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On this page
  • Our top picks in February 2023
  • Side-by-side comparison
  • How do credit cards work?
  • How to choose a credit card
  • How to maximize rewards
  • What is the best credit card?
  • FAQs
  • Methodology

Best Credit Cards in February 2023

Lee Huffman
Tracy Brackman

February 1, 2023

*Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.

This article was last updated February 1, 2023 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.

Our pick for best credit card

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is our pick for best credit card because it earns a high rate of cash back across all its spending categories. Plus, the card offers an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, as well as a $0 annual fee.

Best Credit Cards in February 2023

  • Chase Freedom Unlimited<sup>®</sup>
    Overall and cash back
    Chase Freedom Unlimited®
  • Chase Freedom Flex℠
    Rewards
    Chase Freedom Flex℠
  • Wells Fargo Reflect<sup>®</sup> Card
    0% APR
    Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card
    Sign-up bonus
    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
  • Wells Fargo Reflect<sup>®</sup> Card
    Balance transfers
    Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
  • Capital One Platinum Credit Card
    Fair credit
    Capital One Platinum Credit Card
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card
    Bad credit
    Discover it® Secured Credit Card
  • Capital One Platinum Credit Card
    Building credit
    Capital One Platinum Credit Card
  • Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
    No annual fee
    Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back
    Students
    Discover it® Student Cash Back
  • Ink Business Cash<sup>®</sup> Credit Card
    Businesses
    Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card
    Beginners
    Discover it® Secured Credit Card
  • Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express
    Grocery rewards
    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
    Dining rewards
    Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express
    Gas rewards
    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card
    Secured card
    Discover it® Secured Credit Card
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card
    Travel
    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
  • United Quest℠ Card
    Airlines
    United Quest℠ Card
  • Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
    Hotels
    Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
  • Chase Freedom Unlimited<sup>®</sup>
    High limit
    Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Citi is an advertising partner.
There are so many credit card choices, which makes it challenging to figure out the best credit card for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all credit card, but the best ones usually have low annual fees, high earning rates and strong sign-up bonuses.

Other factors like your credit history, travel preferences and spending categories can help you narrow down your choices. Whether you’re looking for a credit card to earn free flights, save on interest or build your credit, these credit cards can help you build up — or start — your credit card portfolio.

Best For Overall and cash back

Chase Freedom Unlimited<sup>®</sup> Advertisement

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Apply Now
on Chase's secure site

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Introductory APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 19.24% - 27.99% Variable
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Sign-up bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Earning rate: Enjoy 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; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases

Why we picked this card: Along with a generous cash back rate in popular spending categories, the $0-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for more than a year.

ProsCons

  Solid cash back rate on every purchase

  $0 annual fee

  Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

  Cap on highest earning rate

  Foreign exchange fees

  Balance transfer fee

If you want to earn an elevated cash back rate on every purchase you make, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® could be a great fit. Rewards — which don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing — can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, travel or products and services. You can also use rewards to pay for all or part of purchases at participating Chase Pay merchants.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card can also be ideal for those who want to finance a large purchase or transfer a high-interest balance, since it offers a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months (then an 19.24% - 27.99% Variable APR), as well as a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months (then an 19.24% - 27.99% Variable APR).

  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 27.99%
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

Sign-up bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Earning rate: Enjoy 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; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases

Why we picked this card: Along with a generous cash back rate in popular spending categories, the $0-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for more than a year.

ProsCons

  Solid cash back rate on every purchase

  $0 annual fee

  Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

  Cap on highest earning rate

  Foreign exchange fees

  Balance transfer fee

If you want to earn an elevated cash back rate on every purchase you make, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® could be a great fit. Rewards — which don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing — can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, travel or products and services. You can also use rewards to pay for all or part of purchases at participating Chase Pay merchants.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card can also be ideal for those who want to finance a large purchase or transfer a high-interest balance, since it offers a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months (then an 19.24% - 27.99% Variable APR), as well as a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months (then an 19.24% - 27.99% Variable APR).

  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 27.99%
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

Check out our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

Cash back credit cards

Cash back credit cards reward cardholders with a cash back rebate on every purchase that they make. Some cards offer a flat cash back rate, while others give higher bonuses in certain spending categories. When choosing a cash back card, look for cards with no annual fees and higher rewards where you spend the most, like dining, gas or groceries.

