Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
1.5%-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% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
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.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.6
BestMoneyscore
$200 cash rewards bonus offer
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
1%-6%
Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category. Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category. Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
You may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.
You may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.
1%-3%
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
1x-5x
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.
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.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
1.5x-3x
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 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.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 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.
5x
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.
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.
0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers & 12 months on Purchases
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a solid option if you’re looking to pay down existing debt or finance a large purchase over time. With one of the longest 0% intro APR periods on the market, it’s built for people focused on managing balances.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Bonus
$200 cash rewards bonus offer
Rewards Rate
1%-6%
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Regular APR
17.49%-27.49% Variable
Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Rewards Breakdown
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons
6%
Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice.
3%
Earn 3% cash back after the first year from account opening in your choice category.
2%
Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card provides a straightforward cash rewards experience with unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. It’s great for people who prefer simplicity and consistent rewards.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
1.5X
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Our product scores consist of a combination of the following 3 components:
Popularity
BestMoney measures user engagement based on the number of clicks each listed brand received in the past 7 days. The number of clicks to each brand will be measured against other brands listed in the same query. Therefore, the higher the share of clicks a brand receives in any specific query, the higher the Click Trend Score. BestMoney accepts advertising compensation from companies, which impacts their (and/or their products’) position, and in some cases, may also affect their Click Trend Score.
Brand Reputation
Semrush is a trusted and comprehensive tool that offers insights about online visibility and performance. The BestMoney Total Score will consist of the brand's reputation from Semrush. The brand reputation is based on Semrush's analysis of clickstream data, which includes user behavior, search patterns, and engagement, to accurately measure each brand's prominence, credibility, and trustworthiness. If a brand does not have a Semrush score, the BestMoney Total Score will be based solely on the Click Trend Score and Products & Features Score (read below).
Features & Benefits
BestMoney’s editorial team researches and reviews financial products based on factors such as: range of products and services offered, ease-of-use, online accessibility, customer service, special awards, and more. Each brand is then given a score based on the offerings in each parameter. The specific parameters which we use to evaluate the score of each product can be found on its review page.
Before picking from the best credit cards, consider the perks and features you value most. The right fit depends on your credit score, financial goals, and spending habits. Start by asking what problem you want your next card to solve: lowering interest, earning rewards, building credit, or protecting big purchases.
If you're wondering, "what is the best credit card to have right now?", this guide compares top cards based on rewards, benefits, features, and fees—helping you apply only when the numbers make sense.
Credit Cards at a Glance
Many of the best cards on the market are cash back credit cards offering generous spending rewards without charging an annual fee. Some top credit cards also come with an intro APR offer for purchases, balance transfers, or both. While some rewards cards offer the same earning rate on all purchases, others offer enhanced rewards in bonus spending categories like dining out, groceries, or gas. Make sure to compare card costs, rewards programs, and ancillary benefits before you pick a credit card.
What Are The Different Types of Credit Cards?
Understanding card types helps you choose what aligns with your goals. The best credit card to apply for usually matches your current credit score and actual spending behavior.
Cash Back
These cards offer cash back rewards for spending, which you can often redeem for a check in the mail, statement credits, gift cards, and other flexible options. When finding the best cash back credit card, most experts recommend looking for options with no annual fee and the most optimal rewards rate for your spending.
These credit cards earn flexible points for travel, airline miles, or hotel points. Many of the best travel credit cards on the market come from programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and the Citi ThankYou program.
The best balance transfer credit cards may or may not offer rewards, but they all offer 0% APR on balance transfers for a limited time. Balance transfer fees usually apply, but people can save considerable sums on interest if they use these cards to get out of debt fast.
There are also credit cards that offer 0% APR on purchases for a limited time (and potentially balance transfers), and many offer rewards for spending. Most credit cards with 0% APR offers for purchases come with $0 annual fees.
Which Features Should I Look For in a Good Credit Card?
The most important features of good credit cards depend on the type of card you're after. However, most top credit card offers come with at least some of the following:
Rewards Program
Cash back, travel, or flexible points. Estimate first-year value (rewards + bonus - annual fee).
Reasonable Fees
Plenty of top cards have no annual fee. If paying a fee, make sure you use 70%+ of its perks.
Builds Credit
Look for cards reporting to all three bureaus. Secured cards can help if rebuilding.
Cardholder Benefits
From extended warranties to travel protections and virtual cards, perks vary widely.
How to Pick the Best Credit Card for You
The path to the right credit card looks different for everyone, mostly because we all have different goals. These steps can help you compare cards to find the perfect fit.
1. Know your credit score
Top rewards cards need 700+. Fair credit (580–669) offers are more basic.
