Ryan Wilcox

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer | TMFRyanWilcox

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 336 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 07-10-2026

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

• Here's What Happens When You Pay Down $5,000 in Credit Card Debt at Once -- and What to Do Next
  Jul 10, 2026
  Just paid off $5,000 in credit card debt? Learn whether to close your old card, how long your score takes to update, and what to …
  Read More
• 3 Top No-Annual-Fee Cards You Can Apply for Right Now: July 2026
  Jul 10, 2026
  No annual fee? No problem. These three inexpensive cards offer some of the best cash back rates you can find. Here's what to know.
  Read More
• The BankAmericard's 21-Month Intro APR Offer Is Impressive. But Is It the Right Card for You?
  Jul 10, 2026
  The BankAmericard offers one of the longest 0% runways you can find -- but it's not right for everyone. Here's how to know if it's …
  Read More
• Best High-Yield Savings Rates Today, July 10, 2026: Up to 4.50% APY Still on Offer
  Jul 10, 2026
  The June Fed meeting came and went with no change to rates. Top HYSAs continue to offer up to 4.50% APY. Find out more.
  Read More
• Our 3 Favorite Balance Transfer Cards With the Lowest Transfer Fees
  Jul 10, 2026
  These three cards charge just a 3% intro balance transfer fee -- and offer up to 21 months of 0% intro APR. Here's how to …
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• Our Top Balance Transfer Card of June 2026: 0% Intro APR for 21 Months
  Jul 10, 2026
  This Citi card is our top balance transfer pick for June 2026, with an intro APR offer spanning nearly two years and a low 3% …
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• Our Top Cash Back Card of June 2026: Earn 2% Cash Rewards on Purchases
  Jul 10, 2026
  This Wells Fargo Active card is our top cash rewards pick for June 2026. Here's why we love it, and how easy it is to …
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• Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Discover it Cash Back
  Jul 9, 2026
  Learn how the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Discover it Cash Back compare on rewards, welcome bonuses, and more to see which is right for you.
  Read More
• Discover it® Student Cash Back Review
  Jul 9, 2026
  Read our review of the Discover it® Student Cash Back card to learn why it's the perfect card for students beginning their credit journey.
  Read More
• How to See if You Qualify for an Amex Platinum Card Without Impacting Your Credit Score
  Jul 9, 2026
  The Amex Platinum comes with one of the biggest welcome bonus offers out there -- if you can qualify for it. Here's what to know …
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• Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: The Winner Might Surprise You in June 2026
  Jul 9, 2026
  The Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve both have great perks and massive welcome offers -- but which one is best for you? Here's how …
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• The Best 5 Credit Cards to Have: My Picks for 2026
  Jul 9, 2026
  There's no such thing as the "best" credit card, really -- but there is a best for you. Here's how to find the one that …
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• Is the Amex Platinum a 'Rich' Card?
  Jul 9, 2026
  The Amex Platinum's annual fee sounds steep. But between its welcome bonus offer and thousands of dollars in perks, you don't have to be rich …
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• Here's How the Amex Platinum Can Pay for Its Annual Fee 5 Times Over in 2026
  Jul 9, 2026
  The Amex Platinum's annual fee sounds steep -- until you do the math. Here's how the card can deliver $5,000+ in first-year value in 2026.
  Read More
• The Easiest Way to Earn $1,000+ a Year From Credit Cards
  Jul 9, 2026
  Want solid rewards without juggling dozens of credit cards? Here's the no-annual-fee combo that can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
  Read More
• What Happens if You Don't Pay Off a Balance Transfer Before the Intro Period Ends?
  Jul 9, 2026
  Leave a balance unpaid when your intro period ends, and it can bite you fast. See what happens next, and how the right card can …
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• I Compared Every Major Cash Back Card. Here's the One That Actually Wins
  Jul 9, 2026
  This Wells Fargo card earns 2% on purchases with a $0 annual fee. See how it stacks up against three other top cash back cards.
  Read More
• Best Savings Accounts Offering up to 4.50% APY Today, July 9, 2026
  Jul 9, 2026
  The best high-yield savings accounts continue to offer up to 4.50% APY after the Fed held rates steady again last month. Find out more.
  Read More
• Best No Annual Fee Cards
  Jul 8, 2026
  Looking for valuable rewards without the cost? Read our picks for the best no-annual-fee credit cards that offer big rewards, flexible perks, and straightforward value.
  Read More
• J.P. Morgan Investing Promotions
  Jul 8, 2026
  If you're already banking with Chase, J.P. Morgan and its investing promotions is a pretty easy sell. Here's what to know and how much you …
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• 5 Things That Can Happen When You Charge $10,000+ on a Credit Card
  Jul 8, 2026
  Charging $10,000 or more on a credit card can trigger fraud alerts and credit limit reviews -- but some good things can happen, too. Here's …
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• Top High-Yield Savings Accounts Offering up to 4.50% APY Right Now, July 8, 2026
  Jul 8, 2026
  Today's best high-yield savings accounts offer up to 4.50% APY -- see top rates and choose the perfect place to help your money grow faster …
  Read More
• Earn 6% Back in a Category of Your Choice: Best Cash Back Cards This Month, July 2026
  Jul 7, 2026
  This no-annual-fee card gets you 6% cash back in a category of your choice for your first year. Here's what to know, plus four other …
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• Save 3% on Dining and More: The Best No-Annual-Fee Cards This Month, July 2026
  Jul 7, 2026
  Not every credit card costs you an arm and a leg to earn solid rewards. Here are my favorite no-annual-fee options available in July.
  Read More
• Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Today, July 7, 2026: Earn up to 4.50% APY
  Jul 7, 2026
  Top high-yield savings accounts are still paying up to 4.50% APY, but those yields could change as we enter the back half of 2026.
  Read More