Best For Rewards

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Learn More

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Introductory APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 19.24% - 27.99% Variable
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!

Earning rate: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

Why we picked this card: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is one of the most rewarding cash back cards around if you don’t mind keeping up with its quarterly categories. You’ll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.

ProsCons

  High cash back rate on quarterly rotating categories

  Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus

  Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

  5% bonus category limited to $1,500 per quarter

  Must register to activate 5% bonus categories

  Cannot transfer rewards to hotels or airlines without a premium card

Between its rotating categories and its ongoing rewards on restaurant dining and drugstore purchases, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a solid choice all around. It does take some attention every quarter to activate a new rotating category, but Chase will typically send a reminder. There’s a quarterly spending cap of $1,500 on the rotating categories, but that’s $75 in cash back each quarter before your earning rate drops to 1% if you max it out.

  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 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
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 27.99%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ 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.

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!

Earning rate: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

Why we picked this card: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is one of the most rewarding cash back cards around if you don’t mind keeping up with its quarterly categories. You’ll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.

ProsCons

  High cash back rate on quarterly rotating categories

  Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus

  Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

  5% bonus category limited to $1,500 per quarter

  Must register to activate 5% bonus categories

  Cannot transfer rewards to hotels or airlines without a premium card

Between its rotating categories and its ongoing rewards on restaurant dining and drugstore purchases, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a solid choice all around. It does take some attention every quarter to activate a new rotating category, but Chase will typically send a reminder. There’s a quarterly spending cap of $1,500 on the rotating categories, but that’s $75 in cash back each quarter before your earning rate drops to 1% if you max it out.

  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 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
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 27.99%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ 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.
The information related to the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Rewards credit cards

Rewards credit cards offer cash back, miles or points on your purchases, including bonus rewards on select categories. When picking a rewards card, choose one that offers high rewards in the categories that you spend the most on.

Best For 0% APR

Wells Fargo Reflect<sup>®</sup> Card Advertisement

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Rates & Fees

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Introductory APR 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 17.49% - 29.49% variable APR
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening

Regular APR: 17.49% - 29.49% variable APR

Why we picked this card: With the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, you receive almost two years of interest-free financing for your purchases and balance transfers. You’ll receive 18 months automatically and qualify for an additional three months when you make at least your minimum monthly payment on time during the introductory period.

ProsCons

  $0 annual fee

  120 days to complete balance transfers

  Cellphone protection

  Does not earn rewards

  Foreign transaction fees

  Balance transfer fee

People who need extra time to pay off their purchases or balance transfers will appreciate the especially long intro APR. This card is ideal if you’re making a large purchase and want to pay it off over time or if you have high-interest credit card debt and want to eliminate interest charges. Those who can make all of their payments on time receive three extra months of interest-free financing.

  • 0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Intro APR extension for 3 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro period. 17.49% to 29.49% 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
  • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (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.
  • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening

Regular APR: 17.49% - 29.49% variable APR

Why we picked this card: With the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, you receive almost two years of interest-free financing for your purchases and balance transfers. You’ll receive 18 months automatically and qualify for an additional three months when you make at least your minimum monthly payment on time during the introductory period.

ProsCons

  $0 annual fee

  120 days to complete balance transfers

  Cellphone protection

  Does not earn rewards

  Foreign transaction fees

  Balance transfer fee

People who need extra time to pay off their purchases or balance transfers will appreciate the especially long intro APR. This card is ideal if you’re making a large purchase and want to pay it off over time or if you have high-interest credit card debt and want to eliminate interest charges. Those who can make all of their payments on time receive three extra months of interest-free financing.

  • 0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Intro APR extension for 3 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro period. 17.49% to 29.49% 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
  • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (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.
  • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions

Check out our Wells Fargo Reflect® Card review.

0% APR credit cards

Credit cards with 0% APR offers enable customers to pay off their purchases or balance transfers without incurring any interest charges. This allows all of their payment to go toward paying down their debt. When picking a 0% APR credit card, you want one that offers a long period of no interest, no annual fee and low balance transfer fees.

Best For Sign-up bonus

Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card Advertisement

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Apply Now
on Chase's secure site

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $95
Regular Purchase APR 20.24% - 27.24% Variable
Credit Score Needed
720 850
Excellent
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Sign-up bonus: 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®.

