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There’s a whole world of credit cards out there, but Bankrate knows you’re not trying to fit the world into your wallet. Our experts are dedicated to helping you make the right choice, with the best credit cards of 2022 available from our partners—rewards, cash back, travel, balance transfer, 0 percent intro APR and more. We do the research so you don’t have to sift through hundreds of options to find the best credit card for you.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with
CardMatch™
Rewards rate
6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6%
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3%
3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases
Intro offer
$300
Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
One of our favorite credit cards for families, the popular Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers outstanding rewards rates on everyday expenses, including at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
You don’t have to worry about enrolling in bonus categories to receive the extra cash back.
The card touts purchase protection, return protection and extended warranty benefits.
Cons
There’s a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, but you’ll pay a $95 annual fee thereafter.
The 6 percent bonus rewards at U.S. supermarkets are capped at $6,000 in purchases per year (then 1 percent).
Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 14.74% to 24.74%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
12.24% - 23.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If your spending is varied and you don’t mind a little legwork, this classic cash back card could prove quite lucrative. On top of rotating 5 percent cash back bonus categories (on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, then 1 percent, enrollment required), cardholders enjoy a cash back match at the end of their first year.
Discover cards are known for consumer-friendly terms, including no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
There’s no cap on total cash back and no minimums for redeeming rewards.
Cons
Rotating cash back categories change each year, and some may be a better match for your spending than others.
Your earnings potential drops after the first year, when the Cash Back match is no longer on the table.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire.
New Intro APR: Get a 0% intro APR‡ for 15 months on purchases. Then 12.24% to 23.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
No annual fee.
Click "Apply Now" to see rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.74%, 20.74%, or 25.74% Variable APR
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Consider this Wells Fargo card a prime pick if you’re looking for a flat-rate cash rewards credit card as its signature feature—2 percent cash rewards on purchases—is a step above many of its direct competitors. A generous welcome offer sweetens the deal.
Rewards don’t expire while the account is open and there’s no limit to how much you can earn with the card.
You have a number of flexible redemption options, and there’s no minimum to start redeeming cash rewards.
Cons
Your reward redemption options are limited to cash rewards; you can’t transfer rewards to travel partners.
Some cash rewards cards have lower spending requirements attached to their welcome offers.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 15.74%, 20.74%, or 25.74% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
$0 annual fee
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined two categories you choose.
5%
5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
2%
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants.
1%
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
$200 bonus
New! $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of
account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
You can personalize your earning experience with the U.S Bank Cash+ in more ways than one. You’ll get to choose your top three spending categories and your rewards redemption options include statement credits, a U.S Bank Rewards card and more.
Pros
Your 2 percent earning tier and 1 percent earning tier do not have spending caps.
You can tailor your earning experience to match your spending habits across three different categories, all for no annual fee.
Cons
There aren’t many extra cardholder perks outside of fraud liability protection.
You must enroll in your choice categories each quarter and stay aware of quarterly spending caps on the highest earning category.
New! $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.
5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants.
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.74% - 24.74%
No Annual Fee.
Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
8%
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
3%
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
1%
Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.24% - 25.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This tasty, no-annual-fee alternative to the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a still-competitive unlimited 3 percent cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
There’s a relatively low spend requirement associated with the card’s sign-up offer.
The card touts a newbie-friendly fee structure, charging no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
Minus grocery stores, the card’s bonus categories are largely focused on discretionary spending.
Beware of redeeming cash rewards on Amazon.com, as there is a list of restricted items you can’t use rewards on.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 15.24% - 25.24% variable APR after that
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
$200
One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.24% - 25.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Capital One Quicksilver Card is one of the most straightforward cash back rewards cards on the market, offering at least 1.5 percent on every purchase with no rotating bonus categories or rewards matrix to keep up with. Consider this card if you’re after a set-it-and-forget-it cash back rewards credit card.
This card charges no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Your rewards won’t expire for the lifetime of the card.
Cons
Following the introductory APR period, you might find the 15.24 percent to 25.24 percent variable APR to be a bit on the high side.
There are other cards on the market that offer a higher unlimited cash back rate.
One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 15.24%-25.24% variable APR after that
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5X
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
2X
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
Intro offer
75,000 miles
New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
16.24% - 24.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
For some travelers, flexibility can have a value all its own. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card addresses that need with an array of options for redeeming your miles. If you want more freedom in how you choose to pay for travel, consider taking this card along for the journey.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
10X
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5X
5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
2X
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Intro offer
75,000 miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
17.24% - 24.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If you’re a frequent traveler wanting to strike the balance between top notch rewards, the most useful benefits and affordability, you may find your match with the Capital One Venture X. The annual statement credits significantly offset the annual fee and boosted flat-rate reward offerings let you earn big in various spending categories.
There is no penalty APR with this card, though you will be charged up to a $40 late payment fee.
