Best Secured Business Credit Cards for Building Business Credit in 2024

July 2024 · 30 minute read
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    The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Business Credit Card, Capital One Spark 1% Classic†, Valley Visa® Secured Business Credit Card, FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

    Best Secured Business Credit Cards of 2024

    Introduction to Secured Business Credit Cards for Bad Credit

    Small business owners understand that credit is the lifeblood of their business. However, if they have a poor credit score, getting approved for credit can be a challenge. Secured business credit cards can give you access to credit while rebuilding your credit score.

    Here are Business Insider's picks for the best secured business credit cards available right now.

    Compare the Top Secured Business Credit Cards

    Best for everyday rewards Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Business Credit Card Bank of America Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Business Credit Card Insider’s Rating A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.8/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Regular APR

    28.49% variable

    Intro Offer

    N/A

    Recommended Credit

    Poor

    ProsConsShow Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Best secured business credit card for travel Capital One Spark 1% Classic† Capital One®️ Capital One Spark 1% Classic† Insider’s Rating Info icon Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals. A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.1/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase for your business with no limits or category restrictions.

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Regular APR

    30.49% Variable

    Intro Offer

    N/A

    Recommended Credit

    Fair

    ProsConsInsider’s Take

    Whether you have a new business or just don't have a ton of credit history, the Capital One Spark 1% Classic could be a good stepping stone. It's possible to get approved for the card with just fair credit, whereas most other business cards that earn rewards require a good or even excellent credit score.

    Capital One Spark 1% Classic† review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Show Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Best for no personal guarantee requirement Ramp Visa Corporate Card Apply now lock icon An icon in the shape of lock. On Ramp's website Ramp Ramp Visa Corporate Card Insider’s Rating A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.7/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn up to 1.5% cashback

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Regular APR

    N/A

    Intro Offer

    None

    Recommended Credit

    No Credit History

    ProsConsRamp Visa Corporate Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Product DetailsShow Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Best for 0% intro APR offer Valley Visa® Secured Business Credit Card Valley Valley Visa® Secured Business Credit Card Insider’s Rating A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.6/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn 1% unlimited cash back

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    0% intro APR on purchases for first six months

    Regular APR

    16.20% to 27.75% variable

    Intro Offer

    None

    Recommended Credit

    Poor

    ProsConsShow Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Best for flexible credit limit FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card First National Bank of Omaha FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card Insider’s Rating A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.2/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn interest on your security deposit

    Annual Fee

    $39

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Regular APR

    25.99% variable

    Intro Offer

    None

    Recommended Credit

    Poor

    ProsConsShow Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Best for no annual fees Brex Card Brex Brex Card Insider’s Rating A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.9/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn 7x points per dollar on rideshare. Earn 4x points per dollar on Brex travel. Earn 3x points per dollar on restaurants. Earn 2x points per dollar on software. Earn 1x points per dollar on the rest.

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Regular APR

    N/A

    Intro Offer Info icon 10,000 points when you spend $3,000 on your Brex card within three months of your Brex business account being opened

    Earn 10,000 points

    Recommended Credit

    Poor to Excellent

    ProsConsInsider’s Take

    The no-annual-fee Brex Card is lauded as an extremely user-friendly bank for startup companies. The definition of "startup," however, isn't nearly as lenient as you'll find with other banks, such as Chase and American Express. Sole proprietors aren't eligible for the card — nor are small and medium businesses, for that matter. If you do qualify, Brex offers generous rewards and valuable airline transfer partners such as Avianca, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and more.

    Brex Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Show Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.

    Secured Business Credit Cards Overview

    Secured business credit cards offer access to credit when your business credit scores are too low to be approved for traditional credit.

    A secured business credit card operates just like a business credit card, allowing business owners to pay for company-related supplies, materials, utilities, and other operating expenses, and then repay them over time. But unlike most credit cards, secured credit cardholders have to put down a security deposit to cover any potential charges in case the cardholder stops making payments.

    Certain secured business credit cards allow cardholders to earn rewards on company purchases, while others offer a 0% intro APR period to avoid interest while paying off balances over time.

    Using the card responsibly also builds a positive credit history for your personal and business credit reports. Some banks allow responsible secured credit cardholders to "graduate" to unsecured business credit cards with time and consistent payment history, which frees up the funds held for security and opens up the possibility of qualifying for additional business credit. 

    Choosing the best secured credit card for your business depends on your goals, where you spend the most, and which features are most important to you. There are many secured cards to choose from, so we've chosen the best cards for different types of small business owners.

