Kelly-Ann Franklin
Staff Editor
About
Kelly-Ann Franklin has spent more than two decades in journalism which has helped her build a wide knowledge base of business and personal finance topics. Her goal with editing is to ensure tough topics are distilled down to understandable and relatable pieces of information for readers of every type. She began her career as a freelance sports writer before moving into features, lifestyle and entertainment and then on into general news.
Before she joined Forbes Advisor as updates editor on the Credit Cards and Travel Rewards team in 2023, Kelly-Ann Franklin spent more than 20 years in local journalism as an editor and a writer. She covered sports, features, news and business topics. Wanting to provide more direct service to readers, she joined The Motley Fool in 2021 to edit investment and personal finance articles. She enjoys staycations and day trips with her wife and two boys throughout New England.
Expertise
- Building and improving credit
- Budgeting and personal finance
- Lifestyle and parenting
- News and government
Achievements
- More than two decades of journalism experience
- Ran a newspaper’s features team
- Led a newspaper’s sports department
- Managed a newsroom
- Helped launch a weekly newspaper
- Created a customer success department for a start-up content distribution company
- Developed a resource guide for editors and writers and a content production organization
- Reads an average of two books a month
Other Publications
- The Chase Trifecta: How to Maximize Your Ultimate Rewards Points
- 5 Reasons You Need the Bilt Card in Your Wallet
Education
Sacred Heart University, Bachelor of English
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Upromise World Mastercard Review 2025: Earn Cash Back For College
Whether you’re already saving for a college education or looking to get started, the provides an opportunity to set aside cash back you earn on everyday purchases for a higher education. However, while the card does what it’s meant to... -
Total Visa Review 2025
The is in the running for the worst credit card we’ve ever reviewed. We do not recommend anyone apply for this card. Though you may feel you have few options if your credit is dismal, it’s unlikely that this is... -
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card Review 2025
The earns cash-back rewards, doesn’t charge an annual fee and reports to the three major credit bureaus, which automatically puts it ahead of many secured cards and earns it a spot on our best secured credit cards list. The card... -
Discover it® Miles Review 2025
The card may not be the most generous travel card for earning rewards, but it’s a hassle-free way to earn miles on all purchases. Cost-conscious consumers looking for a way to earn miles without having to keep track of bonus... -
Citi Rewards+ Card Review
Editor’s Note: This card is not currently accepting new applications online. Although the sports some unique features, its lackluster earning and redemption rates don’t add up for most cardholders who would be better off with other reward-earning cards. Citi is... -
Bank Of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Card Review 2025
The is an excellent cash-back small business credit card that offers small business owners generous rewards in various categories. This card is best in class for small business owners with an existing banking relationship with Bank of America or Merrill... -
Bank Of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card For Students Review 2025
With solid-for-a-student-card earnings of and a great low introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers, the makes for a strong offering. Its weakest link is its lack of major benefits often seen with nonstudent rewards cards. The card also has... -
Best Bank Of America Business Credit Cards Of 2025
Bank of America offers excellent credit card choices, and its moderately sized list of business cards includes a top pick for a secured card and a co-branded airline card. -
Best Bank Of America Credit Cards Of 2025
The best Bank of America credit cards have something for nearly everyone—from those rebuilding credit to students starting out to luxury travel cardholders. As one of the largest U.S. banks by assets, Bank of America has the size and clout... -
5 Things To Know About The Indigo® Mastercard® For Less-Than-Perfect Credit
The is a no-frills credit card targeted toward those with less-than-perfect credit. While this card has its niche in the market, there are other cards you may want to consider. Here are five things to know about the Indigo Mastercard... -
Verizon Visa Card Review 2025
The annual fee , issued by Synchrony, offers elevated rewards in several categories with no spending cap. However, the primary use for those earnings is toward Verizon-related expenses, making those unlimited earnings extremely, well, limited. -
First Progress Mastercard® Secured Credit Cards Review 2025
The First Progress Secured Mastercards, issued by Synovus Bank, come in two versions—the and the . Neither card should be your top pick, considering the outstanding options for secured cards available to even those with poor credit. -
Best American Airlines Credit Cards Of 2025
American Airlines credit cards can offer a gateway to free flights and checked bags, priority boarding and even lounge access. The benefits vary on each card, however, so you’ll want to choose carefully. To determine the best American Airlines credit... -
