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October 31, 2021
*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 October 31, 2021 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.
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, with no annual fee.
There are so many credit card choices, that it can be a challenge to figure out which is the right choice. Picking the best credit cards depends on what features are most important to you. Some people prefer cards with rewards, valuable benefits, and bonus categories for stores they spend the most. While others want a card with no annual fee, that builds credit, and has a 0% APR offer. Because there’s no single right credit card for everyone, we’ve created this list to highlight the best credit cards that meet various goals.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Up to 5% on quarterly rotating categories 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases Easy to earn welcome bonus Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers | 5% bonus category limited $1,500 per quarter Must register to active 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 spend 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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Up to 5% on quarterly rotating categories 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases Easy to earn welcome bonus Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers | 5% bonus category limited $1,500 per quarter Must register to active 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 spend 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.
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.
Want to see our entire list of recommended rewards credit cards? Click here.
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 the best credit card for bad credit because there’s no credit score required to apply and you can get your security deposit back in as little as seven months. There’s no annual fee and you can earn up to 2% cash back on your purchases.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Build credit with a refundable security deposit Earns up to 2% cash back No credit score required to apply | Must be able to make a security deposit No bonus categories No transfer partners |
This secured card is ideal for consumers who want to build credit and have the money to make a refundable security deposit. Security deposits start at $200, and this money is refunded if your card converts to an unsecured card.
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 the best credit card for bad credit because there’s no credit score required to apply and you can get your security deposit back in as little as seven months. There’s no annual fee and you can earn up to 2% cash back on your purchases.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Build credit with a refundable security deposit Earns up to 2% cash back No credit score required to apply | Must be able to make a security deposit No bonus categories No transfer partners |
This secured card is ideal for consumers who want to build credit and have the money to make a refundable security deposit. Security deposits start at $200, and this money is refunded if your card converts to an unsecured card.
The best credit cards for bad credit earn a higher credit limit or conversion to an unsecured card when it is used responsibly. Ideally, the card should have low fees and earn rewards on your purchases.
Want to see our entire list of recommended credit cards for bad credit? Click here.
Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Regular APR: 16.74% - 28.74% variable APR
Why we picked this card: If you’re looking for the longest intro APR for a balance transfer, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card may be your best bet. It offers a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, as well as a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening (followed by a 16.74% - 28.74% variable APR). New cardmembers automatically receive an 18 months intro period, plus an additional three months when they make on-time payments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
No annual fee Up to 21 months of 0% APR financing Have 120 days to complete balance transfers | Foreign transaction fee of 3% Does not earn rewards Cell phone protection is limited to $600 |
When you need almost two years of no interest to pay off debt, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is one of the best credit cards on the market. Whether you’re financing a large purchase and need to spread payments out over time, or you’re transferring debt from a non-Wells Fargo credit card, this card is a rock star. Just beware that if you’ve opened any other Wells Fargo credit card in the past 15 months, you might not qualify for this card’s intro APRs. And if you’ve opened any other Wells Fargo credit card in the past six months, you might be denied for this card entirely.
Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Regular APR: 16.74% - 28.74% variable APR
Why we picked this card: If you’re looking for the longest intro APR for a balance transfer, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card may be your best bet. It offers a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, as well as a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening (followed by a 16.74% - 28.74% variable APR). New cardmembers automatically receive an 18 months intro period, plus an additional three months when they make on-time payments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
No annual fee Up to 21 months of 0% APR financing Have 120 days to complete balance transfers | Foreign transaction fee of 3% Does not earn rewards Cell phone protection is limited to $600 |
When you need almost two years of no interest to pay off debt, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is one of the best credit cards on the market. Whether you’re financing a large purchase and need to spread payments out over time, or you’re transferring debt from a non-Wells Fargo credit card, this card is a rock star. Just beware that if you’ve opened any other Wells Fargo credit card in the past 15 months, you might not qualify for this card’s intro APRs. And if you’ve opened any other Wells Fargo credit card in the past six months, you might be denied for this card entirely.
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.
Want to see our entire list of recommended balance transfer cards? Click here.