2. Pick a card type
Match your goals: rewards, interest savings, or credit building.
3. Consider annual fees
Weigh rewards and benefits against the cost. Do a 1-year value estimate.
4. Compare rewards programs
Understand redemption options. Some restrict to statement credits; others offer more flexibility.
5. Decide on perks
Make a “must-have” list (e.g. no foreign fees, cell insurance) to avoid distractions.
6. Narrow your options
Focus on cards that match your score, needs, and spending style. Apply for one at a time.
How to Apply for a Credit Card
Once you find the credit card you want, applying is a breeze. These tips can help you get to the finish line.
Find your card online (directly from the issuer or a trusted source).
Fill out the application (name, income, SSN, housing, employment).
Review and submit.
Await decision—often instant. If delayed, expect results within 30 days.
Use pre-qualification tools to avoid unnecessary inquiries. Once approved, set up autopay and alerts.
How to Leverage Credit Cards - Our Expert Tips and Tricks
Assess your spending
Use one card for base rewards, another for bonus categories.
Don't neglect your credit
Keep utilization under 30%. Pay in full if possible.
Look for bonus offers
Sign-up bonuses can yield major value—if spend goals fit your budget.
Consider these expert tips and tricks to help you get the most out of different card types.
Assess Your Spending
“
Figure out how much you spend monthly and where you spend it. Chances are the majority of your spending is at a small handful of stores or in a small number of categories like grocery store or dining.
— Aaron Hurd, Travel rewards expert, Cards and Points
"Look for options that can offer you more total cash back in those categories,” Hurd adds. “Remember that you could hold both a 2% cash back credit card and a card that earns rewards in useful bonus categories like groceries, gas, or dining.”
Don't Neglect Your Credit
"Never buy more than you can afford just because you have extra credit available," says travel rewards expert Kheel. "If you want to build a good credit score, you'll also want to avoid spending more than about 30% of your available credit at any given time. When you start using more than that on a regular basis, your credit utilization ratio increases, which can cause your overall credit score and credit health to go down."
Look for Bonus Offers
"Chasing after sign-up bonuses (SUBs) beats out any category on a credit card. Most SUBs can earn 10%-plus back on your spend compared to half that in normal credit card spending," says travel rewards expert Matthew Dong of Wuhoo Group.
While the best credit card sign-up bonuses vary by card type, you can expect to earn $200 to $1,000 or more if you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening. However, ensure this minimum spend won't put you over budget.
Credit Card Alternatives
Not sure you want a credit card? Consider these alternatives.
Buy now, pay later (BNPL): Short-term financing; watch fees.
Debit cards: No credit building; tied to your account.
Prepaid cards: Useful for budgeting, not for credit growth.
Personal loans: Predictable terms; good for larger amounts.
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Credit Cards
While all rankings for the "best credit cards" are subjective, we conducted considerable research to create this guide. Beyond considering credit card offers in various categories, we compared cards based on factors consumers care about. These include credit card rewards programs, rates and fees, features and benefits, account security, user experience, and customer service.
We also surveyed consumers and credit card experts to get their opinions on the best credit cards for achieving different goals. Finally, we assessed consumer sentiment on credit card usage and preferences across user platforms like myFICO.com, Reddit, and Quora.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is the Best Credit Card?
The best credit card depends on a range of factors that vary from person to person. Where one person might benefit more from a 0% APR credit card or balance transfer credit card, another could be better suited to a cash back or travel credit card.
What Is the Best Credit Card Company?
Some credit card issuers receive better rankings for their customer service and satisfaction each year. As an example, American Express earned the top ranking for credit card satisfaction in J.D. Power's 2024 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study, followed by Discover, Capital One, and Chase.
What's the Best Credit Card to Build Credit?
The best credit card to build credit is often a secured credit card that requires a cash deposit as collateral. These cards let users secure their line of credit with a security deposit, and the issuers report payments and balances to the credit bureaus to build credit over time. Users can also get their deposit back when they close or upgrade their account in good standing.
How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?
The right number of credit cards varies from person to person. Some individuals are better off having a single card to keep track of each month, whereas others can successfully pair cards to earn more rewards or enjoy more benefits without ending up in debt.
What Credit Card Is the Most Elite?
There are several genuinely elite credit cards on the market, although these cards are primarily geared to big spenders, and some are offered on an invite-only basis.
Disclosures
Editorial disclosure: The credit card offers and information presented on this page are current as of the published date. However, credit card terms, including APRs, fees, and promotional offers, are subject to change without notice. Some offers listed may no longer be available or may have expired. Please refer to the issuer's website for the most up-to-date terms and conditions. Opinions expressed are the publications’ alone and not issued or approved by any partner.