American Express Vs. Discover: A Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing between credit card issuers can feel a lot like arguing over hot dogs vs. hamburgers: Everyone’s got an opinion, and it usually comes down to personal preference. But when deciding between Discover and American Express, some differences go beyond... -
Credit Cards With Cellphone Insurance
For many, our phone is a constant companion. But unfortunately, some of us have a good reason not to have nice things: We’re really, really talented when it comes to breaking them. When you consider how expensive cellphones can be... -
The Best Credit Cards And Rewards Programs For Lyft Rides Of 2025
Although Lyft doesn’t have its own rewards program, you can still earn rewards on your Lyft rides through its collaboration with multiple travel partners and by using your choice of rewards credit cards to pay for your Lyft rides. Setting... -
Radisson Rewards Complete Program Guide 2025
Radisson Rewards is the loyalty program of the Radisson Hotel Group, which covers properties within the Eastern Hemisphere with the majority located in Europe. When you join Radisson Rewards, you can begin earning Radisson Rewards points. And once you’ve accumulated... -
5 Things To Know About The Chime Visa® Credit Card
Chime is a financial technology company offering access to checking, savings and credit card accounts. The † provides a path to building a healthy credit history—a similar claim other secured cards share. Cardholders must make a deposit to the secured... -
Credit One Bank Wander Card Review 2025
Available to those whose credit rating may have wandered away from excellent but hasn’t gone below average, the offers hard-to-believe rewards on eligible travel purchases in exchange for a annual fee. Though its additional benefits aren’t spectacular, its rewards potential... -
Chase Sapphire Reserve Military Waiver: No Annual Fee For Military Members
Among the most premium of premium cards, the carries a annual fee, which is prohibitive for many people. But if you’re in the military, Chase removes that price tag so you can enjoy the card’s many benefits without worrying about... -
How To Add An Authorized User To Your Citi Credit Cards
With Citi, you can add a friend, family member or virtually anyone else you trust as an authorized user to your favorite credit card. You can then reap the benefits of their rewards-earning behavior and they can hopefully boost their... -
FutureCard Visa Card Review 2025
The isn't a credit card and doesn't work like a typical revolving credit account, but it does earn excellent cash-back rewards on what its issuer calls “essential expenses.” The card earns up to . FutureCard is worth looking into for... -
Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card Review 2025
The (terms apply, see ) is a starter Delta Air Lines card for small businesses. If you sporadically fly the Atlanta-based carrier but not enough to earn Medallion status, the Delta Business Gold can provide a shortcut to some elite-level... -
How To Apply For And Get A Business Credit Card
Business credit cards can make good financial sense for established businesses, freelancers and even startups. From separating business and personal expenses to managing your cash flow more efficiently while earning rewards, small business credit cards can simplify operations and help... -
10 Ways To Use 80,000 To 125,000 Membership Rewards For Travel
Savvy mileage collectors know the best rewards are flexible rewards. Transferable currencies, like American Express Membership Rewards®, allow you to earn points for your credit card spending without locking yourself into a single travel program. Instead, you’ll have access to... -
Does Applying For A Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?
When you’re looking for the perfect new credit card, many factors may influence your decision. Do you have a good credit score that might help you qualify for the best credit cards? Are you willing to pay an annual fee... -
Best Secured Business Credit Cards Of 2025
Finding the best secured business credit cards can be a challenge, given that few are available—in fact, only two made our list. Estimated annual earnings were weighted heavily in our criteria, and with limited options, it may be better to... -
How Do Credit Card Miles And Points Work?
You may have heard a colleague talk about a luxury vacation they booked with their points, or you might have a friend who is always jetting about the world with their miles. Miles and points can be valuable, but if... -
Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees
Avoiding airline baggage fees when flying can take work, no matter which carrier you choose. However, low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines not only charges for checked bags, but for carry-ons too. Thankfully, there are ways to minimize or even eliminate bag...
About
Kelly-Ann Franklin has spent more than two decades in journalism which has helped her build a wide knowledge base of business and personal finance topics. Her goal with editing is to ensure tough topics are distilled down to understandable and relatable pieces of information for readers of every type. She began her career as a freelance sports writer before moving into features, lifestyle and entertainment and then on into general news.