How I built my credit with a credit card
Credit cards are an effective, low-stakes credit building tool.
4 min read
May 30, 2022
About the author
“I share the advice I wish someone had shared with me a long time ago. I want my reader to find my words when they're most needed… and be able to make a better-informed financial decision because of something I've written. That's what keeps me going.” - Ana Staples
Highlights
Ana Staples is a reporter for Bankrate and an expert on all things credit basics and personal finance for the younger generation. She has two expert columns that aim to offer financial education and encouragement to young people: “Swiping Right” on CreditCards.com and “Green & Growing” on Bankrate. Ana also covers credit card news and discusses women’s finance on To Her Credit.
Experience
Ana first started working as a writer in 2015 at a small car transportation firm in Los Angeles, California, focusing on the company’s SEO needs. Since that time, she’s written for a wide range of industries, from commercial interior design to ecommerce.
She entered the credit industry contracting with Experian in 2019, where Ana worked as an SEO content specialist and contributed a few articles to the bureau’s blog. She joined CreditCards.com in 2020 and began writing for Bankrate, as well, later that year.
Education
Ana studied journalism and public relations at Moscow State Institute of International Relations before making a leap to try herself at acting in New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, California—you can check out her acting chops on Bankrate’s TikTok.
You can also find her on LinkedIn or send her and the Bankrate team your credit or personal finance questions here.
In her free time, Ana writes romance stories and plans a trip to the French Riviera she'll take one day—when she has enough points, that is.
Ana's latest articles
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DIY home improvements on a budget
If you go the DIY route, you can change the look of your home on a budget.
5 min read Apr 21, 2022 -
4 things your teenager should know about money
We have a few suggestions on how to help your teenager learn personal finance and what you can teach them.
3 min read Apr 14, 2022 -
How to save for a family vacation
Learn how you can use exciting opportunities like vacations to teach your kids good saving habits.
3 min read Apr 14, 2022 -
Best of Genesis Financial Solutions card services
Genesis Financial Solutions provides credit card options for those with poor credit.
3 min read Apr 06, 2022 -
43% of U.S. couples living together only have joint accounts: Here’s what’s wrong with this trend
Many American couples choose to stick with joint accounts only. However, it’s also not the wisest approach.
4 min read Mar 07, 2022 -
What is a statement credit?
Statement credits happen within your card’s online portal, reflecting a near-immediate reduction to your card’s balance. It’s a no-fuss way to shave down your debt with little more than a click.
6 min read Feb 01, 2022 -
Citi Double Cash vs. Citi Diamond Preferred
Citi is an advertising partner. Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee credit card, Citi has a few attractive products it offers, such as the Citi® [...]
4 min read Jan 11, 2022 -
Credit card information: The basics you need to know
From security codes to minimum payments, here are the concepts you need to know.
6 min read Dec 10, 2021 -
57% of American shoppers are likely to spend money to treat themselves this holiday season
This year, most Americans are also planning to buy gifts for themselves.
5 min read Dec 08, 2021 -
The credit card market is officially booming: Here’s what it means for you
As the COVID-19 pandemic has begun to subside, the credit card world has gone to full-on overdrive.
5 min read Nov 03, 2021 -
7 little-known facts about your credit card
Paying a few days late won’t ding your credit. Learn more secrets to playing your cards right.
6 min read Oct 20, 2021 -
Is Capital One Quicksilver worth it?
The Capital One Quicksilver credit card might not offer the most value as far as flat-rate cash back credit cards go, but it’s a decent choice for cardholders seeking simplicity in their card reward [...]
4 min read Oct 20, 2021 -
Gen Z would rather discuss their love life than credit card debt
Young Americans would rather discuss their personal life than their credit card balances.
4 min read Oct 13, 2021 -
Best credit cards for exclusive concert tickets
Citi is a Bankrate advertising partner. Rewards credit cards get a lot of good press for the money-saving benefits: statement credits, points and cash back. What’s not to love about them? But fans of [...]
7 min read Sep 01, 2021
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Total Visa® Card review: Building your credit comes at a steep price
The card’s high interest rates and fees make it subpar, even for low-credit users.
5 min read Dec 07, 2022 -
Chase launches new charge card: Chase Ink Business Premier
The Chase Ink Business Premier is the first Chase pay in full card that offers unlimited cash back on big purchases.
3 min read Jan 19, 2022 -
Best business credit cards for travel
The best cards for business travelers can make the journey more comfortable, more affordable and even more luxurious.
7 min read Nov 01, 2021 -
PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Credit Card review
PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Overview Designed for people trying to rebuild their credit, the First Premier credit card has flexible approval requirements. It reports your account activity to the [...]
4 min read Nov 22, 2020 -
TD Cash Credit Card review
The TD Cash credit card is a no-frills card that offers excellent cash back rewards rates for dining out and grocery stores.
3 min read Oct 20, 2020 -
Earning Hilton Honors Points by dining out at restaurants
Hilton Honors Dining is a great program for those who want to be rewarded for one of life’s simple pleasures—eating out at your favorite restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a fancy five-course [...]
4 min read Sep 07, 2020