Reena Thomas, Ph.D.

Editor II, Credit cards
Ribbon Icon EXPERTISE
  • Rewards credit cards
  • Writing/literature
Education Icon EDUCATION
  • BA in English Literature, Cornell University
  • MA in English Literature, University of Dallas
  • Ph.D. in English Literature, University of Arizona

About the author
Reena Thomas, Ph.D., is an editor/writer at Bankrate and CreditCards.com with a focus on credit card reward offers. She enjoys delving into the credit card landscape to help readers make valuable credit card decisions that are right for them.

Reena has over a decade of experience in education and publishing. Before joining Bankrate in 2023, she was a copy editor for NurseJournal, Trillium Publishing, Voyager Expanded Learning, and Rockefeller University Press. She also worked as a tenure-track college English instructor after receiving her doctorate and has published academic articles.

When she isn't writing and researching about credit cards, Reena can be found exploring her neighborhood for charming coffee shops, scenic trails, and friendly dog parks.
Reena's recommended readings
A beginner’s guide to credit card points
Credit card rewards mistakes to avoid
Which rewards credit card is best for me?

Credit card knowledge – how to avoid and manage debt, build credit, optimize rewards and bonuses – is an integral part of financial literacy today. While it can be a bit daunting, learning the ins and outs of credit cards is worth it to help create a solid budget and strong financial foundation.

— Reena Thomas, Ph.D.

Reena's latest articles

  • Citi Premier® Card

    The rewards on select travel, supermarket and gas station purchases provide great value for most cardholders, but the stripped back features are worth weighing.

    16 min read Apr 21, 2023
  • Cashier helping a customer pay in a grocery store

    Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

    The Upgrade Visa® Card with Cash Rewards could offer a predictable and transparent financing alternative for cardholders who struggle with managing credit card balances. By putting your balance into an installment plan, the card could help you minimize interest charges and keep your debt repayment efforts on track.

    13 min read Mar 31, 2023

  • American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®

    The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card offers travel rewards for no annual fee. It’s great for earning miles but light in travel perks.

    11 min read Mar 14, 2023

  • BILL Divvy Corporate Card

    If you can pay off your bill in full each week, the BILL Divvy Corporate Card could easily be one of the most rewarding business cards out there.

    13 min read Dec 05, 2022

  • Indigo® Mastercard®

    The Indigo Mastercard is aimed at those with poor credit, no credit history, or even those who've declared bankruptcy, which means it’s easier to get approved for than other cards.

    11 min read Dec 01, 2022

  • Discover it® Student Cash Back

    Discover translates the rewards power of the Discover it® Cash Back card intro a top-tier student credit card.

    14 min read Nov 08, 2022