Sifting through reward program, sign-up bonus or card feature terms can feel overwhelming for even credit card veterans. As a Bankrate writer, I’ve seen how translating fine print into actionable advice can help cardholders evaluate their most valuable options and build a stronger financial future.
— Garrett Yarbrough
Garrett Yarbrough writes credit card reviews, comparisons and guides for Bankrate. He specializes in all things credit cards, and he has comprehensively researched the current market and past product offers for more than three years. Garrett thoroughly analyzes credit card terms, rewards programs, introductory offers and other card features to provide readers with the most insightful steps toward personal financial growth. He has also written and researched for major Bankrate features, including the latest credit card points and miles valuations, the 2022 through 2024 Bankrate Awards, the Spender Type tool, the Credit Utilization Calculator and the CardMatch™ Approval Odds tool.
Prior to joining Bankrate, Garrett worked as a copywriter at an ad agency, and then as a freelance writer. He joined NextAdvisor.com in 2020, where his credit card, credit monitoring and identity theft analysis were regularly featured.
When he’s not reviewing credit cards or detailing the latest developments in Bankrate’s best cards, you can find Garrett traveling, reading and stopping at every niche museum he sees along the highway.
Send your questions about credit cards to gyarbrough@redventures.com.
As someone who began their personal finance journey not too long ago, I’ve seen firsthand the many credit-related misconceptions that family, friends and other credit builders hold. I noticed these stumbling blocks led several loved ones to avoid credit cards and base important life decisions on popular financial misinformation.
Using my background in analytical research and user-focused writing, I strive to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for others who are new to credit.
Sifting through reward program, sign-up bonus or card feature terms can feel overwhelming for even credit card veterans. As a Bankrate writer, I’ve seen how translating fine print into actionable advice can help cardholders evaluate their most valuable options and build a stronger financial future.
— Garrett Yarbrough
Are you looking for a temporary break from APR? One of the balance transfer credit card offers available on Bankrate could help you pay down balances, improve your credit score and save on interest charges — plus, some earn great rewards.
The Chase Freedom Flex card is at the top of the cash back game. Its familiar rotating categories are paired with year-round earning categories to ensure maximum rewards.
The Citi Custom Cash card’s fresh take on 5 percent cash back rewards your biggest expenses each billing cycle and richly complements your other Citi cards.
This is one of the best (and only) travel rewards cards for students, but its streamlined structure doesn’t offer many bells and whistles either.
A flexible rewards card for those who want decent returns without paying a premium price.
This card offers a top-tier flat cash back rate, but its limited availability and mediocre sign-up bonus may limit its appeal.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards on the market if you want one of the easiest to manage travel rewards experiences available, but its new elite card sibling is likely a better value for many cardholders.
The Hotels.com credit card is a straightforward alternative for guests focused on flexible reward nights over brand loyalty perks.
For a $450 annual fee, American Airlines loyalists can fly in style with perks like Admirals Club membership, priority boarding on flights, credit for TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry and more.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is replacing the Marriott Premier Plus Credit Card, and new cardholders have the chance to earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months after account activation (for a limited time).
For those who find tracking bonus categories too cumbersome and just want simple cash-back rewards, the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards card delivers.
The Jasper Cash Back Mastercard® is a great card for future professionals new to the United States.
Higher-than-ever sign-up bonus and perks that Southwest business travelers will love.
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 [...]
The Bank of America-issued Alaska Airlines Visa credit card has a hallmark feature that's hard for other airline cards to top: its Alaska's Famous Companion Fare offer.
The card may not offer the most benefits, but it features solid flat rate cash back of 1.5 percent and no annual fes, making it a wise choice for students looking to build credit.
With credits totaling more than the annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card offers tremendous value for those who prefer staying with Hilton.
It’s worth considering the Quicksilver Secured if you want a low-cost way to boost your credit score while earning cash back with no annual fee.
Whether you’re a United enthusiast or someone who wants to rack up miles for free flights in any program, you should consider co-branded United MileagePlus credit cards.
