Ways your credit card info might be stolen and how to prevent it
Keep an eye out for fraud and take these steps to mitigate the damage if you find any.
8 min read
Oct 10, 2024
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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U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card vs. Chase Freedom Flex
Compare and contrast these two top of the line rotating bonus category cards.
5 min read Sep 18, 2024 -
The Venmo Debit Card: Is it right for you?
Mobile payments app Venmo offers a debit card and rewards for spending.
5 min read Jun 04, 2024 -
Discover it Cash Back vs. Discover it Chrome
The best card depends on your spending habits and personal preferences.
6 min read May 31, 2024 -
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
The Platinum Select World Elite card offers an ample sign-up bonus, no annual fee for the first 12 months ($99 thereafter) and great yearly bonuses that add to your mileage pool.
6 min read Apr 25, 2024 -
What is the Path to Apple Card program?
The program offers personalized tasks and monthly progress checks.
3 min read Feb 06, 2024 -
Achieve New Year’s goals with these cards
Earn credit card rewards on spending you’re already doing.
7 min read Jan 09, 2024 -
Coinbase Card: Everything you need to know
Learn more about the card’s fees, features and more.
3 min read Oct 30, 2023
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Best cash back credit cards for travel
If you don’t travel enough to get a travel card, try a cash back card instead.
6 min read Aug 11, 2023 -
Best credit cards for road trips in 2023
Learn the best card options for maximizing your next road trip.
5 min read Jul 24, 2023 -
Credit Card Competition Act would harm consumers
The Credit Card Competition Act would be very bad news for consumers.
4 min read Jul 21, 2023 -
Credit Card Competition Act: What it is, and how it would affect consumers if passed
The proposed legislation to provide network choice could impact card rewards and security.
6 min read Jul 21, 2023 -
Spending on experiences is hotter than the July sun
It’s a second straight summer of “revenge travel,” as high inflation isn’t doing much to dampen Americans’ vacation spending.
3 min read Jul 21, 2023 -
I’m surprised this credit card benefit has remained so generous
If you have credit card debt, a 0% balance transfer card is my top payoff tip.
2 min read Jul 14, 2023 -
How I’m avoiding the crowds (and sky-high prices) this summer
Here are four ways I’m avoiding the crowds (and sky-high prices) this summer.
4 min read Jul 13, 2023 -
Can a bank issue a credit card without my permission?
What can you do if a bank issues a credit card without your permission?
3 min read Jul 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