Credit Cards for Fair/Average Credit

All information about the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.

Comparing the best credit cards for fair credit

Editor’s picks: the best credit cards for people with fair credit

Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Best for building credit

• Why we picked it: The Capital One Platinum Credit Card gives you the opportunity to get a credit limit increase after as little as six months, something not often seen with credit-builder cards.
• Pros: The Platinum has no annual fee, making it an excellent choice for a first card. Also, there’s fraud protection, online banking, access to a contactless card and more.
• Cons: This card doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus or ongoing rewards and carries a 29.74% variable APR, which is something to consider when looking for a card for the long term.
• Who should apply? This is a great card for anyone hoping to avoid an annual fee or a secured card deposit while working their way up from average credit.
• Who should skip? If you’re looking for a low-interest credit card or are more concerned about earning rewards than building credit, this card will likely disappoint.

Read our Capital One Platinum Credit Card review.

Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card: Best for building credit + earning rewards

• Why we picked it: The Mission Lane Cash Back Visa is an unsecured card, meaning no deposit required. It’s also an instant approval credit card. So you’ll know right away whether you qualify – with no impact on your credit score.
• Pros: You can earn unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases. And if you’re in good standing, you’ll be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as seven months.
• Cons: Your starting credit limit may only be $300. And if you don’t pay off your balance each month, you’ll get stuck paying a high variable interest rate of 26.99% to 29.99%.
• Who should apply? Anyone looking to earn rewards while working to improve their credit score should consider this card, especially if they don’t want to tie up funds in a secured credit card.
• Who should skip? This isn’t the card for you if you tend to carry a balance from month to month. If that’s the case, you’ll be better off with a credit card with a lower APR.

Read our Mission Lane Cash Back Visa review.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate rewards

• Why we picked it: Earning unlimited cash back rewards while strengthening your credit makes this our pick for the best credit card for fair/average credit for flat-rate rewards.
• Pros: You’ll earn consistent 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no need to juggle rotating rewards categories or track spending. Plus, with responsible use, you will be considered for a credit limit increase after your first 6 months of on-time payments.
• Cons: The $39 annual fee will cut into your cash back earnings and the card’s APR is very high at 29.74% (Variable), making it a risky choice should you need to carry a balance.
• Who should apply? This card is ideal for those with so-so credit hoping to earn a decent rewards rate on day-to-day spending.
• Who should skip? If paying your monthly balance in full is a struggle, this card could end up costing you a lot in interest. Additionally, big spenders would be better off going with a card that maximizes earnings on top spend categories.

Read our Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review.

Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®: Best for Walmart purchases

• Why we picked it: If you are loyal to Walmart, this card just keeps giving you love by way of rewards. Earn 5% cash back at Walmart stores using Walmart Pay for your first 12 months of card membership, then earn 2%. Also, earn 5% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, including pickup and delivery.
• Pros: In addition to earning 2% at Walmart stores, you can get that rate on restaurant and travel purchases, as well as at Walmart and Murphy USA Fuel stations.
• Cons: The 5% rewards rate with Walmart Pay in Walmart stores only applies for the first 12 months, then reverts to 2%, though the 5% back on Walmart.com purchases remains. If you prefer to do your shopping in person, you might find the card less valuable after your first year.
• Who should apply? If Walmart is your go-to one-stop shop of choice, this card offers strong rewards for those in the fair credit range. Online shoppers can take advantage of the high rewards rate on Walmart.com purchases.
• Who should skip? This card won’t be of much use unless you do a good bit of shopping at Walmart, specifically Walmart.com which offers the highest long-term rewards rate.

Read our Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® review.

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card: Best for earning rewards + avoiding fees

• Why we picked it: The Petal 2 is a great option if you’re trying to build credit. This unsecured credit card doesn’t require a deposit and has a fast preapproval process, which will not affect your credit score. Plus, it comes with no annual fee, late payment fee, foreign transaction fee or penalty APRs.
• Pros: You’ll immediately earn 1% cash back on every eligible purchase. After making six on-time payments, that rate grows to 1.25% for eligible purchases, followed by 1.5% on all eligible purchases once you make 12 on-time payments. There are even select merchants where you can earn anywhere from 2% to 10% cash back.
• Cons: Your credit limit can be as low as $300. With a limit that low, even carrying over a balance of $100 could impact your credit utilization ratio and credit score. Paying your balance in full each month will help ensure you stay on a positive credit-building course.
• Who should apply? If your goal is to build credit, the Petal 2 is a great choice, thanks to an absence of fees and the chance to earn rewards.
• Who should skip? If you have a history of missed payments or delinquency, your chances of approval drop. If that’s the case, take a look at our credit cards for bad credit.

