Citi Simplicity vs. Citi Diamond Preferred
Both cards are extremely similar and only differ in fees, benefits and ongoing rates.
5 min read
May 31, 2024
Courtney Mihocik
Senior Editor, Credit Cards
EXPERTISE
- Credit scores
- Building credit
- Student credit cards
- Credit card comparisons
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Ohio University
We all make mistakes with our finances, and it’s not shameful to ask for advice or help to get your life in order financially. With credit cards, it’s especially important to be wary of racking up a high balance and relying on transfers to avoid interest. As an editor, I want Gen Z and millennials to have the same — if not better — financial opportunities than generations before.
— Courtney Mihocik
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com with expertise in helping people with limited or no credit to understand their options for improving their credit scores. She focuses on the subprime category and provides guidance to people on their credit-building journeys.
Courtney is passionate about creating a space where people can learn more about managing their personal finances, specifically helping her peers achieve their credit card and credit score goals. She believes that public education fails to teach the essentials of personal finance to students and wants to make up for it in her editorial work.
Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar, where she produced daily personal finance articles from founder Trent Hamm in addition to student loan, personal loan, business loan and bad credit loan articles. Before entering the digital media space, Courtney worked in hyper-local print journalism, covering arts, culture, food, news and more for publications in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Courtney wants you to know
Courtney graduated college with a 750 credit score, which quickly plummeted to the 500s when she nearly defaulted on her high student loan payments she couldn’t afford. After applying for an income-driven repayment plan and six years of careful budgeting, hustling and responsible credit use, she’s happy to report her credit score is back hovering around 750 and she can qualify for better financial products.
Courtney’s recommended readings
Rethinking credit: Tips for first-gen credit users
How bad credit affects your mental health
Consumer credit protections: Know your rights
We all make mistakes with our finances, and it’s not shameful to ask for advice or help to get your life in order financially. With credit cards, it’s especially important to be wary of racking up a high balance and relying on transfers to avoid interest. As an editor, I want Gen Z and millennials to have the same — if not better — financial opportunities than generations before.
— Courtney Mihocik
Courtney's latest articles
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How to choose a Capital One card for Taylor Swift presale access
Here’s how to choose a Capital One credit card for Taylor Swift presale access.
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GM BuyPower Card®
A card you’ll want to keep in your wallet if you’re in the market for a new car, particularly in the GM family.
5 min read Oct 24, 2022
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The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Enjoy flat-rate cash back rewards, no annual fee and expanded buying power.
13 min read Apr 04, 2023 -
Discover it® Balance Transfer
With the Discover it® Balance Transfer card, you’ll receive a generous rewards structure, first-year cash back matching and a long introductory low-interest rate for balance transfers, but its short intro purchase APR doesn't suit its rewards edge.
10 min read Mar 31, 2023 -
The Card with No Credit Check - The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card
Self’s credit card is easily accessible, but the fees and restrictions with the added credit-builder loan might make traditional secured cards better choices.
12 min read Mar 16, 2023 -
Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® review
The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is a solid option for choice hotel travelers who want to maximize the benefits they can earn.
12 min read Mar 10, 2023 -
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Any business owner who spends heavily on gas and office supplies can benefit from owning this card.
14 min read Feb 28, 2023 -
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
American Express has updated the card details to include expanded bonus categories that help you earn even more on everyday spending.
18 min read Feb 17, 2023 -
Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card
If you don’t qualify for the Petal 2 card, this is a decent low-cost, unsecured alternative if you’re not a student.
11 min read Feb 13, 2023 -
Best travel credit cards with 0% APR
Compare and pick the best 0% APR travel credit cards
6 min read Jan 30, 2023
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Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card is a low-cost card that could make building credit more accessible.
19 min read Jan 05, 2024 -
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card allows cardholders to build credit while earning cash back along the way.
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Understanding credit card addiction and how to get help
The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can take steps toward recovery.
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Buying an Airbnb property for investing
Buying an Airbnb property can be lucrative.
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Bitcoin is surging during a financial crisis – what’s going on?
Crypto surges after Silicon Valley Bank collapse despite risks. While Bitcoin is up, one stablecoin falls.
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Best credit cards to have in a recession
A credit card may be a financial tool at your fingertips.
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Why I opened 24 credit cards
How many credit cards is too many? For this responsible credit user, opening 24 cards helped him achieve his travel goals—without going into credit card debt.
5 min read Nov 09, 2021