Earning rate: 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases

Why we picked this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers one of the most valuable and flexible sign-up bonuses currently available. The bonus is worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase’s travel portal, or possibly even more when transferred to Chase’s travel partners.

ProsCons

  Valuable sign-up bonus

  Variety of travel and purchase protections

  Foreign transaction fees: $0

  $95 Annual fee

  No intro APR offer

If you’re looking to earn a lump sum of valuable rewards in a short amount of time, you should consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The card’s points are generally valued at 1 cent each — making the bonus at $600. But when you redeem those points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll get a 25% boost in value — making the bonus worth $750.

Additionally, points can be transferred to a number of travel transfer partners at a rate of 1:1.

Just know, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card charges an annual fee of $95.

 

  • 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 a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, 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.

Sign-up bonus: 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®.

Earning rate: 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases

Why we picked this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers one of the most valuable and flexible sign-up bonuses currently available. The bonus is worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase’s travel portal, or possibly even more when transferred to Chase’s travel partners.

ProsCons

  Valuable sign-up bonus

  Variety of travel and purchase protections

  Foreign transaction fees: $0

  $95 Annual fee

  No intro APR offer

If you’re looking to earn a lump sum of valuable rewards in a short amount of time, you should consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The card’s points are generally valued at 1 cent each — making the bonus at $600. But when you redeem those points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll get a 25% boost in value — making the bonus worth $750.

Additionally, points can be transferred to a number of travel transfer partners at a rate of 1:1.

Just know, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card charges an annual fee of $95.

 

  • 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 a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, 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.

Check out our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review.

Sign-up bonus credit cards

Credit cards with large sign-up bonuses encourage customers to sign up. Most cards require cardholders to spend a minimum amount within a set time period to earn the bonus. The best approach is to find a large offer that provides adequate time to meet the minimum spending requirement without spending more than you can comfortably pay off to avoid interest charges on your purchases.

Best For Balance transfers

Wells Fargo Reflect<sup>®</sup> Card Advertisement

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Rates & Fees

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Introductory APR 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 17.49% - 29.49% variable APR
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers , then 17.49% - 29.49% variable APR.

Balance transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5

Why we picked this card: In addition to offering a long intro APR on purchases, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers one of the longest intro APR periods on balance transfers currently available.

ProsCons

  Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

  Cellphone insurance

  $0 annual fee

  Balance transfer fee

  No rewards program

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is an excellent option if you have a large amount of high interest credit card debt that you’ll need close to two years to pay off. In addition to a long intro APR on balance transfers, the card offers a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases. After that, a regular 17.49% - 29.49% variable APR applies.

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card comes with a $0 annual fee, but there is a balance transfer fee of 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5.

  • 0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Intro APR extension for 3 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro period. 17.49% to 29.49% 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
  • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (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.
  • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers , then 17.49% - 29.49% variable APR.

Balance transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5

Why we picked this card: In addition to offering a long intro APR on purchases, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers one of the longest intro APR periods on balance transfers currently available.

ProsCons

  Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

  Cellphone insurance

  $0 annual fee

  Balance transfer fee

  No rewards program

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is an excellent option if you have a large amount of high interest credit card debt that you’ll need close to two years to pay off. In addition to a long intro APR on balance transfers, the card offers a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases. After that, a regular 17.49% - 29.49% variable APR applies.

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card comes with a $0 annual fee, but there is a balance transfer fee of 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5.

  • 0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Intro APR extension for 3 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro period. 17.49% to 29.49% 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
  • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (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.
  • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions

Check out our Wells Fargo Reflect® Card review.

Balance transfer credit cards

Balance transfer credit cards provide low-interest financing when you transfer a balance from another credit card. When picking a balance transfer card, look for one with low balance transfer fees and a long introductory APR.

Best For Fair credit

Capital One Platinum Credit Card Advertisement

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 29.74% (Variable)
Credit Score Needed
600 660
Fair/Limited
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Balance transfer intro APR: N/A

Balance transfer fee: $0 at this Transfer APR

Why we picked this card: Geared toward consumers with fair/limited credit, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card reports your credit usage to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) and automatically begins reviewing your account at six months to see if you qualify for a higher credit limit.

