Card advice
Is the Discover it Student Cash Back worth it?
College students have plenty of cards from which to choose if they want to build…
Dan Rafter has been writing about personal finance for more than two decades, covering everything from credit scores, mortgage loans and debt to credit cards, insurance, real estate and student loans.
His work has appeared in the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Fox Business, The Motley Fool, The Christian Science Monitor, LendingTree, Business Insider and Mental Floss Magazine. He’s also the editor of Midwest Real Estate News, a trade magazine serving real estate professionals throughout the Midwest.
During his earlier years covering local government in the Chicago area, Dan won a Peter Lisagore Award, one of the top awards for Illinois journalists. He was part of a team covering campaign finance reforms in the state and was honored in the public-service category.
Dan has been interviewed about the national housing market on the John Williams show on WLS radio in Chicago and served as the master of ceremonies of Metro Chicago Real Estate’s Residential Real Estate Conference, a gathering of the top real estate pros in the Chicago area. He’s also contributed expert commentary to Business.com on insurance and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on small business owners and the Insurance Thought Leadership Institute about cybersecurity and data breaches. Dan is a regular writer at NortonLifeLock, too, covering cybersecurity and privacy issues.
Personal Quote
"I enjoy giving readers the information they need to improve their credit scores, boost their financial health and better use their credit cards to earn rewards, perks and cash back."
Education & Honors
Professional Groups
Card advice
Is the Discover it Student Cash Back worth it?
College students have plenty of cards from which to choose if they want to build…
Credit management
How to create a budget, stick to it and save using apps and card rewards
If you want to create a budget, start by breaking down your expenses into four…
Card advice
Guide to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
The Chase Ultimate Rewards redemption portal offers plenty of perks for cardholders. But since it…
Card advice
Hilton Honors rewards program guide
Learn how the Hilton Honors rewards program works, including how to earn and redeem points…
Credit management
How closing your oldest credit card affects your credit
You may be wondering why you are still holding on to a credit card that…
Education
How to do a balance transfer in 7 steps
If you’re considering a balance transfer, start by checking your current balance and APR and…
Education
What to know about prepaid travel credit cards
Prepaid travel cards can offer a safe way to get cash in foreign currency
Education
How to get a credit card without a Social Security number
Most banks require a Social Security number when you apply for a credit card. But…
Credit management
What credit score do you need for a credit card?
A high credit score makes it easier to qualify for the best credit cards. But…
Card advice
Comenity Bank credit cards
Comenity Bank might not be a name you hear much, but this major credit card…
Education
How to transfer a balance to a Chase credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a Chase credit card? Here’s everything you need to know,…
Card advice
What are the differences between a credit card and a debit card?
If you’re a credit card loyalist, you might be charging every possible purchase. But are…
Education
Small-business guide to credit card merchant fees
The number of fees businesses need to pay for accepting credit cards can be confusing…
Card advice
Chase Freedom Flex benefits guide
The Chase Freedom Flex credit card is a smart addition to your wallet if you…
Card advice
How to earn and use Ultimate Rewards points
Our Ultimate Rewards guide gives you the full rundown on earning and redeeming Ultimate Rewards…
Card advice
How to add an authorized user to a Bank of America credit card
Bank of America allows cardholders to add authorized users to their accounts. Learn how to…
Education
Suspect card fraud? How to file a claim
What to do when you spot a suspicious charge on your credit or debit card
Education
Is debt consolidation right for you?
With fewer payments each month and a potentially lower interest rate, a debt consolidation loan…
Card advice
How to add an authorized user to an American Express card
Adding authorized users to your American Express credit card can help them boost their credit…
Card advice
How to add an authorized user to a Citi credit card
Adding an authorized user to your credit card can help them build credit, but it…
Card advice
How to request a credit limit increase with Bank of America
Requesting a higher credit limit with Bank of America is a simple process, but make…
Card advice
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited worth it?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card comes with a generous rewards program, a 0% introductory…
Card advice
Credit score needed for the Discover it Student Cash Back
You’ll likely need fair to good credit to qualify for a Discover it Student Cash…
Education
Which 1.5 percent cash back card is right for you?
If you want to earn cash back on every purchase without the hassle of dealing…
Card advice
Best credit cards — and shopping tips — for back-to-school days
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your children, back-to-school shopping can be overwhelming. These shopping…
Education
What is a secured credit card?
Qualifying for a credit card can be a challenge if you have damaged credit or…
Education
Sharing miles with friends, family: These airlines allow it
Want to pool miles with friends, family? These frequent flyer programs allow you to share…
Credit management
Credit cards that offer free credit scores
Staying on top of your credit score is key to getting mortgages, auto loans and…
Card advice
Guide to mobile wallets: Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Got questions about mobile wallets? Our guide to Samsung Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay…
Card advice
Capital One Venture X vs. Amex Platinum Card
Both the Platinum Card from American Express and the Venture X Rewards card from Capital…
Card advice
Best American Airlines credit cards
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just travel with your family once a year, these…
Card advice
How to add an authorized user to a Capital One credit card
Adding family members or friends as authorized users can provide them an immediate credit boost.…
Card advice
How to get a cash advance with Bank of America
You can quickly get cash from your Bank of America credit card, but make sure…
Credit management
1099-C frequently asked questions
Wonder why you received a 1099-C in the mail? Most taxpayers don’t realize forgiven debt…
Credit management
5 mistakes you should avoid after paying off credit card debt
From running up debt again to not using your card at all, avoid these mistakes…
Education
How to get a cash advance with Chase
You can visit your nearest Chase branch or use an ATM to get a cash…
Card advice
How to transfer a balance to a Capital One credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a Capital One credit card? Here’s everything you need to…
Card advice
How to transfer a balance to a Bank of America credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a Bank of America credit card? Here’s everything you need…
Education
How to transfer a balance to a U.S. Bank credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a U.S. Bank credit card? Here’s everything you need to…
Education
Prequalified vs. preapproved: What’s the difference?
Got an offer in the mail saying you’re “prequalified” or “preapproved” for a credit card?…
Credit management
Collectors still calling after a 1099-C ‘Cancellation of Debt’ tax form
The 1099-C form is called a ‘Cancellation of Debt’ form, but it’s not always true…
Education
How to transfer a balance to an HSBC credit card
Balance transfers with HSBC credit cards have their limits, but it might still be worth…
Card advice
Is the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card worth it?
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card comes with a generous zero-interest offer on balance transfers…
Card advice
How to transfer a balance to a Wells Fargo credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a Wells Fargo credit card? Here’s everything you need to…
Card advice
How to transfer a balance to a Citi credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a Citi credit card? Here’s everything you need to know,…
Education
How to use rent payments to score welcome bonuses
Charging your apartment rent could help you earn the lucrative welcome bonuses offered by credit…
Card advice
How to transfer a balance to a Discover credit card
Considering a balance transfer to a Discover credit card? Here’s everything you need to know,…
Card advice
Apple Card balance transfers: Are they possible?
Completing a balance transfer to or from an Apple Card might not be possible. So…
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