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

• How Leaving Too Much Money in Savings Could Cost You $100K+
  Apr 2, 2026
  Learn how keeping too much money in savings can cost you $100,000 or more over time -- and where to put extra cash instead.
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• Want to Increase Your Credit Score? Here's How Much You Should Actually Use Your Card
  Apr 2, 2026
  Learn how much of your total credit you should be using to boost your credit score -- and when you're spending way too much.
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• I've Never Closed a Credit Card in My Life. Here's Why
  Apr 2, 2026
  There are plenty of good reasons -- other than nostalgia -- to keep your old credit cards open. Here's what to know.
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• Best Premium and Luxury Credit Cards
  Mar 31, 2026
  Find a premium card that fits your lifestyle. Check out our list of the best luxury credit cards for travel and valuable rewards.
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• Here's Why I'm Not Putting Any Money Into Savings Right Now
  Mar 31, 2026
  Learn how putting cash into CDs instead of a savings account can help you rack up interest and better protect your earnings.
  Read More
• Webull vs. E*Trade
  Mar 30, 2026
  Learn how Webull and E*TRADE compare on fees, tools, and investment options to find the right brokerage for you today.
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• Do You Even Need a Debit Card? The Truth in 2026
  Mar 28, 2026
  Learn whether you still need a debit card in 2026 -- and why credit cards and mobile wallets may be safer and more rewarding.
  Read More
• Robinhood vs. E*TRADE
  Mar 27, 2026
  Want to start growing your money today? Here's what to know about Robinhood, E*TRADE, and which popular brokerage is right for you.
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• Here's How Much $20,000 Would Earn in a 6-Month CD Opened Now
  Mar 25, 2026
  If you want to earn easy money on your savings, now might be the time to lock your money in a CD. Here's what to …
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• Capital One 360 Performance Savings Review
  Mar 24, 2026
  Earn a competitive APY while enjoying in-person branch access with Capital One's 360 Performance Savings account. Learn if it's right for you today.
  Read More
• 800 vs. 850 Credit Score: Is There Really Any Difference?
  Mar 24, 2026
  Learn whether an 800 vs. 850 credit score makes a real difference, and what benefits you actually get with each score.
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• Here's What Happens if Someone Opens a Credit Card in Your Name
  Mar 21, 2026
  Learn what happens if someone opens a credit card in your name and the steps to fix it fast and protect your credit.
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• Credit Cards With Cellphone Protection
  Mar 20, 2026
  Want to save on your next cellphone mishap? Find out which credit cards offer cellphone protection, how much they can save you, and which is …
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• Best Credit Cards for Moving Expenses
  Mar 20, 2026
  Planning a big move? Learn which credit cards can help you save a ton with great bonuses, earning rates, and 0% intro APR offers.
  Read More
• Bad News for Citi Cardholders: Point Sharing Ends May 17
  Mar 17, 2026
  Citi's point-sharing feature is disappearing soon. Learn what the change means for cardholders, and what you may want to do before that happens.
  Read More
• Webull vs. Robinhood
  Mar 13, 2026
  Ready to level up your investing game? Compare features, fees, tools, and investment options with Robinhood and Webull to see which brokerage is best for …
  Read More
• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card Review
  Mar 12, 2026
  Looking to pay off debt? Read our Wells Fargo Reflect® Card review to find out if you can get value from its long 0% intro …
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• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Review
  Mar 12, 2026
  This card gives me unlimited 2% cash rewards, no fees, and no hassle. Find out why the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has earned a …
  Read More
• How to See if You Qualify for an Amex Platinum Card Without Impacting Your Credit Score
  Mar 11, 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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• Best Budgeting Apps
  Mar 11, 2026
  Want help tracking spending, managing bills, and building better money habits? Here are the best budgeting apps to try today.
  Read More
• Here's Why an 850 Credit Score Isn't All It's Cracked Up to Be -- and What You Really Need
  Mar 10, 2026
  You don't need a perfect credit score to be financially stable -- or exceptional, for that matter. Here's a better number to aim for today.
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• 3 Perks of Having an 800+ Credit Score
  Mar 9, 2026
  Curious what a sky-high credit score can get you? Here's the rundown, plus a few tips on how to get there faster.
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• 3 Things People With Perfect Credit Scores Never Do
  Mar 8, 2026
  Want all the perks (and bragging rights) that come with a perfect credit score? Here's what it takes, based on the select few people who …
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• 5 Smarter Places to Keep Your Cash Than at Home
  Mar 7, 2026
  Keeping money at home isn't just risky -- it also earns you absolutely nothing. Here are five safer, more profitable options to look into now.
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• This Simple Change Could Raise Your Credit Score -- and Save You Money
  Mar 7, 2026
  Paying your credit card balance more regularly can have some great upsides you might not know about. Here's why it's worth doing now.
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