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

More than one-third with credit card debt don’t know balance transfers exist: Here’s how much money they can save you

Balance transfer credit cards are among the best-kept secrets in the credit card industry; here’s how they can help you pay off debt.

3 min read Feb 10, 2023
How to donate your credit card rewards

Short on cash but don’t want to forgo your usual charitable contributions? Try donating your credit card rewards.

3 min read Jan 31, 2023
New X1+ card expands on the X1 experience, but for an annual fee

Marketed as a “smart card,” the X1+ credit card brings additional features and rewards for the travel savvy.

2 min read Jan 26, 2023
Best credit cards for paying taxes in 2023

Which credit cards are best for paying taxes?

7 min read Jan 25, 2023
Best credit cards with cellphone insurance

Theft, loss or damage to your phone can happen — consider a card that will cover it.

5 min read Jan 25, 2023
Best high-limit secured credit cards

Read Bankrate’s list of the best high-limit secured credit cards for 2022.

4 min read Jan 05, 2023
Self Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa vs. Discover it Secured

Which card is better for building credit — the Self Visa or Discover it Secured?

5 min read Dec 19, 2022
Alternatives to the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Read on to learn about four alternatives to Chase’s premium travel card, the Sapphire Reserve.

8 min read Dec 02, 2022