Sign-up bonus: No bonus
Earning rate: Non-rewards Card
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Platinum Credit Card has great features for building credit, including unlimited access to your credit score and tools to monitor your credit. Capital One automatically starts to review your account for potential credit limit increase with as little as six months of responsible use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Check pre-approval without affecting your credit score Automatic credit line reviews Unlimited access to your credit score No annual fee | Does not earn rewards No 0% APR promotions No welcome bonus |
This card is best for consumers with fair credit who can make all of their payments on time. With on-time payments and responsible card use, you may receive a credit limit increase beyond your initial limit.
Sign-up bonus: No bonus
Earning rate: Non-rewards Card
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Platinum Credit Card has great features for building credit, including unlimited access to your credit score and tools to monitor your credit. Capital One automatically starts to review your account for potential credit limit increase with as little as six months of responsible use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Check pre-approval without affecting your credit score Automatic credit line reviews Unlimited access to your credit score No annual fee | Does not earn rewards No 0% APR promotions No welcome bonus |
This card is best for consumers with fair credit who can make all of their payments on time. With on-time payments and responsible card use, you may receive a credit limit increase beyond your initial limit.
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.
Want to see our entire list of recommended credit cards to build credit? Click here.
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: If you want a dedicated cash back card that returns the highest rate possible on your purchases, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great way to go. It earns a high flat rate of 1.5% on most purchases, plus bonus cash back on lucrative categories, like dining and drugstore purchases.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Small welcome bonus spending requirement Cash back rewards never expire Earn up to 5% cash back on purchases | Foreign transaction fee of 3% Must book through Chase to earn bonus cash back on travel Balance transfer fee increases to 5% after 60 days |
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is best for people who want to earn bonus rewards on every purchase without remembering bonus categories. The card has no annual fee, so all of the rewards earned provide extra cash in your wallet. It also offers an intro APR on balance transfers and purchases, which can be useful if you need extra time to pay off your balances.
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: If you want a dedicated cash back card that returns the highest rate possible on your purchases, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great way to go. It earns a high flat rate of 1.5% on most purchases, plus bonus cash back on lucrative categories, like dining and drugstore purchases.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Small welcome bonus spending requirement Cash back rewards never expire Earn up to 5% cash back on purchases | Foreign transaction fee of 3% Must book through Chase to earn bonus cash back on travel Balance transfer fee increases to 5% after 60 days |
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is best for people who want to earn bonus rewards on every purchase without remembering bonus categories. The card has no annual fee, so all of the rewards earned provide extra cash in your wallet. It also offers an intro APR on balance transfers and purchases, which can be useful if you need extra time to pay off your balances.
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.
Want to see our entire list of recommended cash back credit cards? Click here.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quarterly cash back categories earn up to 5% 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 5% 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 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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quarterly cash back categories earn up to 5% 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 5% 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 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.
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.
Want to see our entire list of recommended student cards? Click here.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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 whose bonus categories match where your business spends the most and it includes benefits that you’ll use.
Want to see our entire list of recommended business cards? Click here.
Sign-up bonus: No bonus
Earning rate: Non-rewards Card
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Platinum Credit Card helps customers build credit without requiring a security deposit. It also automatically reviews your account after six months for a potential credit limit increase.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
No annual fee No security deposit Get pre-approved without affecting your credit score | Does not earn rewards High standard interest rate on purchases No 0% APR intro offers |
This card is best for people who need to build their credit and can use their card responsibly. It includes unlimited access to your credit score and free tools to monitor your credit profile and track your progress.
Sign-up bonus: No bonus
Earning rate: Non-rewards Card
Why we picked this card: The Capital One Platinum Credit Card helps customers build credit without requiring a security deposit. It also automatically reviews your account after six months for a potential credit limit increase.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
No annual fee No security deposit Get pre-approved without affecting your credit score | Does not earn rewards High standard interest rate on purchases No 0% APR intro offers |
This card is best for people who need to build their credit and can use their card responsibly. It includes unlimited access to your credit score and free tools to monitor your credit profile and track your progress.
People with fair credit often have a limited credit history. Credit cards for fair credit help them 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.
Want to see our entire list of recommended cards for fair credit? Click here.
