Skip to Main Content

Best Credit Cards of March 2024

Updated March 12, 2024

No matter what a credit card company or advertisement says, there isn’t a single “best” credit card for everyone. The best card for you depends on your spending habits, credit score, existing debt and more. But with so many options to choose from, picking the right card can be intimidating. 

That’s why Bankrate’s experts rated and reviewed over 250 cards of the top card offers on the market to create our list of the best credit cards of 2024. We’ve evaluated each card based on its rewards value, rates and fees, welcome offers, customer experience, cardholder perks and more to give you a clear sense of where it shines and where it may fall short. In addition to Bankrate’s review scores, check out our deep dive into each card to see if it’s a good fit for your wallet (and pick up pro tips for maximizing its value).

So whether you’re looking for a rewards powerhouse, a money-saving 0-percent intro APR or a reliable way to build credit, one of these cards from our partners should be a great fit.

Best Cash Back Card Offers

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
Best for 2% cash rewards
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Info
Apply now Lock
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

2%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
Best cash back on everyday spending
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

1% - 3%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best Balance Transfer Card Offers

Info
Best for balance transfers with excellent credit
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Citi's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Balance transfer intro APR

Regular APR

N/A

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Info
Best for long intro APR
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Info
Apply now Lock
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

N/A

Intro offer

Info

N/A

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Best 0% Intro APR Card Offers

Best for travel card beginners
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Best Rewards Credit Card Offers

Info
Best starter travel card
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$1200

Offer valuation

Info

1x - 5x

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
Best for dining and entertainment
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

1% - 8%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best No Annual Fee Card Offers

Info
Best starter rewards card
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

1.5% - 5%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

BEST FOR GAS AND TRANSIT
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$200

Offer valuation

Info

1X - 3X

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best Travel Card Offers

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
BEST FOR NO-FRILLS BENEFITS
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Excellent (740 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$1275

Offer valuation

Info

2 Miles - 10 Miles

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Info
BEST FOR Flexible travel redemption
Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
4.9
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$1275

Offer valuation

Info

2 Miles - 5 Miles

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best Business Credit Card Offers

Best business card with no annual fee
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$750

Offer valuation

Info

1% - 5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best flat-rate cash back business card
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Excellent (740 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$1200

Offer valuation

Info

2% - 5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best Airlines Card Offers

Best starter airline card
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$750

Offer valuation

Info

1X - 2X

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for companion certificate
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Info
Apply now Lock
on Bank of America's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$770

Offer valuation

Info

1 mile - 3 miles

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best Hotels Credit Card Offers

Best no-annual-fee hotel card
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$600

Offer valuation

Info

3X - 7X

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best Card Offer for Excellent Credit

Info
Best for luxury perks
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$1600

Offer valuation

Info

5X - 5X

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best Card Offer for Good Credit

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
Best for food and travel
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$1200

Offer valuation

Info

3X - 4X

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best Card Offer for Fair Credit

Info
Best for upgrading
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Fair to Good (580 – 740)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

N/A

Intro offer

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best Student Card Offer

awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
Best for students with no credit history
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
No Credit History
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

1% - 5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best Card Offer for No Credit History

Best for low-cost credit building
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chime's secure site
No Credit History
Info
Recommended Credit

N/A

Intro offer

Info

Annual fee

N/A

Regular APR

Best Card Offer for Bad Credit

Best credit limit policy
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
No Credit History
Info
Recommended Credit

N/A

Intro offer

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Compare Bankrate's best credit cards of 2024

Card name Our pick for Card highlights Bankrate Score

2% cash rewards

Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

No annual fee

 

4.3 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Cash back on everyday spending

3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases of up to $6,000 per calendar year in purchases in each category (then 1%)

Yearly credits: Up to $84 toward Disney Bundle streaming ($7 monthly credits after a $9.99+ subscription payment with enrolled card) and up to $180 toward Home Chef meal kits (up to $15 per month for auto-renewing subscription with enrolled card)

No annual fee

 

4.6 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Balance transfers with excellent credit
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (within the first four months) and for 12 months on purchases (18.24% to 28.99% variable APR thereafter; 5% balance transfer fee, $5 minimum)
 
