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Jenn Underwood

Contributor

About

Credit cards and banking specialist Jenn Underwood brings over 16 years of personal finance experience to the table. After a decade of teaching courses in banking, debt reduction, budgeting and credit improvement, she moved into writing content and fintech product development. Over the last four years, Jenn has contributed to Forbes Advisor and a variety of fintech companies. She has served as a UX consultant, moderated discussions on open banking and been a guest on a number of personal finance podcasts.

Jenn Underwood is a credit cards and banking specialist who came to Forbes Advisor with a diverse finance background. She began teaching basic financial management to female entrepreneurs in Ghana. After grad school, she spent six years coaching college students in personal financial management. Building credit and avoiding credit card debt were the primary lesson topics. She later provided personal finance training within local government covering banking fees, credit cards, debt reduction, homeownership and credit scores. Over eight years, she wrote curriculum and facilitated over 500 workshops to nearly 7,500 participants.

Jenn is also experienced in the fintech sector. She’s served as an UX consultant and ghost written educational pieces on 401(k)s, credit cards, medical debt, predatory lending and FHA loans for fintech startups. She currently works in product for FinGoal, a fintech company providing transaction insights for banks, credit unions and card-linked offers.

She has been a regular contributor to Forbes Advisor for the last four years in the areas of banking, credit cards and personal finance. Jenn also has contributed to several podcasts covering rewards credit cards, behavioral economics and supporting parents in early financial education for their kids.

Expertise

  • Building credit
  • Debt reduction
  • Digital banking
  • Credit card rewards travel
  • Bank fees

Achievements

  • Over 8 years of personal finance training and curriculum development
  • Contributor to Forbes Advisor banking, credit card and personal finance, as well as several fintech startups
  • Moderated fintech webinar panel discussions for VentureBeat with Envestnet on Open Banking and Denver Startup Week Finding Money for Founders
  • Taught financial management to female entrepreneurs in Ghana
  • Currently working with FinGoal, a fintech providing transaction insights for banks, credit unions and card-linked offers

Other Publications

Education

Asbury Theological Seminary (M.A., Biblical Studies)

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.A., Christian Education)

Taylor University (B.A., English Literature)

Honors and Awards

Best in Show, Finovate 2022 Spring Demo

  • Best Free Checking Accounts Of 2025

    Free checking accounts are those that charge no monthly maintenance fee and have no (or very low) minimum balance or activity requirements—although account holders may still face fees for things like wire transfers, out-of-network ATM usage or overdrafts. The best...
    Best Free Checking Accounts Of 2025
  • Best Banks In Ohio For 2025

    The best banks in Ohio offer a wide selection of financial products to fit your needs. From Cleveland to Cincinnati, you’ll find low balance requirements, attractive APYs and quality digital banking tools. These top Buckeye State banks also score high...
    Best Banks In Ohio For 2025
  • Business Green Rewards Card From American Express Review 2025

    The (Terms apply, see ) is a surprisingly lackluster card. It earns Membership Rewards® points, which can be valuable to small businesses seeking travel rewards. But at a rate of only , there are plenty of other business cards with...
    Business Green Rewards Card From American Express Review 2025
  • Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card Review 2025

    The is a no-annual-fee option to build business credit history for your nonprofit. This credit card can also help you save money on your daily nonprofit spending and make sure you avoid interest.
    Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card Review 2025
  • Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card Review 2025

    The rewards may seem too good to be true. For the first 12 months or until you spend $20,000, the card offers some serious rewards potential. But with few perks and rewards, other cards easily beat it.
    Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card Review 2025
  • Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa Signature® Credit Card Review 2025

    It’s rare to find a card for those with fair credit that can earn rewards. But before you count on racking up rewards, be aware that your assigned credit limit will determine your reward potential. Credit One offers this unsecured...
    Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa Signature® Credit Card Review 2025
  • Best Credit Cards For Military Of 2025

    Serving in the military often involves unique financial and lifestyle challenges. Whether you’re stationed at home, deployed overseas or frequently on the move, the best credit cards for military members help support military life by adding extra protections and benefits...
    Best Credit Cards For Military Of 2025
  • UMB Simply Rewards Visa Review 2025

    Even if you limit your spending to just the essentials, the may be an ideal way to maximize your rewards potential. It allows you to earn significant rewards on everyday purchases, including both groceries and superstores. Many cards offer elevated...
    UMB Simply Rewards Visa Review 2025
  • What Is A Charge-Off?

