Nouri Zarrugh

Senior Editor, Credit Cards
Ribbon Icon EXPERTISE
  • Rewards credit cards
  • Travel credit cards
  • Credit card comparisons
  • Building credit
Education Icon EDUCATION
  • B.A. Comparative Religion, The University of Texas at Austin
  • M.F.A. Writing, The Michener Center for Writers, The University of Texas at Austin

 About the author
Nouri Zarrugh is a senior editor at Bankrate who focuses on product reviews and comparisons. Since joining Bankrate in 2019, Nouri has written and edited hundreds of credit card reviews and led the development of methodologies for credit card scoring and point-and-mile valuations. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy, rewards programs and credit scores, and his stories on building credit have been cited by Mic.com, LifeHacker, People.com and more.

Through his thorough card reviews and product comparisons, Nouri strives to demystify personal finance topics and credit card terms and conditions to help readers save money and protect their credit score.

Before joining Bankrate, Nouri worked as a writer and editor in digital marketing and health care technology. Also a fiction writer, Nouri is a graduate of the Michener Center for Writers and won the Keene Prize for Literature.
Nouri wants you to know
When I first got into credit card rewards, I got a little carried away. I applied for a ton of cards and was constantly juggling them to make sure I was maximizing my points on every single purchase. I kept every receipt and even tracked my earnings in a spreadsheet. It was a fun hobby, but it got to be more trouble than it was worth.

Now I keep things simple and mostly just focus on earning rewards in a few key categories. I use one card for general purchases, one for dining, one card for travel, one for online shopping and one for groceries. That covers the vast majority of my spending and feels easy to manage. Sure, I’m leaving some rewards on the table, but I’d rather save myself some time and energy.
Nouri's recommended readings

How Bankrate rates credit cards
How much are credit card points and miles worth?
Find a card based on where you spend most

Nouri's latest articles

  • Best Bonus Offer Cards

    Whether you’re looking for miles to help pay for travel or cash back to fund a new purchase, the best credit card sign-up bonuses can help you make it happen.

    14 min read Nov 12, 2024

  • Best Rewards Cards

    The best rewards credit cards make it easy to earn points, miles and cash back without overspending. Read our in-depth analysis of the top choices available from our partners.

    15 min read Nov 11, 2024
  • Family preparing dinner and ordering groceries online

    Best Credit Cards of December 2024

    Bankrate's experts compare hundreds of the best credit cards and credit card offers to select the best in cash back, rewards, travel, business, 0% APR, balance transfer and more. Let Bankrate, a leader in personal finance advice, help you find the best credit card today.

    24 min read Nov 06, 2024

  • Best Travel Credit Cards of 2024 | Bankrate

    The best travel credit cards offer outstanding rewards, big sign-up bonuses and low fees. Read our recommendations for the best travel rewards cards.

    19 min read Nov 05, 2024

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards on the market if you want one of the easiest to manage travel rewards experiences available, but its new elite card sibling is likely a better value for many cardholders.

    15 min read Nov 04, 2024