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Best credit cards of January 2026
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- • Rewards credit cards
- • Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI)
- • Rewards credit cards
- • Travel credit cards
- • Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI)
- • Rewards credit cards
- • Travel credit cards
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- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best standalone rewards card
- Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Best for balance transfers
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best cash back card for food
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for affordable travel perks
- American Express® Gold Card: Best travel card for food
- Prime Visa: Best for Amazon Prime members
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best luxury card for travel rewards
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best travel card for rewards value
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best rewards card for groceries
- U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card: Best for U.S. Bank loyalists
- Citi Double Cash® Card: Best flat-rate cash back card
- American Express Platinum Card®: Best luxury card for travel perks
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for fair credit
- Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best low-cost secured card
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Earn $300 cash back
Best standalone rewards card
on Chase's secure site
See Rates & FeesIntro offer
Earn $300 cash back
Rewards rate
1.5% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.49% - 27.99% Variable
Why you'll like this: Few cards offer a flat rewards rate this high in addition to bonus rewards in popular categories like dining and travel.
Reward Details
- 5%Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 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% cash back on all other purchases.
What you should know
Alternative: The Citi Double Cash® Card could rake in more rewards if you don’t eat out often and your spending habits are spread out over many categories.
- Its standout perks (including above-average stellar travel insurance) and solid intro APR offers give this card great all-around value in addition to its ongoing rewards.
- The additional, unlimited bonus categories could easily make it a more lucrative standalone card than a flat-rate 2 percent card, depending on your spending habits.
- A few other cards offer a higher flat cash back rate (2 percent or more back on all purchases), so they could prove more valuable if you don’t spend much on travel or dining.
- The rideshare and delivery service partner perks certainly tack on extra value, but they only last for a limited time.
Card Details
Limited Time Offer: Earn a $300 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% 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 18.49% - 27.99%.
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, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC
Best for balance transfers
on Wells Fargo's secure site
See Rates & FeesPurchase intro APR
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases
Regular APR
17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR
Intro offer
N/A
Rewards rate
N/A
Why you'll like this: It offers a long APR period on both new purchases and qualifying balance transfers, along with a below-average ongoing interest rate.
What you should know
Alternative: The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers a 0 percent APR period of the same length on balance transfers. Its no-interest period on purchases is significantly shorter — but if your goal is to focus on paying off debt, that might not be a factor.
- The intro APR applies to both balance transfers and new purchases, which is uncommon.
- The card offers up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft (after a $25 deductible) if you use it to pay your monthly cell phone bill.
- It charges a 3 percent foreign transaction fee, so it’s not the best card to take with you when traveling abroad.
- If you have a large enough balance to need the card’s intro APR length to pay it off, the 5 percent balance transfer fee will probably be a significant cost ($5 minimum).
Card Details
Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Best cash back card for food
on Capital One's secure site
See Rates & FeesIntro offer
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus
Rewards rate
1% - 8%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: It’s one of the only cards to earn excellent, unlimited rewards rates at both grocery stores and restaurants.
Reward Details
- 8%Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 5%Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 3%Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
- 1%Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
What you should know
Alternative: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® also offers a solid cash back rate on dining, plus a flat 1.5 percent cash back on general spending, which could be more appealing than the Savor card’s bonus categories.
- It offers some of the best spending category coverage and unlimited rewards potential available on one card, which becomes especially valuable if paired with a Capital One travel card.
- The intro APR and reward bonus offers provide solid introductory value for a card in its class.
- This card is missing a handful of rewards categories that may make rival cards more rewarding based on your budget, including gas, general travel and transit.
- The grocery store category might not be as lucrative for some spenders since it doesn’t include wholesale clubs and superstores, such as Walmart, Target and Costco.
Card Details
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
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 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Top rated mobile app
Best for affordable travel perks
on Capital One's secure site
See Rates & FeesIntro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Rewards rate
2 Miles - 10 Miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: It offers mostly valuable, practical perks like annual travel credits and airport lounge access, making it a better deal than many other luxury cards.
Reward Details
- 10 Miles10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5 Miles5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 2 Miles2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
What you should know
Alternative: If you don’t consistently spend at least $400 on eligible travel purchases each year and aren’t concerned with premium perks, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card may be a more cost-effective option for straightforward travel savings.
- It carries several practical, high-value perks like airport lounge access, annual travel credits and bonus miles without an exorbitant annual fee.
- You can redeem miles for travel-related purchases on your statement from the past 90 days, which can make the rewards more flexible than several other issuers’.
- Capital One doesn’t have as many U.S.-based travel partners as other issuers have.