You’ll receive up to a $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fees every four years
Cons
The barrier of entry to qualify for this card is high, as you must have excellent credit.
You must book through Capital One Travel to earn rewards in key travel categories.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Escape the airport crowd and recharge before your flight with unlimited access to all-inclusive amenities at the Capital One Lounge and at 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges worldwide
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Balance transfer intro APR
21 months
0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.49% - 24.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
While it doesn't have rewards program, the card's outstanding intro offer makes it a first-class option for temporarily avoiding interest on a transferred balance. Consider this card if you want to stay focused on paying debt and fear rewards will entice you to overspend.
The promotional APR period for balance transfers is one of the longest currently on the market.
You get access to a number of popular Citi programs, including Citi Flex Loan, Citi Entertainment and Citi Easy Deals.
Cons
The lack of rewards does eat into the card’s long-term value.
You will pay a balance transfer fee of 5 percent of the amount you want to transfer (or $5, whichever is higher).
0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 14.49% - 24.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 14.49% - 24.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Balance transfer intro APR
18 billing cycles
0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee (min. $10) applies.
Intro offer
$100 statement credit
$100 statement credit online bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
13.24% - 23.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If you want a card that has everything you’ll need for a successful balance transfer, this card will keep you focused. You’ll also earn a pretty rare perk in the sign-up bonus—$100 statement credit when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. However, if your main goal is to pay down debt, charging more to your card after a balance transfer just to get a sign-up bonus isn’t the best idea.
There’s no annual fee to hold this card, making it fairly affordable.
Cons
This card doesn’t have a rewards structure.
You’ll be charged a 3 percent foreign transaction fee on purchases you make abroad.
$100 statement credit online bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 13.24% - 23.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
No annual fee.
No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Purchase intro APR
18 months
0% intro APR for up to 21 months from account opening
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
13.74% - 25.74% Variable APR
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This card from Wells Fargo can net you up to 21 months from account opening of a 0 percent intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 13.74 percent to 25.74 percent variable APR). Keep in mind, you start with 18 months of promotional interest, but can qualify for up to a three-month extension by making on-time monthly minimum payments. That’s one of the longest promotional interest offers on the market.
The promotional APR applies to purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
The card comes with cell phone protection (up to $600, subject to a $25 deductible, when you pay your monthly phone bill with the card.)
Cons
You’ll need to pay attention to the fine print to secure the full up to 21 months at the intro rate.
There’s no rewards program, eating into the card’s long-term value.
0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Intro APR extension of up to 3 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro and extension periods. 13.74% to 25.74% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min $5
$0 Annual Fee
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can earn cash back in the form of a statement credit while you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using your eligible Wells Fargo Credit Card
Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Purchase intro APR
20 billing cycles
0% for 20 billing cycles on purchases
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.24% - 25.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Boasting one of the longest intro APR offers (20 billing cycles) on both balance transfers and purchases, this card is a great no-nonsense option to ensure you have plenty of time to pay off debt without the added interest costs. You also won’t have to worry about an annual fee, making this a low cost card all around.
The intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers is one of the longest on the market.
Cons
This card does not offer base rewards or a welcome bonus
There are limited benefits and cardholder perks with this card.
Limited Time Offer!
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 15.24% - 25.24%.
Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S.Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
Choose a payment due date that fits your schedule
No Annual Fee
Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Attention, simplicity-seekers: This card from Citi makes maximizing cash back a bit easier by automatically awarding your bonus rewards (5 percent cash back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 in purchases and then 1 percent), no enrollment or guesswork required.
Eligible bonus categories include everyday expenses, like grocery stores and gas stations.
There’s a 15-month 0 percent introductory offer on purchases and balance transfers (then variable 14.74 percent to 24.74 percent APR).
Cons
Your bonus rewards are subject to a cap and limited to a single spending category.
The card charges a relatively high 5 percent (or $5, whichever is greater) balance transfer fee.
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 14.74% - 24.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
No Annual Fee
Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
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Rewards rate
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
2%
2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.74%-24.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express proves that you don't need to have an exceptional credit score (or pay an annual fee) to earn solid rewards on family-friendly purchases. The cash back rates on its bonus categories match up well with anyone who spends a lot to meet the needs of an on-the-go household.
Bonus categories are focused on everyday expenses vs. discretionary spending.
There’s an introductory APR offer on purchases.
Cons
The top-tier bonus category (3 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets) is capped at $6,000 per year (then 1 percent).
Superstores and wholesale clubs don’t count as U.S. supermarkets.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 15 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 14.74% to 24.74%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
26.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Fair to Good (580 - 740)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card leaves plenty of room for you to focus on proving your creditworthiness without the distraction of chasing extra rewards. Along with being a feasible option for those with fair credit, you also won’t have to pay an annual fee to carry this card.
The issuer will consider you for a higher credit limit if you demonstrate creditworthiness via six months of responsible use.