Read our Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card review.

Credit One Bank Wander® Card: Best for travel

• Why we picked it: The Wander card combines a generous rewards program with credit-building features like free onlineaccess to your Experian credit score and the chance to change your payment due date, which could help make budgeting easier.
• Pros: This is one of the only travel rewards cards open to people with fair credit and features a number of perks not typically found with credit-builder cards, like a sign-up bonus and travel accident insurance.
• Cons: The annual fee is higher than a number of top credit cards for fair credit and could be hard to offset unless you’re a frequent traveler.
• Who should apply? Credit builders who want to earn rewards for their eligible travel, dining and gas purchases even as they’re working their way up to good credit.
• Who should skip? Occasional travelers who may not be able to rack up enough points to easily offset the annual fee.

Read our Credit One Bank Wander® Card review.

Avant Credit Card: Best for no foreign transaction fee

• Why we picked it: The Avant Credit Card offers a $300 credit limit and requires no security deposit.
• Pros: This card allows potential applicants to check if they’re preapproved without dinging their credit. The application process is quick and applicants generally receive a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
• Cons: This card offers no rewards and is generally short on perks beyond its lack of a foreign transaction fee.
• Who should apply? This card could be a match for credit-builders looking to boost their score without putting cash down for a security deposit. Travelers will like its lack of foreign transaction fees.
• Who should skip? Someone hoping to earn rewards will be disappointed by this card’s lack of a rewards program. Those who tend to carry a balance should be mindful of the high APR (29.24% variable).

Read our Avant Credit Card review.

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®: Best for international spending

• Why we picked it: As a Visa card, this product is excellent for overseas travel, thanks to the Visa network’s widespread acceptance. To top it off, this card has the added feature of no foreign transaction fee, which means you can make international purchases with no extra cost.
• Pros: This card is light on the fees, including no annual fee and no monthly fee. Also, earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases every time you make a payment. An added feature: See if you prequalify without hurting your credit score.
• Cons: There’s no sign-up bonus with this card, as well as no introductory 0% APR offer on purchases or balance transfers. That said, the regular APR starts out low at 14.99% to 29.99%, if you can qualify for it.
• Who should apply? Someone who struggles to keep up with payments may find the reward incentive to be a useful motivator. Travelers will enjoy its lack of foreign transaction fees and high acceptance around the globe.
• Who should skip? If your credit score allows it, you can certainly find a more valuable flat-rate cash back card.

Read our Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® review.

Indigo® Mastercard®: Best for rebuilding after bankruptcy

• Why we picked it: When it comes to your personal finances, peace of mind is extremely important. If you struggle to get approved for a credit card after bankruptcy, the Indigo Mastercard could be the answer. In addition to welcoming people who have gone through bankruptcy, you can prequalify to see how likely you are to be approved without any impact to your credit score.
• Pros: The card also comes with Mastercard benefits like extended warranty coverage and fraud protection. And since it’s an unsecured card, you won’t have to put down any money up front.
• Cons: The card doesn’t earn rewards, and the credit limit only goes up to $300. There are also a number of fees that do little to help people with fair credit improve their score. This includes an annual fee that can get as high as $99, a late or returned payment fee of up to $40 and a penalty APR of 29.9%. Plus, Indigo doesn’t specify when or if you can qualify for a higher credit limit.
• Who should apply? If you haven’t been able to get approved for a credit card due to past bankruptcy, the Indigo card could give you a chance to get back on track and rebuild your credit.
• Who should skip? Anyone who is unable to pay their balance in full each month should first try to qualify for credit cards with fewer fees.

Read our Indigo® Mastercard® review.

Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for college students

• Why we picked it: Earning extra cash for being responsible with your credit card is one of this card’s most valuable benefits. You’ll be raking in the rewards while building credit thanks to this card’s terrific rewards rate (5% on rotating categories for up to $1,500 per quarter, then 1%, activation required) and low fees. Even better, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• Pros: If you need time to pay off purchases, there’s a 0% introductory APR on new purchases for the first 6 months from account opening (17.24% to 26.24% variable APR after).
• Cons: The card needs upkeep: You must enroll in the rotating bonus category every quarter to earn the high cash back rate.
• Who should apply? For anyone new to the world of credit, this Discover card’s consumer-friendly terms, lucrative first-year bonus and rotating cash back categories make for an excellent start.
• Who should skip? If tracking Discover’s rotating categories calendar strikes you as tedious, this is probably not the card for you.

Read our Discover it® Student Cash Back review.

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit: Best for cash back rewards

• Why we picked it: You’ll earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible purchases of gas, groceries and mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services. Getting cash back in such practical categories should help you offset the card’s annual fee at least a bit.
• Pros: Not only is it an unsecured card – meaning you won’t have to put down any money up front as a deposit – you may be able to increase your credit limit over time with responsible use. Plus, the card comes with credit-building tools like free online access to your Experian credit score and the option to set up alerts to ensure you keep up with payments and avoid late fees.
• Cons: While it’s a decent option if you’ve had a few financial stumbles and are looking to get your credit back on track with an unsecured card, it could cost you. The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit charges an annual fee of $75 for the first year. After that, $99 annually ($8.25 per month), along with annual charges for adding authorized users and a fee for using the card abroad.
• Who should apply? For credit-builders, it’s tough to find a credit card that offers any sort of cash back rewards program, much less one so straightforward.
• Who should skip? With a foreign transaction fee of 3%, frequent travelers may want to look elsewhere.

Read our Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit review.

Milestone® Mastercard®: Best for rebuilding credit

• Why we picked it: Thanks to no required security deposit and a prequalification process that won’t hurt your credit score, this card provides ways for cardholders to build back their credit history.
• Pros: This card offers no cash advance fees in your first year as a cardholder (either $5 or 5% thereafter, whichever is greater), plus identity theft protection and a competitive foreign transaction fee of 1%.
• Cons: The card’s initial credit limit of $300 is a reason it comes up short for some, along with its $35 to $99 annual fee, a high regular APR and the lack of additional perks.
• Who should apply? This card’s low entry barrier makes it an attractive option for those with a history of bankruptcy or bad credit.
• Who should skip? Even among cards for people with bad credit, this card’s hefty fees and high APR are off-putting. And if earning rewards are a high priority for you, look elsewhere.

Read our Milestone® Mastercard® review.

Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa®: Best for rewards

• Why we picked it: This card offers a simple and straightforward structure that gives people with less-than-perfect credit the opportunity to earn generous cash back rewards and benefits.
• Pros: Earn 5% cash back on the first $5,000 of eligible gas, grocery, internet, cable, satellite TV, and mobile phone service purchases each year – that means you could earn $250 for the year. It’s 1% back after that.
• Cons: The regular APR is one of the highest around, at 28.24% Variable. Also, there is no welcome bonus. Finally, this card’s $95 annual fee puts a dent on any rewards you earn.
• Who should apply? For anyone with fair credit hoping to rack up cash back rewards, this card is a strong choice.
• Who should skip? If you have a tendency to carry a balance, the regular APR (28.24% Variable) could be problematic, especially if you’re trying to build up your credit score.

Read our Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa review.

Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card: Best for no annual fee

• Why we picked it: In addition to no foreign transaction fee, a rarity for cards that accept fair or average credit, this card also offers no annual fee. Late and returned payment fees may apply.
• Pros: On top of earning 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants, you can get a credit limit of up to $5,000, and that’s with no refundable deposit required. You can also see if you are preapproved within minutes of applying.
• Cons: The regular APR is sky high on this card, at 24.49% to 33.99% variable. Also, there is no sign-up bonus offer, and there are no ongoing rewards.
• Who should apply? This card is a good fit for anyone with a limited or so-so credit history hoping to build up their score without paying an annual fee or security deposit.
• Who should skip? A high end range of the variable APR means this card may not be the best option for someone who carries a balance month to month.

