Claire Dickey

Former Editor, Credit Cards

EXPERTISE

Rewards credit cards
Travel credit cards
Credit card news
Building credit

EDUCATION

A.B.J. Advertising, Grady College of Journalism at The University of Georgia

There’s no reason to feel intimidated by a credit card. As long as you pay off your purchases every month, there’s little risk and tons of upside.
— Claire Dickey

Claire Dickey is a credit cards editor at Bankrate, focusing on news, product guides and educational content. Her areas of expertise include rewards and travel credit cards, building credit and credit card news. Always on the lookout for the latest credit cards and card perks, as well as cards-related legislation and regulations, Claire is passionate about demystifying personal finance topics. Her goal is to help readers save money, earn rewards and protect their credit scores.

When she’s not strategizing about how to maximize rewards on her next trip, Claire is an avid runner and day hiker.

Claire wants you to know

If you’re trying to build credit, my best advice is to keep things simple. A credit card is a great way to show your creditworthiness, but picking one can be overwhelming since there are so many options out there and so many features to consider. Stick to the basics: Look for a card with low fees and the option to put down a large deposit and get a matching credit limit. If you pay on time and only charge small purchases to the card, your score can grow surprisingly quickly.

Claire's recommended readings

There’s no reason to feel intimidated by a credit card. As long as you pay off your purchases every month, there’s little risk and tons of upside.
— Claire Dickey

Claire's latest articles

Credit card issuers that offer contactless cards

While the COVID-19 pandemic made contactless payment options more popular than ever, consumers have grown to love using touch-free payment options.

3 min read Mar 16, 2022
Is the Discover it Miles better for cash back or travel?

The Discover it Miles works well as both a travel credit card and a cash back credit card. Learn which redemption method is the best.

3 min read Mar 02, 2022
Best credit cards for pharmacies and drugstores

Drugstore and pharmacy rewards cards are a valuable way to save on health costs.

6 min read Feb 23, 2022
Guide to hotel cancellation policies and elite status changes amid coronavirus

Many hotel brands offer cancellations and changes without penalty, and some allow elite status member extensions.

7 min read Jan 28, 2022
57% of American shoppers are likely to spend money to treat themselves this holiday season

This year, most Americans are also planning to buy gifts for themselves.

5 min read Dec 08, 2021
How to get the most out of Capital One Experiences

Capital One Experiences are available to all Capital One cardholders, but you’ll maximize your dollar with the right card.

3 min read Dec 03, 2021
Chase Sapphire Reserve: How to get 50% off travel through the Chase portal

The Chase portal is incredibly flexible, and Sapphire Reserve cardmembers get the best deal.

6 min read Oct 22, 2021
Best secured cards that graduate to unsecured

Need to improve your credit score? Making regular payments with a secured credit card can help.

6 min read Oct 07, 2021