Capital One may consider applicants with FICO scores as low as 580 for this card.
Cons
The 26.99 percent variable APR is a bit high, even for the card category.
The lack of rewards does eat into the card’s long-term value.
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with our mobile app
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
13.24% - 22.24% Variable
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Thanks to its first-year Cash Back Match and generous rotating cash back program, the Discover it Student Cash Back is one of the most lucrative rewards credit cards available to students.
The card touts a number of consumer-friendly terms, including no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and no penalty APR.
There’s a six-month 0 percent introductory APR on purchases (then variable 13.24 percent to 22.24 percent APR).
Cons
The rotating bonus rewards program might be confusing to credit card newbies.
The card’s value goes down in your second year, once the Cash Back Match is no longer on the table.
No credit score required to apply.*
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 13.24% - 22.24% applies.
Refer-a-Friend: Once you become a Discover it® Student cardmember, you can earn a statement credit each time you refer a friend and they're approved. Over half a million students got Discover Cards from their friends' recommendations.
Get your free Credit Scorecard that includes your FICO® Credit Score and important details that help make up your score.
Click "Apply Now" to see rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
26.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This is a secured card that could let you access a higher credit amount than you deposit. With no annual fee it's a great option for those looking to build credit with responsible use. Plus, you're automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months with on-time monthly payments. Although, the interest rates on the card are higher than other available cards in this category so make sure to pay off your balance in full.
Capital One reports your card usage to all three credit bureaus to help you build credit.
Cons
There are no rewards associated with this card.
Low security deposits usually translate to low starting credit limits, which can hurt your credit utilization ratio.
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with our mobile app
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
1.5%
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
1%
1% cash back on eligible purchases right away.
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
13.24%-27.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This card allows you to build credit while still earning cash back rewards, all without worrying about extra fees. Using this card responsibly will only reward you more over time, as you’ll earn up to 1.5 percent back on eligible purchases with 12 on-time payments.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: Best for everyday family purchases
What we love about the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: You’ll have a hard time finding a card with high-value rewards categories as family-focused as this one’s. The categories don’t rotate, so you won’t have to change your spending habits according to the calendar.
Who this card is good for: Modern, on-the-go families who spend a lot on groceries, gas, transit and streaming subscriptions.
Alternatives: Individuals or families that want to avoid paying an annual fee will still be able to get strong rewards value at supermarkets and gas stations from the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Discover it Cash Back: Best for maximizing rotating categories
What we love about the Discover it Cash Back: One of Discover’s trademark features is the first-year cash back match. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Who this card is good for: People who are willing to put in the work. When the categories rotate, remember to activate—and then direct your spending toward the bonus categories to earn the 5 percent rate on up to $1,500 each quarter, followed by 1 percent.
Alternatives: While the Discover it Cash Back card offers low fees and predictable rotating bonus categories, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a competitor that offers additional year-round 3 to 5 percent back categories and superior benefits, including fantastic travel insurance and World Elite Mastercard perks.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: Best for 2% cash rewards
What we love about the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: Most cards that earn 2 percent cash rewards come with spending caps or tiered categories. With this card, earnings are unlimited on everyday purchases.
Who this card is good for: Someone who wants to earn unlimited cash rewards on purchases at twice the rate of the typical 1 percent.
Alternatives: 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 cash back categories, offering a significant boost to its average cash back rate if you spend heavily on dining, drugstores and travel through Chase.
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card: Best for choice bonus of categories
What we love about the U.S. Bank Cash+: The rewards redemption flexibility and the choice of three spending categories make the U.S Bank Cash+ a great card for a personalized earning experience.
Who this card is good for: Frugal rewards strategists who don’t want to pay an annual fee for a top-notch rewards program and who know how to tailor spending to maximize rewards without hitting any spending caps.
Alternatives: Juggling tiered rewards categories can still be a bit of a hassle, especially when spending caps are involved. The Wells Fargo Active Cash card and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card both offer high, unlimited flat-rate cash rewards on all purchases for no annual fee.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment
What we love about the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Capital One provides access to presale tickets, discounts and more with dining, entertainment and sports experiences.
Who this card is good for: People who want to turn their appreciation for food and fun into plus-rate cash rewards.
Alternatives: Chase customers and travelers seeking a card with a $0 annual fee and great rewards will want to consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited, which combines 3 percent cash back on dining with 5 percent back on travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for 1.5% cash back
What we love about the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Unlike some rewards programs, Capital One provides full value when you redeem cash rewards through Amazon Shop with Points ($1 in cash rewards is worth $1 in redemption value).
Who this card is good for: People who prefer simple cash back rewards: no special categories or earning limits, just 1.5 percent cash back on every eligible purchase.
Alternatives: The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a tough competitor of the Quicksilver with its additional bonus cash back categories on dining and drugstore purchases.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flexible redemption options
What we love about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: You get a lot of flexibility when it comes to 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.
