Matthew Goldman | Source | Founder, Managing Member, CEO at Totavi, LLC
Matthew Goldman
My name is Matthew Goldman, and I am the founder and managing member of Totavi, LLC, a boutique consulting firm in the payments space that helps companies of all sizes build and manage card and other payment programs. I bring a unique lens to personal finance through my two decades of work as an entrepreneur building card programs, an executive marketing major credit cards, and a leader in analysis.
I am a personal finance and credit card expert. I have started several payment and fintech companies, including Wallaby Financial, which used algorithmic data to develop determinations of the best credit card for an individual based on their actual transactions. Wallaby was acquired by Bankrate / CreditCards.com, where I served as Chief Product Officer for several years. More recently, I launched a new credit card program, Grand Reserve, which in turn was acquired by Apto Payments, a banking-as-a-service provider.
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Totavi, LLC
Founder, Managing Member, CEO
started Apr 2023 -
Apto Payments (http://aptopayments.com)
President, Chief Product Officer
Aug 2021 – Mar 2023 -
Vertical Finance (https://verticalfinance.com/)
Founder and CEO
Jan 2019 – Jul 2021
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Should You Get a Credit Card Just for the Sign-Up Bonus?
How to tell if a welcome offer is actually worth it
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Who Needs a Virtual Credit Card?
If you want to shield your credit card's account information while online shopping, use your physical card's virtual stand-in that has a unique card number for protection. Some credit issuers, like Capital One, Citi, American Express and Apple, offer a virtual card option. Virtual cards can help manage free trials, subscriptions and in the case of business credit cards, employee expenses.
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Credit Card Expert Predicts Shifts in Premium Card Market
Matthew notes a trend towards more discounts to justify high fees, with Chase points offering flexibility for domestic travel. He highlights Amex's superior customer service and status matches. As premium cards compete, mid-tier options like Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold gain importance. Despite owning 30 cards, he suggests most users should choose one. -
Understanding Introductory APR: Insights from Fintech Expert
Matthew explains that introductory APRs offer lower rates for a set period, helping cardholders save on interest. He advises using one card for one purpose and highlights the PNC Spendwise card for its consumer benefits. He warns against deferred interest offers and suggests checking balance transfer fees. His key tip: "Try not to carry balances." -
Credit Card Rewards: A Double-Edged Sword for Consumers
Matthew warns that overspending often stems from sign-up offers, and carrying a balance negates rewards' value. He advises budgeting and never spending beyond repayment capacity. A 0% intro APR can help reduce high-interest debt. Warning signs include maxing out cards. Cash back cards are ideal for debt-averse consumers. Budgeting is key to responsible rewards card use.
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“It’s tough to compete with the Chases of the world,” Goldman says. “For startups, the cost of capital is two or three times higher than established issuers. It’s hard to stand out in the noise."
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“Are these the points that are gonna get you on that lifetime trip or pay for your honeymoon?” asks Matthew Goldman, who advises credit card companies on new credit and debit card offerings. “Flights and hotel stays have a cash value ultimately, but they also have a noncash value in terms of experiences you might not otherwise pay for, which is really important.”
