Best Credit Cards of 2023

There's a credit card for everyone and every occasion, but before you can start enjoying the perks credit cards can offer, you need to find the right one. Whether you're looking for a travel card to earn points for a fabulous vacation, a cash back card to earn money back on your purchases, a starter or student card to build your credit, a balance transfer card to pay down debt, or a business card, you've got plenty of options.

Keep reading to learn more about our editors' picks for the best credit cards and find your match.

Best travel cards

Great for Flexible Travel Rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

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Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and eligible online grocery purchases; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 25% more value when redeeming rewards for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 10% anniversary point bonus each year
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Ultimate Rewards
• Premium travel protection benefits

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Premium Travel Rewards & Perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$395

Rewards Rate

2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• 10,000-mile annual anniversary bonus
• Up to 10 miles per dollar
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit
• Access to Capital One and Priority Pass lounges
• 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) purchase APR

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee

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 booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• 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
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Incredibly Flexible Rewards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

4.7

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
• Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
• No foreign transaction fees
• 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) purchase APR

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee

Card Details

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card

4.1

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card

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Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 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 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
• Longer intro APR on qualifying purchases and balance transfers
• No foreign transaction fees

Drawbacks

• Best for Bank of America customers

Card Details

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
• 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.
• 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% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
• If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Earn Valuable Travel Points Even Faster

Citi Premier^® Card

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Citi Premier^® Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening; Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels; and 1X points on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening; Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024
• 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels
• $100 annual hotel savings benefit
• No foreign transaction fee

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Point per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Premium Travel Benefits

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$550

Rewards Rate

5X points on flights and 10X points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 3X points on other travel and dining & 1X points per dollar on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Ultimate Rewards® (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
• Priority Pass airport lounge access
• $300 annual travel credit
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs

Drawbacks

• High annual fee
• Excellent credit required

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
• Member FDIC

Cell Phone Protection + Annual Streaming Credit

U.S. Bank Altitude^® Connect Visa Signature^® Card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

U.S. Bank Altitude^® Connect Visa Signature^® Card

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Current Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening

Annual Fee

$95 (waived first year)

Rewards Rate

5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations; 2X points on grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services; and 1X points on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• up to 5X points on eligible purchases
• Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
• Annual streaming service credit
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry statement credit

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee after first year

Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. That's a $500 value redeemable towards travel, gift cards, cash back, merchandise and more.
• 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center.
• 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations.
• 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $30 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
• 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, and dining.
• Receive up to $100 in statement credits for reimbursement toward your TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® application fee once every four years.
• 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
• Points never expire.
• Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
• Protection and assistance when traveling with Trip Cancelation/Interruption, Trip Delay Reimbursement and SmartDelay.
• Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership that gives access to more than 1,300 VIP lounges worldwide.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Free checked bags & more

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

4.3

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

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Current Offer

Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

Annual Fee

$99 (waived first year)

Rewards Rate

2X miles at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases; and 1X miles on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• 2X miles at gas stations, restaurants, and eligible American Airlines purchases
• First checked bag free
• 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases
• Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee after first year
• Best for frequent American Airlines travelers

Card Details

• Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• 2X miles at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases; and 1X miles on all other purchases

Best cashback credit cards

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
• Intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• $0 annual fee

Drawbacks

• Has foreign transaction fee
• No bonus categories

Card Details

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Unlimited Cash Back

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) APR; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months (or at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time; No fee for amounts transferred at the Transfer APR)
• 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

Drawbacks

• Limited bonus categories

Card Details

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months

Cash Back in Categories You Choose!

U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card

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Current Offer

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on two categories you choose (up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter) and on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center; 2% cash back on one everyday category, like gas stations/EV charging stations, grocery stores, or restaurants; and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
• No annual fee
• Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
• Up to 5% cash back on eligible purchases

Drawbacks

• Has foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
• 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
• 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
• 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
• 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
• 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.74 - 29.74%
• No Annual Fee
• Terms and conditions apply.

Up to 5% Cash Back

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

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Current Offer

Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• $0 annual fee
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months (then 18.49% - 24.49% Variable)
• Up to 5% cash back

Drawbacks

• Capped spending on bonus cash back categories
• Has foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Choose Your Cashback Category

Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

4.4

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

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Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
• Up to 3% cash back in one category of your choice
• Long intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• Quarterly spending caps

Card Details

• $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice - now with expanded categories, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
• Newly expanded categories based on Bank of America customer feedback! 3% cash back on Gas (to now include Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Stations) and Online Shopping (to now include Cable, Streaming, Internet and Phone Services).
• If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
• No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
• 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Earn Cash Back Twice

Citi Double Cash^® Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn $200 in 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

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• Foreign transaction fee

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, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, 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).

