Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card Review

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Key takeaways

The Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card offers a low fixed APR making it an attractive option for those looking to build or rebuild their credit history.
A refundable security deposit is required to establish the credit line for this card. The amount of the deposit directly correlates with the credit limit.
While the card has a relatively low APR and can aid in credit building, potential applicants should be aware of the annual fee and lack of a grace period.

Over 45 million Americans don’t have credit scores because they don’t have enough information on their credit reports to generate a score. If you fall into this category, a secured credit card, like the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card, is a good place to start building credit.

The approval process is easy – you can get approved in 60 seconds without a credit check! Once approved, all you have to do is put down a refundable security deposit, which will act as your credit limit. Then use your secured card like a traditional credit card, pay your bills on time, and watch your credit score improve.

If you want to improve your score, the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Credit Card is the solution you’ve been waiting for.

What we like about Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card

Applied Bank’s Secured Visa is designed for people who struggle to get traditional credit cards. Applied will approve applications with no credit check and no minimum credit score. There is no application fee, no monthly maintenance fee, and a low APR. The Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card further stands out with automatic reporting to credit bureaus, which can help you build credit.

Better than a prepaid card

Unlike prepaid cards, which do not affect your credit history, Applied Bank’s Secured Visa offers a distinct advantage by helping you establish and improve your credit score. This is achieved through regular reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

To get started, you simply need to put down a refundable security deposit, which serves as your credit limit. Once this deposit is made, Applied Bank will begin automatically reporting your credit usage and payment history to these bureaus.

This means that consistent, on-time payments and responsible use of your credit line will positively impact your credit score over time. This card not only provides a practical financial tool but also a strategic pathway to achieving better credit standing, making it an ideal choice for those aiming to build or rebuild their credit profile.

Apply in 60 seconds

Applying for the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card is designed to be quick and straightforward, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. The process involves filling out a simple form where you provide basic information including your:

Full name
Social Security Number
Monthly income
Amount you intend to deposit

There is no application fee and you can receive approval in as little as 60 seconds. Applied Bank’s Secured Visa is renowned for having one of the quickest approval processes available, allowing you to start building or rebuilding your credit almost immediately. This streamlined approach ensures that you can secure the financial tools you need without unnecessary delays or complications, making it a convenient and effective option for those looking to improve their credit standing.

No credit check

One of the most appealing features of the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card is the absence of a credit check during the application process. This means that your credit history, whether it’s limited, poor, or non-existent, will not be scrutinized, removing a significant barrier for many potential applicants.

The lack of strict credit requirements ensures that anyone, regardless of their credit history, can apply and be considered for this card. This inclusivity makes it an excellent option for individuals who are starting to build credit from scratch, those who have faced financial difficulties in the past, or anyone looking to rebuild their credit profile.

Want to apply for a credit card but not sure how?

Check out 10 Tips for Getting Your Credit Card Application Approved!

Easy Credit Builder

“There is no minimum credit score required for the Applied Bank Credit Card that’s what I love about it. Applied Bank does not even investigate applicants’ credit histories. It does, however, send account information to the main credit agencies once a month, allowing responsible cardholders to enhance their credit status. It also is easy to increase your credit score with this card! Simple, yet convenient!”

Kaylee J

Automatic credit bureau reporting

The Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card offers a significant advantage by automatically reporting your credit usage and payment history to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This regular reporting is crucial for those looking to build or rebuild their credit. By ensuring that your responsible credit behavior is recorded and reflected in your credit reports, the card enables you to establish a positive credit history over time.

Pay your bills on time and keep your utilization under 30% and you should see your score improve. With a higher credit score, you’ll be able to access even better credit products.

An impressively low fixed APR

The Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card stands out with its fixed-rate APR of 9.99%, which is significantly lower than the average APR for secured credit cards, which typically hovers around 22.37%. This low APR can be especially advantageous for cardholders who anticipate carrying a balance from month to month, as it helps to minimize the interest charges that accrue on outstanding balances. With a lower APR, you can manage your debt more effectively and reduce the overall cost of borrowing, making it easier to pay down your balance over time.

This feature makes the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card not only a valuable tool for building or rebuilding credit but also a cost-effective option for maintaining financial health. By choosing this card, you benefit from more manageable interest payments, which can lead to improved financial stability and greater peace of mind as you work towards your credit goals.

Applied advantage

The Applied Advantage program provides cardholders with exclusive discounts on a wide range of leading brands, enhancing the card’s overall value. Members can enjoy savings on popular brands such as Avis, Macy’s, Six Flags, Sam’s Club, and Kohl’s.

