The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Thursday, April 17, 2025

Erica Sandberg

Finance Expert
Erica Sandberg

About The Author

Erica Sandberg is a consumer finance expert and journalist whose articles and insights are featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, MarketWatch, Forbes, and MSN Money.

An experienced media host, she's led many financial programs, including her podcast, "Adventures With Money." She's appeared on Fox, CNN, "EconTalk" and "The Dr. Drew Podcast," and has been the resident money and credit authority for KRON-4 News in San Francisco for more than 10 years.

She's also the author of "Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families" and recipient of the 2024 Financial Literacy and Education in Communities (FLEC) Award for National Excellence.

Latest Posts

62 posts written/edited to date
Opinion: Legislation That Could Lower Swipe Fees Can Also Reduce Benefits

Opinion: Legislation Could Reduce Credit Card Benefits

By: Erica Sandberg 4/14/2025

If consumers aren’t yet aware that some of the most positive aspects of having a credit card are under... Read More »

Opinion: Gen Z is Ready for Their Credit Card Glow Up

Opinion: Gen Z is Ready for Their Credit Card Glow Up

By: Erica Sandberg 3/31/2025

Keeping up with the kids isn’t always easy. When I asked my daughter what the latest word for “cool” is... Read More »

Opinion: Let’s Respect the Decisions of Merchants Displaying the “Cash Only, Please” Signs

Opinion: Let's Respect the “Cash Only, Please” Signs

By: Erica Sandberg 3/17/2025

Should you run to the ATM before shopping? If you want to help the merchant save money, you might. ... Read More »

Opinion: As Issuers Aim for the Sweet Spot Between Debt and Delinquencies, So Should Cardholders

Opinion: The Sweet Spot Between Debt, Delinquency

By: Erica Sandberg 3/3/2025

Per Federal Reserve data, the total credit card debt in the United States hit a whopping $1.14 trillion... Read More »

Opinion: CFPB or No CFPB, Robust Competition Should Keep Credit Card Issuers Honest

Opinion: Competition Should Keep Card Issuers Honest

By: Erica Sandberg 2/24/2025

My plea to U.S. consumers: Please don’t panic. If the Trump administration is successful in shutting down... Read More »

What is a Hard Inquiry? Why Issuers Check Your Credit and What it Means for Your Credit Scores

What You Need to Know About Hard Inquiries

By: Erica Sandberg 11/21/2024

One of the more frustrating aspects of personal finance is that your credit score can decline after... Read More »

What is a Credit Report? How Issuers Analyze Your Credit History

What is a Credit Report? How Issuers View Your Credit History

By: Erica Sandberg 10/7/2024

There are three major credit reporting agencies — sometimes called credit bureaus — in the United States... Read More »

What is Bad Credit? How It Impacts Credit Card Approval and Interest Rates 

How Bad Credit Impacts Credit Card Approval and Interest Rates

By: Erica Sandberg 9/23/2024

If you worry about having bad credit, you’re not alone. I have counseled many clients who were distressed... Read More »

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