Ryan Wilcox

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer | TMFRyanWilcox

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 197 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 11-14-2025

Past Experience

Content Writer, The Points Guy

Summary

Ryan Wilcox is a full-time Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, covering credit cards, bank accounts, investing, auto insurance, and other personal finance topics. Ryan has been writing about credit cards and savings since 2022. Before joining Motley Fool Money, he was a full-time writer at The Points Guy, where he focused on maximizing credit card rewards and travel strategies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and American History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also spent four years reporting for The Daily Tar Heel. With a background in both journalism and consumer finance, he brings a clear and thoughtful voice to money topics. Outside of work, Ryan is likely reading, writing, or updating his Letterboxd account.

Ryan's Recent Articles

• Earn 2% on Everything: This Wells Fargo Credit Card Was Just Named Best for 2026
  Nov 14, 2025
  The Wells Fargo Active Cash earns unlimited 2% cash rewards on every purchase. Here's why it's one of the most versatile credit cards out there.
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• I Review Bank Accounts for a Living. Here's Where I'd Put $10,000
  Nov 14, 2025
  High-yield savings accounts are the best place for your cash in 2025. Here are a few of my favorites based on APY, additional perks, and …
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• If You Withdraw $10,000, the Government Is Going to Know About It. Here's Why
  Nov 13, 2025
  The government finds out when you withdraw $10,000 from your bank account. Here's why -- and what you should (or shouldn't) do about it.
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• Most Balance Transfer Cards Don't Earn Rewards. Here's Why They're Still Worth It
  Nov 13, 2025
  Balance transfer cards are one of the best ways to pay off debt in 2025. Learn why they're worth it -- even if they don't …
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• $50K in the Bank? Here's When It's Too Much -- and What to Do Instead
  Nov 13, 2025
  Keeping too much money in your bank account could be costing you in the long run. Here's what to do with your extra cash instead.
  Read More
• 3 Savings Accounts Crushing Chase on Interest Rates
  Nov 13, 2025
  Interest rates are expected to fall soon, but SoFi®, CIT, and Axos are still offering savings accounts with strong APYs. Learn which one's right for …
  Read More
• Act Fast: The Venture X Business Card Offers up to 400,000 Bonus Miles
  Nov 13, 2025
  The Venture X Business is a great travel card -- with one of the most valuable welcome offers I've ever seen. Here's how to earn …
  Read More
• What Happens When You Reach an 850 Credit Score? It's Not What You Think
  Nov 12, 2025
  Having a perfect 850 credit score might sound impressive -- but what does it really get you? Here's the truth in 2025.
  Read More
• Had $25K in a Wells Fargo Savings Account for 5 Years? You Just Lost $5,000 in Interest
  Nov 12, 2025
  If you're still keeping your money in a Wells Fargo savings account, you're missing out. Here's what to make hundreds more a year with one …
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• Why Premium Cards Are Worth It in 2025 -- Even With High Annual Fees
  Nov 11, 2025
  Some credit cards have annual fees that near $1,000 -- but they've got plenty of perks to make them worth it. Here's my favorite high-end …
  Read More
• This Credit Card Was Just Named the All-Around Best of 2026. Why Now's the Time to Apply
  Nov 11, 2025
  The Wells Fargo Active Cash is one of the best flat-rate credit cards available. Here's why I think everyone should have it in their wallet.
  Read More
• The Amex Platinum Is Too Rich for My Blood. Here's the Card I'm Getting Instead
  Nov 10, 2025
  The Amex Platinum is one of the most expensive premium cards out there. Here's how you can get tons of value from a cheaper Chase …
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• Get up to 2% Back: These Are The Best Flat-Rate Cards Available This Week, Nov. 10, 2025
  Nov 10, 2025
  The best cash rewards credit card can earn you 2% on every purchase without paying an annual fee. Find out which one's right for you …
  Read More
• $750 on Travel: This Chase Card's Welcome Bonus Is Worth 7X the Annual Fee
  Nov 9, 2025
  The current welcome bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred is worth more than seven times the card's annual fee. Here's how you can earn it …
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• If You Fly a Couple Times a Year, This Is the Only Travel Card You Need
  Nov 8, 2025
  The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best credit cards out there if you only travel once or twice a year. Here's how you …
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• Tired of Tracking Categories? These 3 Cash Back Cards Just Work
  Nov 8, 2025
  The best flat-rate cash rewards cards can get you up to 2% back on everything you buy for no annual fee. See which one's right …
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• Here's How Much Grocery Cash Back You Can Earn on $500 a Month -- With and Without an Annual Fee
  Nov 8, 2025
  These valuable cards can help you earn up to 6% back on your next trip to the grocery store. Read to learn which one's right …
  Read More
• Boring but Brilliant: This Might Be the Best Flat-Rate Credit Card There Is
  Nov 7, 2025
  The Wells Fargo Active Cash isn't flashy -- it just earns solid rewards on everything you buy. Learn why I think everyone should have it …
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• Earn up to 6% Cash Back on Groceries: Why Paying an Annual Fee Is Worth It
  Nov 6, 2025
  The Amex Blue Cash Preferred is our favorite grocery card of 2025, bar none. Learn how it can earn you hundreds a year in everyday …
  Read More
• No-Annual-Fee Balance Transfer Cards That Actually Help You Get Ahead
  Nov 5, 2025
  The Wells Fargo Reflect offers an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for almost two whole years. Learn why else we love it as …
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• 3 Grocery Credit Cards That Pay You Back No Matter Where You Shop
  Nov 5, 2025
  These rewards cards can earn you up to 6% back on your next grocery trip, no matter where you go. Read to learn which one …
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• Paying Down Debt? Forget Rewards Cards and Get This Instead
  Nov 4, 2025
  The Wells Fargo Reflect card is one of the best ways to pay off debt in 2025. Learn why it's better than any rewards credit …
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• 2% Back on All Purchases: The Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Cards This Week, Nov. 3, 2025
  Nov 3, 2025
  The best flat-rate cash rewards cards can get you 2% back on everything you buy for no annual fee. See which one's right for you …
  Read More
• Here's How to Get $800 in Value With a $95 Chase Card
  Nov 2, 2025
  This Chase offering is one of the most popular travel cards on the market, and for good reason. Here's how you can get tons of …
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• Save on Your Next Big Purchase: Get 0% APR for 21 Months With This Card
  Nov 1, 2025
  The Wells Fargo Reflect offers one of the longest intro APR periods you can find. Learn why it's our favorite way to finance big purchases …
  Read More