Author

Ben Gard

Personal Finance Writer — Capital Card Square

Ben Gard

Ben Gard is a personal finance writer with 10 years of experience covering credit cards, rewards optimization, and consumer banking. His work focuses on helping everyday cardholders cut through marketing language and make decisions based on their actual spending habits — not the best-case scenarios card issuers advertise. He covers cash back, travel rewards, introductory APR offers, credit building, and the math behind annual fees.

41 Guides published
10+ Years experience
9 Topics covered

Areas of specialization

Cash Back Cards Travel Rewards 0% Intro APR No Annual Fee Cards Credit Building Business Credit Cards Balance Transfers Annual Fee Analysis Consumer Banking

Written by Ben Gard

How Soon After Bankruptcy Should You Apply for a Credit Card?
Cash Back How Soon After Bankruptcy Should You Apply for a Credit Card? Discharged from bankruptcy? Find out exactly when to apply for your first credit card, which type to start with, and how to rebuild faster. Published: June 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 25, 2026
Should I Register First Before I Apply for a Business Credit Card?
Business Cards Should I Register First Before I Apply for a Business Credit Card? Buying inventory before registering your business? The sequence matters more than you think. Here's how to order your steps to protect credit and stre Published: June 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 24, 2026
Can You Pay Medical Insurance Premiums With a Credit Card?
Cash Back Can You Pay Medical Insurance Premiums With a Credit Card? Health insurance premiums are a huge recurring bill. Here's when a cash-back card actually works — and when the issuer blocks the reward. Published: June 23, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 23, 2026
Best Card for a Family That Travels Twice a Year?
Travel Rewards Best Card for a Family That Travels Twice a Year? Traveling twice a year with a family of 4? Find out which type of rewards card actually pays off—and when a simpler card beats a premium travel card. Published: June 22, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 22, 2026
Looking for the Best Business Card for Ad Spend (Goal: Optimize Ad Spend & Earn SUB)
Business Cards Looking for the Best Business Card for Ad Spend (Goal: Optimize Ad Spend & Earn SUB) Already spending on ads? Find the right business card that rewards every ad dollar AND earns a sign-up bonus built for your exact spend mix. Published: June 20, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 20, 2026
High Income, No Credit
Cash Back High Income, No Credit High income doesn't automatically unlock premium cards. Here's what actually matters, and how to build credit fast without wasting a year on a secured Published: June 19, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 19, 2026
Best Business Credit Card for Sourcing Inventory?
Business Cards Best Business Credit Card for Sourcing Inventory? Sourcing inventory? The best business credit card gives you high limits, long float, and cash back on supplier orders — not just ads or software. Published: June 18, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 18, 2026
Need High Limit 0% intro APR Float for IVF?
0% Intro APR Need High Limit 0% intro APR Float for IVF? Financing $50k in IVF? Here's how to realistically plan a 0% intro APR card strategy for high-dollar fertility costs — and where it can go wrong. Published: June 16, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 16, 2026
Should I Get a Card for a Vet Bill?
0% Intro APR Should I Get a Card for a Vet Bill? Unexpected vet bill you can't pay in one month? Here's when opening a 0% intro APR card makes sense — and when it could backfire. Published: June 15, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 15, 2026
What Cash Back Card Is Best for Reimbursed Commute Costs?
Cash Back What Cash Back Card Is Best for Reimbursed Commute Costs? Company reimburses your commute? The right cash back card turns transit, tolls, gas, and parking into free money before the check arrives. Published: June 13, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 13, 2026
1099 Contractor Business or Personal Credit Card
Business Cards 1099 Contractor Business or Personal Credit Card First-time 1099 contractor? Here's whether a business or personal credit card better protects your write-offs for gas, travel, and office gear. Published: June 12, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 12, 2026
Rewards Card for Pets
Cash Back Rewards Card for Pets Spending hundreds a year on your pet? Here's how to pick a rewards card that earns cash back on vet bills, food, and supplies — no care credit needed. Published: June 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 11, 2026
Is It Worth It to Get a Credit Card Just for an Electric Bill?
Cash Back Is It Worth It to Get a Credit Card Just for an Electric Bill? Electric bill only on a credit card — is it worth it? Here's the math on cash back vs. an annual fee for a single utility charge. Published: June 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 11, 2026
Credit Cards for Moving From the USA to France
Travel Rewards Credit Cards for Moving From the USA to France Moving from the USA to France? Discover which US credit cards can still work well abroad—no foreign fees, strong rewards, and fraud protection you'll Published: June 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 11, 2026
Credit Card Recommendation for Study Abroad As a Student
Travel Rewards Credit Card Recommendation for Study Abroad As a Student Thin credit history and a tight departure date? Here's how to find the right card for study abroad — and actually get one in time. Published: June 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 11, 2026
Cash Back Business Card With No Credit History?
Business Cards Cash Back Business Card With No Credit History? No credit history but solid finances? Here's how founders can land a cash back business card — and which paths actually work without a credit file. Published: June 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 11, 2026
Should I Get a New Cash Back Card for Daycare and Groceries?
Cash Back Should I Get a New Cash Back Card for Daycare and Groceries? Daycare and grocery bills eat your budget fast. Here's how to decide whether one cash-back card covers both — or whether two cards earn you more. Published: June 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 11, 2026
Best Credit Card to Use for Daycare Expenses?
No Annual Fee Best Credit Card to Use for Daycare Expenses? Paying $30k/yr in daycare? A 2.5% convenience fee can wipe out your rewards. Here's how to decide which no annual fee card actually pays off. Published: June 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 11, 2026
Should I Open a no Annual Fee Card Every Single Year?
