Jennifer Doss

Austin

Senior Managing Editor at CardRatings.com

Traveler | Eater | Editor

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Articles

Are premium credit cards worth it?

2 months ago | cardratings.com | Lena Borrelli |Jennifer Doss

It seems a new premium credit card boasting lavish benefits emerges almost daily, if headlines are any indication. These exclusive cards often feature perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, and trip insurance, promising significant value. But what truly defines a premium credit card, and are its advantages genuinely worthwhile? Here, we take a look at the best premium credit cards, as well as what makes one in the first place.
How to maximize credit card rewards using "two-player mode"

2 months ago | cardratings.com | Adam Frankel |Jennifer Doss

Like burgers and fries or chutes and ladders, some things are just better when used together. Credit card rewards are no different. Not only can you pair complementary cards together to ramp up your earning power, but you can also pair yourself with a partner to get better returns on your card strategy. This is called “two-player mode” by those who employ the system. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works.
The bad credit trap: Why secured credit cards can feel like a dead end

2 months ago | cardratings.com | Richard Barrington |Jennifer Doss

Americans have a conflicted relationship with credit-builder/secured credit cards. A CardRatings.com survey found that people with these cards are less satisfied than customers of other types of credit cards. And yet, people with credit-builder/secured credit cards are less likely to feel they could do better with another credit card. In effect, these customers feel trapped in a bad relationship. To some extent, that’s the kind of trap that comes with having bad credit.
How to redeem credit card rewards for non-traditional lodging options

2 months ago | cardratings.com | Holly Johnson |Jennifer Doss

When it comes to hotel points you can earn through paid hotel stays and spending on hotel credit cards, the most common lodging options that come to mind are traditional hotels and resorts. For example, earning Hilton Honors points makes it possible to redeem rewards for stays at more than 8,000 properties around the world with brands like Conrad Hotels and Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and even small luxury hotels around the world.
Tips for getting better value out of your credit cards

Mar 28, 2025 | cardratings.com | Richard Barrington |Jennifer Doss

Overall, Americans give their credit cards pretty solid grades on what their cards provide. What they think less highly of is the value they receive. The two views are not inconsistent. If you have a comfortable car that performs well and gets good gas mileage, you may consider yourself happy with it. However, you’d feel differently about the same car if the sticker price was $40,000 than if it was $120,000. In each case, it would be the same nice car.
Good credit key to satisfaction with credit cards, survey shows

Mar 27, 2025 | cardratings.com | Richard Barrington |Jennifer Doss

Money can’t buy happiness – but can good credit? According to a credit card satisfaction survey by CardRatings.com, people with good credit tend to be happier with their credit cards. There are good reasons for this. Having a good credit score can make you eligible for more favorable credit card terms. Those better terms can make your credit card usage more affordable. It can also enable you to choose credit cards that are better suited to your needs.
Southwest expands to Europe with Icelandair partnership

Mar 25, 2025 | cardratings.com | Jason Steele |Jennifer Doss

While Southwest Airlines offers some international flights to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, there’s no market for Southwest Europe flights. That is, until now. Southwest just rolled out a new partnership with Icelandair that allows passengers to book a single ticket combining flights on the two airlines. As the first part of an effort to build partnerships with international carriers, you can now book connecting flights on Southwest Airlines when you purchase a ticket from Icelandair.
Should you opt for an in-flight credit card offer?

Mar 18, 2025 | cardratings.com | Erica Lamberg |Jennifer Doss

It’s not uncommon for flight attendants to make announcements while in the air touting special credit card offers that include enticing points or miles bonuses, companion ticket offers, or promises of perks like preferred airport parking or privileged access to events. Even though in-flight credit card promotions seem tempting, experts recommend researching the offers before filling out an application mid-flight.
What are the best credit cards for gig workers and freelancers?

Mar 17, 2025 | cardratings.com | Dawn Papandrea |Jennifer Doss

Freelance work is becoming more and more common for Americans year over year – and younger workers are driving the trend. In 2024, a survey by Upwork, a marketplace for freelancers, revealed that more than half (53%) of Gen Z are working on freelance projects as their full-time job. From Uber drivers and Instacart shoppers to freelance writers, photographers, or graphic designers, 1099 workers are essentially solo business owners.
Understanding credit card pre-approvals

Feb 26, 2025 | cardratings.com | Choncé Maddox |Jennifer Doss

When shopping for credit cards, you might have heard terms like credit card pre-approval before. Or maybe you’ve received a letter, email, or notification saying you’re pre-approved for a credit card. Are credit card pre-approvals guaranteed? Will it affect your credit score? And how can you find pre-approved offers without harming your credit? Knowing how credit card pre-approvals work can help you find a card that fits your needs and that you’re likely to be approved for.