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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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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Buying a house in Seattle: A how-to
Housing prices are high in Seattle, but the market is starting to level off.
5 min read Jan 12, 2023 -
Buying a house to tear it down
Whether you want to rebuild or just want the land, buying a tear-down can be complicated.
4 min read Jan 12, 2023 -
How I earned $1,701 in credit card rewards in 2022 and what I’m planning for 2023
Here’s how I earned $1,701 in credit card rewards in 2022.
4 min read Jan 06, 2023 -
Preapproved Credit One Bank cards: How to qualify
Learn how you can prequalify and get preapproved for a Credit One Bank credit card.
5 min read Dec 07, 2022 -
Buying a house with no money down
It’s not easy. And even if you can, it may not be a good idea.
7 min read Dec 06, 2022 -
Buying a house in Dallas: A how-to
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the appeal of the Lone Star State’s biggest metro area.
6 min read Dec 06, 2022 -
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Higher-than-ever sign-up bonus and perks that Southwest business travelers will love.
9 min read Dec 05, 2022 -
Should you defer your federal student loans during the student loan payment pause?
The forbearance is automatic, but in some cases you may want to continue paying.
4 min read Nov 22, 2022