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Ben Luthi

Ben is a former credit card specialist for NerdWallet who wrote card reviews and comparisons and covered credit-related issues affecting consumers.

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Posts by Ben Luthi:

JetBlue Replaces AmEx With New MasterCard

Ben Luthi
Feb. 23, 2016

After JetBlue and American Express parted ways in 2015, the low-cost airline partnered with Barclaycard to replace the . While Barclaycard has yet to issue a card for new applicants, it recently announced a…

Read More
dave-ramsey-credit-cards-story

What Dave Ramsey Doesn’t Acknowledge About Credit Cards

Ben Luthi
Feb. 9, 2016

Credit cards aren’t for everyone. But when used properly, they can provide rewards and perks you can’t get anywhere else — benefits that you can get without spending any extra…

Read More
Got Bad Credit but Need a Card? See If You're 'Pre-Qualified'

How to See If You’re Pre-Qualified for a Credit Card

Ben Luthi
Nov. 16, 2020

Applying for a credit card and being denied doesn’t help your confidence — or your credit. Every application creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can knock points off your…

Read More
how-soon-can-i-get-my-new-credit-card-story

How Soon Can I Get My New Credit Card?

Ben Luthi
Feb. 5, 2016

When applying for a credit card, you generally shouldn’t expect to be able to use it immediately upon approval. But if you need the new card for an upcoming large purchase or vacation,…

Read More
Who Has the Acceptance Edge — American Express or Discover-story

Who Has the Acceptance Edge: American Express or Discover?

Ben Luthi & Sara Rathner
Jan. 13, 2021

Credit cards are a convenient alternative to carrying cash — as long as merchants accept them. And that can depend on which of the four main U.S. payment networks your…

Read More
Visa Cardholders Can Soon Swipe at Sam's Club

Sam’s Club to Start Taking Visa Credit Cards

Ben Luthi
Jan. 22, 2016

Sam’s Club customers will soon no longer have to make sure they bring the right card with them to shop. The retailer has announced that it will begin accepting Visa credit cards…

Read More
Fidelity-switch-Amex-to-Visa

Fidelity’s Shift From Amex to Visa Is a Plus for Cardholders

Ben Luthi
Jan. 4, 2016

Fidelity Investments is switching its popular 2% cash-back credit card from American Express card to Visa — a shift that will benefit cardholders by giving them more places to use…

Read More
Which Credit Cards Allow a Co-Signer?

Which Credit Card Issuers Allow a Co-Signer?

Ben Luthi & Kimberly Palmer
June 4, 2020

If you’re applying for your first credit card or trying to rebuild bad credit, adding a co-signer to your credit card application could improve your chances of getting approved. A…

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Debt Isn't Necessary to Have Excellent Credit

For Excellent Credit, Pay Cards in Full Rather Than Carry Debt

Ben Luthi
Nov. 5, 2015

Many consumers believe that to get a high credit score, you need to carry a balance on your credit cards from month to month, paying interest along the way. But…

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There’s a Better Way to Pay for Airbnb With Amex Points

Ben Luthi
Nov. 3, 2015

Aw Nerds! Looks like this article is out of date. See our American Express Membership Rewards program review for redemption options. American Express has teamed up with home- and apartment-rental…

Read More

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