Who this card is good for: Frequent travelers who want an easy way to earn rewards and multiple options for how they can use them.
Alternatives: While the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a direct competitor of the Venture card, customers can reap more valuable rewards when redeeming through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for no-frills benefits
What we love about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: This card sets the stage for a middle-ground option in the luxury travel space with its $395 annual fee and alluring travel benefits.
Who this card is good for: Frequent travelers with a taste for premium perks without the highest of premium costs.
Alternatives: Occasional travelers that aren’t concerned with premium travel perks may get more value with Capital One’s former flagship card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which carries a much lower $95 annual fee.
Citi Diamond Preferred Card: Best for balance transfer with excellent credit
What we love about the Citi Diamond Preferred Card: The Citi Diamond Preferred Card’s introductory balance transfer offer is one of the longest available on the credit card market.
Who this card is good for: Someone with good credit looking for an exceptionally long balance transfer offer or lengthy introductory APR.
Alternatives: For more long-term value, it may be worth choosing the Citi® Double Cash Card instead, since it earns an excellent cash back rate on top of its competitive 18-month 0 percent intro balance transfer APR (balance transfers must be within the first four months) and 14.74 percent to 24.74 percent (variable) regular APR.
BankAmericard Credit Card: Best for balance transfer card with a sign-up bonus
What we love about the BankAmericard Credit Card: This card offers a sign-up bonus, which is rare for a balance transfer card. You’ll earn $100 in statement credit when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
Who this card is good for: Anyone who wants to focus on their balance transfer with minimal distractions.
Alternatives: If a longer intro APR period is more important to your situation than the BankAmericard’s low ongoing APR (13.24 percent to 23.24 percent variable) and cash welcome bonus, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card is an alternative that offers a 0 percent intro APR on purchases for 12 months and balance transfers for 21 months (transfers must be made within the first four months), along with a regular APR of 14.49 percent to 24.49 percent (variable).
Wells Fargo Reflect Card: Best for promotional interest
What we love about the Wells Fargo Reflect Card: The promotional interest offer extends to both purchases and qualifying balance transfers from account opening and even the base offer of 18 months is lengthy for a zero-interest intro APR card (then 13.74 percent to 25.74 percent variable APR).
Who this card is good for: Someone who is getting ready to make a big purchase or has existing high-interest credit card debt and needs a balance transfer.
Alternatives: Similar to the Reflect card, the BankAmericard credit card is primarily a balance transfer card with few ongoing perks and benefits, but it features a unique intro cash bonus that could help minimize the cost of your balance transfer and potentially offset the cost of your balance transfer fee entirely.
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card: Best for promotional interest
What we love about the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card: The intro APR offers on this card are some of the longest offers on the market.
Who this card is good for: Anyone looking to finance a large purchase without extra interest charges for a fairly long period of time. This card has an intro APR offer of 20 billing cycles on both balance transfers and purchases (then 15.24 percent to 25.24 percent variable APR).
Alternatives: Individuals looking to perform a balance transfer and earn cash back rewards in the process will see value from the Citi® Double Cash Card.
Citi Custom Cash Card: Best for automatic bonus category
What we love about the Citi Custom Cash Card: The cash back program adjusts to your spending habits in the top eligible category each billing cycle so you’ll earn the highest rate where you’ve spent the most.
Who this card is good for: Someone who wants the high rewards rate of a bonus cash back card without activating or choosing categories in advance.
Alternatives: The Chase Freedom Flex is an excellent alternative as it provides top-notch rewards earning potential and diverse category variety, as well as its ability to pool rewards with Chase’s premium cards and redeem them for a higher value toward travel purchases.
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express: Best for gas and groceries with no annual fee
What we love about the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express: This card offers a complimentary ShopRunner membership, which includes free two-day shipping and free returns at more than 100 online stores (enrollment required).
Who this card is good for: Families with lots of places to go and meals to prepare. The rewards rates on purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores are exceptional.
Alternatives: If you or a family member feel that the ongoing $95 annual fee is worth it, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers an opportunity to earn significantly higher rewards.
Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Best for no annual fee
What we love about the Capital One Platinum Credit Card: This card charges no annual fee and it’s possible for people with a credit score as low as 580 to be approved.
Who this card is good for: People with fair credit looking for a no annual fee card that will help build creditworthiness.
Alternatives: If you’re willing to pay a $39 annual fee, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a similar card that offers a rewards program in the form of 1.5 percent cash back on purchases.
Discover it Student Cash Back: Best for earning cash back with no credit history
What we love about the Discover it Student Cash Back: Most cash back cards, much less cards with this kind of earning potential, require not just a credit history but a good or excellent credit score, so its availability to students is noteworthy.
Who this card is good for: College students interested in the chance to build a credit history and earn as they learn about rotating bonus categories.
