The best credit cards on the market change over time as card issuers update their promotions and new card offers are introduced. That's why we created this list that's updated on a regular basis. Here you can find out which credit cards are the most promising at the moment, including travel credit cards, cash back credit cards, 0% APR credit cards, and other credit card categories.
Read on to learn about the best credit cards in 2024, why we picked them, and how each card we selected can help you reach your goals.
TIME Stamped best credit card picks
Best cash-back card
Best cash-back card
Chase Freedom Unlimitedยฎ
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Introductory Offer:
- Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year), which can add up to $300 in cash back!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
Intro Card Rewards:
- 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travelโ , our top-tier rewards program where you can redeem for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more.
- 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
- 3% cash back on all other purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After the First Year or $20,000 Spent Card Rewards:
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travelโ .
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Additional Benefits:
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Choose a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards never expire as long as your account is open!
- No annual fee โ Enjoy all the great features of your Freedom Unlimitedยฎ card without paying an annual fee.
- Credit Monitoring โ Keep track of your credit health with Chase Credit Journey, offering free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
The Chase Freedom Unlimitedยฎ is a solid flat-rate earnings card with annual_fee_disclaimer annual fee. Although the 1.5% cash back doesnโt seem impressive at first glance, it becomes more valuable when combined with other rewards cards from Chase that can be redeemed for a far greater value.
This card is recommended for everyday use, whether for doctor copays or big box store purchases. It can be a large earner for cardmembers who want to get the most out of their everyday spending.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Up to $20,000 spent in the first year: 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewardsยฎ, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (takeout and delivery services included), 3% on all other purchases. Post $20,000 spent or first year: 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewardsยฎ, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (takeout and delivery services included), 1.5% on all other purchases.
Why we chose it: The card_name was selected as the best cash-back credit card due to its quarterly bonus categories that earn 5% cash-back, its generous rewards for drugstore and dining purchases, and its intro 0% APR offer for purchases and balance transfers.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- bonus_miles_full.
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
- Additional 5x cash back on travel purchased through the Ultimate Rewards program, 3x on dining, and 3x on drugstore purchases.
- Extra 1.5% earned the first year up to $20,000.
Cons:
- 5% cash advance and balance transfer fees.
- 3% foreign transaction fee.
- Only available for cardholders with a good credit score.
Read our full review here.
Best flat-rate cash back card
Best flat-rate cash back card
Citi Double Cashยฎ Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
- 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 ThankYouยฎ 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 Travelโ 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).
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 2% cash back on everythingโ1% when a purchase is made and another 1% when it's paid off.
Why we chose it: The Citi Double Cashยฎ Card lets cardholders earn 2% cash back on everythingโ1% when a purchase is made and another 1% when it's paid of โand there is a annual_fees
(Rates & Fees) annual fee.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Lucrative flat-rate rewards on all purchases
- Rewards come with flexible redemption options
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
(Rates & Fees)
Cons:
- Charges foreign_transaction_fee in foreign transaction fees
- Intro APR does not apply to purchases
- High APR (reg_apr,reg_apr_type) after intro offer ends for balance transfers
- Requires credit_score_needed credit
Read our full review here.
Best card for grocery shopping
Best card for grocery shopping
Blue Cash Preferredยฎ Card from American Express
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Introductory Offer:
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan Itยฎ to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
Card Rewards:
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
- 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Additional Benefits:
- Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferredยฎ Card. That's $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferredยฎ Card. Enrollment required. Terms Apply.
Fees:
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 6% cash back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1% back), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% back on other purchases. Terms Apply.
Why we chose it: We picked the Blue Cash Preferredยฎ Card from American Express as best for groceries due to its sky-high rewards rate in this category. The card also has an impressive welcome offer and intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers (Rates & Fees).
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Highest bonus rewards rate for U.S. supermarkets and U.S. streaming subscriptions
- Generous rewards for U.S. gas stations and transit
- annual fee (Rates & Fees)
- Introductory intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration (Rates & Fees); then reg_apr,reg_apr_type
- Comes with purchase protection and return protection
- Terms Apply.
