The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
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Studies by CardRates

Follow our latest personal finance studies, conducted through in-depth data analysis and nationwide surveys by our team of data analysts and research experts. Our team & methodology

Sourced by leading national news outlets

Erica Sandberg
Erica Sandberg

Finance Expert

Ashley Fricker
Ashley Fricker

Senior Editor

Jon McDonald
Jon McDonald

Managing Editor

To ensure our studies offer complete coverage of the industry and meet our rigorous editorial standards, we deploy a step-by-step methodology to each piece of research we publish.

1. Trend Analysis

Our team meets weekly to review and discuss current trends in the finance marketplace. Our team chooses a topic worthy of further research.

2. Survey Commission

The team then commissions a national survey on the topic with a leading polling organization. We use large representative sample sizes to ensure accurate of results.

3. Analysis of Results

Survey results are then passed to our team of personal finance experts for analysis and commentary.

4. Publishing of Findings

Our team then writes about the research findings and passes it through a two-tiered review by our editors. The findings are typically published exclusively on CardRates.com.

5. Public Release

Our team then notifies major media outlets and others in the finance industry as to the findings of our research.

6. Feedback

We integrate all feedback, questions, and commentary received from major media and external experts into our future research ideation.

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Where Middle-Class Earnings Go Furthest in America's Midsize Cities

Lynn Cadet
Lynn Cadet

By: Lynn Cadet

Lynn Cadet

Lynn Cadet, Staff Writer

Lynn Cadet is a professional writer specializing in research-driven content and consumer survey analysis. With extensive experience in crafting detailed reports on emerging trends, she is committed to delivering fact-based insights that inform and engage readers. As a Staff Writer and Research Assistant for CardRates, Lynn translates consumer survey data into comprehensive reports, highlighting key financial developments and emphasizing consumer perspectives. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida.

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Editor: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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Reviewer: Adam West

Adam West

Adam West, News Editor

Adam has interviewed over 1,000 finance experts since joining the CardRates team in 2016. He spearheads industry news coverage related to helping consumers achieve greater financial literacy and improved credit. He has more than 12 years of storytelling, editing, and design experience in print and online journalism and is most knowledgeable in the areas of credit scores, financial products and services, and the banking industry.

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If you follow any financial advice online, you might hear that a raise or increasing your income is the way to improve your financial standing. But what if income is only part of the equation and... Read More »

Where Middle-Class Earnings Go Furthest in America’s Midsize Cities
1 in 3 Americans Would Let AI Use Their Credit Card to Book a Trip

1 in 3 Americans Would Let AI Use Their Credit Card to Book a Trip

By: Lynn Cadet 6/3/2026

Summer travel is getting more expensive. Rising fuel prices have sent U.S. flight... Read More »

Where Middle-Class Earnings Go Furthest in America’s Largest Cities

Where Middle-Class Earnings Go Furthest in America’s Largest Cities

By: Lynn Cadet 5/19/2026

In the era of stagnant wages and rising costs, middle-class Americans facing... Read More »

Beyond the Parade: The Cities That Honor Veterans Every Day, Not Just Memorial Day

Where Veterans Thrive Financially: Top U.S. Cities

By: Lynn Cadet 4/30/2026

With Memorial Day quickly approaching, millions of Americans are getting ready to gas... Read More »

The Cost of a Funeral: 3 in 5 Americans Can’t Afford It

The Cost of a Funeral: 3 in 5 Americans Can’t Afford It

By: Lynn Cadet 4/16/2026

Americans are often told to prepare for the big financial milestones — buying a home... Read More »

23 Credit Card Delinquency Rate Statistics 2025-2026

23 Credit Card Delinquency Rate Statistics

By: Zina Kumok 3/31/2026

Being delinquent on a credit card means that you’re at least 30 days late — or more —... Read More »

The Best (and Worst) States to Build Credit in 2026

The Best (and Worst) States to Build Credit in 2026

By: Lynn Cadet 3/17/2026

Building and maintaining healthy credit can be challenging for many Americans. But... Read More »

Media Opportunities & Commentary

Our studies are covered regularly by major publications around the world. Contact our experts any time for media opportunities and additional commentary on any of our team's original research pieces.

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2026 Financial Resilience Report

2026 Financial Resilience Report

By: Lynn Cadet 1/29/2026

Millions of Americans are entering 2026 carrying the financial stress of yesteryear... Read More »

Most Americans Want Better Credit in 2026, Yet 49% Haven’t Set a Target Score

Most Americans Want Better Credit in 2026, Yet 49% Haven’t Set a Target Score

By: Lynn Cadet 1/26/2026

The new year usually brings fresh resolutions, whether that’s getting rid of bad... Read More »

The Naughty List: These 10 States Still Haven’t Paid Off Last Year’s Gifts

These 10 States Still Haven’t Paid Off Last Year’s Gifts

By: Lynn Cadet 12/8/2025

As Americans enter the final stretch of 2025 holiday shopping, many are still paying... Read More »

1 in 4 Americans Still Carry Last Year’s Holiday Credit Card Debt

1 in 4 Americans Still Carry Last Year’s Holiday Credit Card Debt

By: Lynn Cadet 11/24/2025

As Black Friday approaches, Americans are gearing up for another annual round of... Read More »

4 in 10 Americans Say Hiding Credit Card Debt Is as Bad as Cheating

4 in 10 Americans Say Hiding Credit Card Debt Is as Bad as Cheating

By: Lynn Cadet 10/21/2025

Romantic betrayal, though often viewed as physical cheating, can take many forms. A... Read More »

Family or Finances? 70% Say They’d Sacrifice Holiday Visits to Avoid Debt

Family or Finances? 70% Say They’d Sacrifice Holiday Visits to Avoid Debt

By: Lynn Cadet 10/7/2025

As families lock in their holiday travel plans this October, many are weighing... Read More »

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