt is offering double the points on flights to Europe today only, plus other Bilt Rent Day perks
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
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Nearly half of Americans have let their airline or hotel rewards expire
You’ve worked hard for your points and miles — why let them go to waste?
2 min read Oct 07, 2019 -
Credit One Bank® Unsecured Visa® with Free Credit Score Access
A bad credit score doesn’t mean you’re exiled from earning rewards—you’ll earn a flat 1 percent cash back on eligible purchases.
2 min read Sep 12, 2019 -
College students: Here’s what you need to know for a financially stable future
Certified financial planners and recent graduates weigh in on what college students need to know, plan for and practice before graduation.
4 min read May 23, 2019
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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
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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