    Small Business Secured Credit Card Reviews

    Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Business Credit Card: Best for Everyday Rewards

    Our choice for the best secured business credit card for everyday rewards is the Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Business Credit Card.

    This card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase without remembering bonus categories or activating special offers. You can open an account for as little as $1,000, plus there is no annual fee. It also includes free access to your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score through the bank's online dashboard. As your credit score improves, you may qualify to transition to an unsecured card and get your security deposit back.

    Best for everyday rewards Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Business Credit Card Bank of America Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Business Credit Card Insider’s Rating A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.8/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Regular APR

    28.49% variable

    Intro Offer

    N/A

    Recommended Credit

    Poor

    ProsConsShow Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.

    Capital One Spark 1% Classic†: Best for Travel

    For business owners who travel regularly, the Capital One Spark 1% Classic† is the best card for your travel purchases.

    You'll earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, plus it offers 5% cash back when booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel. There are no annual fees, and you can add employee cards with individual spending limits and reporting at no extra charge. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees when making purchases outside of the U.S. You'll even receive an extended warranty on eligible purchases, which can save money on expensive add-on warranties.

    Read more in our review of the Capital One Spark Classic for Business.

    Best secured business credit card for travel Capital One Spark 1% Classic† Capital One®️ Capital One Spark 1% Classic† Insider’s Rating Info icon Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals. A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.1/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase for your business with no limits or category restrictions.

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Regular APR

    30.49% Variable

    Intro Offer

    N/A

    Recommended Credit

    Fair

    ProsConsInsider’s Take

    Whether you have a new business or just don't have a ton of credit history, the Capital One Spark 1% Classic could be a good stepping stone. It's possible to get approved for the card with just fair credit, whereas most other business cards that earn rewards require a good or even excellent credit score.

    Capital One Spark 1% Classic† review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Show Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.

    Ramp Visa Corporate Card: Best for No Personal Guarantee

    The Ramp Visa Corporate Card is the best secured business credit card that doesn't require a personal guarantee.

    There are no annual fees or late payment fees, and Ramp's underwriting unlocks higher limits up to 20x higher credit limits. Business owners can issue unlimited virtual and physical cards at no additional cost. The card also earns up to 1.5% cash back on purchases, including all spending on employee cards.

    Ramp's software enables business owners to restrict any type of spending, track purchases, and lock cards at any time.

    Read more in our review of the Ramp Card

    Best for no personal guarantee requirement Ramp Visa Corporate Card Apply now lock icon An icon in the shape of lock. On Ramp's website Ramp Ramp Visa Corporate Card Insider’s Rating A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.7/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn up to 1.5% cashback

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Regular APR

    N/A

    Intro Offer

    None

    Recommended Credit

    No Credit History

    ProsConsRamp Visa Corporate Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Product DetailsShow Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.

    Valley Visa® Secured Business Credit Card: Best for 0% Intro APR

    Most secured business credit cards do not include a 0% intro offer because the primary goal is building credit. However, the Valley Visa® Secured Business Credit Card includes a 0% intro APR on purchases for first six months, then 16.20% to 27.75% variable APR. This feature can be very beneficial to business owners who need extra time to pay off their balances without interest charges. 

    In addition to the 0% introductory APR, cardholders earn an unlimited 1% cash back on eligible purchases. There are no annual fees, and you can add up to 25 cards without any additional cost. Valley National Bank offers credit limits up to $25,000, but it requires a security deposit of 110% of your limit.

    Best for 0% intro APR offer Valley Visa® Secured Business Credit Card Valley Valley Visa® Secured Business Credit Card Insider’s Rating A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.6/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn 1% unlimited cash back

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    0% intro APR on purchases for first six months

    Regular APR

    16.20% to 27.75% variable

    Intro Offer

    None

    Recommended Credit

    Poor

    ProsConsShow Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.

    FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card: Best for Flexible Credit Limit

    Business owners who need a lot of credit on a secured business credit card should consider the FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card. This card offers credit limits ranging from $2,000 to $100,000 (in multiples of $50), as long as you put down a cash security deposit of 110% of your limit.

    While this card doesn't earn rewards on purchases, cardholders do earn interest on their security deposit. Benefits include rental car protection, mobile receipt management and Mastercard Easy Savings. The card charges an annual fee of $39, and there is a foreign transaction fee for purchases outside the U.S. 

    Best for flexible credit limit FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card First National Bank of Omaha FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card Insider’s Rating A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.2/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn interest on your security deposit

    Annual Fee

    $39

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Regular APR

    25.99% variable

    Intro Offer

    None

    Recommended Credit

    Poor

    ProsConsShow Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.

