Maximize your credit card rewards: How playing the field can pay off
The best way to maximize rewards is by playing the field, using different cards to your advantage and being “disloyal!”
There is a right card for you. The first step to finding it is taking stock of where you’ve come from financially and where you want to go. There's no one card that's perfect for every person, but there is a perfect card for every person.
— Brooklyn Lowery
About the author
Brooklyn Lowery is a Senior Editor on the Bankrate credit cards education team, where she focuses on helping everyday consumers leverage credit cards as powerful tools in their personal finance toolbox.
Brooklyn brings more than 20 years of journalism experience to her role, including writing and editing a wide variety of content from human interest pieces to government/political news and more. Prior to Bankrate, Brooklyn spent more than seven years as editor of CardRatings where she developed a deep passion for all things credit cards rewards and personal finance education. She has provided expert commentary on credit cards, card rewards and personal finance for numerous outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger, Forbes and many others.
Brooklyn lives in Indianapolis. In her spare time, she enjoys dreaming of and planning her family’s next rewards travel adventure, playing with her two kids, taking nightly walks, tending her plants (indoors and out) or exploring the city with her husband. She’s a 2004 graduate of Auburn University and remains an avid Auburn Tigers fan as well as a diehard Boston Red Sox devotee.
Find Brooklyn beyond Bankrate
The Wall Street Journal talks to Brooklyn about first credit cards
Brooklyn explains when to use a credit vs. debit card to Real Simple
Brooklyn joins Soar Payments for its PayPod Podcast
Nasdaq TradeTalks interviews Brooklyn about credit card trends and political affiliation
Brooklyn wants you to know
Using a balance transfer as an interest free loan so I could complete a kitchen remodel. Taking my family on fantastic vacations for free or much less than the cash value. Knowing my credit profile is strong and I have access to the best financial opportunities and terms. These and more are reasons I’m passionate about helping consumers understand how to build credit and use credit cards responsibly so they can truly go to work for you.
Brooklyn's recommended readings
5 ways to build credit with no credit history
Chase Ultimate Rewards guide
How to choose a cash back credit card
There is a right card for you. The first step to finding it is taking stock of where you’ve come from financially and where you want to go. There's no one card that's perfect for every person, but there is a perfect card for every person.
— Brooklyn Lowery
The best way to maximize rewards is by playing the field, using different cards to your advantage and being “disloyal!”
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