John Puterbaugh

About the author

John Puterbaugh is the Editor-in-Chief of Bankrate, where he serves as the company’s senior editorial leader and helps set the vision, strategy, and standards for Bankrate’s consumer finance journalism. John leads Bankrate’s editorial teams across community, watchdog, and data reporting, along with and SEO-aligned advice and reviews content, with a singular focus on helping people make confident, informed financial decisions.

John has nearly two decades of experience leading editorial teams across newsrooms and service journalism businesses, including leadership roles at CNET and the Chicago Tribune. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of public-service reporting, consumer advocacy, and digital media, helping organizations evolve while maintaining strong editorial integrity.

John lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and two children. When he’s not working, he can usually be found running or cycling, playing soccer, or cooking something far more complicated than necessary at home.

John wants you to know

A personal finance journalist at heart, John is obsessed with helping readers get ahead. He believes great service journalism should meet readers where they are — and help them navigate money questions the same way he’d help his mom or close friends: honestly, thoughtfully, and clearly.