    Brex Card: Best for High Credit Limit with No Fees

    This niche card is designed for startups backed by accelerators, angel investors, or venture capital. The Brex Card also targets companies with $400,000 or more in monthly revenue, or just under $5 million each year. 

    If your business qualifies for the Brex Card, this no-annual-fee secured card could be a good fit for your financial needs. Cardholders who put all of their spend on this card can earn up to 7 points per dollar on certain categories of spend — and businesses in tech or life sciences, or which also have a Brex Cash account can earn up to 8 points per dollar on top expense categories. 

    The Brex card shines regarding fees — or the lack thereof. You won't pay an annual fee for this card, nor will you incur interest. Instead, Brex makes its money from the merchants it partners with, so it's a good choice for entrepreneurs willing to go all-in on a single business card. 

    Read more in our Brex credit card review.

    Best for no annual fees Brex Card Brex Brex Card Insider’s Rating A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.9/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn 7x points per dollar on rideshare. Earn 4x points per dollar on Brex travel. Earn 3x points per dollar on restaurants. Earn 2x points per dollar on software. Earn 1x points per dollar on the rest.

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Regular APR

    N/A

    Intro Offer Info icon 10,000 points when you spend $3,000 on your Brex card within three months of your Brex business account being opened

    Earn 10,000 points

    Recommended Credit

    Poor to Excellent

    ProsConsInsider’s Take

    The no-annual-fee Brex Card is lauded as an extremely user-friendly bank for startup companies. The definition of "startup," however, isn't nearly as lenient as you'll find with other banks, such as Chase and American Express. Sole proprietors aren't eligible for the card — nor are small and medium businesses, for that matter. If you do qualify, Brex offers generous rewards and valuable airline transfer partners such as Avianca, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and more.

    Brex Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Show Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.

    Simple Steps to Boost Your Credit Score

    Although small business credit cards are designed for business use, many banks still base their approval decision on your personal credit. To qualify for the best business credit cards, you should take steps to improve your credit score.

    Make on-time payments

    Paying your bills on time creates a positive payment history, showing creditors that you can be responsible with credit. This factor makes up 35% of your FICO credit score.

    Pay down credit card balances

    When your balances are too close to your credit limit, that's an indicator of financial stress. Ideally, your balances should be less than 30% of your credit limit on each card. Below 10% is even better. Even if you can't pay your cards down to these levels, the more you pay them down, the higher your score will go.

    Limit credit applications

    Credit inquiries typically reduce your credit score by less than five points for six to 12 months. Limiting your applications avoids unnecessary drops in your credit score.

    Keep the oldest cards open 

    The average age of your credit accounts highlights your ability to maintain credit over time. Having older credit cards open keeps your average age higher even as you open new accounts.

    Use Experian Boost

    Experian Boost is an optional service that rewards positive payment history on monthly bills that aren't traditionally included in your credit score. This program includes streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, utility bills and select cellphone carriers.

    Alternatives to Secured Business Credit Cards

    If you aren't ready to apply for a secured business credit card, there are alternative ways to pay bills and get money for your business.

    Business debit cards

    Most banks offer free debit cards when you open a business checking account. Debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo make purchases like a credit card, but they use the money in your bank account. While you are limited to spending only what's available in your account, these purchases won't cause any additional debt.

    Personal credit cards

    Small business owners often use new or existing personal credit cards to fund their businesses. The best credit cards offer benefits such as purchase protection, 0% intro APR periods, and generous welcome bonuses, and can serve as an excellent financial solution until your business qualifies for its own credit cards. 

    Terms from your suppliers

    Many vendors offer repayment terms of 30 to 90 days or more without charging interest. This encourages customers to buy products for resale to generate revenues that repay suppliers. Talk to your suppliers to determine what terms you qualify for based on your order and payment history with them.

    SBA loans

    You may be able to get a business loan through the Small Business Administration (SBA), which guarantees loans at competitive interest rates to small businesses through participating banks. SBA 7(a) Express loans up to $50,000 do not require any collateral. 

    Best Secured Business Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I get a secured business credit card with bad credit? Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

    Yes, secured business credit cards are designed for business owners with limited or poor credit history.

    Can I get my security deposit back? Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

    Yes, you can often get your security deposit back after a period of responsible use and consistent payment history by upgrading to an unsecured credit card. 

    What is the difference between a secured and unsecured business credit card? Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

    Secured cards require a deposit to guarantee your debt repayment. Unsecured cards do not require deposits, but often come with stricter approval requirements.

