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Millions of people worldwide own credit cards that use Visa's state-of-the-art electronic payment network. While it doesn’t directly issue its own cards, Visa partners with other credit card issuers like Chase and Bank of America to offer the best Visa credit cards throughout the world. Whether you’re looking for a cash back card for everyday spending or a travel rewards card to use on your next vacation, you've got plenty of options with Visa. Check out Bankrate's picks for the best Visa cards of 2022 from our credit card partners.
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
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
3x
3x on dining.
2x
2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Intro offer
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
16.74% - 23.74% 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.
This card is ideal if you’re looking for an everyday, low-fee travel card with great perks. It’s especially useful if you’re comfortable using Chase Ultimate Rewards® — when redeemed for travel through the program, points are worth 25% more.
There are many reward redemption options, including travel, cash back, statement credits, gift cards and merchandise.
Earn 60,000 bonus points, a $750 value towards Chase Ultimate Rewards travel, when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Cons
There are no intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.
This card charges a $95 annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
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 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
5x
Earn 5x total points on air travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3x
Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
1x
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Intro offer
60,000 points
New Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Annual fee
$550
Regular APR
17.74% - 24.74% 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 eager to dive into the world of luxury travel in 2021 and beyond, the Sapphire Reserve is a great choice. You’ll enjoy top-of-the-line perks like a Priority Pass Select membership, credits for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, and some of the best travel protections on the market.
Your points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
You’re eligible for up to $300 in statement credits each account anniversary on qualifying travel purchases.
Cons
There is no intro APR offer on purchases or balance transfers.
The $550 annual fee can prove fairly steep for some.
New Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
With Pay Yourself Back(SM), your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority PassTM Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
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%
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more;
3%
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
1.5%
1.5% on all other purchases
Intro offer
Earn an Additional 1.5% Cash Back
Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.74% - 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.
For everyday spending, the straightforward cash back you'll earn with the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is very appealing. With an uncomplicated rewards structure and no rotating bonus categories to keep track of, this is a simple card that gives you peace of mind knowing that you're getting rewarded for all your purchases.
There is a 15-month 0 percent intro APR offer on purchases (then 15.74 to 24.49 percent variable APR).
Cons
The card comes with foreign transaction fees.
You must book through the Ultimate Rewards portal to earn 5 percent back on travel.
Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 15.74% - 24.49%.
No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
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%
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
8.99% - 29.99% APR
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.
If you find reassurance in affordability and stability, the Upgrade Visa® Card with Cash Rewards could be right in your comfort zone. The card doesn’t charge any kind of fee, and the low end of its regular APR falls well below the typical rate.
What we love about the Chase Sapphire Preferred: There are major rewards to be had with the Sapphire Preferred for travelers and foodies alike. Those rewards are boosted even further in value when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal.
Who is this card good for: People new to the world of travel credit cards. Cardholders will earn flexible travel points that are easy to earn if you dine out and travel and are simple to redeem.
Alternatives: If you’re a traveler looking to earn rewards in more categories, the Citi Premier® Card is another mid-level travel card that is a decent choice for travelers. The Sapphire Preferred has a slightly lower APR and earns rewards at a higher rate than the Citi Premier. Still, Citi Premier cardholders will earn 3X points at gas stations and restaurants, as well as air travel purchases.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for luxury travel perks
What we love about the Chase Sapphire Reserve: This card definitely earns its annual fee with luxury perks and rewards. The complimentary lounge membership, annual travel credit, and valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points can’t be beaten for luxury travelers.
Who is this card good for: Travelers who want best-in-class luxury travel perks. Traveling can be a much more pleasurable experience with this card. With statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry applications and access to luxury lounges all over the world
Alternatives: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a good alternative if the Sapphire Reserve’s annual fee gives you pause. The Capital One Venture X Rewards card has an annual fee of just $395, whereas the Sapphire Reserve’s annual fee sits at $550. The cards carry many of the same luxury perks, but earning rewards with the Venture X Rewards card is a bit more difficult.
Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best for everyday spending
What we love about the Chase Freedom Unlimited: If you concentrate your spending in common categories—like drug stores and restaurants—you can put money back into your pockets with 3 percent cash back.
Who this card is good for: Everyday shoppers who want to earn rewards. Your everyday spending can get you elevated rewards with this card.
Alternatives: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a great second choice if you want to earn rewards for your grocery shopping at a slightly higher rate. Blue Cash Preferred cardholders will earn 6 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1 percent after that).
Upgrade Visa Card with Cash Rewards: Best for low-cost and low-interest spending
What we love about the Upgrade Visa Card with Cash Rewards: This card is a helpful tool for people still learning to manage their credit effectively. Cardholders have a good chance at a lower APR, which makes carrying a balance less expensive.
This card is good for: Credit builders. People with average credit who want to build it up will find the Upgrade Visa’s blend of credit card and personal loan useful. Your balance becomes an installment plan with fixed, monthly payments at the end of each billing cycle. With its potentially low minimum variable APR (8.99 percent to 29.99 percent), there’s a chance you’ll pay very minimal interest on your balance.
Alternatives: If you’re looking for a card with a potentially lower APR, consider the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa®. The lower end of the Petal 2’s APR (13.74 percent to 27.74 percent variable) is slightly higher than the Upgrade Visa’s (8.99 percent to 29.99 percent regular). However, you’re more likely to secure a lower APR with the Petal 2 because of its more lenient credit score requirements.
Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa: Best for high rewards in select categories
What we love about the Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa: This is one of the few cards for people with average credit that earns rewards at such a high rate.
This card is good for: People who use their card for everyday purchases. Cardholders will get 5 percent cash back on everyday purchases like gas, groceries and cable on up to $5,000 in purchases each year (then 1 percent thereafter).
Alternatives: If you want to earn rewards, but are hesitant to shell out $95 for an annual fee, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid alternative. The rewards aren’t quite as lucrative, but cardholders will still earn a respectable 1.5 percent cash back on all their purchases.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate travel rewards
What we love about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: It earns a flat-rate, unlimited 2X miles on everyday purchases in addition to its 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through the issuer’s travel portal.
This card is good for: Mid-level travelers who want higher rewards rates than basic travel cards but don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars for an annual fee.
Alternatives: If you want to stick with a Capital One card and earn similarly lucrative rewards—without shelling out the $95 annual fee—consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: Best for sign-up bonus
What we love about the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card: The customizable rewards structure gives cardholders the opportunity to maximize their cash back earnings. Cardholders can earn 5 percent cash back in two categories of their choice every quarter (on up to $2,000 combined per quarter, then 1 percent) and 2 percent cash back in the third everyday category of their choosing.
Who is this card good for: Serious budgeters who want to earn the maximum rewards for their spending. If you have the time to track your spending diligently, this card can be lucrative.
Alternatives: The Citi® Double Cash Card provides a solid alternative if you prefer to earn rewards the simple way. Citi Double Cash cardholders get 2 percent cash back on every purchase (1 percent when you buy and 1 percent when you pay). While the rewards structure is more straightforward, the Double Cash lacks a welcome bonus. That said, you’ll get a longer intro APR period on balance transfers with the Double Cash (get 0 percent interest APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, APR will be 15.49 percent to 25.49 percent variable) .
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card: Best for diverse travel reward categories
What we love about the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card: The broad definition of travel purchases means that cardholders can earn travel rewards at amusement parks, zoos and campgrounds—among other places.
This card is best for: Travelers who want to earn rewards for their adventures closer to home. This card is great for Bank of America customers who want to earn travel rewards with road trips and attractions, not just getaway trips overseas.
