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Virginia C. McGuire

Virginia is a former credit cards writer for NerdWallet. She is a journalist who has covered personal finance, business, real estate, architecture and design. Her work has appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, The New York Times, The Awl and Mental Floss.

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Posts by Virginia C. McGuire:

Best Banks to Avoid ATM Fees

Spencer Tierney & Virginia C. McGuire
Feb. 4, 2022

Want to save some money each time you use the ATM? Think about changing your bank. If you use out-of-network ATMs even a couple times a month, you could find…

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How to Make a Secured Card Work for You

How to Build Credit With a Secured Credit Card

Paul Soucy & Virginia C. McGuire
May 13, 2020

Using a secured credit card is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to build credit — as long as you’re smart about how you use it. Secured cards are different from…

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How to Apply for a Credit Card Without a Social Security Number

Lindsay Konsko & Virginia C. McGuire
June 15, 2022

Not having a Social Security number can be a serious stumbling block when you want to apply for a credit card, since most card issuers specifically ask for one on your application.…

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What Is a Secured Credit Card? How Is It Different From an Unsecured Card?

Virginia C. McGuire
June 7, 2021

What is a secured credit card? A secured credit card is a card that requires a cash security deposit when you open the account. The deposit reduces the risk to…

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Premium Checking: What’s in It for You?

Virginia C. McGuire & Chanelle Bessette
Jan. 13, 2021

A basic checking account can be an essential part of your financial life. But if you have the assets to qualify for the premium version of checking — and its associated…

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Cashier Checks Aren't as Secure as You May Think, But Fraud Can Be Avoided

Avoiding Cashier’s Check Fraud

Virginia C. McGuire
Oct. 5, 2017

Though commonly thought of as more secure than electronic payments or personal checks, cashier’s checks — checks created by and payable by a bank — are not immune to fraud. Security features…

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How to Assess Your Credit Card Needs After Divorce

Virginia C. McGuire
Sept. 30, 2021

Of all the things that need your attention after a separation or divorce, credit cards are probably low on your list. But making the right moves early on can set you…

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How to Responsibly Handle an Inheritance

How to Responsibly Handle an Inheritance

Virginia C. McGuire
June 21, 2017

There are plenty of horror stories about sizable inheritances squandered on fast cars and glittering parties. But careful planning and good advice can help people use their good fortune in…

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GettyImages-468851458-credit-cards/apply-credit-card-online

Apply for a Credit Card Online

Virginia C. McGuire & Ellen Cannon
July 14, 2022

We’re long past the days when the only ways to apply for a credit card were going to a bank branch or mailing in a paper application. Now, many people looking for credit…

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New account email

Are You Sure You Meant to Open That Wells Fargo Account?

Virginia C. McGuire
April 10, 2017

From now on, opening a Wells Fargo credit card or bank account will trigger a very simple security check — an email to the account holders confirming that they authorized their new accounts.…

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