Alternatives: Providing a more straightforward option for earning rewards, 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) and 8 percent back on Vivid Seats purchases if there’s an event in your future plans.
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best credit limit policy
What we love about the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: 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.
Who this card is good for: People with bad credit scores (300 to 670 FICO) who want to build their credit score with little to no distractions.
Alternatives: For people with limited credit history who want to build their score while taking advantage of a few perks, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card earns rewards on purchases and offers the opportunity to qualify for an introductory rate on balance transfers for six months (23.24 percent variable APR thereafter).
Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card: Best for credit-building with cash back
What we love about the Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card: Cardholders have the opportunity to periodically increase their cash back rates with on-time payments.
Who this card is good for: Anyone with no credit history who wants to start building credit while also earning modest rewards.
Alternatives: The Discover it® Student Cash Back card lets cardholders earn 5 percent cash back on rotating categories when activated each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, then 1 percent), in categories like Amazon.com and grocery stores. Plus, this card provides a cash back match at the end of the first year and has no annual fee or foreign transaction fee.
A credit card, usually a plastic or metal 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.
Important credit card terms
Your understanding of certain credit card terms is essential when choosing a credit card. The terms and phrases listed below should be top of mind when you begin shopping:
Interest rate: Interest is the fee a card issuer charges for extending a line of credit. Your interest rates will determine how much your card issuer charges you for carrying a credit card balance from month to month. Rates are influenced by your credit score.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): In the world of credit cards, your interest rate and your APR are interchangeable. Your credit card’s annual percentage rate is the interest you’re charged for carrying a balance on the credit card in a billing cycle.
Credit limit: This is your credit card’s spending limit and will vary based on your credit score. You’ll likely have different credit limits for different transactions. For example, your cash advance limit (if your credit card offers cash advances) will be lower than your credit limit for purchases.
Credit card balance: Your credit card’s statement balance is the amount owed at the end of a billing cycle. This amount will include all unpaid transactions made on your credit card and any unpaid fees.
Credit card issuer: Often confused with credit card networks—like Visa or Mastercard that facilitate the transactions between merchants and card issuers—credit card issuers provide credit cards directly to consumers. Cardholders can receive credit cards from financial institutions like credit unions or banks.
Why use a credit card?
You should use your credit card as a payment method whenever it makes sense. Credit cards are safer to carry than cash and offer consumers several protections against theft and fraud. Using your credit card wisely means avoiding debt, so you shouldn’t spend more on your credit card than what you can afford to pay at the end of each billing cycle. Using your credit card only for what you can afford, it’s a great way to build credit.
Avoiding fraud liability. If your debit card is used without your permission, the money is deducted from your account right away and is usually very difficult to get back—if you can get it back at all. By contrast, if your credit card is used for fraudulent activity you’re liable for no more than $50—$0 if your card was reported lost or stolen before any charges are made.
Rebuilding your credit. Using a credit card responsibly is one of the best ways to improve your credit score. On-time payments made on your account are reported to the three credit bureaus and positive credit behavior will boost your credit score over time. If you don’t have a credit profile to get a traditional credit card, secured credit cards offer a great alternative.
Resolving consumer issues. Paying with credit cards provides consumers protection when working with businesses. For example, if you hire a contractor to do renovations, but major issues in the final product arise after payment, you often have little recourse in getting refunded if you paid with a debit card or check. If you paid with a credit card, however, you can dispute the charges on your credit card and report the contractor to your issuer, which will withhold funds from the contractor.
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 use. Because of this, you should be aware of some of the benefits and drawbacks of owning a credit card.
Pros:
You can have financial flexibility. With a credit card, you don’t have to carry around cash or worry about having enough money on hand for purchases. This can help make your daily purchases more affordable and even help pay for vacations or other big expenses later on down the road.
You can earn rewards points. Some credit cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points for every dollar you spend. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, merchandise and other perks .
You can build your credit score. Credit cards help build a positive payment history that may help you get approved for other loans or lines of credit in the future.
Cons:
You could face paying high interest rates. Credit card interest rates are higher than other types of loans or credit accounts (such as mortgages). This means your payments will be higher if you don’t pay off your balance each month.
You could easily get into debt. If you don’t pay off your balance, then this will affect your credit score and may make it harder for you to get loans in the future (although this depends on whether your card provider reports your payment history to credit reference agencies).
Different types of credit cards
Credit card issuers offer different types of credit cards to meet a variety of consumer needs. Some cardholders tend to carry a balance from month to month, while others typically pay their card balances in full. The former type of cardholder would likely benefit from a card with a low ongoing APR, while the latter would do well with a card that earned rewards. The best credit card for you is going to vary depending on your unique needs. Here are the major types of credit cards:
Rewards credit cards. Rewards credit cards typically fall into three categories: travel rewards cards, cash back cards and general rewards cards. When you use a rewards card to make purchases, you’ll accumulate points or miles redeemable for travel purchases, merchandise or statement credits.