- Unlike competing cards’ general travel categories, you must book through Capital One Travel to earn rewards in key travel categories.
Card Details
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 a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip 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 and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
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
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Apply with confidence
By applying, you can see if you're approved before impacting your credit
Best travel card for food
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Rewards rate
1X - 4X
Annual fee
$325
APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Why you'll like this: Its dining perks and top-tier rewards rate at both supermarkets and restaurants make it a uniquely valuable travel card for foodies.
Reward Details
- 4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- 4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- 3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- 2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- 1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
What you should know
Alternative: If you're wary of the Amex Gold’s high annual fee, the Citi Strata Premier® Card could be a much more affordable travel card with food-focused reward categories. It doesn’t offer dining credits, but its wider range of travel and everyday categories could be even more lucrative for some spenders — especially if you sometimes redeem for cash back.
- It has perhaps the highest year-round value (a mix of high rewards rates and perks) on dining and U.S. supermarket purchases.
- It comes with a slew of valuable dining perks that make the card easily worth it for traveling foodies and home chefs.
- You need to use transfer partners to get the most value out of its points since redeeming for anything other than airfare can net less than 1 cent per point in redemption value.
- It’s missing many of the premium travel perks you'll find on competing cards, such as credits for expedited security screening services.
Card Details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Best for Amazon Prime members
on Amazon's secure site
See Rates & FeesIntro offer
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card
Rewards rate
1% - 10%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.74% - 27.49% Variable
Why you'll like this: As a Prime member, you’ll earn great cash back rates on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases.
Reward Details
- 10%Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
- 5%Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- 2%Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- 1%Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
What you should know
Alternatives: Consider the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card’s online shopping category if you regularly browse on sites other than Amazon.com.
- It has plenty of bonus categories that cover many everyday expenses.
- This card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and earns rewards on Chase Travel purchases, making it a good cash back travel card.
- You need to maintain an eligible Prime membership to get the best cash back rates with this card.
- If you don’t shop at Whole Foods often, this is not a great card for earning cash back on groceries.
Card Details
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
No annual credit card fee
No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
Member FDIC
Best luxury card for travel rewards
on Chase's secure site
See Rates & FeesIntro offer
125,000 bonus points
Rewards Rate
1x - 8x
Annual fee
$795
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Why you'll like this: Jetsetters can rack up some of the most valuable rewards on the market with top-shelf travel rewards rates and perks.
Reward Details
- 8xEarn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠.
- 4xEarn 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct.
- 3xEarn 3x points on dining worldwide.
- 1xEarn 1x points on all other purchases.
What you should know
Alternative: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card scales back the niche perks and whopping price tag for just the greatest travel perk hits and remarkable rewards potential.
- Packs some of the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks on the market for travel and dining.
- The welcome offer is perhaps the most valuable preset bonus currently available — especially if you’d also like the option to redeem for cash back.
- The annual fee is now the highest on a major personal card, and could easily be a money pit if you don’t take advantage of most benefits.
- Several credits may be hard to use since they’re chained to specific products, and the most valuable travel benefits are locked behind an enormous spending requirement.
Card Details
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
$300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
Member FDIC
Best travel card for rewards value
on Chase's secure site
See Rates & FeesIntro offer
75,000 bonus points
Rewards rate
1x - 5x
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.24% - 27.49% Variable
Why you'll like this: It boasts terrific rewards value with its annual bonus points, practical bonus categories, high-value points and redemption flexibility.
Reward Details
- 5xEarn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
- 3xEarn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
- 2xEarn 2x on all other travel purchases.
- 1xEarn 1x on all other purchases.
What you should know
Alternative: The Citi Strata Premier® Card could be more rewarding if you’d benefit from a larger pool of everyday reward categories and stronger benefits and rewards rates for hotel stays.
- Valuable perks like annual hotel statement credits and anniversary points bonus can carry enough value to easily justify the annual fee.
- High-value transfer partners make this card one of the best options for occasional travelers who want to earn rewards on everyday spending.
- Although Points Boost redemptions could be valuable, there’s no guarantee that your travel plans will be eligible.
- The card's grocery rewards rate only applies to eligible online grocery purchases, which could limit its appeal as a standalone option for everyday rewards.
Card Details
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
Member FDIC
Apply with confidence
By applying, you can see if you're approved before impacting your credit
Best rewards card for groceries
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
Earn $250
Rewards Rate
1% - 6%
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
APR
19.49%-28.49% Variable
Why you'll like this: This card’s chart-topping U.S. supermarket cash back rate (and rates in other key categories) can make it a de facto choice for big grocery spenders.
Reward Details
- 6%Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%).
