Libby Sweeney's Image

Libby Sweeney

Former Staff Editor

About

Libby Sweeney is a former credit cards editor for Forbes Advisor. Her previous experience writing and editing content for readers to better understand includes both the world of sports and data protection. She is also an experienced copy editor for three published books and is working on a fourth. Libby is a graduate of Emerson College in Boston, MA, and studied Writing, Literature and Publishing.

Libby Sweeney is a former credit cards editor at Forbes Advisor. A fan of navigating the world and helping others do the same, Libby wants to empower those who might not be credit card wizards while also growing her own travel and card repertoire.

Before Forbes Advisor, Libby was an editor at the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Libby also has extensive copyediting and publishing experience, including two historical fiction novels, numerous online sports and academic media, and a professional-use textbook. Outside of work, you can find her hiking or watching hockey. Libby is a graduate of Emerson College in Boston, and studied writing, literature and publishing.

Expertise

  • Budget travel
  • Finance for beginners
  • Data protection
  • Global affairs, governance and trade
  • Sports and communication

Achievements

  • 7 years’ editorial experience in book publishing, sports media, legal/privacy, online media
  • Editorial writing on personal points redemption experience after a solo trip to Rotterdam

Other Publications

Education

B.A., Emerson College—Writing, Literature and Publishing; Sports Communication Minor

  • TD Cash Credit Card Review 2025

    The is a solid cash-back card with no annual fee, an option to customize your high-earning rewards categories, and no cap on overall rewards earned. The closest competitor is the very similar , which offers more spending categories but imposes...
    TD Cash Credit Card Review 2025
  • Speedy Rewards® Mastercard® Review 2025

    If credit cards were race cars, the wouldn’t take the lead. It might not be dead last like some other cards we review, but we’re still going to recommend you find a better card for gas—unless, of course, Speedway is...
    Speedy Rewards® Mastercard® Review 2025
  • What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Credit Card?

    Credit cards are useful for everyday spending, large one-time purchases, balance transfers to take advantage of a lower interest rate and more. If you have one or more credit cards you rarely use, there likely won’t be a penalty fee...
    What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Credit Card?
  • Which Credit Card Should I Pay Off First?

    When you’re drowning in credit card debt, deciding which card should be paid off first can be a difficult choice. And other questions may arise when trying to climb out of debt: How long do I have to do it?...
    Which Credit Card Should I Pay Off First?
  • Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa Card 2025 Review

    The is a Catch-22. On one hand, it could be the taskmaster your budget needs. Unlike a traditional credit card which lets you revolve a balance, Upgrade extends a personal line of credit, which means your payments will be broken...
    Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa Card 2025 Review
  • Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card Review 2025

    The charges no annual fee or foreign transaction fees () and earns . Though an unlimited 1.5% cash back is great for a secured card, the Quicksilver Secured doesn’t offer any bonus categories outside of travel booked through Capital One,...
    Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card Review 2025
  • PenFed Gold Visa® Credit Card Review 2025

    The ’s headline feature is its low purchase APR. For those whose credit allows, the is industry leading. Though the APR is delightfully low, carrying a balance on a credit card is something we recommend avoiding. The PenFed Gold doesn’t...
    PenFed Gold Visa® Credit Card Review 2025
  • How Do Star Alliance Round-The-World Fares Work?

    Ever wanted to fly around the world? The major airline alliances are always looking for ways to leverage their global networks to support member airlines and their customers. One way they do this is by offering “round the world” fares, using...
    How Do Star Alliance Round-The-World Fares Work?
  • Sam’s Club Mastercard Review 2025

    Sam’s Club superfans will find plenty of value in the , especially Plus members. In addition to strong rewards at the namesake warehouse club, the card earns stellar rewards at the pump and on dining both at the restaurant and...
    Sam’s Club Mastercard Review 2025
  • What Credit Score Is Needed For Chase Cards?

    Chase offers some of the most popular credit cards on the market and because the issuer’s card benefits are generally top-notch, qualifying for its best cards typically requires good to excellent credit. If you’re looking to get one of Chase’s...
    What Credit Score Is Needed For Chase Cards?
  • Is CLEAR® Plus Worth The Cost?

    typically costs per year, but not everyone pays the same price. offers a high-tech approach to solving the long security line problem for travelers privileged enough to be able to pay for it.
    Is CLEAR® Plus Worth The Cost?
  • Air France-KLM Flying Blue Promo Rewards

    Are you the type of person who likes a good travel deal? (In other words, are you a person?) If so, then Flying Blue Promo rewards were made for you. With savings of up to 25% off regular award pricing,...
    Air France-KLM Flying Blue Promo Rewards
  • How Much Does TSA PreCheck Cost?

