Ryan Wilcox

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer | TMFRyanWilcox

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 193 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 10-27-2025

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

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: The Card That Can Pay You Back 8X Your Fee
  Oct 17, 2025
  Looking to land a top-tier travel card? Here's how the Chase Sapphire Preferred can deliver over $800 in first-year value.
  Read More
• Claiming Social Security Early vs. Working Longer: A Side-by-Side
  Oct 16, 2025
  Headed toward retirement age? Learn the pros and cons of claiming Social Security early compared to working longer now.
  Read More
• It Might Cost You $400 to Keep Your Cash in a Chase Savings Account
  Oct 16, 2025
  Chase pays 0.01%, but top savings accounts pay 4.00%+. Here's how switching banks could earn you hundreds more every year.
  Read More
• My 5 Favorite New Perks of the Updated Amex Platinum
  Oct 16, 2025
  The updated Amex Platinum offers more value than ever before. From hotel credits to Uber benefits, here are my five favorite perks from the recent …
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• Here's How I Could Make $1,300 in the Next 2 Years Just by Switching Banks
  Oct 15, 2025
  Big banks usually pay 0.01% and top online savings accounts pay 4.00%+. See how switching banks could earn you over $1,000 in two years.
  Read More
• I Review Bank Accounts for a Living. Here's Where I'd Put $10,000
  Oct 15, 2025
  In my opinion, SoFi® is the best place for your $10,000 -- or any other amount in savings. Here's why I'm telling everyone I know …
  Read More
• Should You Buy Stocks on E*TRADE in 2025?
  Oct 15, 2025
  E*TRADE stays a top broker in 2025, but new rivals offer key perks it lacks. Compare the best brokers before you invest.
  Read More
• Forget the Amex Platinum: This Is My Favorite Travel Card Now
  Oct 15, 2025
  Don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for a top travel card? Here's how you can get valuable perks from my favorite $95 card.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When Your Credit Score Reaches a Perfect 850
  Oct 14, 2025
  Getting an 850 credit score might sound cool -- but is it necessary? Learn why getting a perfect score isn't as important as you might …
  Read More
• I Got a $300 Bonus With My New Savings Account. Here's Why I Wish I'd Waited
  Oct 14, 2025
  Learn how you can earn a bonus of up to $300, plus an APY boost for six months, by opening a SoFi Checking and Savings …
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• The Easiest $300 You'll Ever Make -- Plus up to 4.50% APY. Why Now's the Time to Open a SoFi® Account
  Oct 13, 2025
  Learn how you can earn a bonus of up to $300, plus a 0.70% APY boost for six months, by opening an account with SoFi® …
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• Amex Platinum Offers a Massive Welcome Bonus. Find Out Your Offer Now
  Oct 13, 2025
  The Amex Platinum comes with tons of valuable perks -- and a welcome bonus to match. Here's how to find out your offer today.
  Read More
• Here Are The Best Flat-Rate Cash Rewards Credit Cards This Week, Oct. 13, 2025
  Oct 13, 2025
  With a top cash rewards credit card, you can earn 2% on every purchase without paying an annual fee. Find out which one's right for …
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• 5 Unique Perks of the Amex Platinum Card
  Oct 12, 2025
  Want a premium credit card with valuable credits at Resy, lululemon, and more? Read on to learn about five one-of-a-kind perks of the Amex Platinum.
  Read More
• I'm Sick and Tired of Overdraft Fees. Here Are the 3 Best Banks Without Them
  Oct 11, 2025
  Looking for a savings account that won't eat into your cash with overdraft fees? Here are three of my favorite banks that don't charge them …
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• This Is What Really Happens When You Withdraw $10,000 From Your Bank Account
  Oct 11, 2025
  Thinking of taking $10,000 out of your savings account? Here's what happens when you do it -- and why the government will find out.
  Read More
• Why $50K in Savings Is Probably Too Much
  Oct 10, 2025
  Leaving too much cash in your savings account is costing you in the long run. Here's what to do instead.
  Read More
• 3 Savings Accounts Crushing Chase on Interest Rates
  Oct 10, 2025
  Interest rates are expected to fall soon, but SoFi®, CIT, and Barclays are still offering savings accounts with strong APYs. Find out which is right …
  Read More
• The Amex Platinum's Q4 Perks Just Dropped. Here's How to Get $175 on Lululemon and Dining
  Oct 10, 2025
  Want to earn $700 a year on dining and athleisure gear? Here's how the Amex Platinum can help you do it.
  Read More
• Stop Drowning in Debt: Get 0% Intro APR for 21 Months With This Card
  Oct 9, 2025
  With the Wells Fargo Reflect card, you'll get one of the longest intro APR periods on the market. Here's how easy it is to apply …
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• Amex Platinum vs. Gold: Which Is Better After the Platinum Update?
  Oct 9, 2025
  The Amex Gold and updated Amex Platinum are two of the best travel cards on the market, but they're not for everyone. Learn which one's …
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• Why CDs Are a Great Place for Your Cash in October 2025
  Oct 8, 2025
  When interest rates fall, rates on all types of savings products fall, too. Learn why now's the perfect time to lock your money in a …
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• Get $1,800 in Value From the Amex Platinum Without Setting Foot on a Plane
  Oct 8, 2025
  Even if you're not a big traveler, the updated Amex Platinum can offer tons of value. Here's a rundown of all the card's valuable lifestyle …
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• This Bank of America Card Offers 6% Cash Back and a $200 Bonus
  Oct 7, 2025
  Ready to earn 6% back in the spending category of your choice, plus $200? Here's how you can with the Bank of America® Customized Cash …
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• Get $175 at Lululemon and Restaurants With the Amex Platinum's Q4 Perks
  Oct 7, 2025
  The Amex Platinum's quarterly Resy and lululemon credits provide $700 a year in value. Here's how you can start taking advantage today
  Read More