- 6%Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3%Earn 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases.
- 1%Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.
What you should know
Alternative: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is an excellent no-annual-fee counterpart to the Blue Cash Preferred. In fact, it could even outperform the premium version for some spenders thanks to its U.S. online retailer rewards category.
- Qualifying Disney Bundle streaming subscribers could almost make up for the annual fee with credits alone.
- It’s one of the only premium rewards cards to provide intro APR offers, let alone on both purchases and balance transfers.
- Although the annual fee is $0 for the first year, the $95 ongoing cost could be a deal-breaker for modest spenders.
- The U.S. supermarket category and its $6,000 annual rewards spending cap could be limiting for large households or those who prefer to shop at wholesale clubs or superstores.
Card Details
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.49%.
Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Terms Apply.
Best for existing U.S. Bank account holders
on U.S. Bank's secure site
See Rates & FeesIntro offer
N/A
Rewards Rate
2%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
17.74% - 27.99% Variable
Why you'll like this: If you’re a U.S. Bank loyalist with significant savings, this card can offer outstanding cash back rewards on all purchases.
Reward Details
- 2%Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase
What you should know
Alternatives: The Citi Double Cash® Card earns a similar cash back rate in general spending, but also comes with a welcome bonus of $200 after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months.
- It offers a competitive flat cash back rate.
- If you’re already banking with U.S. Bank, you might receive bonus rewards.
- The card offers an 0 percent intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
- Unlike most rewards cards, it doesn’t have a welcome bonus offer.
- It charges a foreign transaction fee, meaning this card isn’t the best choice when you travel abroad.
- The bonus rewards rules for existing customers are complex, and balance requirements are high.
Card Details
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase
Up to additional 2% cash back on your first $10,000 in eligible Net Purchases each billing cycle when paired with U.S. Bank Smartly® Savings account plus qualifying balances in U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and/or Safe Debit account.
No Annual Fee
0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 17.74%-27.99%.
Get your cash back directly deposited into your U.S. Bank checking or savings accounts, as a statement credit, a rewards card, merchant gift cards and more.
Terms and conditions apply.
Best flat-rate cash back card
Intro offer
$200 cash back
Rewards Rate
2% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: It earns one of the best cash rewards rates on all eligible purchases, and sets itself apart from rivals with its stellar balance transfer offer and card pairing opportunities.
Reward Details
- 2%Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- 5%Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
What you should know
Alternative: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card could be a more convenient alternative because it provides your full cash rewards upon purchase, and it has a better intro APR offer if you don’t plan to transfer your balance.
- It earns a boosted flat-rate on all purchases without tracking spending categories, which could then be redeemed for more value towards travel via the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card.
- The intro APR period for balance transfers is one of the longest available with a rewards card.
- The intro APR offer doesn’t include purchases, which is uncommon for a no-annual-fee card (and potentially costly).
- It has a 3 percent foreign transaction fee, making it a poor choice to take abroad.
Card Details
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Apply with confidence
By applying, you can see if you're approved before impacting your credit
Best luxury card for travel perks
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Rewards rate
5X
Annual fee
$895
APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Why you'll like this: It boasts the most comprehensive airport lounge access you can get, plus dozens of other top-tier travel perks and credits totaling nearly $2,000 in value.
Reward Details
- 5XEarn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
What you should know
Alternative: If you think the Amex Platinum’s list of perks is impractical, consider the Capital One Venture X instead. The Venture X is perhaps the most cost-effective, super-premium travel card, and it cuts any niche benefits to maximize the average person’s travel needs with a terrific flat rewards rate and essential perks.
- Offers extensive airport lounge access and around $3,500 of yearly value in ongoing credits — both of which are perhaps unrivaled in the rewards card market.
- Earns one of the highest travel rewards rates of any American Express card.
- Not all of the card’s niche perks and credits are practical for the average person, so the card may end up costing more than it’s worth.
- It earns just 1X points on all non-travel spending, so it won’t make much sense if you want a standalone rewards card to cover everyday spending.
Card Details
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
$100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
$895 annual fee.
Terms Apply.
Best for fair credit
Intro offer
N/A
Rewards Rate
1.5% - 5%
Annual fee
$39
Regular APR
28.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: It earns rewards while helping you build credit.
Reward Details
- 5%Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 1.5%Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
What you should know
Alternative: Capital One Platinum Credit Card is another fair-credit option from the issuer — it comes with lower fees and no rewards as a trade-off.
- It earns a solid 1.5 percent cash back on general purchases.
- The chance to get a credit limit increase in six months with timely payments can help you build credit.
- This card comes with added costs and fees that other fair-credit cards don’t have.
