
- Rewards credit cards
- Travel credit cards
- Credit card comparisons
- Building credit
- B.A. Comparative Religion, The University of Texas at Austin
- M.F.A. Writing, The Michener Center for Writers, The University of Texas at Austin
Nouri Zarrugh is a senior editor at Bankrate who focuses on product reviews and comparisons. Since joining Bankrate in 2019, Nouri has written and edited hundreds of credit card reviews and led the development of methodologies for credit card scoring and point-and-mile valuations. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy, rewards programs and credit scores, and his stories on building credit have been cited by Mic.com, LifeHacker, People.com and more.
Through his thorough card reviews and product comparisons, Nouri strives to demystify personal finance topics and credit card terms and conditions to help readers save money and protect their credit score.
Before joining Bankrate, Nouri worked as a writer and editor in digital marketing and health care technology. Also a fiction writer, Nouri is a graduate of the Michener Center for Writers and won the Keene Prize for Literature.
Nouri wants you to know
When I first got into credit card rewards, I got a little carried away. I applied for a ton of cards and was constantly juggling them to make sure I was maximizing my points on every single purchase. I kept every receipt and even tracked my earnings in a spreadsheet. It was a fun hobby, but it got to be more trouble than it was worth.
Now I keep things simple and mostly just focus on earning rewards in a few key categories. I use one card for general purchases, one for dining, one card for travel, one for online shopping and one for groceries. That covers the vast majority of my spending and feels easy to manage. Sure, I’m leaving some rewards on the table, but I’d rather save myself some time and energy.
Nouri's recommended readings
- How Bankrate rates credit cards
- How much are credit card points and miles worth?
- Find a card based on where you spend most
Nouri's latest articles
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Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card review: Low-risk, high-reward for building credit
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.
9 min read Sep 28, 2023 -
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card review: An ideal option for the Hilton loyalists
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is a middle-of-the-road option for fans of the Hilton chain.
10 min read Sep 28, 2023 -
Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card review
A fine choice for bank customers, but there's nothing particularly special here for others.
6 min read Aug 31, 2023 -
How to see if you’re prequalified for a credit card
Issuers can prequalify you for a card with only a soft credit inquiry.
12 min read May 11, 2023 -
Preapproved and prequalified credit cards: What’s the difference?
What’s the difference between preapproved and prequalified? Learn the difference.
5 min read Mar 06, 2023 -
How to get preapproved for a Bank of America credit card
Borrowers can get preapproved for Bank of America credit cards in order to see which offers you qualify for without hurting your credit.
8 min read Aug 23, 2022
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Best travel credit cards of October 2023
The best travel credit cards offer outstanding rewards, big sign-up bonuses and low fees. Read our recommendations for the best travel rewards cards.
39 min read Sep 29, 2023 -
Best Credit Cards and Top Offers of October 2023
Bankrate's experts compare hundreds of the best credit cards and credit card offers to select the best in cash back, rewards, travel, business, 0% APR, balance transfer and more. Let Bankrate, a leader in personal finance advice, help you find the best credit card today.
54 min read Sep 29, 2023 -
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card review: A leader among long intro APR offers
The Wells Fargo Reflect offers perhaps the longest intro APR period on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, but always pay on time to keep this stellar intro APR.
12 min read Sep 29, 2023 -
19 best rewards credit cards of October 2023
The best rewards credit cards make it easy to earn points, miles and cash back without overspending. Read our in-depth analysis of the top choices available from our partners.
39 min read Sep 29, 2023 -
Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit
These credit-builder cards can help drive down the cost of your next trip.
10 min read Dec 19, 2022 -
PayPal vs. credit cards: Which is safer?
Both PayPal and credit cards are safe and secure, but PayPal purchase protection offers extra appeal
6 min read Dec 12, 2022 -
Best 2 percent cash back cards
If you’re looking for a flat-rate cash back card, you have more options than ever — and 1.5 percent doesn’t cut it anymore. Here’s a look at our favorite cash back cards offering 2 percent back [...]
10 min read Nov 22, 2022 -
Best credit cards for pet owners
We analyze the best cards for pet owners based on rewards value and pet expenses.
14 min read Nov 15, 2022
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Ally Everyday Cash Back Mastercard review: Elevated cash back on everyday spending
Learn more about the new Ally Everyday Cash Back Mastercard in an in-depth review of its pros, cons and its cash back rate.
7 min read Sep 29, 2023 -
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card review: A boon for small businesses
Its minimal costs and streamlined features better suit it as a supporting card, but Preferred Rewards status can make this one of the best flat-rate rewards business cards.
10 min read Sep 21, 2023 -
American Express® Gold Card review: The gold standard for foodies
It’s a lucrative card for food credits and valuable travel rewards on dining and U.S. supermarket purchases. However, it’s not the best for occasional travelers.
17 min read Sep 12, 2023 -
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card review: The ultimate flat-rate card — with a few hurdles
This cash back card is ideal for users seeking to do a lot of spending that isn’t specific to certain rewards categories.
17 min read Aug 31, 2023 -
Under the radar card to consider: Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus
The Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus Mastercard provides 1.8 percent cash back, and might even be more rewarding than a 2 percent cash back card. Find out the card’s perks, and if it’s right for your [...]
2 min read Aug 06, 2021 -
Chase gives up to 18 interest-free months to pay off travel purchases
As the pandemic continues to die down, more travel is expected and even encouraged by issuers. One example is Chase, which is now giving up to 18 interest-free months for cardholders to pay off travel [...]
4 min read Jul 09, 2021