Reena Thomas, Ph.D.

Reena Thomas, Ph.D., is an editor/writer at Bankrate and CreditCards.com with a focus on credit card rewards. She enjoys delving into the credit card landscape to help readers make valuable credit card decisions that are right for them.

Reena has over a decade of experience in education and publishing. Before joining Bankrate in 2023, she was a copy editor for NurseJournal, Trillium Publishing, Voyager Expanded Learning, and Rockefeller University Press. She also worked as a tenure-track college English instructor after receiving her doctorate and has published academic articles.

When she isn't writing and researching about credit cards, Reena can be found exploring her neighborhood for charming coffee shops, scenic trails, and friendly dog parks.

Reena wants you to know

Reena believes you don't need a flashy card to enjoy the perks of a rewards card. "Even a no-annual-fee rewards card can open up savings and unique travel experiences," Reena says. But she warns that it can be easy to fall into the trap of 'keeping up with the Joneses" and rack up credit card debt in the process. "While using your card can be quick and easy (and tempting if you want to earn rewards), it's not worth if it puts you in debt," she says.

Credit cards can be a great tool in managing finances and your credit. "Use it strategically and it can be an incredible — even transformative — asset," Reena says.