Jill A. Chafin

Jill A. Chafin is a staff writer at LendingTree, where she covers small business solutions, credit cards, insurance, student loans and more. Jill focuses on explaining complex financial topics with a speciality in writing in-depth but easy-to-understand content guides.

As a former business owner, Jill is passionate about entrepreneurial tips, tax strategies and bookkeeping systems — basically anything that will help business owners devote more time to their trade.

Before joining LendingTree in 2022, Jill freelanced for various publications, including the Motley Fool and Life Savvy.

When not researching personal finance tips (like maximizing credit card rewards to score free flights), Jill’s busy traveling, working on her novels, teaching and performing circus arts — and juggling life with her two kids.

Specialties

• Credit card reviews
• Credit card rewards programs
• Small business lender reviews
• Small business tax and bookkeeping strategies

Achievements

• 7+ years of personal finance experience
• 20+ years freelance writing and editing experience
• 200+ articles written and edited for LendingTree
• Refined product reviews for various loans and credit cards featured on LendingTree
• Provided expertise to LendingTree’s small business content
• Wrote the novel Shaken, scheduled for publication in March 2025

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Advanced diploma in creative writing from Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology)

Jill’s favorite credit cards

“My parents live in New Zealand so I’m obsessed with Chase Ultimate Rewards®. I’ve managed to earn enough points to fly my family of four to the other side of the world three times now — only paying taxes and fees each time.

My favorite all-time card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card. While it has an annual fee, it allows you to combine all of your Chase Ultimate Reward points and transfer to partner airlines. Plus, you get a $50 hotel credit every year.

Another great card is the Chase Freedom Flex℠ — there’s no annual fee and I love the rotating 5% categories.”