    The final step an issuer will take to collect on their debts is known as a charge-off. In the simplest terms, a charge-off is a declaration by a creditor that an outstanding debt is unlikely to be collected. Reasons for...
    What Is A Charge-Off?
  • How To Prevent Credit Card Fraud

    Credit card fraud is as prevalent as ever in the U.S. The Federal Trade Commission’s most current numbers show that it received over 5 million reports of fraud, identity theft and other similar crimes. While those are the reported cases,...
    How To Prevent Credit Card Fraud
  • What You Need To Know About Paying Your Credit Card Early

    Paying your credit card bill on time is crucial for good financial health. Your history of making on-time payments to your credit card—or not—accounts for 35% of your credit score. You’ll remain in good standing with your credit provider as...
    What You Need To Know About Paying Your Credit Card Early
  • How To Negotiate Credit Card Debt

    If you have debt, you’re not alone. Total U.S. household debt has been hitting new record highs and credit card debt continues to be a huge factor. What may surprise you is that you can negotiate your credit card debt...
    How To Negotiate Credit Card Debt
  • First Digital Mastercard Review 2025

    Almost any option will be better for those with poor credit than the . The fees on this card are incredibly high. And, while many cards aimed at helping someone improve credit will reward users for responsible behavior by increasing...
    First Digital Mastercard Review 2025
  • Signify Business Cash Card By Wells Fargo Review 2025

    The is a fantastic option for small businesses looking for a simple rewards structure and no annual fee. With no rewards caps, a substantial welcome bonus, and some travel perks, it’s a truly appealing card.
    Signify Business Cash Card By Wells Fargo Review 2025
  • Key Rewards Visa by Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Review 2025

    Unlike most cards, which typically limit your rewards within a single brand, the expands your rewards potential to seven stores within the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. family. But how often do you buy furniture and housewares? If you’re a frequent redecorator or...
    Key Rewards Visa by Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Review 2025
  • Huntington Voice Low Rate Credit Card Review 2025

    If your sole goal for a credit card is a low APR and you have great credit, the may work for you. But since a low APR isn't guaranteed, there are probably better cards to consider before applying.
    Huntington Voice Low Rate Credit Card Review 2025
  • Gap Good Rewards Mastercard Review 2025

    The can earn significant rewards at Gap-branded stores, Old Navy-branded stores, Athleta and Banana Republic. But while it can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted, even committed brand shoppers would be better served by cards with more flexible rewards.
    Gap Good Rewards Mastercard Review 2025
  • Cerulean Credit Card: 6 Things To Know And Alternatives

    You may have received a offer in the mail. Promises of an unsecured credit limit up to $1,000 may be tempting, and at first glance, the Cerulean credit card seems like a great option, but is it the best card...
    Cerulean Credit Card: 6 Things To Know And Alternatives
  • Aspiration Financial Review 2025

    Aspiration is a fintech (financial technology) company that touts itself as a climate-friendly banking alternative. It promises to keep customers’ deposits “fossil fuel free” and invests in environmentally and socially conscious companies. Aspiration is best for those wanting to bank...
    Aspiration Financial Review 2025
  • How To Survive And Thrive Without A Credit Card

    You can swear off credit cards and survive. The ubiquitousness of credit cards makes it difficult to fathom a life without one, but it is possible. According to the Federal Reserve, over 80% of adult Americans had at least one credit...
    How To Survive And Thrive Without A Credit Card
  • What To Do When You Lose Your Credit Card