    Is there such a thing as a business secured credit card? Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

    A secured business credit card is a tool designed for businesses that have low or minimal business credit history and credit score. A secured business credit card can be used just like a traditional credit card, although you'll need to put down a security deposit to cover outstanding charges if you stop paying off what you owe.

    What is the easiest business credit card to get? Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

    All of the secured business credit cards in this guide are designed for business owners with poor or no credit. A secured business credit card can help you build business credit, potentially allowing you to qualify for additional lines of credit in the future.

    Can I get a $10,000 secured credit card? Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

    Your credit limit on a secured business credit card typically depends on the amount you put down as your security deposit. Many issuers require a deposit that's 110% of the credit limit you want — so if you want a $10,000 credit limit on your secured business credit card, you'll need to put down $11,000. 

    How long does it take to build business credit with a secured credit card? Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

    It may take anywhere from six to 24 months to boost your business credit score with a secured credit card. Some issuers allow secured cardholders to "graduate" to unsecured cards based on responsible credit use, often after one to two years of responsible card usage.  

    The Bottom Line

    Getting a secured business credit card provides access to credit for your small business. These cards enable you to make purchases and pay off the charges over time while building credit. Typically, your credit limit will depend on the amount of cash you put down as a security deposit, up to a maximum limit. Some cards offer additional value for your business, such as cash back rewards, intro APR offers and free employee cards.

    Use your cards wisely and take steps to boost your credit score so you can qualify for cards that don't require a security deposit. If you're not ready for a secured business card, there are alternative financial tools to pay bills or borrow money.

    Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Small Business Secured Credit Cards

    Personal Finance Insider's team of experts determine the best small business credit cards by comparing them to other products on the market. Some criteria we considered when evaluating secured business credit cards include:

    Accessibility — Is it easy for the average small business owner to get this secured business credit card? Does the issuer require a certain amount of money for a security deposit, or only approve businesses with a specific threshold of cash in the bank? 

    Benefits and Rewards — It's rare for secured credit cards to offer benefits and rewards in general, since their primary purpose is to help the cardholder(s) build credit. But some cards do, and our experts factored these benefits into our evaluations. 

    Ability to "Graduate" to Unsecured Credit Cards — The best secured business credit cards help you build business credit so you can apply for other lines of credit. Some of the cards reviewed in this guide allow you to automatically upgrade to the unsecured version of the business credit card with consistent and timely repayments.

