How to see more Bankrate results in your Google searches
Here’s how to tell Google which sources your trust and want to see first in search results.
2 min read
Oct 21, 2025
John Puterbaugh
Senior Editorial Director
EXPERTISE
- General personal finance
- Credit cards
- Saving and investing
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts, Northern Illinois University
John Puterbaugh leads Bankrate’s consumer finance watchdog and data reporting team. As a personal finance journalist, John is obsessed with empowering people to make better money moves in their everyday lives. John has nearly two decades of experience leading editorial teams in newspapers and other service journalism businesses.
Before Bankrate, John worked for CNET, NextAdvisor, and the Chicago Tribune, among others. John’s mission as a personal finance journalist is to help readers the same way he’d help his mom or close friends with a money question or challenge.
John lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife and two children. When he's not working, John can be found at his kids' sporting events, running and cycling, playing soccer, or cooking something super complicated at home.
John's latest articles
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Premium travel cards are drifting out of reach for the average consumer. I say let them go.
Premium travel cards continue to change, drifting out of reach for the average consumer.
5 min read Sep 25, 2025 -
Why credit card loyalty is overrated, and when it makes sense to consider making a change
When you have a credit card you’ve been using for years, it’s all too easy to hold on to it. Plus, credit card issuer loyalty does have its advantages. But it also might mean you’re missing out on [...]
4 min read Sep 22, 2025 -
When did travel credit cards start turning into coupon books, and why?
Credit cards are becoming increasingly complex, and they are not always worth it.
6 min read Sep 22, 2025 -
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth it?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers benefits and rewards geared toward travelers.
7 min read Sep 22, 2025 -
I’m a credit card expert, and here are 30 things I always tell people
Here are 30 pieces of advice from one Bankrate credit cards writer and expert.
9 min read Sep 12, 2025 -
52% of older Americans carry credit card debt. Here’s how it holds them back
Credit card debt is the worst, and it can be especially burdensome for older people. Sadly, it’s a common burden. Fifty-two percent of U.S. adults aged 50 to 64 carry a credit card balance month to month, [...]
4 min read Aug 26, 2025 -
4 ways you might be making your credit card debt more expensive
Using a credit card is simple in theory: You borrow money, then you pay it back. If you don’t pay all the charges in full when your bill is due, interest starts to accrue. If you miss a payment, you’re [...]
4 min read Aug 06, 2025 -
Credit card debt happens. This Bankrate expert wants you to learn from her experience
Benét Wilson lost her previous job unexpectedly last May. Wilson, my colleague and a lead credit cards writer for Bankrate, said she wasn’t too worried about her financial situation at first. She had [...]
4 min read Jul 23, 2025