Citi Easy Deals, Citi Flex Loans and Citi Entertainment may help save money on eligible purchases, event tickets and alternative payment plans
 
No annual fee
 

4.1 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Citi's secure site
Long intro APR

0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (within the first 120 days) and purchases (18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter; 5% balance transfer fee, $5 minimum)

My Wells Fargo Deals can offer cash rewards

No annual fee

 

 

4.3 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Travel card beginners

5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

1.25X miles on all purchases

No annual fee

 

4.1 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Valuable rewards

3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), dining (including eligible delivery services) and select streaming services

5X points on Chase Ultimate Rewards travel and Lyft Rides (Lyft offer through March 31, 2025)

2X points on other travel

25% point value boost toward Chase Ultimate Rewards travel redemption 

Yearly bonus points and credits: $50 annual hotel stay credit and 10% back on your previous year's total combined spending points 

$95 annual fee

 

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Dining and entertainment

10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases (through Nov. 14, 2024)

8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases

5% cash back on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel

3% cash back on dining, entertainment, select streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)

No annual fee

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Starter rewards card

5% cash back on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel

Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Cash back can be automatically redeemed at set time period or cash value

No annual fee

 

3.8 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Gas and transit

3X points on restaurant, travel, gas station, transit, popular streaming service and phone plan purchases

No annual fee

 

4.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Wells Fargo's secure site
No-frills benefits

10X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel

5X miles on flights through Capital One Travel

2X miles on all other purchases

Annual $300 Capital One Travel credit and 10,000 account anniversary bonus miles can help offset part of the annual fee

$395 annual fee

 

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Flexible travel redemption

5X miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel

2X miles on all other purchases

Flexible miles can be redeemed for statement credits toward eligible travel purchases within the last 90 days

$95 annual fee

 

4.9 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Business card with no annual fee

5% cash back at office supply stores, internet, cable and phone services (on the first $25,000 in combined purchases each year, then 1%)

2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on the first $25,000 in combined purchases each year, then 1%)

No annual fee

 

4.6 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site

Flat-rate cash back business card

Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase

$150 annual fee (refunded every year you spend $150,000 with the card)

 

4.6 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site

Starter airline card

2X points on Southwest purchases; Southwest hotel and car rental partners; local transit and commuting (including ride-shares); internet, cable, phone and select streaming services

Southwest perks, including 3,000 annual bonus points on the account anniversary, two annual EarlyBird Check-In® boardings, first two checked bags free, 25% discount on in-flight purchases and more

$69 annual fee

4.3 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Companion certificate

3X miles on Alaska Airlines purchases

2X miles on eligible gas, cable, streaming services and local transit purchases

Earn Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ each account anniversary after spending at least $6,000 within the prior anniversary year

$95 annual fee

 

4.7 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Bank of America's secure site
No-annual-fee hotel card

7X points on eligible hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio

5X points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. restaurants

3X points on all other purchases

Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Status

No annual fee

 

4.4 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Luxury perks

5X points on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 spent on flights per calendar year)

2X points on prepaid car rentals, vacation packages and cruise reservations through American Express Travel

Offers one of the most valuable lists of travel perks available, including around $1,700 of recurring monthly and annual credits plus comprehensive airport lounge access

$695 annual fee

 

4.8 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Food and travel

4X points on restaurant, eligible delivery in the U.S. (including Uber Eats) and U.S. supermarket purchases (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year, then 1X points)

3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel

Up to $240 in annual dining and Uber Eats delivery credits (up to $10 of both dining credits and Uber Cash, provided as monthly credits toward eligible purchases; Uber Cash expires at the end of the month)

$250 annual fee

 

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Upgrading

Could be available with fair credit without a security deposit

Considered for a credit limit increase after an account review starting after six months

No annual fee

 

4.2 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Students with no credit history

5% cash back on activated rotating categories each quarter (on up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1%)

Automatic Cashback Match™ for all rewards earned at the end of your first year

Low rates and fees, including no foreign transaction fees, penalty APR or late fee on the first late payment (up to $41 after that)

No annual fee

 