    Because airport security often features long lines and inconvenient, intrusive requirements, a steadily increasing number of travelers have turned to TSA PreCheck to make the process faster and easier. The fee is $78; renewal is $70 online and approval for...
    How Much Does TSA PreCheck Cost?
  • Credit One Vs. Capital One

    Credit One and Capital One are not the same—they are independent financial companies with no direct relation to each other. Some may assume Credit One is an offshoot of Capital One, but this isn’t the case. Capital One credit cards...
    Credit One Vs. Capital One
  • Citi Double Cash Vs. Chase Slate Edge 2025

    The and both offer low introductory APRs on balance transfers and have no annual fee. At first glance, you might think the is the obvious choice, as it offers rewards and has a longer introductory offer on balance transfers, but...
    Citi Double Cash Vs. Chase Slate Edge 2025
  • Does Bank Of America Offer Credit Card Preapproval?

    Maybe you’ve been eyeing a Bank of America credit card for a while and want to get a better idea of which one you should apply for. Unfortunately, you’re out of luck because Bank of America doesn’t offer a preapproval...
    Does Bank Of America Offer Credit Card Preapproval?
  • L.L.Bean Mastercard Review 2025

    For a no-annual-fee store card, the is adequate. It still won’t compete with the best rewards cards and isn’t on our list of the best store cards. But for Bean fans, the card earns decent rewards and has a handful...
    L.L.Bean Mastercard Review 2025
  • What Is An Extended Warranty Benefit And Which Cards Have It?

    Many credit cards offer extended warranty benefits, which can double the coverage of a traditional manufacturer’s warranty on qualifying purchases. Using these benefits, however, can be complicated—and may require some foresight and thoughtful credit card usage. What Is an Extended...
    What Is An Extended Warranty Benefit And Which Cards Have It?
  • 12 Capital One Venture Benefits

    The offers many noteworthy benefits, most of which are related to traveling and shopping. A solid card for those who want to earn flexible unlimited rewards and redeem them for almost anything, the Venture card charges a annual fee. Whether...
    12 Capital One Venture Benefits
  • How To Choose The Best Second Credit Card

    A second credit card can help consumers improve credit, increase purchasing power and leverage spending for lucrative reward earning. A second card adds more financial responsibility and risk. Before applying for a secondary credit card, do your research to ensure...
    How To Choose The Best Second Credit Card
  • How To Get A Chase Credit Limit Increase

    A credit limit represents the maximum amount a cardholder can spend before paying down an account balance. A credit limit increase for responsible cardholders could increase a credit score or leverage more spending power. Chase cardholders can request an increase...
    How To Get A Chase Credit Limit Increase
  • Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard Review

    The , from our partner Citi, is an easy choice for anyone who wants to earn miles in the AAdvantage program and score basic perks, like preferred boarding and free checked bags on domestic American Airlines flights without paying an...
    Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard Review
  • How International Students Can Get A Credit Card

    Getting a credit card as an international student can be difficult, but a few options merit exploration. All foreigners in the U.S. can theoretically be approved for a credit card as long as they have a Social Security number or...
    How International Students Can Get A Credit Card
  • What Is A 0% APR Credit Card?

    A 0% APR credit card offers an introductory 0% APR interest period on purchases, balance transfers or both. A break from finance charges can be a welcome change from the double-digit interest typically charged on credit cards. The less you’re...
    What Is A 0% APR Credit Card?
  • Should You Apply for Multiple Credit Cards At The Same Time?

    If you are shopping around for credit products, you might find that it makes sense to apply for multiple credit cards. Maybe you’re thinking of entering the Chase ecosystem and taking advantage of the benefits of holding a combined with...
    Should You Apply for Multiple Credit Cards At The Same Time?
  • How Does CareCredit Work?

    The is a healthcare credit card that provides special financing options for health expenses. A cardholder can use a CareCredit card to pay for medical services like emergency care, pharmacy costs, surgery, labs, primary care, pet care and more. CareCredit...
    How Does CareCredit Work?
  • Joint Credit Card: What To Know Before You Get One

    Although increasingly rare, joint credit cards can be a useful convenience for family members or spouses who share finances. However, when you make a financial agreement with another person, there must be substantial groundwork for trust and open communication. Both...
    Joint Credit Card: What To Know Before You Get One
  • My Best Buy® Visa® Credit Card Review 2025

    The may be a prime option for those looking to finance or earn rewards for large purchases from the big box electronics store. But the card offers little else of substantial value.
    My Best Buy® Visa® Credit Card Review 2025
  • How To Pay Your Taxes With A Credit Card

    Right next to death, taxes act as the great equalizer. When it comes to filing a tax return and paying your tax liabilities each year—or multiple times per year for the self-employed—Uncle Sam provides several payment options. One of the...
    How To Pay Your Taxes With A Credit Card
  • Debt Snowball Vs. Debt Avalanche: The Best Way To Pay Off Credit Card Debt

    When it comes to tackling your credit card debt, most people choose one of two methods: the debt snowball or the debt avalanche. The difference between them comes down to which will best motivate you to stay on track. The...
    Debt Snowball Vs. Debt Avalanche: The Best Way To Pay Off Credit Card Debt
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About

Libby Sweeney is a former credit cards editor for Forbes Advisor. Her previous experience writing and editing content for readers to better understand includes both the world of sports and data protection. She is also an experienced copy editor for three published books and is working on a fourth. Libby is a graduate of Emerson College in Boston, MA, and studied Writing, Literature and Publishing.