Ryan Wilcox

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer | TMFRyanWilcox

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 307 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 10-15-2026

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

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Review
  Jun 26, 2026
  With an impressive welcome bonus and unlimited 2x miles earning potential, the Capital One Venture Card is a standout pick. Read our full review to …
  Read More
• Citi Simplicity® Card vs. Citi Double Cash® Card
  Nov 14, 2024
  Learn how the Citi Simplicity Card and Citi Double Cash compare on rewards, fees, and intro APR offers to find the right card for you.
  Read More
• Barclays Tiered Savings Review
  Jun 24, 2026
  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 …
  Read More
• Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
  Jun 23, 2026
  Looking for one of the best cash rewards cards out there? Learn how the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Wells Fargo Active Cash® compare.
  Read More
• Citi Double Cash® Card vs. Amex Blue Cash Preferred
  Jun 23, 2026
  Learn how the Citi Double Cash and Amex Blue Cash Preferred compare on rewards, welcome bonuses, and more to see which is right for you.
  Read More
• This Is the Top High-Yield Savings Account Right Now (It Pays up to 4.20%)
  Jun 22, 2026
  Earn more on your money today with LendingClub's high-yield savings account. See how much more you could be making today.
  Read More
• How Often Should You Apply for a New Credit Card?
  Jun 21, 2026
  There's no universal rule for how often you should land a new credit card -- but there are a few important things to consider. Here's …
  Read More
• Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred
  Jun 15, 2026
  Trying to decide between the Amex Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred? I'll break down the key differences to help you choose the best card …
  Read More
• 5 Ways to Invest $1,000 Right Now
  Jun 14, 2026
  Have $1,000 to invest? Here are five smart ways to put it to work, from index funds to high-yield savings, that can earn you real …
  Read More
• Best Brokers for SPCX Stock in June 2026
  Jun 12, 2026
  Want to take part in the largest IPO in stock market history? Here are three great places to grab a piece of SpaceX today.
  Read More
• Here's What Actually Changes When Your Credit Score Hits 800
  Jun 11, 2026
  Hitting an 800 credit score is a big accomplishment, but it's not the end-all, be-all. Here's what actually changes when you do it -- and …
  Read More
• Guide to Wells Fargo Rewards
  Jun 9, 2026
  Read our guide to Wells Fargo Rewards to learn the pros and cons of its credit card program and how to redeem your points and …
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When You Keep a Credit Card Open for Over 10 Years
  Jun 9, 2026
  Keeping a credit card open for a decade does more for your finances than you might think. Here's what actually changes (and what doesn't).
  Read More
• My Friend's Credit Score Dropped 50 Points Overnight. Here's Why
  May 16, 2026
  Your credit score can drop quickly without warning -- but there's always a reason. Here's what can happen and how to diagnose the problem fast.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When You Only Use Credit Cards
  May 11, 2026
  What actually happens when you ditch cash and debit entirely for credit cards? I tried it. Here's what I learned: the good, the bad, and …
  Read More
• 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.
  Read More
• 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 …
  Read More
• 4 Reasons You Can Get Denied for a Credit Card That Have Nothing to Do With Your Score
  Apr 25, 2026
  Think an 800+ credit score guarantees card approval? Here are four reasons you can still get denied for a card that have nothing to do …
  Read More
• Here's What to Do When a Card's Annual Fee Is No Longer Worth It
  Apr 23, 2026
  Got a credit card that's not pulling its weight? Here's what to do about it -- and when canceling might not be the best idea.
  Read More
• The Easy Way to Avoid Late Payments in 2026 (It's Not Just Autopay)
  Apr 21, 2026
  Autopay alone might not save you from late payments. Here's how to build a system that actually works in a few simple steps.
  Read More
• Monarch Money vs. Rocket Money
  Apr 14, 2026
  Rocket Money or Monarch Money? Read our full comparison to see which budgeting app fits your lifestyle and spending habits best.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When You File for Bankruptcy
  Apr 11, 2026
  Learn how filing for bankruptcy affects your debt, credit score, and overall finances -- plus what to expect during the process.
  Read More
• How Long Can You Actually Pause Interest With a Balance Transfer Card?
  Apr 9, 2026
  Learn how long you can pay 0% interest with a top balance transfer credit card, plus how to choose the right one for you today.
  Read More
• How Long Does It Take to Improve Your Credit Score? Here's What to Know
  Apr 7, 2026
  Trying to level up your credit? Learn how long it takes to improve your score -- and what you can do now to get started.
  Read More
• The 3 Most Practical Reasons to Have a Credit Card Even if You Never Use It
  Apr 6, 2026
  Learn why keeping a credit card open, even if you rarely use it, can help your credit score, improve financial flexibility, and more today.
  Read More