- It has limited benefits, even for a card available to people with fair credit.
Card Details
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
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
Top rated mobile app
Best low-cost secured card
Intro offer
N/A
Rewards Rate
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
28.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: You could potentially get a minimum $200 credit line with a deposit starting at $49, depending on your creditworthiness.
What you should know
Alternative: The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card can also help you build credit, but it also comes with a solid rewards rate to accompany your credit-building efforts.
- This is a relatively low-cost card with low credit requirements, so it’s a great option to build credit.
- Capital One will also automatically consider you for a higher credit line in as little as six months with on-time monthly payments.
- It doesn’t offer rewards, which limits its long-term usefulness after you’ve built credit.
- It has a relatively high variable APR compared to other cards for bad credit.
Card Details
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 at least 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 Capital One's mobile app
Top rated mobile app
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What are the different types of credit cards?
Credit card issuers offer different types of cards to meet various consumer needs, so no one card will be the “best” for everyone. A credit card’s “type” is mostly determined by the spending categories it rewards, the perks it offers, whether it has a low interest rate or lengthy intro APR offers.
Frequent travelers will likely value luxury perks like lounge access more than occasional travelers, who might not see such features as worth a high annual fee. Meanwhile, someone trying to pay off debt will be more focused on an intro APR offer.
Here are the major credit card types and the best features to look out for:
Best for household shoppers who don’t travel often and mostly spend on groceries, gas, dining and other everyday categories.
- Rewards categories: Cash back cards usually earn rewards on everyday purchases. Groceries, dining, gas and online shopping are likely the most lucrative categories for the typical spender — especially if these categories are year-round. However, flat-rate rewards cards are also great fallback cards for many people.
- Rewards rates: The best flat-rate cash rewards cards typically offer a maximum of 2% back on purchases, while cards with rotating categories or year-round bonus categories can offer anywhere from 2% to 6% back on certain purchases. Good bonus category cards focus your spending in their 3% categories, although category spending caps may be hard to avoid (typically $6,000 per year, often divided out by quarter or billing cycle).
- Perks: Cash back cards typically don’t offer many beyond the rewards program, but standout cards may offer travel protections and perks with partner services like rideshare or delivery services. A rare few cash back cards may even come with annual credits.
- Welcome offers: Since many cash back cards have no annual fee, they typically provide a $200 value for spending $500 to $1,000 in the first three months.
Learn more about our picks for cash back cards here:
Best for people who want to pay off debt or keep interest at bay on upcoming purchases.
Intro APR cards offer 0% interest for a time after account opening, usually 12 to 21 months (although there are outliers at both ends). This interest-free period could be for balance transfers or new purchases, but longer balance transfer offers are more common.
Keep these features in mind as you search for the best intro APR card for your situation:
Long intro APR period: If you need more time to pay off debt, the best card for you will feature a 0% intro APR offer of at least 18 months, but the best cards offer 21 to 24 months.
Rewards: If you only need a 12- to 15-month intro APR, a no-annual-fee rewards card with a short intro APR period may be a better choice long term than a card with a longer intro APR but no rewards program or ongoing perks.
Balance transfer fee: Most intro APR cards have a 3% to 5% balance transfer fee, and cards with lengthy balance transfer offers usually charge a 5% fee in exchange. A low balance transfer fee is a key consideration when choosing a balance transfer card, as you could save more with a low fee than you would with a few extra months of 0% APR. It’s hard to avoid a balance transfer fee at all, but consider a credit union balance transfer card may offer a lower or waived fee.
Want more information on intro APR credit cards? Check out more recommendations here:
Best for frequent travelers or anyone who regularly books travel or wants to earn rewards they can use for travel. These cards typically offer above-average reward redemption values, annual travel credits, loyalty program perks and other benefits.
Travel and rewards cards earn points or miles that are most valuable when you redeem them for travel costs. No-annual-fee travel cards are a great entry point for rewards newbies to dip their toes in the waters of traveling on points and miles, while premium travel cards are best for jetsetters who maximize their travel rewards and every feature of their cards.
When you’re shopping for your next travel card, look for these features:
- Lucrative categories: The best rewards and travel cards earn at least 2% on general purchases or higher rewards rates on everyday purchases like groceries, restaurants, and gas (3% or more). Look for cards that earn high rates in categories you spend the most in. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider cards that have 4X to 10X points or miles on common travel bookings.
- Welcome offers: The best no-annual-fee rewards cards will come with welcome bonuses worth at least $200 in rewards, ideally with a low spending requirement of $500 to $1,000 in the first three months. Top-tier travel and rewards cards will offer $750 or more in travel or cash back with spending requirements of around $3,000 to $4,000 in spending in the first six months.