ProsCons

  $0 annual fee

  Opportunity to qualify for a higher credit line

  Foreign transaction fees: None

  No rewards rate

  No sign-up bonus

  High APR

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a solid choice for individuals with fair/limited credit who want to boost their credit profile with responsible card usage. In addition to reporting your card usage to the major credit bureaus and considering your account for a higher credit line starting at six months, the card offers free and unlimited access to your credit score, as well as tools to help monitor your credit.

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee, and as for foreign transaction fees — there are none.

  • No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
  • Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
  • Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
  • Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
  • Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you

Balance transfer intro APR: N/A

Balance transfer fee: $0 at this Transfer APR

Why we picked this card: Geared toward consumers with fair/limited credit, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card reports your credit usage to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) and automatically begins reviewing your account at six months to see if you qualify for a higher credit limit.

ProsCons

  $0 annual fee

  Opportunity to qualify for a higher credit line

  Foreign transaction fees: None

  No rewards rate

  No sign-up bonus

  High APR

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a solid choice for individuals with fair/limited credit who want to boost their credit profile with responsible card usage. In addition to reporting your card usage to the major credit bureaus and considering your account for a higher credit line starting at six months, the card offers free and unlimited access to your credit score, as well as tools to help monitor your credit.

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee, and as for foreign transaction fees — there are none.

  • No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
  • Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
  • Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
  • Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
  • Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you

Check out our Capital One Platinum Credit Card review.

Credit cards for fair credit

People with fair credit often have a limited credit history. Credit cards for fair credit help cardholders build their credit score by reporting their positive behaviors to the credit bureaus. The best cards for fair credit report to all three credit bureaus, have low fees and automatically review your account to reward responsible use.

Best For Bad credit

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card Advertisement

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Apply Now
on Discover's secure site
Rates & Fees

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 27.24% Variable APR
Credit Score Needed
300 600
Poor/Limited
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

Why we picked this card: Along with offering cash back on every purchase, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can help cardholders with poor/limited credit improve their credit with responsible card usage.

ProsCons

  Cash back on every purchase

  $0 annual fee

  Opportunity to graduate to a non-secured card

  Intro APR on balance transfers

  Security deposit required

  High APR

  No intro APR on purchases

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a great option for those who need to build or rebuild their credit. The card requires a refundable security deposit — starting at $200 — which will serve as your line of credit.

Plus, the $0-annual-fee card earns 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. And Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
  • Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

Why we picked this card: Along with offering cash back on every purchase, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can help cardholders with poor/limited credit improve their credit with responsible card usage.

ProsCons

  Cash back on every purchase

  $0 annual fee

  Opportunity to graduate to a non-secured card

  Intro APR on balance transfers

  Security deposit required

  High APR

  No intro APR on purchases

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a great option for those who need to build or rebuild their credit. The card requires a refundable security deposit — starting at $200 — which will serve as your line of credit.

Plus, the $0-annual-fee card earns 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. And Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
  • Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

Check out our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review.

Credit cards for bad credit

The best credit cards for bad credit charge no or minimal fees and help you build your credit history by reporting to all three credit bureaus. Some even let you earn rewards and allow you to convert to an unsecured card when used responsibly.

Best For Building credit

Capital One Platinum Credit Card Advertisement

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 29.74% (Variable)
Credit Score Needed
600 660
Fair/Limited
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Sign-up bonus: No bonus

Earning rate: Non-rewards Card

Why we picked this card: In addition to providing the opportunity for credit line increases, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee and access to Capital One benefits.

ProsCons

  $0 annual fee

  Unlimited access to your credit score

  Foreign transaction fees: None

  No security deposit required

  No rewards program

  High APR

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is ideal if you want to improve your credit with the help of an unsecured card. The card is designed for individuals with fair/limited credit, which Capital One describes as those who have either defaulted on a loan in the past five years or have had a credit card or other credit for less than three years.

While the Capital One Platinum Credit Card doesn’t earn rewards, after demonstrating responsible usage, you may be able to request a product change to a Capital One Platinum Credit Card that does.

  • No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
  • Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
  • Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
  • Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
  • Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you

Sign-up bonus: No bonus

Earning rate: Non-rewards Card

Why we picked this card: In addition to providing the opportunity for credit line increases, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee and access to Capital One benefits.

ProsCons

  $0 annual fee

  Unlimited access to your credit score

  Foreign transaction fees: None

  No security deposit required

  No rewards program

  High APR

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is ideal if you want to improve your credit with the help of an unsecured card. The card is designed for individuals with fair/limited credit, which Capital One describes as those who have either defaulted on a loan in the past five years or have had a credit card or other credit for less than three years.

