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

Credit card rates continually setting new records

The average credit card rate recently surpassed 20 percent for the first time on record, and it probably won’t dip below that anytime soon.

4 min read Apr 14, 2023
The new money rules for couples

Young adults are managing their finances differently from previous generations. Here’s how they’re rewriting the money rules.

4 min read Apr 12, 2023
Hard credit check vs. soft credit check: What’s the difference?

Not all credit inquiries are equal. Here’s what you need to know.

5 min read Apr 12, 2023
Guide to Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection

The Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection is available to select premium cardholders and offers access to luxury hotel properties and perks.

4 min read Apr 11, 2023
I received my online order after getting a card chargeback for it

Should you return an online purchase you got a refund for?

3 min read Apr 03, 2023
First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

This credit card is one of three secured cards offered by First Progress issued by Synovus Bank, and all of them can help you rebuild your credit.

4 min read Mar 30, 2023
What happens to my credit card account if the issuing bank shuts down?

What happens to your credit card account if the bank issuing it shuts down?

3 min read Mar 29, 2023
Guide to the American Express Global Lounge Collection

Learn more about the Amex Global Collection, which lounges are included and how to get access.

4 min read Mar 24, 2023