- Practical and luxury perks: No-annual-fee travel cards come with useful perks like travel insurance, while premium travel cards have credits for travel costs, expedited airport security screening or airport lounge access. Co-branded hotel and airline cards have free checked bags, free nights and more.
- Rewards value: Your points and miles’ value can vary depending on how you redeem them. The best rewards cards let you redeem points for cash back or travel at a value of at least 1 cent per point or transfer to airlines and hotels for a chance at an even higher redemption value (the most valuable travel points and miles are worth around 2 cents).
And check out our lists for the best travel and rewards cards:
Best for people with no credit history looking to establish a credit score, and people with bad or fair credit trying to rebuild their score.
Secured cards are the most rewarding and cost-effective option if you have money for an upfront deposit (refundable when you upgrade or close your account). You won't have to put down a deposit on an unsecured card, but you'll likely have to pay an annual fee. These are the features to consider when shopping for cards to help you build credit:
- Security deposit: The best secured cards make it easy to get started with a low security deposit. Secured cards typically require a $200 minimum deposit, but a few cards have lower minimum deposit requirements — some as low as $50.
- Low fees: And while unsecured credit cards won't require any deposit, many come with high fees. Look for unsecured credit-building cards that keep annual fees under $70 and don't tack on additional monthly or program fees. However, it’s better to keep your starter card open for a few years to fortify your credit score, so these fees could be a deal-breaker.
- Credit limit: Since a secured card's credit limit typically matches your deposit, cards that allow a large deposit can make it much easier to keep your credit utilization ratio low and build credit. Secured cards usually have a $2,500 max deposit, but some allow a $5,000 limit. For unsecured cards, make sure you can get at least a $300 starting limit.
- Upgrade potential: Consider cards with a clear path to better products after you’ve improved your credit score. Secured card issuers usually review your account after some time to determine if you’re eligible to upgrade to an unsecured card and have your deposit refunded.
Learn more about Bankrate’s picks for the top credit-building cards here:
Best for small-business owners — including freelancers and side-hustlers — who want help managing spending and earning rewards on common operating expenses.
Here are some of the types of business owners who could benefit from a small-business card:
- Online retail store and Etsy store owners with recurring shipping and merchandise costs
- Digital artists and freelancers who need capital for software and hardware purchases
- LLC owners with established businesses who need employee cards and flexible funding
- Corporations and nonprofits with 100 or fewer employees
Gauge the following features on a card to determine whether it's a stand-out option
- Rewards: Many business cards offer everyday bonus categories like dining, but some of the best cards earn 2 percent to 4 percent rewards back on business purchases like travel, office supplies, electronics, advertising, shipping and/or telecommunication services.
- Perks: The best business cards have specialized features, such as higher credit limits than consumer cards, statement credits for software or hardware purchases,
- Welcome offer: The best cards give you a chance at a large cash or travel rewards bonus with a reasonable spending requirement. You may even see premium cards offer $2,000 or more after spending a few thousand dollars in the first few months, while top no-annual-fee business cards tend to offer around $200 to $300 for lower spending requirements.
- Management tools: Free employee cards, integration with QuickBooks or other accounting software and customizable spending limits round out common business card features to look for.
Larger corporations and companies may not get much out of a business card if it doesn’t have a high enough credit limit to provide enough purchasing power. In these cases, a corporate credit card may be a better option. Here’s more information about Bankrate’s picks for business cards:
Best for college students, since they offer comparatively low fees and student-oriented perks and rewards.
- Low credit requirements: If you’re a young adult, you probably don’t have much credit history. Student cards that don’t require good credit for qualification should be at the top of your list.
- Reasonable rates and fees: Busy and working students probably don’t want their limited budget eaten up by annual fees or high interest charges. The best way to not pay interest is to not carry a balance, but that may not always be possible. Avoid cards with APRs in the 30s — try to find a sweet spot between 20% and 28%. Some student cards may even provide intro APR offers, which could be helpful for buying textbooks or moving into student housing.
- Rewards: Some of the best student cards offer rewards like cash back or points for your purchases. If you want, you can even consider cards with bonus categories for gas or dining. But you could also keep it simple with a flat-rate cash back student card.
- Credit-building tools: Managing credit also means building it. Issuers that offer tools like free FICO score and potential credit limit increases can help you establish a positive credit history
Learn more about Bankrate’s picks for the top student cards here:
What features define the “best” credit cards — now and next year?