While the Capital One Platinum Credit Card doesn’t earn rewards, after demonstrating responsible usage, you may be able to request a product change to a Capital One Platinum Credit Card that does.

  • No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
  • Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
  • Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
  • Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
  • Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you

Check out our Capital One Platinum Credit Card review.

Credit cards for building credit

Credit cards that build credit report your payment history and card usage to all three major credit bureaus. They also provide tools to help you track your progress and learn how to effectively manage your credit cards. When building your credit history, look for cards that have no annual fee and do not require a security deposit.

Best For No annual fee

Citi<sup>®</sup> Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer Advertisement

Citi® Double Cash Card

Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site

Citi® Double Cash Card

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Citi is an advertising partner.

Sign-up bonus: None

Earning rate: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Why we picked this card: Along with charging a $0 annual fee, the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer offers a solid cash back rate on every purchase as well as a lengthy intro APR on balance transfers.

ProsCons

  $0 annual fee

  Simple cash back rewards

  Intro APR on balance transfers

  No intro APR on purchases

  Balance transfer fee

If you want to earn cash back on every purchase without paying an annual fee, you may want to consider the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer. Because the card offers a flat cash back rate, there’s no need to keep track of spending caps or bonus earning categories.

Additionally, the card offers an intro APR of 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers. After the intro period, a 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) APR applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.

Just know, the card does not offer an intro APR on purchases.

  • 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.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Citi is an advertising partner.

Sign-up bonus: None

Earning rate: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Why we picked this card: Along with charging a $0 annual fee, the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer offers a solid cash back rate on every purchase as well as a lengthy intro APR on balance transfers.

ProsCons

  $0 annual fee

  Simple cash back rewards

  Intro APR on balance transfers

  No intro APR on purchases

  Balance transfer fee

If you want to earn cash back on every purchase without paying an annual fee, you may want to consider the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer. Because the card offers a flat cash back rate, there’s no need to keep track of spending caps or bonus earning categories.

Additionally, the card offers an intro APR of 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers. After the intro period, a 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) APR applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.

Just know, the card does not offer an intro APR on purchases.

  • 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.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Check out our Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer review.

No-annual-fee credit cards

No-annual-fee cards tend to offer scaled-down benefits and rewards compared to similar cards with annual fees. Banks are adding valuable perks and rewards to attract budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to pay an annual fee. Look for cards that offer rewards and benefits that match your lifestyle and how you spend.

Best For Students

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back Advertisement

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Apply Now
on Discover's secure site
Rates & Fees

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Introductory APR 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR
Credit Score Needed
600 660
Fair/Limited
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Earning rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically

Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Student Cash Back is one of the most rewarding cash back cards for students. Students can build credit and earn unlimited cash back without paying an annual fee. There’s no credit score required to apply, so this is an excellent first-time card for students starting their credit journey.

ProsCons

  Quarterly cash back categories earn a high rate of cash back

  Unlimited cash back match after the first year

  No credit score is required to apply

  Bonus cash back is limited to $1,500 each quarter

  Must manually activate bonus categories

If you’re a college student with fair/limited credit, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is an excellent card to help you establish a credit history and build a great credit score. Building credit now can help you later in life — such as helping you get the best rates on financial products like auto loans and mortgages.

  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

Sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Earning rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically

Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Student Cash Back is one of the most rewarding cash back cards for students. Students can build credit and earn unlimited cash back without paying an annual fee. There’s no credit score required to apply, so this is an excellent first-time card for students starting their credit journey.

ProsCons

  Quarterly cash back categories earn a high rate of cash back

  Unlimited cash back match after the first year

  No credit score is required to apply

  Bonus cash back is limited to $1,500 each quarter

  Must manually activate bonus categories

If you’re a college student with fair/limited credit, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is an excellent card to help you establish a credit history and build a great credit score. Building credit now can help you later in life — such as helping you get the best rates on financial products like auto loans and mortgages.

  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

Check out our Discover it® Student Cash Back review.

Student credit cards

Student credit cards extend credit to students who don’t necessarily have a full-time income. Banks lend to these borrowers because the average student earns a higher wage after graduating college. When choosing a student credit card, search for cards that earn rewards, help you build credit and have low fees.

