Tracy Stewart

Former Senior Editor, Credit Cards
Ribbon Icon EXPERTISE
  • Travel rewards credit cards
  • Loyalty programs
  • Business credit cards
  • Balance transfer credit cards
Education Icon EDUCATION
  • Atlanta College of Art

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer and editor specializing in loyalty programs, travel benefits, consumer protections, and business credit cards. From startup owners to aspiring travelers, Tracy aims to empower readers with the info they need to choose a credit card that best aligns with their individual circumstances.

He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

Find Tracy beyond Bankrate

Tracy wants you to know

Adding a child to your credit card as an authorized user is a great way to build their credit profile while also teaching them financial responsibility. Or at least that’s what’s meant to happen. In my case, it just gave me access to a credit limit that I had no business having as a 23-year-old with only a part-time job. But the allure of travel credit cards is hard to resist at any age, and, before you know it, you’ve bitten off more than you can chew in pursuit of free flights and fancy perks. What I now understand is that the credit card you want isn’t necessarily the credit card you need. And while I still love those lounge access perks, today my favorite credit cards are those that reward me well for the things I spend the most on day-to-day, like food delivery and Uber.

Tracy’s recommended readings

From travel coverage to extended warranties, credit cards provide consumers with all sorts of useful protections for everyday living. And when used responsibly, your good credit can give you a much-needed leg up to achieve larger life goals like homeownership.

— Tracy Stewart

Tracy's latest articles

  • Revenued Business Card review

    If you have fair credit but need access to funding for your small business, there's a lot to love with the Revenued Business card. But its mandatory finance charges may prove costly.

    10 min read Oct 18, 2024

  • Bilt Mastercard®

    The Bilt Mastercard® is a unique and versatile rewards card that will appeal to renters and fee-averse travelers as it earns 1X points on rent payments without any transaction or processing fees.

    14 min read Oct 16, 2024

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    This premier Chase card could be stellar for travelers who value luxury perks, but its high annual fee makes it a costly choice if you only travel occasionally.

    21 min read Oct 15, 2024

  • Ink Business Premier® Credit Card

    The Ink Business Premier® Credit Card, Chase’s latest addition to their portfolio of business credit cards, comes with a $195 annual fee and includes unique features along with a few drawbacks.

    13 min read Oct 15, 2024

  • Chase Freedom Flex℠

    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.

    13 min read Oct 15, 2024

  • Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®

    For the devoted American Airlines flier, the Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® is worth considering — especially since you can test drive it for a year without paying the $99 annual fee.

    7 min read Oct 08, 2024

  • Sam's Club® Mastercard®

    Its gas cash back is hard to beat, but it doesn’t offer any unique benefits or value for shopping at Sam’s Club.

    12 min read Oct 08, 2024

  • The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card

    The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card can be well worth the substantial price of ownership as long as you make sure you maximize all the benefits it offers.

    5 min read Oct 03, 2024