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
Low-cost credit building

No credit check required

Low rates and fees, including no foreign cash advance fees or late payment fees

Potential $10,000 secured credit limit

No annual fee

 

4.2 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chime's secure site
Credit limit policy

A security deposit as low as $49 ($49, $99 or $200, based on creditworthiness) that provides at least a $200 credit limit

Considered for a credit limit increase after an account review starting after six months

No annual fee

 

4.1 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site

A closer look at Bankrate’s best credit card offers

Image of Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Best for 2% cash rewards

Caret Down
Most cards that earn 2 percent cash rewards come with spending caps, tiered categories or redemption restrictions. The Active Cash offers unlimited cash rewards on purchases and has a competitive edge with its generous cellphone protection perk.

Someone who wants a simple rewards card will find the Active Cash worth it since it earns cash rewards at a great rate on most purchases with flexible redemption and no spending caps.

While technically not a flat-rate cash back card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® carries a minimum of 1.5 percent back on all purchases as well as a variety of other unlimited bonus categories, offering a significant boost to its average cash back rate if you spend heavily on dining, drugstores and travel through Chase.
Image of Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

BEST CASH BACK ON EVERYDAY SPENDING

Caret Down

Its high cash back rate on several crucial everyday categories can make this one of the most lucrative cards for your day-to-day spending. Considering how prevalent online shopping is, this particular U.S. online retail category is especially rewarding since the few cards with an online category usually don’t carry it year-round or include as many retailers.

Families, households and other shoppers who often buy online but don't spend enough at U.S. supermarkets or U.S. gas stations to justify a premium card with a higher rewards rate or category spending cap. However, Disney Bundle streaming subscribers and fans of home mealkits may get the most value thanks to this card’s yearly credits. In fact, the Blue Cash Everyday is perhaps one of the only no-annual-fee cards with such valuable annual statement credits.

Thanks to its unparalleled rewards rate at U.S. supermarkets, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express could rack up more cash back for big grocery spenders and commuters compared to the Blue Cash Everyday. However, it’s worth weighing whether you’ll get more value trading the Everyday card’s online retail rewards and $0 annual fee for the Preferred card’s stronger grocery rewards and unlimited U.S. gas station rewards rate since the other categories and credits are less versatile.

Image of Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

Best for balance transfers with excellent credit

Caret Down

This card’s introductory balance transfer APR offer is one of the longest available on the market, and you can save money even after the intro APR ends thanks to benefits like Citi Flex Loans, Citi Easy Deals and Citi Entertainment ticket discounts.

People with excellent credit looking to pay off their credit card balance with an exceptionally long intro APR on balance transfers.

If you’re looking for a card that will offer great value even after your intro balance transfer APR period ends, it may be worth choosing the Citi Double Cash® Card instead. It earns an excellent cash back rate while giving you the sort of long intro APR period you typically only find on dedicated balance transfer cards.

Image of Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Best for long intro APR

Caret Down

Its chart-topping intro APR offer extends to both purchases and qualifying balance transfers, offering maximum flexibility if you’re looking to minimize interest charges. Plus, this card’s benefits sprinkle on a little more value with perks like some of the best cellphone protection available (subject to a deductible).

Someone looking for as much breathing room as possible as they pay off a transferred balance or new purchases — plus a few more perks for a slight edge over rival cards’ ongoing values.

The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is a no-frills low interest card and may be a great fit if you need to carry a balance after your intro APR ends. Its U.S. Bank ExtendPay® feature may also help you save on interest by allowing you to divide eligible purchases into equal installment payments with a monthly fee.

Image of Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Best for travel card beginners

Caret Down

This no-annual-fee card’s solid welcome offer, flat rewards rate on general purchases and even higher rewards rate on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel make it the perfect first travel card. (See Rates & Fees)

Those who want to earn uncomplicated rewards on occasional travel expenses, but would still like the opportunity to redeem miles through transfer partners. This valuable rewards option typically isn’t available with a no-annual-fee travel card.

