Ryan Wilcox

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer | TMFRyanWilcox

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 217 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 12-24-2025

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

• $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.
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• 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 …
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• 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.
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• 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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• Barclays Tiered Savings Review
  Nov 6, 2025
  Barclays Tiered Savings offers a top-tier APY with no monthly fees or minimums. Read our review to see if it's the right high-yield savings account …
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• Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
  Oct 31, 2025
  Looking for one of the best cash rewards cards out there? Learn how the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Wells Fargo Active Cash® compare.
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• The Government Knows When You Withdraw $10,000. Here's Why
  Oct 31, 2025
  Considering taking $10,000 out of your bank account? Here's what happens when you do it -- and why the government finds out.
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• APYs up to 4.00%: The Best Way to Fight Inflation in 2025
  Oct 29, 2025
  Want an easy inflation-beater? Learn how these savings accounts from SoFi®, Barclays, and CIT can help you earn more on your cash today.
  Read More
• 6-Month vs. 5-Year CDs: What's the Best Investment in October 2025?
  Oct 29, 2025
  With interest rates on the decline, now's a smart time to lock up your money in a CD. Learn the pros and cons of 6-month …
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• 3 Savings Accounts Crushing Wells Fargo on Interest Rates
  Oct 29, 2025
  Want to say farewell to Wells Fargo? Learn how these top high-yield savings accounts can help you earn much more today.
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• CD Ladders Made Easy: Here's a Simple Plan That Works
  Oct 27, 2025
  Want to earn more money the easy way? Learn how a CD ladder works and how it can supercharge your savings in 2025.
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• APYs up to 4.31%: These 3 Savings Accounts Are Crushing Chase on Interest Rates
  Oct 27, 2025
  Looking to move on from Chase? Learn how these top high-yield savings accounts can help you earn much more today.
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• Your $20,000 at Wells Fargo Isn't Making You Any Richer. How to Make $800 More
  Oct 26, 2025
  If you're still saving with Wells Fargo, you could be doing better -- much better. Here's how one simple switch can earn you hundreds more …
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• Forget CDs, Even With Rates Over 4%. Here's Where I'd Put My Money Now
  Oct 25, 2025
  CD rates are a decent place to earn interest on savings, but there are a few smarter ways to grow (and protect) your money. Here …
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• The Savings Account Chase Doesn't Want You to Know About
  Oct 25, 2025
  Learn how moving your savings out of Chase's standard savings account could earn you hundreds of dollars a year in interest.
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• Avoid Overdraft Fees Forever With These 3 Banks
  Oct 25, 2025
  Tired of overdraft fees? These three banks offer no-fee overdraft protection plus high APYs that can earn you up to 10 times the national average.
  Read More
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card vs. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
  Oct 24, 2025
  Looking for a valuable rewards card without an annual fee? Read our full comparison of the Wells Fargo Active Cash® and Wells Fargo Autograph® cards …
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• Here's How Much You Can Make With $20,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account
  Oct 22, 2025
  A traditional savings account is one of the worst places to keep your money. Learn how much more you can make with a high-yield savings …
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• 3 Reasons Not to Open a CD in October 2025, Even With Rates Around 4.00%
  Oct 20, 2025
  Yes, CD rates are hovering around 4.00% -- but there are better ways to grow (and protect) your money. Here are three places to look.
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• Had $25K in a Wells Fargo Savings Account for 5 Years? You Just Lost $5,000 in Interest
  Oct 20, 2025
  If you're saving money with Wells Fargo, you're missing out on hundreds or thousands a year in interest. Here's what to do about it.
  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.
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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
• 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.
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• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
  Oct 14, 2025
  Read our comparison of the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Wells Fargo Reflect cards to learn which is right for your wallet.
  Read More