    Nothing quite induces panic quicker than misplacing your wallet or credit card. Immediately, you launch into a necessary to-do list to protect your identity, minimize fraudulent charges and replace missing items. Thankfully, losing a credit card is often more inconvenient...
    What To Do When You Lose Your Credit Card
  • PNC Cash Unlimited Visa Signature Credit Card Review 2025

    Yet another 2% cash-back card enters the ring and the is worth a look for anyone seeking a no annual fee cash-back card with a straightforward rewards structure. Additionally, those who need to pay off debt can benefit from the...
    PNC Cash Unlimited Visa Signature Credit Card Review 2025
  • Automatic Credit Limit Increase: How To Improve Your Chances

    There are several reasons to increase your credit limit. Traveling, car repairs or major life events can all increase your need for ready access to credit. Taking the appropriate steps to qualify for an automatic increase before you need it...
    Automatic Credit Limit Increase: How To Improve Your Chances
  • REI Co-op Mastercard Review 2025

    If you’re an REI loyalist, you may think the would climb to the top of your wallet. The welcome bonus alone offers an incentive to give this card a try. However, the rewards are limited to REI dividends for use...
    REI Co-op Mastercard Review 2025
  • First Access Visa® Card Review 2025

    The issued by the Bank of Missouri, is aimed at those with less-than-stellar-credit, but carries high fees. Even with the allure of rewards potential, there are better choices for someone seeking to rebuild their credit history.
    First Access Visa® Card Review 2025
  • Rainy Day Fund: What It Is And Why You Should Save For One

    Unexpected expenses are unavoidable. And while savings levels hit historical highs at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, they dropped significantly just two years later, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Whether it’s a medical emergency, car...
    Rainy Day Fund: What It Is And Why You Should Save For One
  • How To Use Your Credit Card Grace Period To Avoid Paying Interest

    Compounding interest can be overwhelming. Many people stay away from credit cards because of the high fees and fear of debt, but you can regularly use credit cards and build your credit without incurring debt or even paying interest. The...
    How To Use Your Credit Card Grace Period To Avoid Paying Interest
  • How To Find Fixed-Rate Credit Cards

    Credit card interest rates are high and don’t appear to be coming back down anytime soon. According to the Federal Reserve, the average interest on credit card balances was 22.8% as of November 2024. If you carry a credit card...
    How To Find Fixed-Rate Credit Cards
  • How To Do A Balance Transfer With Discover

    If your credit card interest rate is too high, you may consider a balance transfer. Balance transfers can help consolidate debt or allow you to pay your credit card balance down quickly if you take advantage of a reduced-interest or...
    How To Do A Balance Transfer With Discover
  • Schwab Investor Card From American Express Review 2025

    The rewards potential on this card is limited. If you already hold an eligible investment account with Charles Schwab and want ways to grow your investment contributions, the could be a good option. However, if you’re not locked into Schwab...
    Schwab Investor Card From American Express Review 2025
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Top Picks From Jenn Underwood

  • Rainy Day Fund: What It Is And Why You Should Save For One
    Rainy Day Fund: What It Is And Why You Should Save For One

    by Jenn Underwood

    Read More

  • What Is A Credit Card Hardship Program?
    What Is A Credit Card Hardship Program?

    by Jenn Underwood

    Read More

  • What Is A Charge-Off?
    What Is A Charge-Off?

    by Jenn Underwood

    Read More

About

Credit cards and banking specialist Jenn Underwood brings over 16 years of personal finance experience to the table. After a decade of teaching courses in banking, debt reduction, budgeting and credit improvement, she moved into writing content and fintech product development. Over the last four years, Jenn has contributed to Forbes Advisor and a variety of fintech companies. She has served as a UX consultant, moderated discussions on open banking and been a guest on a number of personal finance podcasts.