If you want to boost your travel reward earnings, the Capital One Venture Rewards Card could be a good fit for a higher flat rate on all purchases, or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Card for the chance to get valuable travel perks.
Image of Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

BEST FOR VALUABLE REWARDS

Caret Down

You can enjoy valuable travel rewards, diverse bonus categories, stellar travel protections and other lucrative benefits — including annual account bonus points and credits that easily justify the $95 annual fee. Plus, you can pair it with no-annual-fee Chase rewards cards and redeem their rewards for 25 percent more value if you opt for travel through Chase.

Occasional travelers who value flexibility and are looking for a low-cost way to earn travel rewards on everyday spending (especially foodies and fans of online grocery shopping).
If you’d rather avoid an annual fee — but still want a decent rewards rate and valuable miles — the Capital One VentureOne Rewards credit card is worth a look. The card carries a solid flat rewards rate, flexible redemption and excellent Capital One transfer partners (See Rates & Fees).
Image of Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for dining and entertainment

Caret Down

This is one of the most versatile standalone rewards cards since it earns a great rewards rate in some of the average person’s biggest spending categories, including restaurants, grocery stores and entertainment. (See Rates & Fees)

People who want a well-rounded rewards card that charges no annual fee and earns rewards in several key categories, including the often-overlooked entertainment category.

You might also want to consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited, another flexible no-annual-fee card that earns bonus rewards on its dining and at a flat rate on general purchases. It’s an especially good pick you already have a Chase travel card to pool rewards with.

Image of Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best starter rewards card

Caret Down

Although its flat 1.5 percent cash back rate doesn’t set it apart from the crowd, the Quicksilver offers streamlined perks and a nice mix of redemption options (including the option to automatically redeem rewards), making it a fantastic first rewards card if you value simplicity.

People who prefer simple rewards: no special categories or earning limits, just a flat cash back rate and flexible rewards that are easy to redeem.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a tough competitor of the Quicksilver with its additional bonus cash back categories on dining and drugstore purchases. However, if being able to earn rewards at the same rate on all purchases makes the Quicksilver especially appealing, consider potentially higher-earning flat-rate cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash or Citi Double Cash Card.
Image of Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Best for gas and transit

Caret Down
Few travel-centric cards offer such a lucrative range of bonus categories while charging no annual fee. You’ll earn rewards in nearly all major everyday spending categories, including gas stations, transit, restaurants, general travel and more.
Commuters, families on the go and anyone looking for a solid no-annual-fee rewards card with a high rewards rate in several everyday travel categories.
While the Autograph card covers many popular spending categories, it’s missing arguably the most important everyday bonus category: groceries. If you spend more on staples like groceries, gas and online shopping than extras like dining out and air travel, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Card is a solid alternative.
Image of Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Best for no-frills benefits

Caret Down
This card sets the stage for a middle-ground option in the luxury travel space with its $395 annual fee and alluring travel benefits, including excellent airport lounge access and yearly travel credits and bonus miles. (See Rates & Fees)
Frequent travelers searching for premium perks without an enormous annual fee. The Venture X is built for cardholders who want better rewards and benefits than a $100-tier premium travel card carries, but can’t justify paying a $500-plus annual fee for an elite travel card stuffed with features they won’t use.
Occasional travelers that aren’t concerned with premium travel perks may get more value with the Capital One Venture, which carries a much lower $95 annual fee (See Rates & Fees).
Image of Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

BEST FOR FLEXIBLE TRAVEL REDEMPTION

Caret Down
You get a lot of flexibility when redeeming your miles. Options that bring the highest value are booking travel through Capital One, redeeming miles as statement credits for past travel expenses and transferring miles to any of Capital One’s 15+ travel partners.
Frequent and occasional travelers who want an easy way to earn rewards and multiple options for using them.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card may offer better reward redemption value than the Venture card. The Sapphire Preferred card’s points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal, while Capital One miles are only worth 1 cent each when redeemed through the Capital One Travel portal.

Image of Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

BEST BUSINESS CARD WITH NO ANNUAL FEE

Caret Down

Along with its stellar sign-up bonus and practical bonus categories, this card could offer frequent travelers terrific long-term value. Its rewards are especially valuable if you pair the Ink Business Cash card with the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, which would allow you to squeeze 25 percent more value out of your points when you redeem for travel through Chase.