Read our Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card review.

Chase Freedom® Student credit card: Best for no credit history

• Why we picked it: Chase’s first credit card for college students rewards responsible spending: For the first five years, cardholders receive a $20 bonus after each account anniversary year if their account is in good standing (meaning their minimum payments are being made on time). Plus, there’s no annual fee.
• Pros: The Chase Freedom Student credit card lets students earn rewards: 1% cash back on every purchase. Plus, there’s a sign-up bonus: Cardholders earn $50 after making their first purchase with the card in the first three months. They also receive 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025 and a complimentary three-month subscription to DashPass, DoorDash’s subscription service that provides free deliveries on eligible orders over $12. You must activate this benefit by Dec. 31, 2024, and after three months, you’ll be automatically enrolled in DashPass at 50% off for the next nine months.
• Cons: Depending on their spending habits, students could arguably earn more over time with other cards in this category. For instance, the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One offers 1% cash back on general purchases but also lets cardholders earn a 25% bonus when they pay on time (an overall rate of 1.25% for that month). Learn more about the best student credit cards.
• Who should apply? This card’s great credit-building tools and college-friendly rewards opportunities make it an ideal starter card for students.
• Who should skip? Students already in good financial standing who have regular high expenses may be able to earn more from a card offering a higher rewards rate.

Read our Chase Freedom® Student credit card review.

What is fair credit?

Fair credit (or average credit) can vary based on different credit scoring models. FICO and VantageScore are the two major credit scores in the United States. Both have a credit score range from 300 to 850. FICO was the creator of the first credit score and is still the most widely used score today. For FICO credit scores, fair credit ranges between 580 and 669 (based on the standard FICO Score 8 model). For VantageScore, fair credit can range from 601 to 660 (standard VantageScore 3.0 model).

Fair is a below-average score for both FICO and VantageScore. Since credit offers are based on creditworthiness, people with fair credit get below-average offers.

But if you have fair credit, you’re in a good position to rebuild. While lenders typically prefer credit scores to fall in the good-to-excellent range, people with fair credit scores are still considered viable applicants for many loans. And with some persistence and responsible credit usage, you can improve your credit score to one of the upper ranges.

FICO score ranges

VantageScore ranges

Pros and cons of cards for fair credit

How to choose a card for fair credit

How to make the most of a credit card for fair credit

When applying for a fair or average credit card, it is important to keep the goal of improving your credit in mind. Here are some tips on how someone with fair credit can get the most value out of their credit card:

• Use your card to build credit. The most important aspect of using a card that requires fair or average credit is that you can build your credit with it, which will grant you access to better lending products.
• Keep your utilization ratio low. People with fair credit tend to have cards with low credit limits. To keep your balances low and avoid increasing your credit utilization ratio, make small, multiple payments throughout the month.
• Look for a card without an annual fee. By taking out a card with no annual fee, you minimize the costs incurred with card membership.
• Practice with rewards. Cards for fair or average cards will sometimes have rewards, such as 1% back on all purchases. This is a good way to practice for getting a rewards card down the road. Make sure you don’t carry a balance because interest charges will negate your rewards.
• Look to increase your credit limit. After you’ve established a several-month trend of paying on time and in full, you could contact your carrier and negotiate a longer credit limit. Some providers will review your account for an increase automatically, so pay attention to your card’s fine print.
• Don’t close your old card. Once your credit score has risen to the point that you can apply for a better card, don’t close or stop using your card for fair credit. By continuing to use it, at least for small charges, you keep the account active, continuing to build credit with it, and you increase your available credit.

Are there credit cards for fair/average credit with instant approval?

Yes, there are cards that offer instant approval, even if you have fair/average credit. Instant approval cards can be a great way to learn within minutes if you are conditionally accepted as a cardmember. Just keep in mind that instant approval isn’t a guarantee that you will be granted the card – a more thorough check of your file will be conducted if you are allowed conditional approval. Plus, whether you can get approved or denied right away is based on if the company can verify your identity. In the case that your identity cannot be easily identified, the application process could take a few days. Focusing on cards that fit within your credit range is crucial to your financial health, and using the card responsibly is the key to strengthening your credit. Check out our list of the top instant approval cards to see if any are a good option for you.