Cons:
- Bonus rewards cap at U.S. supermarkets
- Rewards only redeemable for statement credits
- High Go-To APR () after introductory APR period ends (Rates & Fees)
- Charges in foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees)
- Annual fee after year one (Rates & Fees)
- Requires credit
Read our full review here.
Best card for entertainment
Best card for entertainment
Capital Oneยฎ SavorOneยฎ Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmartยฎ and Targetยฎ), plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 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; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonsu rewards: Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery spending (Excluding superstores like Walmartยฎ and Targetยฎ) and 1% back on other purchases; also earn 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we chose it: The offers the best rewards rate on entertainment purchasesโincluding concerts, amusement parks, zoos, professional sporting events, and more.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Profitable rewards rate on entertainment, dining, and more
- 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemptions for rewards
- ; then reg_apr,reg_apr_type and ; then balance_transfer_fees
Cons:
- Requires credit
- High APR () after intro APR period ends
Read our full review here.
Best travel card
Best travel card
Chase Sapphire Reserveยฎ Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Introductory Offer:
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening and redeem them through ChaseTravelโ for $900 toward travel.
Card Rewards:
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travelโ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
- Earn 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Additional Benefits:
- Annual Travel Credit: Receive $300 as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Get 50% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travelโ . For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass that comes with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Point Transfer: 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Airport Lounge Access: Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after a one-time enrollment in Priority Passโข Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheckยฎ.
- Travel Protections: Includes Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance, and more.
Member FDIC
This card's generous benefits and flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points make it an excellent deal for those who can use them. Users get a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (retail value $469), a $300 annual travel credit that applies to travel purchases each year, 50% more value when redeeming their rewards for travel through Chase, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, and a generous suite of travel insurance benefits.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 10X points on hotel and rental car purchases through Chase (after the first $300 in travel spending is met), 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase (after the first $300 in travel spending is met), 3X points on travel and dining worldwide, and 1X points on other purchases; also earn 10X points on Lyft rides through Dec. 31, 2024.
Why we chose it: We chose the as the best travel credit card due to its affiliation with the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, its exceptional travel perks, and its generous bonus categories for rewards.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Comes with a $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (valued at $469)
- 50% more value redeeming points for travel through Chase
- Points transfer 1:1 to Chase airline and hotel partners
- Points redeemable for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more
- $100 fee credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck membership
- Best selection of travel insurance benefits of all travel credit cards
- Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
- Instacart benefits
- foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- annual fee
- High APR () if you carry a balance
- Requires credit
Read our full review here.
Best travel insurance card
Best travel insurance card
Chase Sapphire Preferredยฎ Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Introductory Offer:
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Thatโs equivalent to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travelโ .
Card Rewards:
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travelโ .
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries.
- 2x points on all other travel purchases.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
Additional Benefits:
- $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit and more.
- Get 25% more value when redeeming points for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Travelโ . For instance, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
- Lost Luggage Insurance
- Complimentary DashPass Access: Enjoy $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for at least one year when activated by December 31, 2027.
Member FDIC
This card offers many different options for points redemption, so itโs great for cardholders who want flexibility. If you travel or stay with any of the partner airlines or hotels, this can be a good way to take advantage of loyalty programs and redeem points directly for even more value.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 annual hotel credit); 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services; 2X points on other travel; and 1X points on other purchases; also, you can earn 5X points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025.
Why we chose it: The card doesn't have as many travel perks as the , but it offers the same rewards flexibility and its own selection of top bonus categories. Cardholders also get access to a range of travel insurance benefits on a complimentary basis.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Value of 25% more when you redeem points for travel through Chase
- Points transfer 1:1 to Chase airline and hotel partners
- Can also redeem points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more
- Generous travel insurance benefits
- Annual hotel credit benefit of $50
- Rewards anniversary bonus of 10%
- Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
- Instacart benefits
- foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- High APR () if you carry a balance
- Requires credit
Read our full review here.