Balance transfer and zero-interest credit cards. Balance transfers move existing credit card balances to a different card (card issuers will typically charge a balance transfer fee) with a 0 percent APR period to help you save money on interest. Zero-interest cards usually have promotional 0 percent APR periods and are good for making large purchases to pay off over time.
Credit cards for repairing or establishing credit. Some cards are designed specifically for people just starting out on their credit-building journeys. A college student with limited income and limited credit history could be best served by a student card. A secured credit card requires a security deposit to open an account and will give people with poor credit access to the credit-building benefits of a traditional credit card.
What’s the best credit card for you?
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. When looking for a starting point in finding a card that could work best for you, it’s good to consider a card that matches your spending habits. Today’s credit cards cover a lot of territory for different types of consumers with different financial goals, including:
You can earn cash back on everyday purchases, and more, with a cash back credit card. While some cards earn a fixed percentage on every eligible purchase, others offer tiered categories with higher rates tailored to specialty areas such as:
Seasonal shoppers whose spending habits change with the calendar might benefit from a rotating category card. This type of card earns bonus cash back rates on certain types of purchases at three-month intervals throughout the year.
If you want to earn miles and points to help offset the cost of travel, a travel rewards card should probably be at the top of your list.
Travel credit cards feature perks and benefits specifically designed to make the journey easier and more affordable, including:
Access to private airport lounges
Free hotel upgrades, when available
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credits
Trip cancellation insurance
Many travel cards earn rewards on airfare, hotels and other expenses, no matter how you fly or where you stay. However, your options also include co-branded cards geared toward travelers loyal to particular airlines or hotel chains.
Business credit cards can benefit people who own or operate small businesses in a number of ways.
With a cash back card for business, you can earn a flat percentage on general purchases or a higher rate on specialty categories such as office supplies. A business travel card that earns miles or points can help you reduce your costs for airfare, hotel stays and transit.
Like travel cards, many business rewards cards also offer specialized features and benefits such as:
Higher credit limits than consumer cards
Tools to help you manage expenses
Free additional cards for employees
Two types of credit card features specifically address debt and interest: balance transfers and introductory zero-interest offers on purchases.
You can use a balance transfer credit card to move debt from an existing credit account to the new card and, ideally, pay off the transferred debt at a lower interest rate. The best credit cards for balance transfers offer an introductory period of 0 percent APR that lets you temporarily avoid paying any interest.
Cards with zero-interest introductory periods on purchases also provide a temporary window of 0 percent APR, making them useful for large purchases that would be difficult to pay off in a single billing cycle. Once the intro period ends, however, the APR will change to the card’s regular variable range.
Another possible option is a low-interest credit card that has a regular APR range a few points below average.
Used responsibly, the right cards can help you establish a credit history and improve your credit score—all while providing a convenient and secure method of payment for all kinds of expenses. Many issuers offer credit cards for people who have less than perfect credit scores or no credit history at all. Categories for credit-builders include:
You’ll find some overlap between the no-credit-history category and the student category, since many students lack a true credit history before getting their first card. A number of student cards don’t require a credit history or a good credit score to apply.
A young adult can get a head-start on life’s financial journey with a student credit card. The best credit cards for students have features tailored to this specific type of consumer, including:
Relaxed credit requirements. You might not need a good or excellent credit score (or even a credit history at all) to qualify.
Features designed for you. To cite just one example, how about an annual statement credit that rewards you for maintaining a high GPA?
Less emphasis on annual fees. For someone who doesn’t yet have a career or annual income, a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee makes a lot of sense.
Bankrate Insights
The impact of the Federal Reserve’s action to hike rates is likely to filter down to credit card holders, and you should be prepared to see your variable card rates start going up. As any increase can be unwelcome for borrowers with revolving debt, it’s important to look for opportunities to get out of the cycle, like finding a zero-interest balance transfer credit card.
Still unsure which credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.
How to make the most of your credit card
Your credit card can be a major help or a hindrance to your financial health, depending on how you use it. Getting the most out of your card will require a bit of strategy and planning. To make the most of your credit card, follow a few guidelines:
Pay your bills on time: Generally speaking, the credit card payments you make are reported to the three credit bureaus. While late payments negatively impact your credit score, consistent on-time payments improve it. Making your credit card payments on time each month is one way to ensure you’re improving your credit score over time.
Pay your balance in full: Avoid charging more on your credit card than you can pay back at the end of your billing cycle. This will help you avoid interest charges. Paying your balance in full also helps keep your credit utilization ratio low, which is another credit score booster. If you’ve planned on using a credit card to make a large purchase and carry a balance over time, it’s best to do so on a 0 percent intro APR card.