Alternatives: The Discover it® Miles card is a solid alternative to the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card. Especially for travelers who may carry a balance month to month as the APR is slightly lower (13.49 percent to 24.49 percent variable) than the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card’s APR (See Terms variable APR)
U.S Costco warehouse locations and U.S Costco gas stations exclusively accept Visa cards.
What is Visa?
Visa is a payment network utilized by many credit card issuers and banks. Payment networks are needed to facilitate an electronic transaction of funds between buyers and sellers, and they generally charge a small fee for each transaction.
While Visa technically acts as the facilitator for all payments made with a Visa credit card, it is not a credit card issuer or bank. It simply provides the payment network technology that credit card issuers and banks use for all cards.
Visa is at the top of the payment processing industry as the largest of the four major U.S. credit card networks. If you have a debit, credit, or prepaid card in your wallet, there’s a good chance that the card is partnered with Visa.
With over 1 billion credit cards in circulation worldwide (an estimated 798 million outside the U.S.), Visa’s international presence is undeniable. Their cards are accepted in over 200 countries and can be used with over 10 million merchants in the United States. In 2020, Visa’s worldwide credit payments totaled nearly $2 trillion, according to Creditcards.com Market Share Statistics.
Pros and cons of Visa credit cards
Pros
Worldwide acceptance. Visa cards are accepted in over 200 countries and territories, making it one of the most widely accepted payment networks in the world.
Travel benefits. The Visa benefit tiers feature an array of travel-related perks ranging from roadside dispatch at the lowest tier to lost luggage reimbursement at the highest tier.
Straightforward benefit tiers. There are three Visa benefit tiers: Traditional, Signature, and Infinite. Having only three tiers can make understanding benefits a bit easier, though it’s always best practice to carefully review the benefits of any card you have.
Cons
High annual fees on certain cards. A lot of Visa cards come with an annual fee ranging from $35 to over $500. There are also plenty of Visa cards that do not charge an annual fee, though the reward offers on these cards may not be as luxurious.
More focus on travel protection, less on discounts/experience. Competitors like Mastercard feature travel experience benefits like airport concierge service, a feature that isn’t offered at Visa Signature or Infinite tiers.
Bankrate insight
Visa is the largest of the four major U.S. credit card networks, processing 206 billion payments and transactions within the last year.
Why choose a Visa card?
Visa is one of the most widely accepted payment networks in the world. If you have a Visa credit card in your wallet, you can rest easy knowing that your card should be accepted by retailers all over the globe. Other payment networks can operate a bit differently. For example, Discover and American Express both process transactions and issue their own cards.
Mastercard is Visa’s major competitor. In fact, Visa and Mastercard dominate the payment processing industry in the U.S. According to the Nilson Report, both companies have had continued high-volume success, with Visa accounting for $1.94 trillion in credit card purchases in 2020 and Mastercard reaching $837 billion.
Still unsure if a Visa 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 choose the best Visa credit card for you
Choosing a Visa credit card is the same as choosing the best card for you from any credit card network. You should find the one that suits your overall financial situation best. Visa has partnered with several issuers to offer a vast selection of credit cards, so you’re sure to find one that meets your needs no matter what your spending habits are.
Consider what you want to accomplish with your card before choosing a Visa card. For example, If you need a card for your business purchases, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card has a solid welcome bonus ($750 cash back if you spend $7,500 within the first three months of account opening) and rewards everyday spending (1.5 percent cash back on all purchases). If you’re new to credit card rewards and are simply looking to earn on everyday spending, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is a good choice. Freedom Unlimited cardholders will earn 5 percent cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, 3 percent cash back on drugstore purchases and at restaurants and 1.5 cash back on all other purchases.
Overall choosing the best Visa credit card means deciding what you want from a card choosing from any number of cards that will more than likely fit what you need.
What are Visa’s benefit tiers?
All Visa cards fall under one of three benefit tiers: Traditional, Signature or Infinite. Each card tier differs in the level of protections and benefits offered. The exact benefits that come with your card will be determined by your card issuer.