Small-business owners who spend heavily on office supplies and internet, cable and phone services — especially frequent travelers who plan to pair the Ink Business Cash with a higher-tier Ultimate Rewards card.
If you’d rather not juggle multiple cards to ensure you’re earning bonus rewards on all your business spending,  you may prefer the simplicity that comes with the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. That card carries the same sign-up bonus and Ultimate Rewards potential as the Ink Business Cash, but earns rewards at a flat rate on all your business purchases.
Image of Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Best starter airline card

Caret Down
If you’re in the market for a Southwest credit card the Rapid Rewards Plus is a great starter option since it offers valuable Southwest travel benefits and rewards for a low annual fee.
Occasional travelers who mostly fly domestically and don’t need luxury perks should consider the Rapid Rewards Plus.

Despite its $99 annual fee, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card may offer better value overall thanks to its stronger annual bonus and perks. Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Preferred may be a better fit you want to use rewards for international travel since it gives you the freedom to earn and redeem rewards with a variety of airlines (including Southwest).

Image of Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card

Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card

Best for companion certificate

Caret Down
Its annual companion pass is easy to earn compared to other airline companion passes and can make it cheaper to travel with your adventure partner.
Although Alaska Airlines has several travel partners, this card is mainly for West Coast flyers since the airline’s routes are quite limited.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card may be a better fit for frequent travel duos. Southwest cards give you a chance at the coveted (but harder-to-earn) Southwest Companion Pass, which you can use in the year you earn it and throughout the following year.
Image of Hilton Honors American Express Card

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Best no-annual-fee hotel card

Caret Down

It comes packed with Hilton Honors benefits and high rewards rates that would normally warrant an annual fee. The Hilton Honors Amex card is also worth it since it comes with automatic Hilton Honors Silver status, which gives you 20 percent bonus points on Hilton stays and a fifth night free when you book a standard room solely with points (terms apply).

Hilton loyalists who want some status perks and hotel card benefits, but don’t need an ultra-luxury experience to enjoy their stay.
If you’re a frequent Hilton guest, then you can certainly squeeze more than enough value out of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card to justify its annual fee. 
Image of The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Best for luxury perks

Caret Down
Though it carries a hefty price tag, it could be one of the most valuable rewards cards on the market thanks to its long list of luxury travel and shopping perks, including some of the most extensive lounge access privileges you can get with a credit card.

Frequent travelers who value perks like lounge access, expedited airport security screening and hotel privileges, and can take full advantage of this card’s (sometimes niche) benefits.

If you think the Amex Platinum’s list of perks is impractical, consider the Capital One Venture X card instead. Another premium travel card, the Venture X carries a much lower annual fee of $395 (See Rates & Feeswhile still offering a terrific flat rewards rate and valuable perks like annual travel credits and bonus miles.
Lightbulb

Bankrate Insight

You could earn perhaps the most valuable welcome offer currently available when applying for the Amex Platinum through Bankrate’s CardMatch: 150,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months. This limited-time intro bonus could be worth a staggering $1,500 toward airfare through American Express Travel, or even more with the right transfer partner.

Image of American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Best for food and travel

Caret Down
Since it offers a high rewards rate in popular everyday categories like restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, this card should make it easy to earn travel rewards even if you don’t actually spend a ton on travel. Plus, the card’s foodie-centric credits can easily offset its annual fee on their own.
Restaurant lovers and home cooks who want to earn travel rewards on food and will use the card’s dining credits.
The Capital One SavorOne card is a terrific alternative if you’re looking to avoid annual fees (See Rates & Fees).  The card features some of the best category variety out there, boasting a solid rewards rate not only on dining and groceries, but also on entertainment, popular streaming services and hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel.
Image of Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Best for upgrading

Caret Down
This card does not charge an annual fee, and you may qualify with a FICO credit score as low as 580. Capital One will also review your account for a credit limit increase after just six months — one of the shortest account review periods out there. (See Rates & Fees)
People with fair credit looking for a card with no annual fee and no security deposit that will help them build credit with responsible use.
If you’re willing to pay a $39 annual fee, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card may be more rewarding since it earns a flat 1.5 percent cash back rate and is also available with fair credit. (See Rates & Fees)
Image of Discover it® Student Cash Back

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Best for students with no credit history