The ‘best’ credit card is the one that best fits the individual consumer’s needs, and J.D. Power research shows a point of key divergence with cardholders in this regard: those who maintain a debt balance versus those who transact and pay their statement in full.
Data over recent years from the J.D. Power US Card Satisfaction Study shows a trend of slowly increasing debt among credit card users. Currently, about 53% of cardholders are not paying their statement in full on a regular basis. This finding is key because it also affects popular card features, since cardholders with debt seek different products than those who are transacting to reap rewards.
Of course, rewards remain popular, with 88% of cardholders citing rewards cards as products they use most often. Rewards cardholders report their most frequent purchases with the card are groceries and retail goods, often redeeming for cash back and, less frequently, airline tickets.
Cash back card use remains relatively flat; they comprise the majority of cards used in the marketplace (57%). However, we are seeing slowly declining trends in use of point/miles cards (currently 31%) and increasing trends in use of ‘value cards’ (currently 12%), which have no rewards, no annual fee and often provide low- or no-interest rate intro offers that are important to consumers who are consolidating debt. Consistent with these changes, the last couple of years have also shown the rise of payment plans that some issuers are using to offer lower interest rates and extended payment timelines for large purchases.
In an uncertain economic context, the continued growth of debt is possible, and credit card usage trends we have seen recently will likely continue.
The ‘best’ credit card is the one that best fits the individual consumer’s needs, and J.D. Power research shows a point of key divergence with cardholders in this regard: those who maintain a debt balance versus those who transact and pay their statement in full.
Data over recent years from the J.D. Power US Card Satisfaction Study shows a trend of slowly increasing debt among credit card users. Currently, about 53% of cardholders are not paying their statement in full on a regular basis. This finding is key because it also affects popular card features, since cardholders with debt seek different products than those who are transacting to reap rewards.
Of course, rewards remain popular, with 88% of cardholders citing rewards cards as products they use most often. Rewards cardholders report their most frequent purchases with the card are groceries and retail goods, often redeeming for cash back and, less frequently, airline tickets.
Cash back card use remains relatively flat; they comprise the majority of cards used in the marketplace (57%). However, we are seeing slowly declining trends in use of point/miles cards (currently 31%) and increasing trends in use of ‘value cards’ (currently 12%), which have no rewards, no annual fee and often provide low- or no-interest rate intro offers that are important to consumers who are consolidating debt. Consistent with these changes, the last couple of years have also shown the rise of payment plans that some issuers are using to offer lower interest rates and extended payment timelines for large purchases.
In an uncertain economic context, the continued growth of debt is possible, and credit card usage trends we have seen recently will likely continue.
Simply put, the ‘best’ credit card is the one that provides the most value with the least work. Period. In an era where statement credit perks are the norm, it’s important to realize that while these credits may be helpful, it’s very easy to overspend without realizing it in order to utilize these benefits — both in money and in time.
When it comes to rewards, the most popular credit card rewards categories will always be food-related, specifically groceries and dining. Since premium luxury travel cards are moving towards elevated rewards rate multipliers on their respective travel portals, there will also be a significant demand for cards with a general travel (and transit) category. Cards with both elevated food and general travel rewards multipliers will continue to lead in popularity.
Simply put, the ‘best’ credit card is the one that provides the most value with the least work. Period. In an era where statement credit perks are the norm, it’s important to realize that while these credits may be helpful, it’s very easy to overspend without realizing it in order to utilize these benefits — both in money and in time.
When it comes to rewards, the most popular credit card rewards categories will always be food-related, specifically groceries and dining. Since premium luxury travel cards are moving towards elevated rewards rate multipliers on their respective travel portals, there will also be a significant demand for cards with a general travel (and transit) category. Cards with both elevated food and general travel rewards multipliers will continue to lead in popularity.
How to compare cards and get the best one
Choosing the best credit card all comes down to which card is going to provide you with the most value based on your financial situation, spending habits and more. Think about these questions when a credit card offer catches your eye:
-
What’s your credit score?
The better your credit score, the better your chance of qualifying for a credit card with excellent perks and terms. Check your credit score before applying for a new card, and, if your credit score isn’t where you’d like it to be, work on improving your credit.
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Determine which type of card fits your needs
Research what type of card best suits your spending habits, financial needs and preferred maintenance level. If you spend a lot in certain categories, look for a card with a high rewards rate on those purchases (or keep it simple with a flat-rate rewards card). Consider travel perks or a sufficient 0% intro APR offer if you have credit card debt. Finally, decide how much effort you'd put into maximizing the card's rewards and benefits. For instance, a card with rotating categories that needs activation every quarter would need more attention than a flat-rate card.
