What is the Path to Apple Card program?
The program offers personalized tasks and monthly progress checks.
3 min read
Feb 06, 2024
Claire Dickey
Former Editor, Credit Cards
EXPERTISE
- Rewards credit cards
- Travel credit cards
- Credit card news
- Building credit
EDUCATION
- A.B.J. Advertising, Grady College of Journalism at The University of Georgia
There’s no reason to feel intimidated by a credit card. As long as you pay off your purchases every month, there’s little risk and tons of upside.
— Claire Dickey
Claire Dickey is a credit cards editor at Bankrate, focusing on news, product guides and educational content. Her areas of expertise include rewards and travel credit cards, building credit and credit card news. Always on the lookout for the latest credit cards and card perks, as well as cards-related legislation and regulations, Claire is passionate about demystifying personal finance topics. Her goal is to help readers save money, earn rewards and protect their credit scores.
When she’s not strategizing about how to maximize rewards on her next trip, Claire is an avid runner and day hiker.
Claire wants you to know
If you’re trying to build credit, my best advice is to keep things simple. A credit card is a great way to show your creditworthiness, but picking one can be overwhelming since there are so many options out there and so many features to consider. Stick to the basics: Look for a card with low fees and the option to put down a large deposit and get a matching credit limit. If you pay on time and only charge small purchases to the card, your score can grow surprisingly quickly.
Claire's recommended readings
- How do travel credit cards work?
- Tips for planning summer travel with your credit card
- Bilt is offering double the points on flights to Europe today only, plus other Bilt Rent Day perks
There’s no reason to feel intimidated by a credit card. As long as you pay off your purchases every month, there’s little risk and tons of upside.
— Claire Dickey
Claire's latest articles
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Amex Green Card increases welcome offer to 60,000 points, plus 20% back on travel and transit
Learn more about the Amex Green Card’s new welcome offer and whether this card is worth applying for — plus other valuable information on card benefits.
2 min read Oct 30, 2023 -
Bilt just announced a partnership with Lyft worth 5X points on rideshares
Bilt — the company behind the rewards program that lets you earn on rent payments — just announced a new Lyft rewards category for Bilt Rewards members.
2 min read Sep 22, 2023 -
Chase and DoorDash launched a card with up to 4% rewards
The DoorDash Rewards Mastercard offers cash back rewards on DoorDash orders and food-specific categories.
4 min read Aug 31, 2023 -
Chase launches the Chase Freedom Rise, a new cash back card for credit builders
Chase Freedom Rise is the newest addition to Chase’s Freedom family lineup and is aimed at cardholders looking to build credit toward a healthy financial future.
2 min read Jun 12, 2023 -
Credit scoring firm FICO hit with DOJ antitrust investigation
The DOJ has opened an investigation into FICO based on ongoing claims of exclusionary conduct
1 min read May 31, 2023 -
Recession-proof your finances, pay off credit card debt now
Paying off your credit card debt now can make you more financially resilient later.
5 min read May 15, 2023 -
Ways your credit card info might be stolen and how to prevent it
Keep an eye out for fraud and take these steps to mitigate the damage if you find any.
5 min read Mar 13, 2023
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Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
If you want to capitalize on frequent business travel without paying an annual fee, this card is hard to beat.
4 min read Oct 02, 2024 -
First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
This credit card is one of three secured cards offered by First Progress issued by Synovus Bank, and all of them can help you rebuild your credit.
4 min read Oct 01, 2024 -
Is the Chase Freedom Student card worth it?
Find out whether the Chase Freedom Student card is a good match for you.
4 min read Sep 12, 2024 -
Control™ Prepaid Mastercard®
The Control Prepaid Mastercard offers a high APY with the attached savings account, but it comes with fewer cash-back options than other prepaid cards.
4 min read Sep 10, 2024 -
5 ways to build credit with no credit history
There are alternative ways to build credit, like becoming an authorized user, opening a store card or reporting your utility payments each month.
5 min read Aug 15, 2024 -
JetBlue Card
The JetBlue Card is a good choice for the JetBlue traveler who typically takes a trip or two each year.
7 min read Aug 14, 2024 -
Best Marriott credit cards for 2024
In terms of hotel credit cards, Marriott co-branded credit cards can be a great choice.
6 min read Aug 08, 2024 -
Susan G. Komen® Cash Rewards Visa® credit card from Bank of America
Bank of America pledges to make a donation to breast cancer research when you get the Susan G. Komen Credit card.
3 min read Aug 07, 2024
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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Higher-than-ever sign-up bonus and perks that Southwest business travelers will love.
9 min read Sep 17, 2024 -
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
A card for consumers with fair credit who may not be eligible for the best rewards cards on the market today.
10 min read Sep 11, 2024 -
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Business owners who have a lot of expenditures in the bonus categories can benefit from owning the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
12 min read Sep 05, 2024 -
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Earn generous rewards percentages on your small business necessities with this cash back card.
13 min read Sep 05, 2024 -
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
The Capital One Spark Cash for Business Plus is ideal for business owners who want rewards for their spending but have no time for rewards categories.
11 min read Aug 13, 2024 -
Are rewards credit cards worth it?
Credit cards can offer a variety of rewards, but wisely choose, and use, suitable cards
6 min read Jul 02, 2024 -
Average net worth statistics by age: How do you compare?
Your net worth measures your financial progress through life. Here’s how to grow it.
7 min read Apr 24, 2024 -
Financing a wedding when you’re new to credit
Getting hitched this year? You’re in good company. According to the Wedding Report, 2.5 million weddings are planned for 2022, the highest number since 1984. Also rising is the amount people are spending [...]
7 min read Apr 23, 2024