Best card for lounge access
Best card for lounge access
The Platinum Cardยฎ from American Express
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Introductory Offer:
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewardsยฎ Points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and choose your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Cardยฎ, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Card Rewards:
- 5X Membership Rewardsยฎ Points for flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year.
- 5X Membership Rewardsยฎ Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Additional Benefits:
- $200 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resortsยฎ or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases with your Platinum Cardยฎ for services like Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after paying with your Platinum Cardยฎ. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by the airline to your Platinum Cardยฎ.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status are available to Basic Card Members only. Terms apply.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership or club membership when you pay with your Platinum Cardยฎ. Enrollment required.
- $189 CLEARยฎ Plus Credit: Get up to $189 back per calendar year on your CLEAR Plus Membership when you use your Platinum Cardยฎ. Learn more.
- $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheckยฎ application fee when charged to your Platinum Cardยฎ. Approved Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com. Enrollment required.
- $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Cardยฎ. An Equinox+ subscription is required. Enrollment required.
- Global Dining Access by Resy: Unlock exclusive reservations and special dining experiences when you add your Platinum Cardยฎ to your Resy profile.
Annual Fee: $695.
Terms apply.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on airfare booked with airlines and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on other eligible travel booked through American Express Travel, and 1X point for every eligible dollar spent. Terms Apply.
Why we chose it: The offers superior point flexibility for travel, as well as the most robust airport lounge membership of all travel credit cards. Members get access to Priority Pass lounges, Amex Centurion lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs when they fly with Delta.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Comes with Global Lounge Collection, the best airport lounge membership of all travel credit cards
- Comes with $1,500+ in statement credits for airline incidentals, eligible hotel bookings, and more
- Automatic elite hotel status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
- Superior rewards rate for eligible airfare and prepaid hotel bookings
- Points transfer to Amex airline and hotel partners
- Other redemptions for travel through AmexTravel.com, gift cards, statement credits, and more
- Terms Apply.
Cons:
- Very high annual fee of (Rates & Fees)
- High APR () if you carry a balance (Rates & Fees)
- Annual credits are notoriously difficult to use
- Requires credit
Read our full review here.
Best balance transfer card
Best balance transfer card
Citi Simplicityยฎ Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
- No Let 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 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).
- Stay protected with Citiยฎ Quick Lock
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: None
Why we chose it: The card_name comes with the longest intro APR of all credit cards on the market today (balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration), and it has annual_fees annual fee.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Lengthy intro APR offer for balance transfers
- annual_fees annual fee
- late_payment_fee late fees or penalty rate
- Free FICO score
- Choose your own due date
Cons:
- No rewards
- High APR (reg_apr,reg_apr_type) after intro APR period ends
- Shorter intro APR for purchases
- balance_transfer_fees;
- Charges foreign_transaction_fee in foreign transaction fees
- credit_score_needed credit required
Read our full review here.
Best student card
Best student card
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on all spending, plus 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we chose it: The is available for consumers with "" credit, meaning FICO scores from 580 to 669. It helps build credit as a result, and student cardholders get to earn 1.5% in cash back on their purchases with annual fee.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Available for fair credit borrowers
- Builds credit by reporting to the credit bureaus
- Generous flat-rate rewards for spending
- Rewards have flexible redemption options
- Complimentary Uber benefits
- annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Must be a student to apply
- High APR () if you carry a balance
Best card for dining out
Best card for dining out
American Expressยฎ Gold Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Introductory Offer:
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewardsยฎ points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Card Rewards:
- Earn 4X Membership Rewardsยฎ Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewardsยฎ points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewardsยฎ points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Additional Benefits:
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Expressยฎ Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Discover more than 1,000 luxury hotels globally with The Hotel Collection and enjoy a $100 credit for eligible expenses with every booking of two nights or more via AmexTravel.com. Eligible expenses differ by property.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
Fees:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250. Terms Apply.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 4X points on dining worldwide, 4X points on up to $25,000 spent each year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1X points), 3X points on airfare booked with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and 1X points on other purchases. Terms Apply.