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Narrow your list
Whittle down to the right card by calculating which would be the most rewarding based on your monthly spending, which perks you’ll likely use and whether an annual fee eats into that yearly value too much. Don’t forget to consider the issuer’s rewards redemption options and card combinations. Finally, a sign-up bonus can be a deciding factor if you’re on the fence between two cards.
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Apply
If your credit score is a concern, see if you can prequalify on the issuer’s site or through a third-party service like CardMatch. It’s also worth scoping out other sites to see if you can score a more valuable welcome offer or checking with friends and family members for a referral bonus link instead. If you’re in no rush, you may want to wait for an elevated limited-time offer or a prequalified bonus offer in the mail.
Bankrate staff picks
Everyone's preferences, goals and financial situation varies, so there's no single best credit card. But a few definitely stand out.
To help you build the best shortlist possible, we asked Bankrate credit card experts what they think are currently the best cash back, travel, 0% intro APR and credit-building cards currently on the market.
Many of these recommendations line up with our data and curated list, but hidden gems are sometimes found in the cream of the crop.
Bankrate staff insight
My family’s go-to travel card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It pairs well with our other Chase cards and helps us make the most of our points with high-value travel redemptions. We’ve used this card's points to book some great hotels for family vacations, which has made it easier to spend money on other fun things on our trips.
Although it’s not the flashiest card on the market, my favorite cash back card is my Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature. It earns 2% cash back on every purchase, and the rewards are automatically transferred into my Fidelity IRA every month or so. Putting cash back toward my investments and future financial independence feels like a total hack!
John Puterbaugh, Bankrate senior editorial director
What are currently the best credit cards?
“The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers solid cash back in such common everyday spending categories as dining and groceries — and there's no annual fee. With food prices being such a pain point for many, I think this is an excellent choice for many people.”
Other recommendations: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Citi Double Cash® Card, Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
“The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers solid cash back in such common everyday spending categories as dining and groceries — and there's no annual fee. With food prices being such a pain point for many, I think this is an excellent choice for many people.”
Other recommendations: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Citi Double Cash® Card, Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
“Even with no credit history, you can start earning 1.5% cash back on every purchase while practicing on-time payments and responsible use of the Chase Freedom Rise®. Once you’ve built up your credit score, you could ask Chase for an upgrade to another card in the Freedom family, like the Chase Freedom Flex® or Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Both of these cards have a ton of long-term value, making the Rise a great starting point.”
Other recommendations: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
“Even with no credit history, you can start earning 1.5% cash back on every purchase while practicing on-time payments and responsible use of the Chase Freedom Rise®. Once you’ve built up your credit score, you could ask Chase for an upgrade to another card in the Freedom family, like the Chase Freedom Flex® or Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Both of these cards have a ton of long-term value, making the Rise a great starting point.”
Other recommendations: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
“It’s hard to beat the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card when it comes to its intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers. Normally, cards with such a long intro period come with little or no rewards, but the Shield Visa bucks the trend. That means this card can add value to your wallet even after the intro offers end.”
Other recommendations: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, Chase Freedom Rise®
“It’s hard to beat the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card when it comes to its intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers. Normally, cards with such a long intro period come with little or no rewards, but the Shield Visa bucks the trend. That means this card can add value to your wallet even after the intro offers end.”
Other recommendations: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, Chase Freedom Rise®
Popular credit card current trends
No one card will be “the best” for everyone, but certain cards will likely stand out based on your goals, spending habits, credit score and more. Regardless of the type of credit card, our data indicates Bankrate users continue to prefer straightforward rewards programs (especially cash back), reward categories that help counter key rising costs, no annual fee and lengthy zero-interest periods like they have since 2023. This makes perfect sense considering credit card balances are approaching record-breaking levels once again and Bankrate’s 2025 credit card debt report indicates nearly half of Americans carry a balance — largely due to day-to-day and emergency expenses.
To help give you an objective sense of which credit cards and companies are worth considering to begin with before you dive head-first into research, we’ve combined our Bankrate research with the most recent 2025 J.D. Power Credit Card Satisfaction Study data to rank the highest-rated cards.
Here are issuers ranked by their overall J.D. Power score:
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American Express (643)
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Bank of America (622)
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Capital One (621)
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Chase (619)
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Discover (617)
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Wells Fargo (615)
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Citi (608)
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U.S. Bank (603)
The newest results are mostly in line with what J.D. Power reported in the 2024 study. New developments include increased satisfaction scores on higher-tier premium cards, seemingly driven by issuers' increased focus on these products for financially well-off cardholders over other credit cards. We can see this trend in action with how the Chase Sapphire Preferred replaced the Chase Freedom Unlimited as the issuer's highest-scoring card (with the Sapphire Reserve falling close behind).
