Card advice
Is the Discover it Student Cash Back worth it?
College students have plenty of cards to choose from if they want to build credit…
Dan Rafter has been writing about personal finance for more than two decades, covering everything from credit scores, mortgage loans and debt to credit cards, insurance, real estate and student loans.
His work has appeared in the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Fox Business, The Motley Fool, The Christian Science Monitor, LendingTree, Business Insider and Mental Floss Magazine. He’s also the editor of Midwest Real Estate News, a trade magazine serving real estate professionals throughout the Midwest.
During his earlier years covering local government in the Chicago area, Dan won a Peter Lisagore Award, one of the top awards for Illinois journalists. He was part of a team covering campaign finance reforms in the state and was honored in the public-service category.
Dan has been interviewed about the national housing market on the John Williams show on WLS radio in Chicago and served as the master of ceremonies of Metro Chicago Real Estate’s Residential Real Estate Conference, a gathering of the top real estate pros in the Chicago area. He’s also contributed expert commentary to Business.com on insurance and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on small business owners and the Insurance Thought Leadership Institute about cybersecurity and data breaches. Dan is a regular writer at NortonLifeLock, too, covering cybersecurity and privacy issues.
Our editorial team and expert review board provide an unbiased analysis of the products we feature. Our comparison service is compensated by our credit card company partners, and may influence where or how products are featured on the site. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please note: The star-rating system on this page is based on our independent card scoring methodology and is not influenced by advertisers or card issuers.Learn more about our partners and how we make money.
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"I enjoy giving readers the information they need to improve their credit scores, boost their financial health and better use their credit cards to earn rewards, perks and cash back."
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Card advice
Is the Discover it Student Cash Back worth it?
College students have plenty of cards to choose from if they want to build credit…
Credit management
How to create a budget, stick to it and save using apps and card rewards
If you want to create a budget, start by breaking down your expenses into four…
Card advice
Guide to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
The Chase Ultimate Rewards redemption portal offers plenty of perks for cardholders. But since it…
Card advice
Hilton Honors rewards program guide
Learn how the Hilton Honors rewards program works, including how to earn and redeem points…
Credit management
How closing your oldest credit card affects your credit
You may be wondering why you're still holding on to a credit card that's older…
Education
How to do a balance transfer in 7 steps
If you’re considering a balance transfer, start by checking your current balance and APR —…
Education
What to know about prepaid travel credit cards
Prepaid travel cards can make it easy to access cash while you’re traveling abroad, but…
Education
How to get a credit card without a Social Security number
If you want to build credit in the U.S. but don’t have a Social Security…
Credit management
What credit score do you need for a credit card?
A high credit score makes it easier to qualify for the best credit cards. But…
Card advice
Comenity Bank credit cards
Comenity Bank might not be a name you hear much, but this major credit card…
Card advice
Is the Ink Business Cash credit card worth it?
Is the Ink Business Cash card the right choice for you? It could be — if…
Education
How to transfer a balance to a Chase credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a Chase credit card? Here's everything you need to know,…
Card advice
What are the differences between a credit card and a debit card?
Knowing the differences between credit and debit cards can help you use each type of…
Card advice
Citi Premier Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
If you’re traveling as frequently as once a month or as infrequently as just a…
Education
Small-business guide to credit card merchant fees
The number of fees businesses need to pay for accepting credit cards can be confusing…
Card advice
Chase Freedom Flex benefits guide
The Chase Freedom Flex is a smart addition to your wallet if you spend heavily…
Card advice
How to earn and use Ultimate Rewards points
With the right credit cards, you can rack up plenty of Chase Ultimate Rewards points.…
Card advice
How to add an authorized user to a Bank of America credit card
Bank of America makes it easy to add an authorized user to your credit card.…
Education
Suspect card fraud? How to file a claim
Knowing what actually constitutes fraud, and what to do when it happens, is the best…
Education
Is debt consolidation right for you?
With fewer payments each month and a potentially lower interest rate, a debt consolidation loan…
Card advice
How to add an authorized user to an American Express card
Adding authorized users to your American Express credit card can help them boost their credit…
Card advice
How to add an authorized user to a Citi credit card
Citi authorized users can be added quickly and easily. There is no charge, but there…
Card advice
How to request a credit limit increase with Bank of America
Requesting a higher credit limit with Bank of America is a simple process, but make…
Card advice
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited worth it?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card comes with a generous rewards program, a 0 percent…
Card advice
Credit score needed for the Discover it Student Cash Back
You’ll likely need fair or good credit to qualify for a Discover it Student Cash…
Education
Which 1.5 percent cash back card is right for you?
