Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Welcome Bonus
$200
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards Rate
1.5%-5%
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 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.
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.74% Variable
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
Purchase Intro APR
0% Intro APR on purchases for 15 months
Rewards Breakdown
5%
Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
3%
Cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 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 use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
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.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Rewards Rate
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.
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
17.49%-27.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Purchase Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Rewards Breakdown
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.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
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.
No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Select your card design option when you apply – the Customized Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Rewards Rate
1.25x-5x
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months; balance transfer fee applies
Purchase Intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
Rewards Breakdown
5X
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
1.25X
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Purchase Intro APR
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases
In A Nutshell
If you want one of the longest overall 0% intro APR periods, Wells Fargo Reflect® offers 0% interest for purchases and balance transfers for up to 21 months. Along with a $0 annual fee, this card gives you both the time and financial flexibility to pay off debt or large purchases.
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.
Offers 0% intro APR for 21 months on both purchases and balance transfers, making it a top pick for paying off debt on a set timeline. While it doesn't offer rewards, it keeps costs down with a $0 annual fee.
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.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 16.49% - 27.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
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).
No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don't come with a yearly charge.
Buy now and pay later. Split your payment for eligible purchases of $75 or more into a fixed payment with Citi® Flex Pay.
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.
Rewards Rate
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.
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
17.49%-27.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Purchase Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Rewards Breakdown
3X
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.
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.
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.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants, including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 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.
Rewards Rate
1x-5x
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. New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Rewards Breakdown
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
4X
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.
4X
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.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 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.
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.
New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
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.
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.
Rewards Rate
2%-5%
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.
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers
Purchase Intro APR
N/A
Rewards Breakdown
5%
Earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
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.
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).
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.
Rewards Rate
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.
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.49%-28.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening
Purchase Intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening
Rewards Breakdown
3%
Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3%
Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3%
Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $2,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
No Annual Fee.
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 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 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.
Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit (up to $84 annual value) after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
Rewards Rate
1.5%
With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can start establishing credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
25.24%
Balance Transfer Intro APR
N/A
Purchase Intro APR
N/A
In A Nutshell
Chase Freedom Rise® is a no-annual-fee starter card for building credit, with simple 1.5% cash back on every purchase and a $25 statement credit when you enroll in auto-pay early. It’s designed to reward good habits. Chase may review your eligibility for a higher limit in as few as 6 months and may consider upgrading to Freedom Unlimited® after your first year.
Increase your approval chances - Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise®
Earn Cash Back - With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can establish credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
Credit Limit Increase - As a Freedom Rise® cardmember, you'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card
Free Credit Score - Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
No Annual Fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise® Card.
Built for new-to-credit cardholders (students/first-time borrowers)
Review for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months
Cons:
No intro 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers
Small welcome bonus (up to a $25 statement credit with autopay enrollment)
Limited rewards/perks compared with higher-tier cash-back cards
Bottom line:
The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is a strong starter option for students and first-time cardholders who want simple cash back, a $0 annual fee, and built-in tools to help build credit.
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.