Similarly, issuers that have typically focused on cards for everyday spenders have seen a surge in satisfaction with cards geared toward intro APRs, low annual fees and cash rewards. For example, the BankAmericard topped the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card and the Citi Double Cash outranked the Citi Strata Premier® Card.
For a deeper data breakdown of which credit cards are the best — including data from this J.D. Power study, our Bankrate Score system and Bankrate Awards — check out our companion guide:
Frequently asked questions
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The number of credit cards you should have depends on your goals. For example, you’ll probably want to carry multiple cards if you’re looking to maximize rewards on a broader range of expenses or wield perks specific to your favorite stores, airlines or hotels. However, you may want to stick to one card if you prioritize building credit or a streamlined rewards experience.
Having several cards is fine as long as they deliver benefits that you take full advantage of (miles, cash back, perks and so on). Just beware of burdening yourself with annual fees and temporarily bruising your credit score from multiple card applications in a short period. For reference, statistics show that 77 percent of U.S. adults have at least one credit card, with the average American holding three to four credit cards.
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No-annual-fee rewards cards typically offer sign-up bonuses worth $200 to $250 after you spend $500 to $1,000 in the first three months. Meanwhile, premium rewards cards generally offer bonuses worth $500 to $800 after you spend $4,000 to $6,000 in your first three or six months. Business cards often offer even more valuable sign-up bonuses with a bigger spending requirement to match.
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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 is when the lender pulls your credit report to make a decision about whether to lend to you.
- A “soft” inquiry is 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 and try to get preapproved first.
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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 if you’re below the age of 21. 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 or co-signer on a parent or guardian’s credit card. With these options, you can have access to a credit line before the age of 18, though age restrictions will depend on the issuer (and many issuers don’t allow co-signers or joint credit cards nowadays).
How we choose the best credit cards
We select cards for “Best” credit cards pages based primarily on how cards score in our proprietary card rating system, our editors’ subjective assessment of card quality, card approval odds and credit requirements and unique card features.
Cards typically must score a minimum of 3.0 stars to be included on a “Best” list. However, we may include cards with scores below 3.0 if they have low credit requirements or unique features — despite their scores, these cards may still be among the “best” in certain categories. Card ratings are not influenced by advertisers or issuer relationships in any way.
Card selection and ordering may vary based on business considerations, including Bankrate visitor interest, site interactions and card application volume. Affiliate commissions (see how we make money), limited-time offers and a card’s general popularity in the product landscape may also influence which cards we feature on our pages and the order in which they appear. Bankrate’s editorial and business teams also strive to feature a variety of card types from various issuers.
Here’s a quick look at how our card ratings are distributed as of May 2024, as well as some of the key factors that we considered in selecting this month’s Best Cards.
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5 stars 2%
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4 - 4.9 stars 35%
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3 - 3.9 stars 39%
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2 - 2.9 stars 22%
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1 - 1.9 stars 2%
Great rewards value: For cards that put earning rewards front and center, a key criteria for their inclusion in our list of the best credit cards is whether they offer impressive rewards value. This includes a card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value. These factors are all based on its average rewards rate and how closely those categories match the average person’s spending habits according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
Reasonable fees and APR: We rate all cards based on how their ongoing average APR compares to the average APR you’ll find on other cards in their primary category. For rewards-earning cards, this factor has only a minor influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance. That said, rewards-earning cards may get a solid boost in score if they also offer an intro APR on balance transfers or new purchases. More important to these cards’ scores and their inclusion in our list is how their annual fees influence their overall value.
Flexibility and perks: Along with rewards value and cost, we consider other factors that could give cards great long-term value, like flexible rewards redemption, unique and valuable perks or the ability to switch to another card with the same issuer after you’ve paid off debt or improved your credit score. We rate rewards-earning cards based on the restrictions they impose on earning and redeeming rewards and consider this when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list. We also evaluate each card’s perks based on their value, usefulness and uniqueness.
*The information about the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
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We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.
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“Consumer Expenditures 2023,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed on Dec. 11, 2025.
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“Show Me the Money! Cashback and Value Credit Cards Grow in Popularity as Financial Health of Cardholders Declines, J.D. Power Finds,” J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. Accessed on Dec. 11, 2025.
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“A Tale of Two Types of Credit Card Customers: Financially Healthy Cardholders Drive Gains in Satisfaction While Financially Challenged Cardholders Struggle, J.D. Power Finds,” J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. Accessed on Dec. 11, 2025.
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