Why we chose it: is best for dining due to its lucrative rewards rate for all the best food and drink money can buy. Cardholders earn 4X points on dining worldwide and 4X points on up to $25,000 spent each year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1X points).
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Very high rewards rate on eligible food spending, plus airfare
- Comes with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (doled out monthly)
- $120 annual dining credit (doled out monthly)
- Points transfer to Amex airline and hotel partners
- Membership Rewards redeemable for statement credits, gift cards, and more
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- High annual_fees annual fee
- High APR if you carry a balance
- Annual credits notoriously difficult to use
- credit_score_needed credit required
Read our full review here.
Best card for building credit
Best card for building credit
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
- No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you're approved in seconds
- Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
- Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- 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
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn a flat 1.5% cash back on all spending.
Why we chose it: This secured credit card offers 1.5% cash back on all spending and has annual fee, and you can check for preapproval online without a hard inquiry on your credit reports. Note that as this is a secured credit card, a minimum security deposit of $200 is required.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Reports to the credit bureaus help you build credit
- Cash back on all purchases
- Flexible rewards redemptions
- Check your approval odds before you apply
- annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Automatic credit line reviews after six months
Cons:
- Security deposit required
- High APR () if you carry a balance
- Available for credit
Best card for small businesses
Best card for small businesses
Ink Business Preferredยฎ Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Introductory Offer:
Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Thatโs equivalent to $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travelโ .
Card Rewards:
- 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year.
- 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Additional Benefits:
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases.
- Zero Liability: You wonโt be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more. Points donโt expire as long as your account is open.
- 25% More Value: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travelโ .
- Covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Member FDIC
The is the best business card for travel due to its rewards flexibility, foreign transaction fees, and protective consumer benefits.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: You earn 3X points per dollar on up to $150,000 in combined spending in eligible business categories each year (then 1X points) and 1X points on other purchases. Categories that earn 3x points include shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, select advertising purchases, and travel.
Why we chose it: The is the best small business card for travel due to its rewards flexibility, foreign transaction fees, and protective consumer benefits.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Generous bonus rewards in popular business categories
- Value of 25% more when you redeem points for travel through Chase
- Points transfer 1:1 to Chase airline and hotel partners
- Other flexible redemptions include cash back, gift cards, merchandise, and more
- foreign transaction fees
- Free employee cards
- Comes with primary auto rental coverage when you rent a car for business purposes
- Has purchase protection and extended warranties
Cons:
- High APR () if you carry a balance
- High spending threshold to earn welcome offer
- credit required
Read our full review here.
Best card for business cash back
Best card for business cash back
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Introductory Offer:
- Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months.
- Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500,000 spent during the first year. You can earn this bonus multiple times over the course of year 1!
Card Rewards:
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhereโwith no limits or category restrictions.
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Additional Benefits:
- Enjoy purchasing power that adapts to your business needs. The Spark Cash Plus card has no preset spending limit, adapting based on your spending behavior, payment history, credit profile, and other factors.
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while you earn rewards from their transactions with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease.
- $150 annual feeโspend $150,000 annually and Capital One will refund this fee every year.
- Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month.
- Ideal for businesses that need large spending capacity and want to maximize cash back.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we chose it: The offers a flat 2% cash back on all spending, and it comes without a set credit limit.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Higher cash-back rate than other business cards
- Charge card with no preset spending limit
- Earn a $200 cash bonus when you spend $200,000 or more in a year
- Free employee cards
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Must pay your credit card balance in full each month
- 2.99% monthly late fee when you don't pay your balance in full
- High annual fee of
- credit required
Read our full review here.
Best card for limited or damaged business credit
Best card for limited or damaged business credit
Revenued Business Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
- No origination fees, maintenance fees, or draw fees.
- As your revenue increases, your spending limit increases.
- Only pay for the working capital you need.
- Approvals based on your business revenue and not personal credit.