What do I do if I’m rejected for a credit card?

If your hopes of landing a credit card of your dreams have been dashed, we can help. By taking the right steps, you can recover and get the card you want and need.

1. Have your application reconsidered

It’s no surefire solution, but you should contact the card issuer to see if they’d review your application again. If you’re able to argue your case, you might be able to get your foot in the door. Some card providers might be more willing to accept you as a cardholder after you’ve shown extra initiative.

2. Get the explanation from the issuer

Issuers are required to explain to you why you were rejected. You might find out online, by phone or by mail – no matter which way, read the issuer’s feedback, then try to fix the situation.

3. Check your credit score and credit reports

In general, it’s a good idea to check your credit reports several times a year. You can check them for free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you’ve been rejected by a card issuer, make a point of checking your credit files to make sure there are no errors or omissions.

4. Look at a credit-builder loan with your credit union

If your credit files are too weak for even a basic secured card, talk to your local credit union about getting a credit-builder loan. These loans are designed for improving your credit rather than getting money for a home improvement or car.

5. Catch up on your bills

Payment history has the biggest impact on your credit score. If you are behind on any bills, you should call the creditor and arrange to pay the past due amounts. After making your payments, you can request that the creditor rescind any reported delinquencies so they will no longer show up on your credit report. While this may be the slowest step, it is essential to improving your credit score. Finally, your more recent activity weighs more heavily, so those on-time payments are priceless.

6. Don’t close accounts

If you already have cards, don’t close them. Instead, pay them down and keep using them. Why? Because your payment history remains on your credit files for several years, good or bad, so you aren’t protecting your credit just by closing the account. In fact, the available credit on your cards helps your file, as does continuing to pay on time.

7 . Wait several months

Wait several months before applying for a card again. Too many card applications too close together can mean desperation to a lender. Also, this gives your score a chance to improve.

8. Apply for a card you are reasonably sure you will get

In this case, don’t reach for the stars. Instead, choose a card to apply for that you are pretty sure you can get. If you are unable to qualify for an unsecured card, try a secured card to help build your credit.

What impacts your credit score?

Especially with this year’s economic uncertainties, understanding what does and doesn’t affect your credit score is more important than ever if you have fair credit. Almost half (47%) of the surveyed cardholders whose incomes were harmed since March did something to potentially damage their score, according to a July 2020 Bankrate survey.

• 17% added to their debt. Additionally, 8% carried a balance, thinking it would help their score.
  Could hurt your: credit utilization ratio (and wallet)
• 12% paid a bill late, and 6% didn’t pay a bill at all.
  Could hurt your: payment history
• 3% cancelled a credit card, thinking it would help their score.
  Could hurt your: credit history

When you boil down the noise about what factors are and aren’t considered by FICO, we’ve found late payments, keeping your card balances full and bankruptcies have the biggest impact on your score.

There are many misjudgments around credit scores. According to VantageScore’s 2020 Survey, nearly half of Americans (48%) wrongfully believe that a person’s age impacts their credit score. Additionally, that same study found that only 33% knew that a credit score is meant to represent the risk of not repaying a loan, with 14% even thinking that it represents one’s knowledge of consumer credit. While that isn’t the case, improving your knowledge of credit scores is a great step in the right direction.

So what actually impacts your credit? What goes into a FICO score can be broken down into 5 different factors, along with the percentage of importance to your score:

1. Payment history: 35 percent – If you make a payment 30 days past the due date or later, it will most likely appear on your credit report. The later the payment, the worse the impact on your credit score.
2. Amounts owed: 30 percent – The less available credit you are using, the higher your credit score will be.
3. Length of credit history: 15 percent – This refers to the average account age of your accounts and the age of your newest account, which gets younger each time you open a new account.
4. New credit: 10 percent – Each time you apply for a new credit card or loan, a hard inquiry will hit your credit.
5. Credit mix: 10 percent – Having several types of loans – such as a car loan, a mortgage and a credit card – can help your credit.