Best For Businesses

Ink Business Cash<sup>®</sup> Credit Card Advertisement

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Apply Now
on Chase's secure site

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Introductory APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 17.49% - 23.49% Variable
Credit Score Needed
720 850
Excellent
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Sign-up bonus: LIMITED TIME OFFER: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earning rate: 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 card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.

Why we picked this card: The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers a great cash back rate on common business purchases. It lets you 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. Plus, it offers a generous welcome bonus and free employee cards.

ProsCons

  Generous welcome bonus

  Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more

  Builds business credit

  Cannot transfer points to hotels or airlines without another Chase card

  Bonus categories have spending limits

  Foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

For business owners who spend heavily on categories including office supply stores, internet, cable and phone services, gas and restaurants, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a winner. Plus, if you know your business is going to have to make a big purchase in the near future, take advantage of this card’s sign-up bonus and intro APR period to make life a little bit easier.

  • BEST OFFER EVER: 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
  • With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring
  • 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

Sign-up bonus: LIMITED TIME OFFER: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earning rate: 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 card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.

Why we picked this card: The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers a great cash back rate on common business purchases. It lets you 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. Plus, it offers a generous welcome bonus and free employee cards.

ProsCons

  Generous welcome bonus

  Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more

  Builds business credit

  Cannot transfer points to hotels or airlines without another Chase card

  Bonus categories have spending limits

  Foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

For business owners who spend heavily on categories including office supply stores, internet, cable and phone services, gas and restaurants, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a winner. Plus, if you know your business is going to have to make a big purchase in the near future, take advantage of this card’s sign-up bonus and intro APR period to make life a little bit easier.

  • BEST OFFER EVER: 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
  • With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring
  • 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

Check out our Ink Business Cash® Credit Card review.

Business credit cards

Business credit cards allow business owners to separate their personal and business purchases, which makes it easier to track expenses and build credit for the business. Many business credit cards also earn rewards, include valuable benefits and offer free employee cards. Choose a business card with benefits that you’ll use and bonus categories that match where your business spends the most.

Best For Beginners

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card Advertisement

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Apply Now
on Discover's secure site
Rates & Fees

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 27.24% Variable APR
Credit Score Needed
300 600
Poor/Limited
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is ideal for individuals starting out on their credit journey, since it offers a cash back on every purchase, a $0 annual fee and the opportunity to graduate to an unsecured card.

ProsCons

  $0 annual fee

  Cash back rewards

  Automatic account reviews starting at seven months

  Intro APR on balance transfers

  Security deposit required

  High APR

  No intro APR on purchases

If you have Poor/Limited credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can serve as a great starter card to help establish your credit profile.

The card requires a refundable security deposit — starting at $200 — which will serve as your line of credit. And after you’ve had the card for 7 months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded.

Additionally, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card doesn’t charge a fee the first time you pay late; after that, the late fee will be up to $41. That said, when trying to establish or build credit, it’s important to pay your bill on time every month.

  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
  • Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is ideal for individuals starting out on their credit journey, since it offers a cash back on every purchase, a $0 annual fee and the opportunity to graduate to an unsecured card.

ProsCons

  $0 annual fee

  Cash back rewards

  Automatic account reviews starting at seven months

  Intro APR on balance transfers

  Security deposit required

  High APR

  No intro APR on purchases

If you have Poor/Limited credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can serve as a great starter card to help establish your credit profile.

The card requires a refundable security deposit — starting at $200 — which will serve as your line of credit. And after you’ve had the card for 7 months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded.

Additionally, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card doesn’t charge a fee the first time you pay late; after that, the late fee will be up to $41. That said, when trying to establish or build credit, it’s important to pay your bill on time every month.

  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
  • Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

Check out our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review.

Beginner credit cards

Credit cards for beginners are ones that have a simple or flat rewards rate, no annual fee and an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus. Many people start out with a simple cash back card, a student card or a secured card. When you’re looking for a beginner credit card, keep in mind it doesn’t have to offer a stellar earning rate — if you use it properly and build your credit, you could later qualify for a better credit card.

Best For Grocery rewards

Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express Advertisement

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
Terms Apply

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Introductory APR 0% on purchases for 12 months
Annual Fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Regular Purchase APR 18.49%-29.49% Variable
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Earning rate: 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply.