Caret Down
Most cash back cards with this earning potential require a good to excellent credit score, so it stands out as an especially lucrative student card. Discover’s top-tier customer service, Cashback MatchTM welcome offer and generously low rates and fees grant students peace of mind and top-notch value.
College students interested in building a credit history and earning as they learn about rotating bonus categories.
Budget-conscious students will love the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card’s unlimited 3 percent cash back on student-centric categories (dining, entertainment and popular streaming services), exceptional cash back rate on Capital One Entertainment purchases and more straightforward rewards program.
Image of Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Best for low-cost credit building

Caret Down

Applying for this card won’t result in a pull on your credit report (not even a soft pull) and it charges no annual fee, cash advance fees or late payment fees. It also offers one of the highest potential credit limits for secured cards at a $10,000 maximum.

People who have a low credit score or no credit history and prefer a low-cost card over a secured rewards card. Just keep in mind you’ll need to manage balances between Chime and your linked bank account.

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card may offer a solid starting credit limit with only a small deposit. The card also gives you a chance at a higher credit limit in as little as six months and reports credit utilization to credit bureaus (unlike the Chime card).

Image of Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Best credit limit policy

Caret Down
Not many secured cards come with no annual fee and security deposit requirements as low as $49. Plus, Capital One will review your account for a potential credit limit increase after six months. (See Rates & Fees)
People with fair credit or lower (a 669 FICO Score or below, or a 600 VantageScore or below) — or no credit history at all — who would rather put down a small security deposit and work on their credit with few distractions.

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card may be a stronger option for some credit-builders looking for perks since it earns rewards on purchases and comes with an introductory APR on balance transfers.

*The information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®, Apple Card, BankAmericard® credit card, PNC points® Visa® Credit Card and United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.


What are credit cards and how do they work?

A credit card is a financial product similar to a personal line of credit that lets you make purchases now, but pay for them later. When you’re approved for a credit card, you get a credit limit that determines the maximum dollar amount you can charge to your card. As you make purchases, your available credit decreases. When you pay your bill, your available credit increases.

With a credit card, you can carry a balance from month to month, meaning you can make a partial or minimum payment rather than paying your balance in full. The downside to carrying a balance is facing potential interest charges determined by your credit card’s APR, or annual percentage rate. Your credit card’s APR is effectively the cost of borrowing money. Remember, credit card interest is relevant only if you carry credit card debt from month to month, and it’s best to pay your balance on time and in full whenever possible.

Credit card rewards programs are another major advantage of credit cards. Cards typically earn one of three types of rewards: cash back, travel miles or points.

  • Cash back is the simplest form of rewards. You earn back a percentage of your purchase cost, so if your card earns 3 percent back in a certain category, spending $100 in that category would net you $3 in cash back.
  • Credit card points and miles work similarly, but the value of points and miles varies based on how they’re redeemed. Miles are generally best used to book travel (typically airfare) while points may offer more flexibility, allowing you to redeem for different types of travel as well as cash back.

Pros and cons of credit cards

Credit cards can be a great way to manage your money and make sure you pay your bills on time — but the problem is that they’re also very easy to misuse. Because of this, you should be aware of some of the benefits and drawbacks of owning a credit card.

Pros

  • Checkmark

    Earn rewards and enjoy perks.. Rewards card programs and perks like bonus statement credits can help you save money on travel, dining and other big expenses.

  • Checkmark

    Build your credit score. Using a credit card responsibly is one of the best ways to establish and improve your credit score as long as you consistently pay on time and keep your balance low.

  • Checkmark

    Financial flexibility and extra protection. A credit card even offers peace of mind when you pay for goods and services. It comes with strong consumer protections to ensure safe transactions and guard against identity theft.

  • Checkmark

    Consolidate debt and pause interest. A card with a 0 percent intro APR on purchases and balance transfers can give you time to pay off new purchases and consolidated debt from other cards or loans.

  • Checkmark

    Help others establish credit. If you have children or other loved ones who need help building (or rebuilding) their credit score, you can add them as authorized users on your card so they can build credit without the hassle of opening their own (and earn you extra rewards).

