Adam Frankel's Image

Adam Frankel

Credit Cards Writer

About

With over four decades of experience as a portfolio manager and educator, Adam B. Frankel simplifies credit card strategies and complex personal finance topics for anyone seeking to gain a better understanding of how to manage their money. His work has been featured in national personal finance sites including Forbes Advisor, Fortune, MarketWatch and CardRatings.

Adam B. Frankel has been managing money in the stock markets and tracking credit card strategies, financial markets and other personal finance topics for more than 40 years. His never-ending quest to optimize his personal finances have including leveraging credit card rewards to take his family on trips around the world, at a fraction of the out-of-pocket cost if they’d paid cash. When he’s not managing money in the stock market, he teaches financial topics and other core concepts at schools from elementary through middle school.

Expertise

  • Credit cards
  • Banking
  • Investments

Achievements

  • Over 40 years of experience with investing and personal finance
  • Contributor to national personal finance sites including Forbes Advisor, Fortune, MarketWatch and Card Ratings

Other Publications

Education

Rochester Institute of Technology (ABS, Business Management)

Pace University (BBA, General Business)

  • If My Credit Card Balance Is Zero, Do I Still Have To Pay?

    When you have a zero balance on your credit card, that’s something to celebrate. If there’s no balance on your card, that means you don’t owe the card issuer any money. Read on to see how that zero can be...
    If My Credit Card Balance Is Zero, Do I Still Have To Pay?
  • The American Express Green Card Vs. The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

    The and the (Terms apply. See rates & fees) may both be colorfully named cards from Amex but these cards are as different as black and white. The Amex Green Card can be ideal for someone who doesn’t want to...
    The American Express Green Card Vs. The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
  • JCPenney Mastercard Review 2024

    While the rewards that the earns are valuable inside the store, that’s the only place you can use them. Cardholders also receive a disappointing earnings rate outside of purchases with the retailer. Superfans of JCPenney may find value in the...
    JCPenney Mastercard Review 2024
  • The Verve Mastercard: What You Need To Know

    When you have had credit missteps, it can be a challenge to get approved for a credit card, especially an unsecured card that doesn’t require a security deposit. The Verve Mastercard is an unsecured credit card designed for those with...
    The Verve Mastercard: What You Need To Know
  • Discover It Chrome Vs. Discover It Cashback

    Discover issues several popular rewards cards and two of them, the and the may seem similar at first glance. Both cards offer elevated rewards in certain categories, low introductory APR offers plus Discover’s Cashback Match, where the issuer will automatically...
    Discover It Chrome Vs. Discover It Cashback
  • What Credit Score Do You Need To Get The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card?

    Walmart stores are known around the globe for their low prices and vast range of products. With more than 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries worldwide, it’s likely you’ve visited one of the superstores at least once. For those...
    What Credit Score Do You Need To Get The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card?
  • First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured Credit Card Review 2024

    We wouldn’t describe the as an “elite” card. Nor would we describe it as “progressive” or put it in “first” places. Really, the only part of this name that makes sense is the “secured” part—as the card does require a...
    First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured Credit Card Review 2024
  • What Are Mastercard Priceless Experiences?

    Mastercard Priceless Experiences is an exclusive program offered to Mastercard cardholders in an effort to build loyalty with customers and provide additional card value. Through this program, cardmembers can book unique experiences in their home city or while traveling when...
    What Are Mastercard Priceless Experiences?
  • Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa Review 2024

    With the potential to earn impressive cash back in unique categories, the seems like a great addition to many wallets. However, Upgrade’s advertising doesn’t make it clear that this card is not actually a credit card but a line of...
    Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa Review 2024
  • Debt Avalanche Calculator

    You’re ready to tackle your debt and you have a plan to save more and reduce your debt: Pay down the balance with the highest interest rate first and when you’ve knocked out that balance, move on to the card...
    Debt Avalanche Calculator
  • BankAmericard Credit Card For Students Review 2024

    While the doesn’t earn rewards, it’s a strong option for students who are looking for an opportunity to save on interest and build their credit at the same time. Those who qualify for the card can benefit from its long...
    BankAmericard Credit Card For Students Review 2024
  • NASCAR® Credit Card From Credit One Bank® Review 2024

    Even the most avid racing fans should steer clear of the . Those with good or better credit can find an option that is much better than what this card offers. And someone with just okay credit should choose a...
    NASCAR® Credit Card From Credit One Bank® Review 2024
  • Bank Of America Premium Rewards Credit Card Review 2024

    Travelers whose spending will earn rewards that make the annual fee worthwhile might find great value in the . Account holders earn an unlimited . With plenty of powerful perks, including a statement credit to cover TSA PreCheck or Global...
    Bank Of America Premium Rewards Credit Card Review 2024
  • Amazon Business Prime American Express Credit Card 2024

    Unless your business spending revolves around ordering stuff that comes in cardboard boxes with an A to Z logo, other business credit cards will deliver more overall value than the .
    Amazon Business Prime American Express Credit Card 2024
  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Review 2024

    The is a solid pick for those with fair-to-average credit looking to improve their scores and earn cash-back rewards in the process. Although it has a annual fee (), it offers an unlimited , and the possibility of a higher...
    Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Review 2024
CREDIT CARDS
CREDIT CARDS
How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards
Learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process

Top Picks From Adam Frankel

  • If My Credit Card Balance Is Zero, Do I Still Have To Pay?
    If My Credit Card Balance Is Zero, Do I Still Have To Pay?

    by Adam Frankel

    Read More

  • The American Express Green Card Vs. The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
    The American Express Green Card Vs. The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

    by Adam Frankel

    Read More

  • The Verve Mastercard: What You Need To Know
    The Verve Mastercard: What You Need To Know

    by Adam Frankel

    Read More

About

With over four decades of experience as a portfolio manager and educator, Adam B. Frankel simplifies credit card strategies and complex personal finance topics for anyone seeking to gain a better understanding of how to manage their money. His work has been featured in national personal finance sites including Forbes Advisor, Fortune, MarketWatch and CardRatings.