Why we picked this card: This card has a high cash back rate on U.S. supermarket purchases. With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express‘s rewards rate, you can earn $360 cash back on U.S. supermarkets alone with the elevated earning rate. Cash back is redeemable for statement credits. This and the card’s welcome offer make the annual fee worth it.

ProsCons

  Generous cash back rewards at U.S. supermarkets

  Long intro APR period on purchases

  Capped elevated rewards rate

  Foreign transaction fees

To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is best for people who spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets and in other categories like gas and transit. This card offers generous cash back rewards — however, your rewards at a higher cash back rate are capped. That makes this card best for certain spending categories, but you may benefit from having a credit card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card to earn higher rewards when you’ve reached the limit for the Blue Cash Preferred from American Express’s elevated categories.

  • 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.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® 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.
  • Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% to 29.49%
  • 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.

To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.

Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Earning rate: 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply.

Why we picked this card: This card has a high cash back rate on U.S. supermarket purchases. With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express‘s rewards rate, you can earn $360 cash back on U.S. supermarkets alone with the elevated earning rate. Cash back is redeemable for statement credits. This and the card’s welcome offer make the annual fee worth it.

ProsCons

  Generous cash back rewards at U.S. supermarkets

  Long intro APR period on purchases

  Capped elevated rewards rate

  Foreign transaction fees

To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is best for people who spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets and in other categories like gas and transit. This card offers generous cash back rewards — however, your rewards at a higher cash back rate are capped. That makes this card best for certain spending categories, but you may benefit from having a credit card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card to earn higher rewards when you’ve reached the limit for the Blue Cash Preferred from American Express’s elevated categories.

  • 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.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® 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.
  • Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% to 29.49%
  • 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.

To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.

Check out our Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express review.

Grocery credit cards

Grocery credit cards can help you earn rewards on groceries — and sometimes other everyday purchases, too. Both cash back and travel credit cards may offer high rewards rates on groceries — so decide what kind of grocery credit card is a better fit for you. Make sure the card you’re interested in doesn’t exclude your grocery store(s) of choice.

Best For Dining rewards

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Advertisement

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Introductory APR 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Earning rate: 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.

Why we picked this card: When it comes to dining rewards, it’s hard to beat the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. Unlike many other cards with elevated rewards categories, this card earns unlimited higher rewards for a $0 annual fee.

ProsCons

  Elevated earning rates on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores

  No spending cap for high earning rates

  $0 annual fee

  Good credit required

  Balance transfer fee

This card is best for people who spend a lot on dining and entertainment and want to earn cash back. It may also be a good option for a balance transfer card that you can keep after you pay off your balance — it has a solid 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months. A 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR applies after that.

If you spend a lot on dining and would rather earn travel points instead of cash back, then the American Express® Gold Card may be a better fit for you.

  • 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 Walmart® and Target®), 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; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee

Sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Earning rate: 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.

Why we picked this card: When it comes to dining rewards, it’s hard to beat the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. Unlike many other cards with elevated rewards categories, this card earns unlimited higher rewards for a $0 annual fee.

ProsCons

  Elevated earning rates on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores

  No spending cap for high earning rates

  $0 annual fee

  Good credit required

  Balance transfer fee

This card is best for people who spend a lot on dining and entertainment and want to earn cash back. It may also be a good option for a balance transfer card that you can keep after you pay off your balance — it has a solid 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months. A 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR applies after that.

If you spend a lot on dining and would rather earn travel points instead of cash back, then the American Express® Gold Card may be a better fit for you.

  • 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 Walmart® and Target®), 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; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee

Check out our Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review.

Dining credit cards

Dining credit cards are a great way for foodies to earn rewards on their restaurant, takeout or delivery purchases. There are many types of cards that offer high rewards rates on dining and restaurants — so decide whether you prefer cash back or travel rewards before you find a dining credit card.

Best For Gas rewards

Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express Advertisement

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
Terms Apply

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Introductory APR 0% on purchases for 12 months
Annual Fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Regular Purchase APR 18.49%-29.49% Variable
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Earning rate: 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply.

Why we picked this card: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers a generous cash back rate at U.S. gas stations as well as a valuable welcome offer. The card also comes with an intro annual fee and an intro APR on purchases.

ProsCons

  Generous cash back rate

  Intro APR on purchases

  Welcome offer

  $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

  Restrictions on earning rewards on gas purchases