- Access cash on demand via the Flex Line with funds deposited straight into your bank account.
- Fast and easy - apply online and receive a funding decision in as little as an hour.
- 24/7 access to business funding โ via mobile app and Visa business card.
- Revenued Reports to D&B to help build your business credit.
- Access to a dedicated U.S-based account manager.
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot with 600+ reviews.
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: None.
Why we chose it: You may be able to get approved for the Revenued Business Card regardless of your credit, which helps this card stand out from the competition. This business card also comes with no annual fee, no monthly fees, and no hidden fees.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- No hard credit inquiry to apply
- Approvals based on your business revenue and not your credit
- No annual fee or hidden fees
- Access to cash on demand - have cash deposited into your business bank account
- Reports repayment activity to D&B to help build business credit
Cons:
- Interest charges based on a "factor rate" that is applied to purchases automatically
- Substantial business revenue required
- No welcome or reward bonuses
Best card for saving on gas
Best card for saving on gas
Costco Anywhere Visaยฎ Card by Citi
Credit score
credit_score_needed
- Discover one of Citi's best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
- 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
- Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 4% cash back on up to $7,000 spent on eligible gas and EV charging purchases per year (then 1% back), 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel, 2% on purchases from Costco and Costco.com, and 1% back on other spending.
Why we chose it: While the card_name members only, this card offers 4% cash back on up to $7,000 spent on eligible gas and EV charging purchases per year (then 1% back). This means bonus rewards on gas are available at nearly any gas stationโnot just at Costco.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Exceptional rewards on gas and EV charging purchases
- Great earning rate for dining, travel, and Costco spending
- annual_fees
(Rates & Fees) annual fee for Costco members
- foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- No welcome offer
- High APR (reg_apr,reg_apr_type) if you carry a balance
- Must be a Costco member
- Rewards only redeemable once per year
- Rewards only redeemable for Costco merchandise or cash back in stores
- Requires credit_score_needed credit score
Read our full review here.
card_name
Bes for Amazon shopping
Bes for Amazon shopping
Prime Visa
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
- Unlimited 5% back on their Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and Chase Travel purchases for Prime members (or 3% for non-prime members) and those points can be redeemed for future Amazon.com purchases or for cash back, gift cards or travel via Chase.
- Unlimited 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and on local transit and commuting (including rideshares).
- Unlimited 1% back on all your other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
The Prime Visa is one of the most versatile cash back credit cards you can open because of its monster return rate at Amazon and Whole Foods. Between those two brands, you can get just about anything youโd possibly need.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases, Amazon in-store purchases, and Whole Foods Market spending, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% back on other spending.
Why we chose it: The card_name offers an astronomical cash-back rate of 5% back on Amazon.com, Amazon in-store purchases, and spending at Whole Foods Market. It has annual_fees annual fee, and there are foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees to worry about.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Great rewards rate for Amazon and Whole Foods spending
- Potential to earn 10% back on eligible purchases with Prime Card Bonus
- Good selection of travel insurance benefits
- Comes with Visa Signature perks
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Rewards redeemable for Amazon purchases, gas back, gift cards, travel, and more
Cons:
- Amazon Prime membership required
- High APR if you carry a balance
- Good-to-excellent credit required
Read our full review here.
Our Methodology
Finding the best credit cards is challenging because credit card issuers offer different rewards programs, their own unique selection of perks, and card terms that can change over time. To find the best credit cards, we compared card offers based on the following criteria:
- Rewards rates (when applicable)
- Welcome offers (when applicable)
- Rewards flexibility
- Introductory APR offers
- Variable APRs
- Annual fees
- Consumer protections included
- Travel benefits and perks
- Travel insurance benefits
- Credit rating required
Ultimately, we looked for credit cards that offer the most lucrative rewards structures and welcome offers, as well as flexibility within their designated rewards programs. Some cards that don't offer rewards were evaluated based on other factors, including their fee structure, introductory interest rates, and regular variable APR. In all cases benefits such as consumer protections and travel insurance perks were taken into account.