Cons

  • You could face high interest rates. Credit card interest rates are higher than other types of loans or credit accounts, so paying off credit card debt could become costlier than installment loan interest.

  • You could get into debt. Spending more on your credit card than you can pay off before the end of each billing cycle could pile expensive interest charges onto your balance and compound into snowballing debt.

  • Your credit score can drop with irresponsible use. Improper card use could damage your credit profile and lead to higher loan interest rates and insurance premiums or trouble getting a job or finding housing.

  • You may take on fees. Even the best credit cards can come with a variety of fees, though you can avoid many of these with responsible card use. Some will have fees for foreign transactions or annual fees for perks that you don't need or use.

How to choose a credit card

Choosing the best credit card all comes down to which card is going to provide you with the most value based on your financial situation, spending habits and more. Think about these questions when a credit card offer catches your eye:

  • Credit None

    What’s your credit score?

    The better your credit score, the better your chance of qualifying for a credit card with excellent perks and terms. Check your credit score before applying for a new card, and, if your credit score isn’t where you’d like it to be, work on improving your credit.

  • Credit Card Apr

    Are you looking to pay off debt or upcoming purchases?

    If you only need 12 to 15 months to pay off your balance, a no-annual-fee rewards card with a short intro APR period may be your best choice long term. Otherwise, cards designed specifically for balance transfers or financing new purchases will be a better fit since they tend to offer 0 percent APR periods of 18 to 21 months.

    It’s best to pay your balance in full each month so you avoid paying interest, but a card with a low interest rate or alternate payment plan may be wise if you think you may need extra time to pay off unexpected purchases after intro zero-interest APRs typically end. Low-interest cards tout APRs that are lower than the average credit card interest rate, which has been hovering around a high 20 percent.

  • Invest Search

    What are your spending habits?

    Start your research by deciding what type of rewards you’d like to earn: cash back, points or miles. If your spending is concentrated in certain categories — like groceries, dining or travel — look for a card that carries a high rewards rate on those purchases. If you don’t spend a lot in one particular category, consider a card that earns rewards at a flat rate on all purchases.

    Flat-rate rewards cards typically offer a maximum of 2 percent cash back or 2X miles on purchases, while cards with rotating or year-round bonus categories can offer anywhere from 2 percent to 6 percent back on certain purchases (sometimes with a few restrictions on how much you can earn).

  • Rewards

    Can you earn a sign-up bonus?

    Many credit cards carry a sign-up bonus for new cardholders. No-annual-fee rewards cards typically offer sign-up bonuses worth $200 to $250 after you spend $500 to $1,000 in the first three months. Meanwhile, premium rewards cards generally offer bonuses worth $500 to $800 after you spend $4,000 to $6,000 in your first three or six months. Business cards often offer even more valuable sign-up bonuses with a bigger spending requirement to match.

Bankrate's image file
Don’t know where to start? Check out

Bankrate’s Spender Type Tool

Arrow Right

What type of credit card should you get?

Credit card issuers offer different types of credit cards to meet a variety of consumer needs. For example, some cardholders don’t see the appeal of a premium travel card or won’t use the card enough to justify its annual fee, while others may primarily use their card while traveling abroad. The former type of cardholder would likely benefit from a no-annual-fee card, while the latter would benefit from a no-foreign-transaction-fee card with plenty of travel features.

But there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all credit card, and the sheer number of options can make it difficult to choose a credit card that’s best for your unique situation. That’s why it’s good to consider which card best matches your spending habits.

Here are the major credit card types and the ideal cardholder they’re suited for:

Here’s how Bankrate experts chose their rewards card

With all of this advice in mind, let’s see how a credit card expert made their pick. Here’s Bankrate writer and credit card reviewer Garrett Yarbrough on how he chose his primary rewards card:

Although I knew which cards carried the highest rewards rates, most impressive sign-up bonuses and most valuable perks, I started my search by considering what I wanted most out of my card. I knew I wanted a versatile card that could reward my biggest expenses and remain a valuable staple in my rewards strategy even after I added more cards to my wallet.

APRs weren’t a huge concern since I already had a low-interest card from my credit union and I avoid carrying a balance. So I focused on rewards. While a cash back card would be a good fit, I didn’t want to close the door to more valuable travel rewards and transfer partners in the future.