Earning 1.5 percent back on all purchases makes for a simple way to earn additional…
Card advice
Best credit cards — and shopping tips — for back-to-school days
Whether you're shopping for yourself or your children, back-to-school shopping can be overwhelming — but…
Education
What is a secured credit card?
If you use it properly, a secured credit card is a great way to build…
Education
Sharing miles with friends, family: These airlines allow it
Many airline loyalty programs allow you to pool miles into a single account or share…
Credit management
Credit cards that offer free credit scores
Staying on top of your credit score is key to getting mortgages, auto loans and…
Card advice
Guide to mobile wallets: Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Got questions about mobile wallets? Our guide to Samsung Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay…
Card advice
Citi Diamond Preferred vs. Citi Custom Cash
The Citi Diamond Preferred and Citi Custom Cash cards can both be valuable cards, but…
Card advice
Capital One Venture X vs. Amex Platinum Card
Both the Platinum Card from American Express and the Venture X Rewards card from Capital…
Card advice
Best American Airlines credit cards
Whether you're a frequent flyer or just travel with your family once a year, these…
Card advice
How to add an authorized user to a Capital One credit card
An authorized user is an additional cardholder added to a credit account through the permission…
Card advice
How to get a cash advance with Bank of America
If you have a Bank of America credit card, it can be easy to get…
Credit management
1099-C frequently asked questions
Wonder why you received a 1099-C in the mail? Most taxpayers don't realize forgiven debt…
Credit management
5 mistakes you should avoid after paying off credit card debt
From running up debt again to not using your card at all, avoid these mistakes…
Education
How to get a cash advance with Chase
It’s easy to get a cash advance with a Chase credit card. But because of…
Card advice
How to transfer a balance to a Capital One credit card
Capital One has a few options when it comes to balance transfer credit cards, but…
Card advice
How to transfer a balance to a Bank of America credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a Bank of America credit card? Here's everything you need…
Education
How to transfer a balance to a U.S. Bank credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a U.S. Bank credit card? Here’s everything you need to…
Education
Prequalified vs. preapproved: What’s the difference?
Got an offer in the mail saying you’re “prequalified” or “preapproved” for a credit card?…
Credit management
Collectors still calling after a 1099-C ‘Cancellation of Debt’ tax form
The 1099-C form is called a 'Cancellation of Debt' form, but it's not always true…
Education
How to transfer a balance to an HSBC credit card
Balance transfers with HSBC credit cards have their limits, but it might still be worth…
Card advice
Is the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card worth it?
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card comes with a generous zero-interest offer on balance transfers…
Card advice
How to transfer a balance to a Wells Fargo credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a Wells Fargo credit card? Here’s everything you need to…
Card advice
How to transfer a balance to a Citi credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a Citi credit card? Here's everything you need to know,…
Education
How to pick a 2% cash back card
More banks are offering 2% cash back cards. These cards are easy to use and…
Card advice
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card benefits guide
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Card advice
American Express Business Gold benefits guide
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Card advice
Is the Chase Freedom Flex worth it?
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Card advice
Capital One Venture Rewards benefits guide
The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card offers a simple way to earn consistent miles.
Card advice
Guide to Citi transfer partners
Depending on your travel and spending habits, a Citi card that generates ThankYou Points could…
Education
How to use rent payments to score welcome bonuses
Charging your apartment rent could help you earn the lucrative welcome bonuses offered by credit…
Card advice
How to transfer a balance to a Discover credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a Discover credit card? Here's everything you need to know,…
Card advice
Active duty service members can have American Express Platinum annual fee waived
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Card advice
Credit cards that pay for themselves in statement credit value
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Education
9 travel rewards tips for cash back cardholders
If you'd like to earn travel rewards but prefer the simplicity of a cash back…
Card advice
American Express Blue Business® Plus vs. Blue Business Cash™
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Card advice
Amex Gold vs. Amex Business Gold
The American Express Gold and Business Gold credit cards both come with generous rewards programs…
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Completing a balance transfer to or from an Apple Card might not be possible. So…
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