Survey: 43% of Americans have at least one unused gift card
More than 2 in 5 Americans have an unused gift card, gift voucher or store credit.
5 min read
Sep 23, 2024
Katie Kelton
Senior Writer, Credit Cards
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8Years of experience
EXPERTISE
- Rewards credit cards
- Travel credit cards
- Credit scores
- Building credit
- Debt management
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
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 latest articles
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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.
7 min read Sep 16, 2024 -
Survey: Retail credit card interest rates are through the roof in 2024
Most interest rates are high right now, but retail cards boast extra high rates.
6 min read Sep 12, 2024 -
Chase Slate vs. Chase Freedom Flex
Choosing between the cards depends on whether you prioritize debt payoff or rewards.
3 min read Sep 11, 2024 -
Seasons of expenses: How 3 families manage their seasonal costs
Certain seasons can put a strain on your budget, especially if you have kids.
7 min read Sep 06, 2024 -
Survey: 1 in 3 holiday shoppers are shortening their wish lists to spend less this year
Let’s say you’re walking through the mall during the holiday season and pass 10 shoppers. New Bankrate data shows that about three of those holiday shoppers (33 percent) plan to spend less on holiday [...]
5 min read Sep 05, 2024 -
Living paycheck to paycheck statistics
You might be living paycheck to paycheck if you don’t have money left over.
7 min read Aug 13, 2024 -
From selling cookies to waiting tables, here’s how a side hustle can help you pay off debt
Earning extra income with a side hustle can help with your debt repayment plan.
6 min read Jul 23, 2024