Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
A great option for anyone who loves to travel and prefers to stay at Choice Hotels.
12 min read
Oct 03, 2024
Reena Thomas, Ph.D.
Editor II, Credit Cards
EXPERTISE
- Rewards credit cards
- Writing/literature
EDUCATION
- BA in English Literature, Cornell University
- MA in English Literature, University of Dallas
- Ph.D. in English Literature, University of Arizona
Credit card knowledge – how to avoid and manage debt, build credit, optimize rewards and bonuses – is an integral part of financial literacy today. While it can be a bit daunting, learning the ins and outs of credit cards is worth it to help create a solid budget and strong financial foundation.
— Reena Thomas, Ph.D.
About the author
Reena Thomas, Ph.D., is an editor/writer at Bankrate and CreditCards.com with a focus on credit card reward offers. She enjoys delving into the credit card landscape to help readers make valuable credit card decisions that are right for them.
Reena has over a decade of experience in education and publishing. Before joining Bankrate in 2023, she was a copy editor for NurseJournal, Trillium Publishing, Voyager Expanded Learning, and Rockefeller University Press. She also worked as a tenure-track college English instructor after receiving her doctorate and has published academic articles.
When she isn't writing and researching about credit cards, Reena can be found exploring her neighborhood for charming coffee shops, scenic trails, and friendly dog parks.
Reena's recommended readings
A beginner’s guide to credit card points
Credit card rewards mistakes to avoid
Which rewards credit card is best for me?
Credit card knowledge – how to avoid and manage debt, build credit, optimize rewards and bonuses – is an integral part of financial literacy today. While it can be a bit daunting, learning the ins and outs of credit cards is worth it to help create a solid budget and strong financial foundation.
— Reena Thomas, Ph.D.
Reena's latest articles
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Mastercard® Black Card™
The Mastercard Black Card comes with many of the upscale perks we’ve come to expect from an expensive travel card.
12 min read Oct 01, 2024 -
Best Credit Cards for Fair/Average Credit of October 2024 | Bankrate
Check out our top credit cards picks of 2024 for consumers with average or fair credit. Compare offers and read analysis from Bankrate's credit card experts.
12 min read Oct 01, 2024 -
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Discover translates the rewards power of the Discover it® Cash Back card intro a top-tier student credit card.
15 min read Oct 01, 2024 -
Citi Premier® Card
The rewards on select travel, supermarket and gas station purchases provide great value for most cardholders, but the stripped back features are worth weighing.
16 min read Oct 01, 2024 -
Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card
The Bank of America Platinum Plus Mastercard Business card has a low APR and no annual fee, making it a good card for business owners making large purchases.
11 min read Sep 30, 2024 -
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card offers travel rewards for no annual fee. It’s great for earning miles but light in travel perks.
11 min read Sep 25, 2024 -
American Express® Green Card
The Amex Green Card is a solid Membership Rewards-earning card for transit and travel that easily justifies its annual fee if you maximize your points and perks.
14 min read Sep 20, 2024
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Best business credit cards for bad credit
If your credit is poor, you may have to get a secured business credit card first.
4 min read Jul 10, 2024 -
Easiest credit cards to get
Even with poor credit, fair credit or no credit, you may qualify for these cards.
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Starbucks® Rewards Visa® Card
The Starbucks Rewards Visa card can offer a good earning rate for brand loyalists, but the rewards are inflexible in terms of redemption.
7 min read Jun 27, 2024 -
Credit cards for stay-at-home parents or guardians
Credit cards that offer rewards in common spending categories, like groceries and dining, can help stay-at-home parents build credit.
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Guide to the best credit cards for nonprofits
Consider a dedicated business credit card to keep business purchases separate and simplify expenses for tax-time.
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Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card is a low-cost card that could make building credit more accessible.
14 min read Jun 17, 2024 -
Total Visa® Card
The Total Visa® Card is a bad option for rebuilding credit due to its high interest rates and excessive fees at every turn.
10 min read Jun 13, 2024 -
Avant Credit Card
The Avant Credit Card is an unsecured credit card designed for someone with a fair or average credit score or a limited credit history. It requires no deposit and can help you build credit with responsible use, but doesn't offer many other benefits.
10 min read Jun 13, 2024