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

  • Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi

    Although the great cash back rates are appealing, the limited benefits, inconvenient redemption method and required Costco membership could be deal-breakers.

    7 min read Dec 05, 2022

  • Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa®

    The Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa® has an alluring cash back rewards rate, but the $95 annual fee and restrictive card terms can take a toll if you’re building credit. Read a full review here.

    11 min read Nov 23, 2022
  • Hand with credit card

    Credit Cards

    Find the best credit cards for this year and see which make sense for your goals and spending habits. Find cards for everyday use, travel, dining and more.

    11 min read Dec 09, 2021

  • Citi Prestige® Credit Card

    The Citi Prestige is a very competitive travel rewards cards for consumers who travel frequently and have excellent credit.

    8 min read Dec 01, 2021