Best credit cards comparison chart
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How to choose the best credit card for you
The sheer number of top credit cards on this page can feel overwhelming, and there are many more cards that didn't quite make our ranking. The following steps can help you find the best credit card for your needs among the sea of available options.
Determine your goals
Before you can decide on the best credit card, you have to think about what you're trying to accomplish. After all, you'll pick a different card if you want to earn rewards than you will if you need to consolidate high-interest debt.
Our advice? Think over your credit card goals and what you want out of the process, whether that's earning cash back, racking up travel rewards, or getting 0% APR for a limited time.
Compare rewards programs
If you are interested in rewards, you'll want to look over credit card earning rates and how you can redeem your points. Also note that travel rewards programs can be notoriously complicated, so you may have to do some research to find the best travel credit card for your needs.
Decide which cardholder perks you want
Are you interested in consumer protections such as cell phone insurance or extended warranties? Maybe you want early boarding with your preferred airline, free checked bags, or airport lounge access. Whatever you desire, one of the best credit cards probably offers it.
Look at card fees
While paying an annual fee for a credit card isn't always fun, these fees can be worth it if you're getting exceptional value out of the rewards you earn or the perks you receive. In addition to evaluating annual fees, you should also look for foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, and other hidden fees.
Consider eligibility by credit score
Also consider your personal credit score and which card issuers might work for you based on their minimum credit requirements. Note in the chart below how some card issuers only offer credit cards to consumers with good-to-excellent credit, whereas others offer credit cards for fair and/or bad credit and secured credit cards.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
More about credit cards
What are the different types of credit cards?
There are many types of credit cards, all of which are included in this ranking of the best credit cards. As you compare card offers and look for the right fit for your wallet, consider which credit card types might serve you best.
Cash back credit cards offer generous rewards on all your spending, (usually with no annual fee). Many cards in this niche also offer introductory APRs for purchases, balance transfers, or both, and most offer a sign-up bonus to boot.
Rewards credit cards offer flexible points that can be redeemed for travel in more than one way. In most cases rewards earned with a flexible card can be redeemed for travel through a portal or for points transfers to airline and hotel partners. Many flexible travel credit cards also let users redeem for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, and other alternative redemptions. Examples of flexible travel cards include cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, American Express Membership Rewards points, Capital One Miles, or points in the Citi ThankYou program.
Airline credit cards are credit cards are co-branded with an airline, so they offer airline miles instead of flexible points. As an example, American AAdvanage credit cards earn a rewards currency called "Loyalty Points," whereas Southwest credit cards earn points in theSouthwest Rapid Rewards program. In addition to letting you earn airline miles, many airline credit cards offer benefits such as free checked bags and priority boarding.
There are also hotel credit cards to consider, which are co-branded with hotel loyalty programs such as Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and Wyndham Rewards. These cards earn hotel loyalty points you can redeem for free hotel nights, room upgrades, and more. Some hotel credit cards also come with automatic elite status and all the perks that come with it.
Balance transfer credit cards
Balance transfer cards offer 0% introductory APRs for debts you transfer from other credit cards and loans. This gives you the chance to pay down debt faster and save money on interest along the way. However, balance transfer fees (typically 3% or 5% of the debt amount transferred) usually apply.
Also be aware that the regular variable APR applies after the introductory offer ends.
0% APR credit cards
Some credit cards offer 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for a limited time. These cards tend to come with no annual fee, and some even offer rewards for spending.
Note, however, that the regular variable APR applies after the introductory offer ends.
Student credit cards
Student credit cards are geared to college students, so they are easier to qualify for than other unsecured credit cards. Some student credit cards offer rewards for spending and other benefits, such as a free credit score. Most student credit cards don't charge an annual fee.
Business credit cards
Business credit cards are geared to small business owners, sole proprietors, side hustlers, and entrepreneurs. These cards let business owners earn rewards on their business purchases, and they help keep business and personal spending separate for tax purposes.
