Nouri Zarrugh

Senior Editor, Credit Cards
Ribbon EXPERTISE
  • Rewards credit cards
  • Travel credit cards
  • Credit card comparisons
  • Building credit
Education EDUCATION
  • 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

 

About the author

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

  • Best business credit cards of August 2024

    Looking for a business credit card? These are the best business credit cards that offer generous rewards, business-friendly perks, and easy redemption options. Plus, read expert advice from our team.

    Jul 25, 2024

  • Best Travel Credit Cards of August 2024

    The best travel credit cards offer outstanding rewards, big sign-up bonuses and low fees. Read our recommendations for the best travel rewards cards.

    Jul 25, 2024

  • Best Credit Cards of August 2024

    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.

    Jul 25, 2024

  • Best Airline Credit Cards of July 2024

    The best airline credit cards offer generous rewards and travel-related perks. Bankrate highlights the airline cards that can really help your travel experience take off.

    Jul 25, 2024

  • Best Citi Credit Cards of August 2024

    These are Bankrate's top picks for Citi credit cards to consider in 2024. Read our expert advice and compare the latest offers from Citi.

    Jul 24, 2024

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Review

    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.

    Jul 24, 2024