As this shows, the most important things you can do to improve your credit are making payments on time and making payments in full. To view your current credit score for free and without impacting your score, check out our app.

How fast can credit improve?

The length of time it takes to improve your credit depends on the details of your financial situation. Along with your credit behavior, your starting score is a major factor.

For example, if you have no credit history, it will take a minimum of 6 months to establish a credit score. Credit score formulas require an active credit account to be present for at least 6 months before a score is generated.

If you are repairing damaged credit, however, it can take much longer to up your score. A person who only qualifies for a secured card, for example, can generally improve to fair credit within 12 to 18 months – with responsible card usage, of course.

While some people need to repair minor infractions, others have major issues to climb back from. Overcoming small mishaps will be a quicker journey than, say, recovering from bankruptcy. According to VantageScore, here are the approximate lengths of time it takes to repair credit based on your actions:

What activities affect your credit?

There are a number of factors affecting your credit, and VantageScore has identified which ones are more important than others. What makes one factor more important than another and what can you do about it? It has to do with how lenders see the behavior. Here are behaviors, how lenders view them and how much impact they have on your credit:

In the news: Experian launches Go, a tool to build your own credit report

If you’ve boosted your credit score to the fair-credit range, you’ve come a long way. Your efforts have opened the door to more opportunities, making it easier for you to borrow money if you ever need to. Not everyone is as fortunate.

A lot of people still struggle to get their credit score as far as you have. In fact, 28 million have no credit score or credit report and are credit invisible. And because of this, they struggle to gain access to valuable financial resources. This makes it easier for them to fall prey to predatory lending options like payday loans.

If you know anyone who is credit invisible, let them know they have resources available to them. This includes a new tool by Experian that helps people who are credit invisible establish credit records. Instead of relying on lenders to provide the data that determines a credit score, Experian’s Go program lets users create an Experian credit report using recurring bills that are not usually reported to credit bureaus. John Egan has the details on Experian’s new DIY credit report tool.

Research methodology: How we choose the best cards for fair credit

Methodology: We analyzed 161 credit cards in the average credit range to identify the top products in the class. Core criteria we considered in our evaluation include:

• Credit-building features: When building a credit score, it’s vital to have a card that regularly reports your payment habits and has flexibility with your credit limit. We looked for credit cards with perks that help bolster your credit history and make it easy to track your credit score.
• Base rewards program: Does the card provide any ways to earn rewards? Not all cards in the fair credit range do, but some options provide strong cash back earnings, attainable sign-up bonuses and rewards across several spend categories.
• Affordability: Does the card feature an annual fee? Additionally, are there any extra fees you need to watch out for? How high are the interest rates if you were to carry a balance? In other words, we considered how costly a card can be.
• Additional benefits: Some cards offer introductory 0% APR periods on purchases/balance transfers to help protect cardholders from tedious costs. Other protective benefits, like zero fraud risk, prequalification and many more, were also weighed during our analysis.

More information on credit cards

For more information on all things credit cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• What is a fair credit score?
• What credit score do you need for a credit card?
• Credit score statistics

About the Author

Joey Robinson

Joey Robinson is a credit cards writer for CreditCards.com and has worked at a “Big Four” (Ernst & Young) accounting firm before exploring the world of credit cards. After learning proper professional and financial practices through federal audits, he moved on to his second job, where he was introduced to CreditCards.com/Bankrate as a data analyst. As time passed, his interests drifted away from data analysis and into the communication of credit card essentials. Over the past two years, he’s shared his expertise and has brought understanding to complex topics as a writer and editor for sites like CreditCards.com, Bankrate.com and NextAdvisor. His advice on avoiding common credit card fees, top balance transfer tactics and more financial tips have been featured on MSN Money and other various news publications.

About the Editor

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. 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.

About the Reviewer

Jason Steele

Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets. He’s frequently interviewed and quoted by mainstream outlets on the subjects of credit cards and travel. Jason is passionate about travel rewards credit cards, which he uses to earn rewards that he can redeem for him and his family to travel around the world. Jason is also the founder and producer of CardCon, a conference for credit and credit card journalists that’s held annually.