    spanLee Huffman is a personal finance expert with more than 20 years of experience in financial services, real estate and online journalism./spanExperiencespanHe began writing online on his personal site in 2012 and now has more than 1,300 articles showing others how to travel for less using the power of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs./spanspanIn 2018, he quit his corporate job and moved his family from Southern California to Nashville to begin a freelance writing career. Since then, Lee has published 1,200+ articles, guides and reviews helping readers travel more, spend less and live better. His articles cover a variety of personal finance topics, including credit card benefits and rewards, early retirement, stock and real estate investing, insurance, banking, and how to build your credit score./spanspanBefore Lee started freelance writing, Lee spent 13 years as a division CFO for a regional bank in Southern California. In this role, he was responsible for annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, monthly reporting and business cases for new initiatives. Prior to that, he provided banking, investing and insurance solutions for households and small business owners to help them address risks and invest for the future./spanspanSince 2006, he has been investing in out-of-state rental properties and flips. His team has completed a handful of flips, and he currently owns six rental properties as part of his investment diversification strategy./spanspanLee also freelances for Forbes Advisor, Fortune Recommends, Time Stamped, USA Today, NerdWallet, Yahoo Finance, CNET, U.S. News, LendingTree, Newsweek, Consumer Affairs and other well-known brands./spanspanLee has been a speaker at numerous travel, personal finance, and real estate conferences, including FinCon, CardCon, REWBCON, the Chicago Seminars, Frequent Traveler University, and corporate events. He is also a frequent podcast guest where he talks about travel strategies, real estate investing, leaving the corporate world and small business productivity hacks. A few of the shows he has been on include Stacking Benjamins, Miles to Memories, Budgets & Brews and the Bigger Pockets Money Podcast./spanspanHe has also been a finalist for the Plutus Awards as the best freelance writer in personal finance and the best frugal travel content. In 2022, he won the award for the best frugal travel content./spanspanIn his spare time, Lee is a devoted dad and husband. He constantly shuffles his kids from one sport or school activity to another and is always on the sidelines cheering them on. When he's not acting like an unpaid Uber driver, you may find him reading a book, riding his bike or planning his next vacation./spanExpertisespanLee's expertise includes:/spanullispanCredit cards/span/lilispanPoints and miles travel/span/lilispanInvesting in stocks, bonds and real estate/span/lilispanBanking/span/lilispanInsurance and risk mitigation/span/lilispanEarly retirement/span/lilispanSmall business strategies/span/lilispanBankruptcy law/span/li/ulspanThanks to credit card rewards, Lee and his family have been able to create lifelong memories around the world. Some of his most memorable experiences have been hugging a wombat in Australia, taking his kids to soccer camps in Spain, and walking the beaches of Normandy./spanEducationspanLee holds a degree in business management from Pepperdine University and an MBA in eBusiness Management from the University of Phoenix. To enhance his formal education, he has earned several certificates, including Operations Management and a Green Belt in Six Sigma./spanspanHe began working for his father's bankruptcy law office as a sophomore in high school, where he learned that good people often suffer financial catastrophes due to job loss, illness, divorce and other unexpected circumstances. Since then, he has been on a mission to help people improve their finances and reduce the risk that these situations pose to their families./span Freelance Contributor Lee Huffman is a personal finance expert with more than 20 years of experience in financial services, real estate and online journalism.ExperienceHe began writing online on his personal site in 2012 and now has more than 1,300 articles showing others how to travel for less using the power of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs.In 2018, he quit his corporate job and moved his family from Southern California to Nashville to begin a freelance writing career. Since then, Lee has published 1,200+ articles, guides and reviews helping readers travel more, spend less and live better. His articles cover a variety of personal finance topics, including credit card benefits and rewards, early retirement, stock and real estate investing, insurance, banking, and how to build your credit score.Before Lee started freelance writing, Lee spent 13 years as a division CFO for a regional bank in Southern California. In this role, he was responsible for annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, monthly reporting and business cases for new initiatives. Prior to that, he provided banking, investing and insurance solutions for households and small business owners to help them address risks and invest for the future.Since 2006, he has been investing in out-of-state rental properties and flips. His team has completed a handful of flips, and he currently owns six rental properties as part of his investment diversification strategy.Lee also freelances for Forbes Advisor, Fortune Recommends, Time Stamped, USA Today, NerdWallet, Yahoo Finance, CNET, U.S. News, LendingTree, Newsweek, Consumer Affairs and other well-known brands.Lee has been a speaker at numerous travel, personal finance, and real estate conferences, including FinCon, CardCon, REWBCON, the Chicago Seminars, Frequent Traveler University, and corporate events. He is also a frequent podcast guest where he talks about travel strategies, real estate investing, leaving the corporate world and small business productivity hacks. A few of the shows he has been on include Stacking Benjamins, Miles to Memories, Budgets & Brews and the Bigger Pockets Money Podcast.He has also been a finalist for the Plutus Awards as the best freelance writer in personal finance and the best frugal travel content. In 2022, he won the award for the best frugal travel content.In his spare time, Lee is a devoted dad and husband. He constantly shuffles his kids from one sport or school activity to another and is always on the sidelines cheering them on. When he's not acting like an unpaid Uber driver, you may find him reading a book, riding his bike or planning his next vacation.ExpertiseLee's expertise includes:Thanks to credit card rewards, Lee and his family have been able to create lifelong memories around the world. Some of his most memorable experiences have been hugging a wombat in Australia, taking his kids to soccer camps in Spain, and walking the beaches of Normandy.EducationLee holds a degree in business management from Pepperdine University and an MBA in eBusiness Management from the University of Phoenix. To enhance his formal education, he has earned several certificates, including Operations Management and a Green Belt in Six Sigma.He began working for his father's bankruptcy law office as a sophomore in high school, where he learned that good people often suffer financial catastrophes due to job loss, illness, divorce and other unexpected circumstances. Since then, he has been on a mission to help people improve their finances and reduce the risk that these situations pose to their families. Read more Read less spanAngela Fung is the Compliance Manager for Business Insider's a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance"Personal Finance/a division, overseeing a team that ensures content accuracy and editorial independence so readers are always getting up-to-date and objective financial advice./spanspanThe compliance team's mission is to maintain reader trust by confirming stories are fact-checked and current so that readers can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by maintaining clear, precise language that is compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team./span Marketing Compliance Manager Angela Fung is the Compliance Manager for Business Insider's Personal Finance division, overseeing a team that ensures content accuracy and editorial independence so readers are always getting up-to-date and objective financial advice.The compliance team's mission is to maintain reader trust by confirming stories are fact-checked and current so that readers can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by maintaining clear, precise language that is compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team. Read more Read less Top Offers From Our Partners Chime® Checking Account Set up Direct Deposit and get your paycheck up to 2 days before your coworkers.** No overdraft fees. 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