No Annual Fee Should I Open a no Annual Fee Card Every Single Year? Opening a no annual fee card every year can boost rewards — but only if your credit profile, goals, and card strategy actually support the habit. Published: June 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 11, 2026
Should I Get a Business Credit Card for a Brand-new LLC With no Employees Yet?
Business Cards Should I Get a Business Credit Card for a Brand-new LLC With no Employees Yet? Just formed an LLC with no employees? You may qualify for a business credit card sooner than you think — here's what actually matters. Published: June 10, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 10, 2026
No Annual Fee Card With Primary Car Rental Insurance
Travel Rewards No Annual Fee Card With Primary Car Rental Insurance Renting a car and want primary coverage without paying an annual fee? Here's what to look for, what the fine print hides, and how to decide. Published: June 10, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 10, 2026
Applying for Business Credit Cards as a Sole Proprietor With No Business History
Business Cards Applying for Business Credit Cards as a Sole Proprietor With No Business History New sole proprietor with no revenue history or business credit? You can still apply for a business credit card — here's exactly how it works. Published: June 10, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 10, 2026
Should You Put a Large Purchase on a 0% APR Credit Card?
0% Intro APR Should You Put a Large Purchase on a 0% APR Credit Card? Covers when a 0% introductory APR card makes sense and what to watch out for before the promotional period ends. Published: March 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Should You Pay Statement Balance or Current Balance Before 0% APR Ends?
0% Intro APR Should You Pay Statement Balance or Current Balance Before 0% APR Ends? Which balance to pay before a 0% APR promotion expires and how to avoid post-promo interest. Published: May 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Do You Pay Interest After 0% APR Ends?
0% Intro APR Do You Pay Interest After 0% APR Ends? When regular APR begins, whether interest is retroactive, and how to avoid surprise charges. Published: May 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
0% APR vs. Deferred Interest: What's the Difference?
0% Intro APR 0% APR vs. Deferred Interest: What's the Difference? How true 0% intro APR offers differ from deferred-interest promotions — and why the difference matters. Published: May 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Are No Annual Fee Credit Cards Actually Worth It?
No Annual Fee Are No Annual Fee Credit Cards Actually Worth It? Whether no annual fee cards hold their value over years of use compared to fee-based alternatives. Published: May 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Is a Credit Card Annual Fee Worth It?
No Annual Fee Is a Credit Card Annual Fee Worth It? A break-even calculation to show exactly how much spending it takes before an annual fee card starts paying off. Published: April 14, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
How to Pick a No Annual Fee Card Based on Your Spending
No Annual Fee How to Pick a No Annual Fee Card Based on Your Spending A practical framework for matching a no-fee card to your actual spending categories so you earn the most. Published: April 14, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 5, 2026
Is a Low Annual Fee Card Better Than No Annual Fee?
No Annual Fee Is a Low Annual Fee Card Better Than No Annual Fee? The math on when a low annual fee card outearns a free one, and the spending threshold where each makes more sense. Published: April 14, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Secured vs. Unsecured Cards for Fair Credit: Which Is Better?
No Annual Fee Secured vs. Unsecured Cards for Fair Credit: Which Is Better? Helps consumers in the fair credit range decide between secured and unsecured no-fee cards. Published: May 7, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Is Flat-Rate or Category Cash Back Better With No Annual Fee?
No Annual Fee Is Flat-Rate or Category Cash Back Better With No Annual Fee? Compares flat-rate and category cash back structures among no-fee cards to show which earns more for different spending profiles. Published: May 7, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Flat-Rate vs. Category Cash Back: Which Earns More?
Cash Back Flat-Rate vs. Category Cash Back: Which Earns More? Compares flat-rate and category cash back cards across common spending patterns to show which structure earns more. Published: March 8, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Is a Travel Credit Card Worth It If You Only Travel Once a Year?
Travel Rewards Is a Travel Credit Card Worth It If You Only Travel Once a Year? Whether infrequent travelers can still come out ahead with a travel card by weighing perks, rewards, and annual fee. Published: March 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Is a No Foreign Transaction Fee Card Worth It for One Trip?
Travel Rewards Is a No Foreign Transaction Fee Card Worth It for One Trip? How much foreign transaction fees could cost on a single trip and whether getting a no-fee card is worth it. Published: March 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Secured Card or Authorized User: Which Builds Credit Better?
Credit Building Secured Card or Authorized User: Which Builds Credit Better? Compares secured cards and authorized user status as starting points for building credit. Published: March 5, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Should Your First Credit Card Be Secured or Unsecured?
Credit Building Should Your First Credit Card Be Secured or Unsecured? Helps first-time card seekers decide between a secured and unsecured starter card based on their credit situation. Published: March 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
How Do You Get Your Credit Card Grace Period Back?
Credit Mechanics How Do You Get Your Credit Card Grace Period Back? Practical recovery steps after carrying a credit card balance and losing purchase grace-period treatment. Published: May 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Why Was I Charged Interest After Paying Off My Credit Card?
Credit Mechanics Why Was I Charged Interest After Paying Off My Credit Card? Explains residual interest, trailing interest, and how to fully reset a paid-off card. Published: May 11, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Is a Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus Worth the Minimum Spend?
Welcome Bonuses Is a Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus Worth the Minimum Spend? How to evaluate whether a welcome bonus justifies the minimum spend requirement for your monthly budget. Published: March 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 12, 2026
Can You Get a Business Credit Card Without an LLC?
Business Cards Can You Get a Business Credit Card Without an LLC? Sole proprietors and freelancers can qualify for business credit cards without a formal business entity — here's how. Published: March 10, 2026 · Last reviewed: May 11, 2026