Visa Traditional
Visa Traditional is the base level benefits tier. If you look down at your Visa card and it simply says Visa then you likely have Visa Traditional benefits. Cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited card fall under Visa Traditional. Visa Traditional covers:
Emergency card replacement
Emergency cash dispersal
Lost or stolen card reporting
Zero liability protection
Auto rental collision damage waiver
Roadside dispatch
Visa Signature
Visa Signature is the mid-level benefit tier. It includes cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and offers fewer benefits than the Visa Infinite tier, but more than the Traditional tier. Visa Signature includes everything covered in Traditional plus:
Warranty Manager Service
Year-end budget summary
Travel and emergency assistance services
Visa Infinite
Visa Infinite cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, provide cardholders with the highest level of protections and perks. Visa Infinite covers everything covered by Visa Signature plus:
Trip cancellation coverage
Return Protection
Travel emergency and accident coverage
Lost luggage reimbursement
It’s worth checking the terms and conditions of your Visa card to see what you’re covered for.
Visa vs. Mastercard: what’s the difference?
Visa and Mastercard are two of the four major credit card processing transaction networks. Unlike the other two processing networks, Discover and American Express, Visa and Mastercard don’t issue credit cards. Instead they both partner with financial institutions like banks that do issue credit cards and debit cards.
However, there aren’t many overt differences between Visa and Mastercard. Most differences between a Visa credit card and a Mastercard credit card will be as a result of which card issuer the card comes from.
In the news: Visa rolls out a hike in merchant fees
According to a report released by the Wallstreet Journal , Visa plans to increase its merchant fees. The fee increase—initially set to take place in 2020 but stalled by the pandemic—comes soon after the Federal Reserve’s recent rate hike. The increases are expected to impact most online and in-person purchases made with Visa cards. The most significant increases will be seen in purchases made with premium travel cards and at grocery stores.
These fee hikes are technically directed at merchants—and they will likely push back on the fees. The Merchant Payment Coalition is currently lobbying Congress to put a stop to the fee increase. If merchants don’t see a reduction in fees, consumers are likely to see more surcharging while they shop.
How we chose our top-rated Visa cards
Bankrate's personal finance experts have evaluated the top Visa credit cards according to our 5-star rating system. The list of criteria for rating credit cards includes:
Rewards
Whether the card offers cash back, travel points/miles or multi-purpose rewards for eligible purchases and the potential returns based on rewards rate (1 percent cash back per $1 spent, 1 mile per $1 spent, and so on).
Perks and benefits
Whether the card offers extras such as retail discounts, extended warranties on purchases, travel insurance and financial management tools.
Annual fee
Whether the card charges an annual fee and if so, how much the card's overall value and benefits might offset the fee.
Introductory offers
Whether the card has a sign-up bonus, welcome offer or similar sign-up incentive and how much it adds to the card's overall value.
Variable APR
How the card's annual percentage rate (APR) compares with current averages as an indicator of cost and value.
Foreign transaction fee
Whether the card charges a foreign transaction fee for international purchases and how the fee affects the card's overall value.
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
Visa is a transaction processing network, and does not directly issue credit cards. While some processing transaction networks, like Discover and American Express, do offer their own credit cards, Visa works with card issuers to offer them to consumers.
The best Visa credit card will vary based on your credit card needs and things like your credit score, the rewards program and more. Luckily there are a wide variety of Visa credit cards, there’s almost certainly a Visa card for you out there.
To apply for a Visa credit card go directly to the credit card issuer. You can do this online or through tools like Bankrate’s CardMatch™ tool.
Joey Robinson is a credit cards contributor for Bankrate and upon graduating with a Bachelor’s degree concentrated in Finance, Joey worked at “Big Four” (Ernst and Young) accounting firm before exploring the world of credit cards. Over the past two years, he’s shared his expertise and has brought understanding to complex topics as a writer and editor...
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.
* 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.
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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.