Unlimited Cash Back

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

4.7

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

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Current Offer

SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Use your card for all your purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned! There is no limit to how much you can earn. Every dollar in cash back rewards you earn is a dollar Chase will match

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Unlimited matched cash back. Use your card for all your purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned (there is no limit to how much you can earn; every dollar in cash back rewards you earn is a dollar Chase will match)
• Bonus rewards on eligible travel, dining, and drugstores
• No annual fee
• Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

Drawbacks

• Has foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Use your card for all your purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned! There is no limit to how much you can earn. Every dollar in cash back rewards you earn is a dollar Chase will match.
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back is just the beginning of what you can earn. You'll enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• 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!
• No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Best balance transfer credit cards

Extra Long Intro APR on Purchases & Balance Transfers

Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Benefit from a long introductory APR period on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 21 months from account opening, then 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR
• Cell phone protection
• $0 annual fee

Drawbacks

• No rewards for spending

Card Details

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific 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. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% 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.

0% introductory APR

U.S. Bank Visa^® Platinum Card

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

U.S. Bank Visa^® Platinum Card

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Current Offer

0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.74% - 29.74%

Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
• Cell phone protection
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• No rewards program
• Balance transfer fee applies

Card Details

• 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.74% - 29.74%.
• Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S.Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
• Choose a payment due date that fits your schedule
• No Annual Fee
• Terms and conditions apply.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
• Intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• $0 annual fee

Drawbacks

• Has foreign transaction fee
• No bonus categories

Card Details

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Extended 0% Intro APR for Balance Transfers

Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card

4.4

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Long introductory APR period for balance transfers

Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months, then 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR
• Choose your payment due date
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• Does not earn rewards

Card Details

• 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
• There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
• With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
• No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.

Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on All Purchases

Bank of America^® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Bank of America^® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

Apply Now

Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Long intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• Has foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back on every purchase with Preferred Rewards.
• No annual fee.
• No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire.
• 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

No annual fee & 0% Intro APR

Citi Simplicity^® Card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Citi Simplicity^® Card

Apply Now

Current Offer

Long introductory APR period on balance transfers

Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months, then 19.24% - 29.99% (Variable) APR
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then 19.24% - 29.99% (Variable) APR
• FICO Credit Score monitoring
• No late fee, penalty rate, or annual fees

Drawbacks

• No signup bonus

Card Details

• No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
• 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
• There is an introductory balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater for balances transfers completed within 4 months of account opening.
• Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock

Best credit cards for building credit

A+ for Students

Chase Freedom^® Student credit card

Chase Freedom^® Student credit card

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Current Offer

Rewards Rate

1% cash back on all purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• 1% cash back on all purchases
• No annual fee
• Eligible for a credit limit increase after 5 on-time payments in first 10 months
• Receive $20 in Good Standing Rewards for up to 5 years

Drawbacks

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• 1% cash back on all purchases

Best business cards

Up to 5% Cash Back

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

Apply Now

Current Offer

Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• $0 annual fee
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months (then 18.49% - 24.49% Variable)
• Up to 5% cash back

Drawbacks

• Capped spending on bonus cash back categories
• Has foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Flexible Payment Options with Unlimited Rewards

Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card

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Current Offer

Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$195

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; unlimited 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more; unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Unlimited 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more, 2% cash back on all other business purchases
• Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and no foreign transaction fees
• Metal credit card
• Payment flexibility: pay balance in full each month or utilize Flex for Business to pay off eligible purchases over time with interest
• Additional employee cards at no extra cost

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee
• Must pay balance in full each month
• No transfer partners or combining points

Card Details

• Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
• Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
• The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
• For businesses who prefer to pay their balance in full each month, Ink Business Premier gives access to increased spending power, rich rewards, and premium benefits.
• Pay off eligible purchases over time with interest up to assigned Flex for Business limit. All other purchases must be paid in full each month.
• Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
• There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
• Member FDIC

Unlimited Cash Back

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

Apply Now

Current Offer

Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
• Intro APR on purchases
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• Has foreign transaction fee
• No lucrative rewards categories

Card Details

• Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Hot Welcome Bonus

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

Apply Now

Current Offer

Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• 3X points on travel and common business spending categories
• Flexible redemption options
• Additional employee cards at no extra cost

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee
• No intro 0% APR promotion offered
• Limited business-specific benefits

Card Details

• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Member FDIC

Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back

Bank of America^® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard^® credit card

4.4

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Bank of America^® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard^® credit card