No penalty APR

One of the standout features of the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card is the absence of a penalty APR. This means that even if you miss a payment, your interest rate won’t spike. Many credit cards impose penalty APRs that can soar to around 30% and often remain in effect for six months or longer.

The lack of a penalty APR with this card is particularly beneficial for individuals who are new to managing credit or are in the process of rebuilding their credit. It provides a safety net, allowing you to learn and navigate credit management without the fear of severe financial repercussions from occasional mistakes. This forgiving approach can help you develop better credit habits, without the added stress of potentially crippling interest rates due to missed payments.

Online and mobile banking

These days, the ability to bank online is essential, and Applied Bank excels in this area. It offers robust online banking features that make managing your account effortless. You can easily check your balances, view recent transactions, and make payments from either your computer or smartphone. This convenience allows you to stay on top of your finances no matter where you are.

Choose your own credit limit

Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card lets you set your credit limit, providing you with significant control over your credit line. Your limit is directly tied to the amount of your security deposit, which means you can tailor it to fit your financial needs and goals. When you initially open the card, you are required to make a deposit ranging from $200 to $1,000. This deposit not only secures your credit line but also sets your initial credit limit. After your card is opened, you have the option to increase your credit limit by making additional deposits, up to a total of $5,000, at any time and without incurring any fees. This feature allows you to gradually increase your purchasing power as your financial situation improves, making the card a flexible and adaptable tool for managing your credit and expenses.

Visa benefits

As a Visa-branded card, the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card comes equipped with a range of classic Visa features and protections that enhance its overall value. One of the primary benefits is global acceptance, allowing you to use the card at millions of locations worldwide, making it highly convenient for both domestic and international transactions.

The card offers Zero Fraud Liability for unauthorized transactions, providing you with peace of mind knowing that you are protected from fraudulent charges. This feature ensures that you are not held responsible for unauthorized purchases, adding an extra layer of security to your financial dealings.

Furthermore, the card includes emergency card replacement services, which can be a lifesaver if your card is lost or stolen while traveling. These comprehensive benefits make the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card a reliable and secure choice for managing your finances, whether you are at home or abroad.

What to watch out for with Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card

While there are many positives for the Applied Bank® Secured Visa®, nothing is perfect. Before you apply for the card, weigh the good with the bad to decide if it’s the right card for you and your financial situation.

Additional fees

It is important to be aware of additional fees associated with the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card, as these can impact your overall cost of using the card. There is an annual fee of $48, which is a common charge among secured credit cards and helps cover the cost of maintaining your account. Additionally, if you make a late payment or have a payment returned, you could incur a fee of up to $38. There is also a foreign transaction fee of 3%, which applies to purchases made outside the United States. These fees are fairly typical for secured credit cards and are part of the cost of building or rebuilding your credit. Therefore, it is essential to read the fine print and fully understand all potential charges before applying for the card. By being aware of these fees upfront, you can better manage your finances and avoid unexpected costs, ensuring that the card remains a valuable tool in your journey toward improved credit.

No grace period

Most credit cards typically offer a grace period of 21 to 25 days, during which you won’t be charged interest on your purchases if you pay your balance in full by the due date. However, the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card does not include a grace period. This means that interest begins to accrue immediately from the day your billing cycle ends, rather than giving you a period of time to pay off your balance without incurring interest.

Even though this card features a relatively low APR, the absence of a grace period can result in interest charges accumulating quickly if you carry a balance. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay off your balances promptly to avoid these extra charges. By making timely payments and managing your spending carefully, you can minimize interest costs and make the most of the financial benefits this card offers. Understanding the importance of prompt payments can help you maintain better control over your finances and make your credit-building efforts more effective.

Helpful Low APR

“This is a great credit card for people with poor credit history. I applied for the credit card on the bank’s website. I was worried my application will be denied due to my poor credit score but was happy when my card was approved. The card helped me rebuild my credit score. I love that APRs is lower than the market average.”

Emma D

Bottom line

There’s plenty to like about the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card. It has a low, fixed APR, modest minimum security deposit, and no credit check requirement making it accessible to almost anyone.

Credit cards with no credit check and no minimum credit score can be a lifesaver for people who need a second chance at credit building or who are just starting out. The Applied Bank Secured Card fits the role perfectly and can help you build a positive credit history with modest fees.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions. Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card issued by Choice Financial Group, and the Current Visa® secured charge card issued by Cross River Bank, are both pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC

6. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

7. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.

8. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.

9. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

10. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

11. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.

12. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

13. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

14. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

15. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

16. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

17. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

18. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

19. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

20. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

21. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

22. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

23. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

24. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

25. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

26. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

27. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

28. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

29. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

30. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

31. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

32. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

33. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

34. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

35. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

36. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

37. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

38. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.