My biggest expenses tend to be bills and everyday purchases like groceries, gas and dining, but I also shop at Walmart and online in a rush. I love to cook, too, so I’d probably lean on a card with a grocery rewards category more than one with a restaurant category. On paper, my spending habits meant a card with a high rewards rate at grocery stores would be helpful. But in practice, I’d likely rack up more rewards with a flat-rate card. Knowing I wanted a future-proof, flat-rate rewards card with diverse redemption options and plenty of pairing opportunities helped me quickly narrow my search to the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

Although it doesn’t carry the highest flat cash back rate, its combination of both 1.5 percent back on general purchases and 3 percent back on dining and drugstore purchases gives it an extra layer of rewards value.

Down the road, I can even boost the value of the Freedom Unlimited card’s rewards by adding the Chase Sapphire Preferred to my wallet and redeeming points for travel. I can also shore up my rewards earning with the categories from a card like the Capital One SavorOne or Blue Cash Everyday.

Until then, the Freedom Unlimited gives me a stellar foundation on which to build my rewards strategy.

—  Garrett Yarbrough — Writer, Credit Cards

How to get a credit card

Once you’ve decided which credit card is best suited for your needs, it’s finally time to apply for your new card. You’ll have the best approval odds if you pursue a card that welcomes applicants with your credit score or if you’ve received a prequalified card offer.

Although it’s straightforward on paper, here’s a bit more information to guide you through how to apply for a credit card and get approved:

Data and Expert Insights: What is the best credit card of 2024?

While no one card will be “the best” for everyone, there may be a clear “best credit card” for you based on your goals, spending habits, credit score and more. Perhaps the closest answer to the objective “best credit cards” and issuers are listed below, based on extensive research data from experts at Bankrate and J.D. Power.

What people say about the best credit cards

Because people have many options when looking for their next credit card, reading current cardholders' experiences can be helpful. We reviewed the most useful comments on the best credit cards from online forums and discussion boards, vetted this information to ensure accuracy, and curated the highlights here. 

In the News: Roughly 1 in 7 Americans’ top financial regret is taking on too much credit card debt

In a Bankrate study, 15 percent of U.S. adults say their biggest financial regret is taking on too much credit card debt. Read more about the results in the full Bankrate survey or hear from our experts on Bankrate's tips and tricks for paying down credit card debt


Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.

Frequently asked questions

How we assess the best credit cards

Document
250+
cards rated
Congrats
50+
rewards programs valued
Search
5000
data points analyzed
Credit Card Reviews
40+
perks evaluated

When evaluating the best credit cards, we take into account several factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether they offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards to saving on interest. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points. 

We analyzed over 250 of the most popular credit cards in each of our primary card scoring categories, including Cash Back, Rewards, Balance Transfer, Low Interest, Business, Credit-Building, and Student, as well as in a few popular subcategories like Travel, No Annual Fee, Airline and Hotel.

We scored each card based on the factors most relevant to its primary category, including its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, intro APR period length, ongoing APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup. 

Here are some of the key factors that we considered:

Ask the experts: What is the best feature you look for in a credit card?


Contributor, Credit Cards

I gravitate to the perks the credit card offers. For example, I have a United℠ Explorer Card. It's great for the miles, and since there is a United Airlines hub in San Francisco, where I live, I tend to fly with them frequently. But the perks are where it really stands out. The “basic” United fare is substantially less than other classes, but you have to pay for overhead and checked baggage. Since this card offers complimentary checked bags, I come out ahead. I get the cheapest airfare plus free bag check! These are the kind of things I recommend that people look for when they're considering new credit cards — perks that make your life easier and save you money.

Contributor, Personal Finance

For me, credit cards are all about rewards, rewards, rewards. I look specifically for cards that pay me back in great dividends for using them. I always want a good signup bonus. And for a card I want to keep and use long term, I specifically look for benefits that far outweigh the annual fee.

Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

I look for no-annual-fee cards with rewards programs that match my spending habits. For example, I travel a lot but I do not have affinity for any particular hotel brand, so I like a travel card that rewards me for staying anywhere.