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Katie Kelton

Senior Writer, Credit Cards
  • 8
    Years of experience
Ribbon Icon EXPERTISE
  • Rewards credit cards
  • Travel credit cards
  • Credit scores
  • Building credit
  • Debt management
Education Icon EDUCATION
  • Texas A+M University, Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing

About the author

Katie Kelton is the Senior Writer on Bankrate’s credit cards team, where she brings eight years of experience writing creative and financial content to help cardholders get savvy with their credit. She makes complex topics easy to understand — like how to read Bankrate survey data, maximize your credit card rewards or bump up your credit score. Thanks to the cards in her wallet, she hasn’t paid for a flight in months, and each of her (frequent) coffee shop stops puts cash back into her pocket.
Readers who share her curiosity about everyday people’s credit habits can tap into her survey data stories — like Americans’ debt usage and thoughts on tipping.

Before Bankrate, Katie wrote for Capital One, where she gained insight on the credit world from a card issuer’s perspective. And her career began in marketing, where she learned how to make life’s everyday decisions a little more fun.

Katie is from Austin and lives in Colorado Springs. Off the clock, you’ll find her heading outdoors with her pup, organizing her bookshelf and planning endless activities with friends.

Katie beyond Bankrate

People want to feel generous around the holidays, says Bankrate.

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Katie talks with KSL Newsradio about how to avoid being scammed.

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Katie talks with News10NBC about money mistakes for young adults.

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Katie talks with KUTV about taking on debt due to social pressure.

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Many Americans have tipping fatigue, according to Bankrate.

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Signs of backlash against frequent tipping, according to Bankrate.

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Katie wants you to know

Your experience with credit cards can depend on your lifestyle. I take a minimalist approach to life and credit, using just three cards to earn rewards on flights, food and fun. Some cardholders might have one card they use for the same expenses each month. Others apply for every welcome bonus they can get their hands on.

There’s no single right way to use your credit cards. I suggest prioritizing on-time, in-full payments and rewards that fit your spending as you find a credit card strategy that works for you.

Around half of Americans struggle with credit card debt. But you can pay off debt while still enjoying some lifestyle purchases — it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. A budget is the best tool to keep in your back pocket.

— Katie Kelton

Katie's Picks

A woman browses through clothing racks filled with second-hand and vintage garments in a store.
7 MIN READ

Recession fears got you down? Try thrifting to help your budget

Thrifting lets you save money on clothes and furniture amidst a changing economy.

Katie Kelton holds a phone and coffee mug
8 MIN READ

I asked a millennial, Gen Xer and baby boomer for their best money tips for young people today

I asked financial experts about their best tips for young people today.

design image of katie kelton on a couch with her laptop on her lap
8 MIN READ

I’m a credit cards writer. Here are 7 things I wish I’d known about money in my early 20s

Here are 7 things I wish I’d known about money in my early 20s.

design element of young african american adult surrounded by credit cards and travel luggage
8 MIN READ

Gen Z is traveling more, and debt isn’t slowing them down

Gen Z is traveling more, and debt isn’t slowing them down

7 MIN READ

Survey: More than 1 in 3 Americans think tipping culture has gotten out of control 

Americans have negative feelings about tipping — that it’s gotten out of control.

design element including a woman slouched on a cushion chair with shopping bags and a broken card chip in the air
4 MIN READ

Almost half of Americans are in debt. Is doom spending to blame?

Almost half of Americans are in debt. Is doom spending to blame?

design image a couple smiling taking a selfie
9 MIN READ

Survey: Would you go into debt to have fun this year? More than 1 in 3 Americans say they would

Many Americans plan to spend more — and even go into debt — for fun this year.

Katie's latest articles