Ryan Wilcox

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer | TMFRyanWilcox

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 286 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-09-2026

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

• Why Closing a Credit Card 'Responsibly' Can Still Hurt You a Decade Later
  May 9, 2026
  Closing a credit card the "right way" doesn't protect you from the long-term credit damage that can follow. Here's what most guides won't tell you.
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• Best Savings Accounts Rates Today, May 9, 2026: Up to 5.00% APY
  May 9, 2026
  Top high-yield savings accounts are still paying up to 5.00% APY, but those yields could decrease as we head further into 2026.
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• The Easiest $400 You'll Ever Make -- Plus up to 4.00% APY. Why Now's the Time to Open a SoFi® Account
  May 8, 2026
  My favorite savings account on the market is offering a welcome bonus that's too good to ignore. Here's what to know and how to open …
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• Here's What Happens When You Open 5 Credit Cards in One Year
  May 8, 2026
  Opening five credit cards in one year is a bold move. Here's what actually happens to your credit score, rewards, and finances when you do …
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• The Amex Blue Cash Preferred Earns 6% on Groceries. Here's Why It's Still Not My Top Pick
  May 8, 2026
  The Amex Blue Cash Preferred's cash back rate on groceries at U.S. supermarkets sounds great -- but there's a catch. Here's the card I recommend …
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• This Chase Card's 5% Cash Back Categories Could Earn You $500+ a Year
  May 8, 2026
  This Chase card's rotating 5% cash back categories can add up fast. Here's how to earn $500 or more a year with no annual fee.
  Read More
• We Compared 100+ Credit Cards -- Here's the Best Balance Transfer Card for May 2026
  May 7, 2026
  The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of our favorite ways to save on balance transfers this month -- and earn valuable cash back. Here's …
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• Our Best Credit Card Combo for May 2026
  May 7, 2026
  These two Citi cards make for a surprisingly powerful combo. Here's how to use them to earn big rewards on all types of spending.
  Read More
• SoFi Invest Promotions
  May 7, 2026
  SoFi is one of my favorite investment platforms out there -- and it's got a handful of strong promotional offers to boot. Here's what to …
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• Citi Double Cash vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash: Which Is Better in May 2026?
  May 6, 2026
  Citi Double Cash and Wells Fargo Active Cash both earn 2% back with no annual fee -- but there are some key differences. Here's what …
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• Citi Simplicity vs. Wells Fargo Reflect: Which Balance Transfer Card Is Better in May 2026?
  May 6, 2026
  Both the Citi Simplicity and Wells Fargo Reflect come with extra-long intro APR offers. Here's how to pick the right one for your situation.
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• My 3 Favorite 0% Intro APR Cards for May 2026: Pay No Interest for up to 21 Months
  May 5, 2026
  Looking for a 0% intro APR card? Here are my three favorite picks for May 2026 -- including one that keeps interest at bay for …
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• Afterpay Is a Terrible Idea. Here's What You Should Do Instead
  May 5, 2026
  Afterpay might feel like a smart way to spread out costs -- but it's quietly losing you money. Here's what you should do instead.
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• Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Citi Double Cash: Which Is Better in May 2026?
  May 5, 2026
  Choosing between the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Citi Double Cash? Here's how two of the best no-annual-fee cash-back cards stack up.
  Read More
• Earn 4X Points on Dining and at U.S. Supermarkets: The Best Amex Cards This Month, May 2026
  May 5, 2026
  Want to save big on travel, spending at U.S. supermarkets, and more this year? Here's the Amex card worth looking at, plus some other great …
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• I Stopped Using My Debit Card 5 Years Ago. Here's What Changed
  May 4, 2026
  I ditched my debit card five years ago and started putting everything on credit cards. Here's what changed -- and why you should do the …
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• The Credit Card I've Been Begging My Friends to Get for Years
  May 3, 2026
  This Wells Fargo card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with a $0 annual fee. Here's why it's the card I recommend to anyone who …
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• Our 3 Favorite Balance Transfer Cards Offering up to 21 Months of 0% Intro APR Right Now: May 2026
  May 3, 2026
  Looking to pay off high-interest debt? These three balance transfer cards offer 0% intro APR windows of up to 21 months to help you save.
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• This 0% Intro APR Card Can Give You Real Breathing Room in 2026
  May 2, 2026
  Need to hit pause on credit card debt this year? Here's the credit card to help you save through 2026 -- and beyond.
  Read More
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve: Which Is Better in May 2026?
  May 2, 2026
  Trying to decide between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve? Here's how the two cards stack up on rewards, perks, and more.
  Read More
• 3 Travel Cards That Are $400+ Cheaper Than the Chase Sapphire Reserve
  May 1, 2026
  Want premium travel perks without the premium price? Here are three less expensive alternatives to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
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• Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Has Better Travel Perks?
  May 1, 2026
  The Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve are two top luxury credit cards -- but you probably don't need to land both. Here's how to …
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• Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Travel Card Is Better?
  May 1, 2026
  Learn how the Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Reserve compare on earnings, perks, annual fees, and more to see which is right for …
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• 3 Top Cash Back Cards You Can Apply for Right Now: May 2026
  May 1, 2026
  Looking for a cash back card you can apply for right now? These three no-annual-fee options cover all the bases. Here's what to know.
  Read More
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Freedom Unlimited: Which Card Should You Pick in May 2026?
  May 1, 2026
  The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Freedom Unlimited work in different ways, but can both be plenty valuable. Here's how to decide between the two.
  Read More