Claire Dickey

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

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

Navy Federal Credit Union CashRewards Review

For those who find tracking bonus categories too cumbersome and just want simple cash-back rewards, the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards card delivers.

Nov 21, 2023
Best Western Rewards® Mastercard Review

Check out Best Western reviews for this travel card, including how much Best Western points are worth and if the card is worth it.

Nov 14, 2023
USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card Review

A solid rewards card for active duty military members.

Nov 13, 2023
Chase Slate vs. Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Slate Edge and Chase Freedom are two good credit cards that serve vastly different purposes.

8 min read Nov 03, 2023
CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard Review

For the devoted American Airlines flier, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is worth considering — especially since you can test drive it for a year without paying the $99 annual fee.

Nov 01, 2023
Coinbase Card: Everything you need to know

Learn more about the card’s fees, features and more.

3 min read Oct 30, 2023
Best high-limit business credit cards of 2023

High-limit business credit cards let you earn rewards and access valuable perks.

8 min read Oct 27, 2023
The Venmo Debit Card: Is it right for you?

Mobile payments app Venmo offers a debit card and rewards for spending.

4 min read Oct 26, 2023

BankAmericard vs. Citi Diamond Preferred

Both the BankAmericard and the Citi Diamond Preferred are good options for a balance transfer card.

4 min read Jul 24, 2023
Credit Card Competition Act would harm consumers

The Credit Card Competition Act would be very bad news for consumers.

4 min read Jul 21, 2023
Credit Card Competition Act: What it is, and how it would affect consumers if passed

The proposed legislation to provide network choice could impact card rewards and security.

6 min read Jul 21, 2023
Spending on experiences is hotter than the July sun

It’s a second straight summer of “revenge travel,” as high inflation isn’t doing much to dampen Americans’ vacation spending.

3 min read Jul 21, 2023
Why the Capital One Venture X is great for saving on your next trip

Learn why you might want to use the Capital One Venture X for vacation rentals, traditional hotel bookings, airfare and more this year.

5 min read Jul 17, 2023
I’m surprised this credit card benefit has remained so generous

If you have credit card debt, a 0% balance transfer card is my top payoff tip.

2 min read Jul 14, 2023
How I’m avoiding the crowds (and sky-high prices) this summer

Here are four ways I’m avoiding the crowds (and sky-high prices) this summer.

4 min read Jul 13, 2023
Can a bank issue a credit card without my permission?

What can you do if a bank issues a credit card without your permission?

3 min read Jul 11, 2023

Capital One Spark Cash Plus Review

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.

Nov 14, 2023
Capital One Platinum Credit Card Review

A card for consumers with fair credit who may not be eligible for the best rewards cards on the market today.

Nov 14, 2023
Citi Diamond Preferred Card Review

The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers one of the longest introductory balance transfer periods on the market. Here's why that might not be good enough.

Nov 14, 2023
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card Review

Business owners who have a lot of expenditures in the bonus categories can benefit from owning the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.

Nov 01, 2023
Can you pay rent with a credit card?

Paying rent with a credit card can be a quick way to earn rewards, but beware of the risks before you decide.

6 min read Oct 26, 2023
What’s the value of your American Airlines miles?

The value of your American Airlines miles depends on how you’re redeeming them.

3 min read Jan 26, 2023
How to upgrade or downgrade your Capital One credit card

Upgrading or downgrading your Capital One card can be a smart financial move.

6 min read Jan 26, 2023
Best unsecured credit cards for bad credit in 2023

Learn about unsecured credit cards for bad credit you should consider.

7 min read Jan 24, 2023