Use your card’s perks: Do you know all the perks and benefits available to you through your credit card? Sign-up bonuses, cash back rewards, and airline miles are just a few of the perks that come with certain cards. It’s important to be well-versed in the specific benefits of your credit card, so you’re able to take advantage of them.
Know your credit card’s drawbacks: Understanding your credit card’s potential drawbacks can go a long way toward helping you avoid them. Be sure you’re aware of things like your card’s interest rates and fees upfront so you can plan on how you’ll deal with them if you need to.
Factors to consider before applying for a credit card
Choosing the best credit card all comes down to which card is going to provide you with the most value. That answer will change based on your financial situation, spending habits and more. Think about these questions when a credit card offer catches your eye:
The better your credit score, the more likely you’ll qualify for a credit card with excellent perks and terms. You can review your credit report by requesting a free copy from AnnualCreditReport.com and there are a variety of ways to check your credit scores for free. If your credit score isn’t where you’d like it to be, work on improving your credit.
If you’re in the habit of paying your balances in full, you’re positioned to take advantage of a rewards credit card. These cards tend to carry higher APRs but generally offer a return on spending, plus certain ancillary benefits and protections.
It’s best practice to pay your balance in full each month so you avoid paying interest. However, if you do expect to carry purchases from time to time, you’ll likely want to opt for a low interest credit card. Low interest credit cards tout APRs that are lower than the current industry average. As of April 27, 2022, Bankrate estimates the average credit card interest rate at 16.40 percent variable.
If so, you’ll probably want to consider a 0 percent introductory APR credit card, which lets you avoid interest on purchases or balance transfers (or both) for a certain period of time (usually 12 to 21 months). Bonus: Some of these cards do tout rewards and hold long-term value.
If your spending is concentrated in a certain area, look for a card that offers solid rewards in that category. For instance, if you spend a lot on groceries, look for a credit card that offers bonus points or cash back at grocery stores. Alternatively, if you travel frequently, consider a card that offers miles. If you don’t spend a lot in one particular category, consider a flat-rate cash back credit card.
Many credit card offers involve a sign-up bonus for new cardholders, sometimes called a welcome offer. The typical sign-up bonus is an offer of cash back, rewards points or travel miles that you earn by spending a certain amount of money within the specified timeframe after opening the account, usually three months. If you can hit a card’s required spend without taking on debt, you should consider a card with a welcome offer. See the best credit card sign-up bonuses currently on the market.
Avoiding credit card pitfalls
There are plenty of advantages to using a credit card. You can improve your credit score with proper use over time, earn lucrative rewards and protect yourself from fraud. There are also important drawbacks to be aware of when obtaining a credit card. Some potential pitfalls to avoid include:
Damaging your credit: Your credit card issuer reports your payments activity and credit card balances to the three credit bureaus each month. While keeping your credit utilization low and making on-time payments consistently can help improve your credit score over time, doing the opposite will certainly harm your credit score.
Incurring debt: If you spend more on your credit card than you can afford to pay before the end of each billing cycle, you will incur debt. Interest rates on credit cards can be expensive, and if you consistently carry large balances on your credit card interest payments can pile on fast. If you do happen to accrue credit card debt there are strategies you can use to get your debt under control.
Introductory bonuses: Some credit cards offer lucrative sign-up bonuses to new cardmembers in the form of points, miles or cash back when the new member meets a certain spending requirement in a specific period. While designed to encourage spending, it’s important to be wary that it may not be as valuable and could leave you with more debt.
Fees: Even the best credit cards often come with a variety of fees. Balance transfer fees, annual fees, late fees and more. You can avoid many of these fees with responsible and strategic credit card use. For example there are many cards that allow cardholders to skip annual fees.
How to apply for a credit card and get approved
Know your score. Before you start filling out applications, or even shopping around, you should find out your current credit score. Knowing your credit score will give you a better idea of:
The cards you’re most likely to qualify for. On Bankrate.com, each card offered by our partners has a Recommended Credit Score that you can use as a guideline.
The APR you might be offered. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to get a lower APR. You can check your credit score through any of the major credit bureaus, the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) or possibly through your bank. Based on the FICO scoring model a good-to-excellent credit score will fall in the range of 670 to 850. If you find that your credit score isn’t where you’d like it to be, you can increase your credit score to improve your chances for qualification.
Look for personalized or prequalified offers. With a prequalified credit card offer, you can get an idea of your chances for approval without submitting an application that will trigger a hard credit inquiry. Hard credit inquiries temporarily decrease your credit score and stay on your report for two years. Prequalification processes usually involve a soft credit check, so they could help you avoid minor, short-term dings to your credit score as you shop for the right card. One way to find and compare offers is by using tools like CardMatch™. The CardMatch feature is designed to show you personalized offers from our partners that match up with your credit profile. Based on your information, you may receive special offers and prequalified matches. Be aware that a prequalified match is still not a guarantee of approval.