Apply Now

Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases everywhere, every day
• Intro APR on purchases
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• Need to be a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member to earn at higher rates
• Has foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• No annual cap and cash rewards don’t expire.
• No annual fee.
• You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for our highest Preferred Rewards for Business tier. That means you could earn up to an unlimited 2.62% cash back on all purchases.
• Choose how to redeem your cash rewards – as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you.
• 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
• Contactless Cards - the security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Generous Welcome Bonus

U.S. Bank Business Leverage^® Visa Signature^® Card

4.1

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

U.S. Bank Business Leverage^® Visa Signature^® Card

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See rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn $750 in rewards when you spend $7,500 in eligible purchases on the account owner's card within the first 120 days of opening your account

Annual Fee

$95 (waived first year)

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center; 2% cash back in top two categories where you spend the most each month automatically; 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn $750 in rewards when you spend $7,500 in eligible purchases on the account owner's card within the first 120 days of opening your account
• 2% cash back on top two categories where you spend the most each month automatically
• Employee cards at no additional charge with ability to set spending rules
• Pay-over-time option with ExtendPay, split eligible purchases into equal monthly payments
• No foreign transaction fees

Drawbacks

• No introductory APR offer
• Limited ability to earn rewards

Card Details

• Earn $750 in rewards when you spend $7,500 in eligible purchases on the account owners' card within the first 120 days of opening your account.
• Earn 2% back in the top two categories where you spend the most each month automatically.
• 1% cash per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
• No annual fee for the first year and $95 thereafter.
• No reward caps or limits on the total rewards your business can earn. Redeem for your choice of cash back, gift cards, merchandise and travel.
• Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
• Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
• Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
• Terms and conditions apply

How to choose the best credit card

Choosing the right credit card for you generally comes down to six different factors.

1. Your credit score and credit history

Lenders use your credit score and credit history from the credit bureaus to help determine whether they should give you any money in the form of credit. Many lenders check your FICO score, which is a type of credit score. FICO scores typically use these ranges:

• Excellent: 800 to 850
• Very good: 740 to 799
• Good: 670 to 739
• Fair: 580 to 669
• Poor: 300 to 579

You usually need at least a good credit score for many of the better credit card options out there, including credit cards with elevated rewards and benefits. And with excellent credit, you have the best chance of being approved. 

But there are also credit cards available if you have a fair or poor credit score or you're a beginner with no credit history at all. And creditors look at more than just your credit score. Having a certain score does not guarantee approval. 

2. Welcome offers

A welcome offer or welcome bonus is typically an offer for new card members that’s available on rewards credit cards. These offers can vary, but they often follow the format of giving new cardholders a substantial amount of rewards for spending a certain amount of money on the applicable card within a few or more months of signing up.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card provides this sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Credit card offers can provide loads of value and should be considered if you’re comparing multiple credit cards. If two credit cards generally offer the same benefits, the one with the higher welcome bonus might be the better choice.

3. Types of rewards

You can typically earn credit card rewards in the form of points, miles, or cash back. Points and miles are often best suited if you prefer to redeem rewards for travel, such as flights or hotel stays. Cashback rewards are likely best for you if you don’t need travel redemption options and prefer the opportunity to save money on everyday expenses.

4. Rewards categories

Along with earning different types of rewards, you can also earn reward points in different ways:

• Flat-rate rewards: You earn the same rewards rate on every purchase.
• Bonus categories: You earn more rewards on specific purchases.
• Rotating categories: You earn more rewards on specific purchases at certain times of the year.

You might prefer a card with flat-rate rewards because it’s simple and you likely wouldn’t have to carry more than one card in your wallet.

But you might discover that your everyday spending habits typically align with certain types of purchases, such as groceries, gas, or streaming subscriptions. If that’s the case, having a card that earns more rewards in those bonus spending categories could provide more value.

If you find your expenses tend to vary, a credit card with rotating bonus categories might make sense. The rotating categories often align with common expenses, so you can potentially earn plenty of rewards on your everyday purchases throughout the year.

You may also want to consider reward card program programs. Some like Chase Ultimate Rewards, for example, while others prefer American Express Membership Rewards. 

5. Annual fees

Some credit card accounts have annual fees, while others don’t. Cards with annual fees tend to have more benefits, but you have to consider the annual cost against the value of the benefits to see if it’s worth it for you.

Keep in mind that both credit cards with annual fees and no-annual-fee cards could be worth it depending on your situation. So don’t be thrown off immediately if a card has an annual fee.

6. Interest and other fees

We don’t recommend using credit cards if you plan to carry a balance that will end up collecting interest. Or making late payments and having to pay fees. But sometimes things happen and it’s reasonable to be aware of a credit card’s interest rate and other fees like late fees.

