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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Fed’s latest interest rate hike further burdens credit card debtors
The Federal Reserve’s series of interest rate hikes has made credit card debt much more costly.
2 min read May 05, 2023 -
Credit card rules you can break in an emergency
Tips you need for managing your credit card to best support you in times of need.
6 min read Apr 26, 2023 -
Should you apply for multiple credit cards?
Having multiple credit cards can have lots of benefits, including boosting your credit score, as long as you time your applications well and maintain your credit cards responsibly.
5 min read Apr 25, 2023 -
Bad credit can affect your mental and physical health
Bad credit can impact your health, both physical and mental.
5 min read Apr 24, 2023 -
Should you pay your credit card bill early?
Paying your credit card bill early can lower your credit utilization and help you avoid late payments.
4 min read Apr 20, 2023 -
Debunking important credit myths
Your credit score is an important, but often misunderstood, component of your overall financial situation.
3 min read Apr 19, 2023 -
My card issuer won’t share the results of my dispute investigation
What to do if your card issuer won’t share the results of a dispute investigation?
3 min read Apr 19, 2023 -
How to add an authorized user
Adding an authorized user is easy, but make sure you both consider the pros and cons and how it might affect both your finances.
4 min read Apr 19, 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