Ryan Wilcox

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer | TMFRyanWilcox

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 335 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 08-01-2026

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

• 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 …
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• I Opened a High-Yield Savings Account One Year Ago. Here's How Much I Actually Earned
  Apr 10, 2026
  I finally opened a high-yield savings account a year ago -- and I have absolutely no regrets. Here's how much I earned and how you …
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Here's Why Your Checking Account Is a Terrible Place to Save Money
  Apr 6, 2026
  If you're keeping thousands of dollars in your checking account, you're missing out on easy money. Here's where to put your cash instead.
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• Are CD Ladders Worth It in April 2026?
  Apr 5, 2026
  Want to earn more on your savings the easy way? Learn how a CD ladder works and how it can earn you serious cash this …
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• 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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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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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• 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.
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• 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 …
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