And if you’re looking for a low-interest credit card, it could make sense to find a card with a 0% intro APR on purchases and/or balance transfers. This could help you avoid interest charges if you have an upcoming large purchase or want to pay down an existing balance.

If you're planning to travel abroad, consider looking for a card with no foreign transaction fees. 

Note that in some cases, you might choose a credit card depending on the payment network, such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. For example, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are typically accepted worldwide, but Amex cards aren’t as globally accepted.

5 types of credit cards

Credit card companies provide many different types of credit cards to help people meet their specific financial goals. For example, you might want to earn rewards on everyday purchases, so you could be interested in comparing the best rewards credit cards to find the right card.

But do you want to earn bonus rewards in the form of cash back, points, or miles? And are you interested in earning a welcome bonus after spending a certain amount on your card within a few months of account opening? Or can you float an annual fee?

It can get slightly overwhelming trying to narrow down the type of credit card that might be right for you. To make it simple, we’ve separated the different types of cards into five primary categories and who they might be best for:

1. Travel credit cards

Travel credit cards focus on earning travel rewards in the form of points or miles and providing travel-related benefits. You can typically redeem your points or miles toward many types of common travel expenses, including airfare, flight upgrades, hotel stays, and rental cars. 

Travel rewards can typically be redeemed when you book travel through the card issuer or when you transfer points to the issuer's travel partners. You can typically also redeem your points or miles for statement credits. 

Travel benefits vary by card, but could include:

• Airport lounge access like access Priority Pass lounges
• Travel credit, such as a hotel credit that you can use through the card's travel platform
• Elite status with a loyalty program such as Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy

Some travel credit cards also include perks like statement credits to help cover TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees. 

You should choose a travel credit card if you want to earn rewards that you can redeem toward travel and you want benefits that can enhance your travel experiences. You should also consider the card's redemption options and travel partners before you settle on the right one for you. 

Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards.

2. Cash back credit cards

Cash back credit cards are a type of rewards card that earns cash back rather than points or miles. Cashback redemptions vary by card but could include:

• Statement credits
• Deposits into a linked bank account
• Mailed checks
• Gift cards

You should choose a cash back credit card if you prefer earning cash back over points or miles. This typically means you’re not as interested in redeeming rewards for travel. 

Check out our picks for the best cash back credit cards.

3. Balance transfer

Balance transfer credit cards often provide a 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers for a certain amount of time, usually between 12 and 18 months. This type of offer gives you an opportunity to move debt from another credit product onto your new credit card and not have to pay interest on the balance for the specified amount of time.

Note that you typically have to pay a balance transfer fee to do a balance transfer, regardless of whether you have an introductory period with a 0% APR.

You should choose a balance transfer credit card if you need some time to pay off debt without worrying about interest charges for a while.

Find out more about the best balance transfer cards.

4. Credit cards for building credit

Credit cards for building credit are designed to help you build your credit history and improve your credit score if you have fair credit, bad credit, or no credit. Just about any credit card can help you build your credit, but you likely won’t qualify for all types of cards if you have little or no credit history.

Fortunately, secured credit cards exist, as well as other cards that don’t have strict credit requirements. These types of cards don’t typically have high credit limits or many benefits, and secured credit cards have a required security deposit. But they can help you build your credit score and qualify for better credit cards and other credit products.

You should choose a credit card for building credit if you don’t qualify for other credit cards with elevated rewards and benefits.

5. Business cards

Business credit cards are for small business owners with business expenses. There’s not much difference between personal credit cards and business credit cards, but you might find specific business-related benefits and rewards on a business card.

Business credit cards also typically have little impact on your personal credit score, even though you often need a decent credit score to qualify for many business cards. Additionally, business credit cards can help you separate personal and business expenses for tax purposes.

You should choose a business credit card if you’re a small business owner who wants to separate personal and business expenses while benefiting from specific business-related card perks.

Check out our list of the best small business credit cards.

FAQs

Bottom line

The best credit card for you depends on your preferences and financial goals. Be sure to look at multiple cards, their benefits, and their credit score requirements to select the best card for you.

Methodology

We evaluated cards from our partners on a variety of factors to determine which cards to feature in each category. These factors include intro APRs, ongoing APRs, rewards programs, fees, and overall consumer value. We did not evaluate or include all cards available.

Author Details

Ben Walker, CEPF Ben Walker, CEPF, is a Senior Credit Cards Writer at FinanceBuzz. For over a decade, he's leveraged credit card points and miles to travel the world. His expertise extends to other areas of personal finance — including loans, insurance, investing, and real estate — and you can find his insights on The Washington Post, Debt.com, Yahoo! Finance, and Fox Business.

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