Secured credit cards
Where unsecured credit cardsdon't require any collateral, secured credit cards require a cash deposit to "secure" the line of credit in the first place. With a security deposit, however, consumers with bad credit and even no credit have the chance to qualify. That's why secured credit cards are commonly referred to as "starter credit cards."
While many secured credit cards offer rewards for purchases and don't charge an annual fee, the main benefit of these cards is the fact that they build credit by reporting your payments to the credit bureaus.
How to apply for a credit card
Once you find the best credit card for your needs, you'll need to take a few simple steps to complete an application. Fortunately, all the steps required to apply for a new credit card can be executed online and from the comfort of your home.
Check your credit scores
Before you apply for a credit card, you'll want to have a general idea of where your credit score falls on the spectrum. We recommend taking steps to check your credit score for free, which you can do with any number of platforms including Capital One CreditWise and Chase Credit Journey.
You may also find that some credit cards let you get "prequalified" without a hard inquiry on your credit reports. This step doesn't help you check your credit scores, but it can help you gaugage your approval odds before you apply for a specific card product.
Read over the terms and fine print
No matter which credit card you decide is best, you'll want to read over the terms and conditions and fine print. Make sure you have a full understanding of any fees that are charged, including annual fees, late fees, and more. Also note the credit card's interest rate and how it compares to average, as well as the details of a card's intro APR offer if it has one.
If your preferred credit card has a rewards program, make sure you understand how rewards are doled out, as well as the minimum spending requirements and timeline to earn the card's sign-up bonus.
Gather your personal information
Next up, you'll want to gather relevant personal information that's required on all credit card applications. This includes some details you'll know off the top of your head, like your full name, address, and contact information. However, you'll also need to supply details you may have to look up like your Social Security number (SSN), annual household income, monthly housing payment, and more.
Provide thorough, honest information
Finally, move forward with a credit card application online and fill in the prompts with the best, most honest information you can. Once you're ready, you can hit "submit application" and wait to see your results. Many credit card issuers will process your application while you wait and give you an answer either way within a few minutesโ time. Others will contact you via email and take up to 30 days to approve you or deny you for the card you want.
If you arenโt approved for the card you applied for, don't panic. You may need to work on improving your credit score before you apply again. In the meantime, consider other credit cards you could get approved for now based on your credit profile, including credit cards for fair credit and secured credit cards for credit-building.
Alternatives to credit cards
- Debit cards: Consider the benefits of using a debit card for purchases, although you'll need an eligible checking account to qualify. Also be aware that unlike credit cards, which let you borrow money, debit cards draw from money in your account to cover your purchases. Note, however, that using debit cards will not help you build a good credit score.
- Home equity loans: Home equity loans come with fixed interest rates and fixed monthly payments, and they use the value of your home as collateral. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), most lenders will only let you access up to 80% of your home's equity through a first mortgage and a home equity loan.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs): Home equity lines of credit also use the value of your home as collateral, although they offer a line of credit you can borrow against (instead of a lump sum), and they typically have variable interest rates. With a HELOC, your monthly payment is based on how much you borrow from your credit line.
- Personal loans: Also called โinstallment loans,โ this type of loan lets you borrow a lump sum with a fixed monthly payment, a set repayment term you agree to ahead of time, and fixed interest rates that are typically lower than you get with credit cards. In fact, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System data shows that, as of February 2024, the average interest rate on 24-month personal loans worked out to 12.49%, while the average rate for credit accounts assessed interest was 22.63%.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How many credit cards should you have?
The right number of credit cards is different for everyone. Ideally, you'll end up with a number of cards that help you maximize rewards and cardholder perks with the lowest interest rates and fees possible.
What is the easiest credit card to get?
The easiest credit card to get is typically a secured credit card, because it requires you to put down a cash deposit as collateral. That said, it's easier to qualify for most credit cards when you have good credit or better, meaning a FICO score of 670 or higher.
What are the best credit card offers right now?
Some of the best credit card offers right now include sign up bonuses which will generate $750 redeemed through travel rewards, like with the card_name.