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Harlan Vaughn

Former Senior Editor, Credit Cards
  • 14
    Years of experience
  • 2
    Years with Bankrate
Ribbon Icon EXPERTISE
  • Travel credit cards
  • Rewards credit cards
  • Credit cards
  • Balance transfer credit cards
  • Business credit cards
Education Icon EDUCATION
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art, Columbia College Chicago

About the author

Harlan Vaughn is a former senior credit cards editor with over a decade of experience covering credit cards and travel rewards content. His work has been featured in Business Insider, BuzzFeed, Forbes Advisor, NerdWallet and more.

With millions of points and miles redeemed for travel, Harlan has used credit card rewards to visit incredible destinations including Iceland, Japan, Hawaii, New Zealand and Chile. His mission is to help others maximize their credit card rewards and benefits.

Harlan is a dad of three and lives in Memphis, Tennessee. He’s also interested in personal finance, investing and financial independence. When he’s not digging into those topics or earning rewards with a portfolio of nearly 40 active credit cards, you can find him hiking, enjoying live music and traveling with his family.

Harlan beyond Bankrate

Beyond Bankrate

18 Things Everyone Should Know About Airline Miles

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These Are the 7 Chase Credit Cards I Have and Why – Harlan (And How I

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Harlan wants you to know

You don’t have to know everything about every credit card and rewards program. Even if all you do is use a 2% cash back card to earn free cash back, you’re still getting more rewards than most people—plus all the consumer purchase protections that come with a credit card.

Harlan’s recommended readings

The pros and cons of travel credit cards
How to maximize your credit card rewards
Traveler’s guide to the best frequent flyer programs

Credit cards are financial tools. Use them correctly to unlock more of the world than you ever thought possible.

— Harlan Vaughn

Harlan's latest articles