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

• 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 …
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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.
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• 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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• 4 Good Reasons to Keep a Credit Card Open for 10+ Years
  Mar 6, 2026
  Learn how keeping a credit card open for over a decade can help your credit score, maximize credit card rewards, and more.
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• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Card Review
  Mar 4, 2026
  Looking to build credit and earn rewards at the same time? Read our Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards review to learn how.
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• E*TRADE Promotions
  Mar 2, 2026
  E*TRADE is one of the most popular investment platforms out there for a reason. Take a look at its current promotions and find out why …
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• Do Authorized Users Inherit Credit Card Debt?
  Feb 26, 2026
  Wondering what happens to credit card debt when someone passes away -- and who's responsible? Here's what to know.
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• Here's What Happens When You Deposit More Than $5,000 in Cash
  Feb 17, 2026
  Planning a big cash deposit? Here's what to know before you go -- and the transaction amount that triggers a government report.
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• Here's What Happens When You Keep a Credit Card Open for Over 10 Years
  Feb 16, 2026
  Looking to hold onto a credit card for years, or even decades? Here's what to know about what can happen when you do, good and …
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• Here's What Happens When You Withdraw $10,000 From Your Bank Account
  Feb 14, 2026
  Considering taking $10,000 out of your bank account? Here's what happens when you do it -- and why the government will find out.
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• Forget CDs, Even With Rates at 4%. Here's Where I'd Put My Money Now
  Feb 14, 2026
  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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• Amex Blue Cash Everyday Review
  Feb 13, 2026
  Learn why the Amex Blue Cash Everyday is a great option for routine spending, offering strong cash back on groceries, gas, and online shopping for …
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• Don't Keep Cash at Home. Here Are 3 Dead Simple Places to Put It Instead
  Feb 13, 2026
  Looking for a better place to keep your cash than under the mattress? Here are three great ways to save while earning a solid return.
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• Here's What Happens When You Withdraw $5,000 From Your Bank Account
  Feb 10, 2026
  Withdrawing $5,000 might seem simple enough, but there are a few things to keep in mind before (and after) you do it. Here's what to …
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• The No. 1 Mistake People Make With High-Yield Savings Accounts
  Feb 9, 2026
  Once you've built up your emergency fund, a high-yield savings account might not be the best place for your extra cash. Here's where to put …
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• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card vs. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
  Feb 2, 2026
  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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• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
  Feb 2, 2026
  Read our comparison of the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Wells Fargo Reflect cards to learn which is right for your wallet.
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• Don't Keep Cash at Home. Here Are 3 Dead Simple Places to Put It Instead
  Jan 30, 2026
  Looking for a better place to keep your cash than under the mattress? Here are three great ways to save while earning a solid return.
  Read More
• How Much Car Insurance Coverage Do You Really Need?
  Jan 28, 2026
  Need help with car insurance? Learn how much coverage you really need based on your state laws, finances, and risk level.
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• 3 Safe Ways to Earn 4%+ on Your Retirement Savings
  Jan 27, 2026
  Looking to protect your nest egg as you head into retirement? Here are three great ways to do it while still earning a solid return.
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