What to do if your application is denied
There are a variety of reasons an issuer may choose to reject an application, such as low credit score or high debt-to-income ratio. Plus, a rejection is possible if you’ve applied for multiple cards in a short period—it’s likely interpreted as credit-risky behavior.
Once you’ve received a denial explanation from the issuer, there are a few steps you can take to remedy the situation.
You can address any concerns on your credit report by contacting the issuer’s reconsideration line and pleading your case. While there’s no guarantee it will work, it’s worth a shot if you believe you’re a desirable applicant.
If you’ve been denied before, consider improving your score before applying again.
How we choose Bankrate's best credit cards
Bankrate currently has expert reviews for more than 200 credit cards, which are rated using a 5-star scoring system. The most important factors we use to determine which cards appear on this page include:
APRs
Affordable interest rates are essential to great credit card offers. If you ever need to carry over part of your balance from one month to another, which we advise against if at all possible, a lower APR should reduce the amount of interest you're charged.
Rewards programs
Top programs for earning cash back, points or miles offer generous rewards rates and flexible redemption options. Some reward programs also include discounts and online shopping portals.
Introductory 0% APR offers
A zero-percent APR offer—essentially a temporary reprieve from interest—could make it much less expensive to pay off a big purchase or a balance transfer. The best offers last anywhere from 12 months to 20 months before the regular APR applies.
Fees
A low cost of ownership is another key element of the best credit cards. The total burden of fees should be low. If a card does charge an annual fee, it should also offer rewards and benefits that can help offset that cost.
User-focused value
Auto-pay options, credit-building tools, fraud protection, insurance … these and other benefits help make a credit card useful, valuable and worth having.
More information on credit cards
If you’re looking for more information on how credit cards can help you reach your financial goals, check out some of our top resource articles:
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
Although no single card is best for everyone, there's a strong case to be made for the Chase Sapphire Reserve. An exceptional rewards program, generous perks and overall value helped this card earn a 4.4/5 rating from Bankrate's scoring system, even with a $550 annual fee.
In addition to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, other highly rated cards include:
Cash back: Discover it Cash Back (4.0/5) and Chase Freedom Unlimited (4.6/5)
Travel: The Platinum Card from American Express (4.4/5) and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (4.1/5)
Business: American Express Business Gold Card (3.9/5)
Student/No credit history: Discover it Student Cash Back (4.1/5) and Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit Card (4.0/5)
Bad credit: Discover it Secured Credit Card (4.0/5)
Quality credit cards aren't exclusive to people with excellent credit scores. Many credit cards for good credit are realistically within reach for someone with a 670 FICO Score, and the field isn't limited to no-frills cards. Depending on your credit score, annual income and other factors, you could qualify for a cash back, travel or rewards credit card that offers solid value and benefits, plus the opportunity to build your credit and graduate to a higher-tier card.
Although Experian estimates that the average American has four cards, the number of credit cards you should have depends entirely on your unique situation.
Having multiple cards is fine as long as it conclusively delivers benefits that you can use (miles, cash back, perks and so on). Just beware of burdening yourself with annual fees and hurting your credit score with excessive applications.
A credit card application could have a negative (but temporary and relatively small) effect on your credit score. Getting approved for a credit card or other type of credit account requires some scrutiny of your track record as a borrower. The process can involve two types of credit checks:
A “hard” inquiry, when the lender pulls your credit report to make a decision about whether to lend to you.
A “soft” inquiry, when the lender checks your credit as part of a preliminary screening. Pre-qualified credit card offers involve soft credit inquiries, so keep an eye out for cards that offer pre-qualification.
A hard inquiry can subtract a few points from your credit score temporarily, while a soft inquiry usually has no effect. You’ll want to limit the number of hard inquiries on your credit report, so be as selective as possible about which credit cards you apply for.
Generally, you must be at least 18 years old to be the primary cardholder of a credit card. However, there are considerably more strict requirements to hold a credit card at 18. You must be able to prove that you can independently pay your credit card bill or you can elect to have a cosigner, who is financially responsible for your bills if you cannot pay. There is also the option to become an authorized user on a parent or guardian’s credit card. With this option, you can have access to a credit line before the age of 18, though age restrictions will depend on the issuer.
To close your credit card account you’ll need to reach out to your credit card issuer. You can usually close your account with a quick phone call, but it doesn’t hurt to follow up with your credit card issuer in writing to be sure your account was closed.
Keep in mind that closing or canceling a credit card typically impacts your credit utilization ratio and therefore, affects your credit score.
Your potential credit card issuer will let you know what information they’ll require for your credit card application. A few things you definitely need to include are listed below:
Name
Date of birth
Address
Social Security number
You should also be ready to provide additional information such as:
Former Senior Editor Barry Bridges has been writing about credit cards, personal loans, mortgages and other personal finance products since 2017. Before joining Bankrate, he was an award-winning newspaper journalist in his native North Carolina.
Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance.
* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