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 the best secured credit card because it doesn’t require a credit score to apply and it offers a refundable security deposit that you can get back in as little as seven months.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Get pre-approved without harming your credit No annual fee Refundable security deposits as low as $200 | Bonus cash back is limited to $1,000 each quarter No welcome bonus Discover not as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard |
This card is best for borrowers who are having trouble getting approved for an unsecured card and have the money to put down a security deposit. Cardholders can earn up to 2% cash back on all of their purchases, plus receive an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match on all rewards earned in the first year.
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 the best secured credit card because it doesn’t require a credit score to apply and it offers a refundable security deposit that you can get back in as little as seven months.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Get pre-approved without harming your credit No annual fee Refundable security deposits as low as $200 | Bonus cash back is limited to $1,000 each quarter No welcome bonus Discover not as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard |
This card is best for borrowers who are having trouble getting approved for an unsecured card and have the money to put down a security deposit. Cardholders can earn up to 2% cash back on all of their purchases, plus receive an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match on all rewards earned in the first year.
Secured credit cards use your deposit to guarantee that the bank will be repaid for your purchases. With responsible use, your credit limit may increase beyond your security deposit or the card could be converted to an unsecured card. When choosing a secured card, search for cards that report to all three credit bureaus, offer tools to track your credit score and have low fees.
Want to see our entire list of recommended secured credit cards? Click here.
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: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best no-annual-fee card because it earns up to 5% cash back and includes an intro APR on balance transfers and purchases without charging an annual fee. It also offers a welcome bonus with a minimum spending requirement that most cardholders can easily meet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers Free credit score and alerts Cash back rewards do not expire | Foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars Must book through Chase to earn 5% on travel purchases Gas bonus category limited to $6,000 spent during the first year |
This card is ideal for consumers that want to earn valuable rewards without paying an annual fee. It earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and up to 5% cash back on select categories. New cardholders can also take advantage of the card’s intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.
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: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best no-annual-fee card because it earns up to 5% cash back and includes an intro APR on balance transfers and purchases without charging an annual fee. It also offers a welcome bonus with a minimum spending requirement that most cardholders can easily meet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers Free credit score and alerts Cash back rewards do not expire | Foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars Must book through Chase to earn 5% on travel purchases Gas bonus category limited to $6,000 spent during the first year |
This card is ideal for consumers that want to earn valuable rewards without paying an annual fee. It earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and up to 5% cash back on select categories. New cardholders can also take advantage of the card’s intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.
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.
Want to see our entire list of recommended no annual fee credit cards? Click here.
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 welcome bonus from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can be used to book $750 in travel through Chase or transferred to hotel and airline partners for an even higher value. And you’ll earn a 10% bonus on all of the points you earn every year.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Transfer points 1:1 to 14 airline and hotel partners Save and earn with Lyft, Gopuff and DoorDash Annual $50 credit for hotel stays booked with Chase | Grocery bonus limited to online purchases Must book travel with Chase to earn 5x points High minimum spending requirement |
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card doesn’t offer all the luxury benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, but for a $95 annual fee, you still get significant value. This card is a fine choice for someone who flies semi-regularly and doesn’t want to be tied to one airline or hotel family. Redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® for 25% more value or transfer 1:1 to the following partners:
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 welcome bonus from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can be used to book $750 in travel through Chase or transferred to hotel and airline partners for an even higher value. And you’ll earn a 10% bonus on all of the points you earn every year.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Transfer points 1:1 to 14 airline and hotel partners Save and earn with Lyft, Gopuff and DoorDash Annual $50 credit for hotel stays booked with Chase | Grocery bonus limited to online purchases Must book travel with Chase to earn 5x points High minimum spending requirement |
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card doesn’t offer all the luxury benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, but for a $95 annual fee, you still get significant value. This card is a fine choice for someone who flies semi-regularly and doesn’t want to be tied to one airline or hotel family. Redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® for 25% more value or transfer 1:1 to the following partners:
Credit cards offer a sign-up bonus to 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.
Want to see our entire list of best credit card sign-up bonuses? Click here.
Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening
Regular APR: 16.74% - 28.74% 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 a 0% APR for 18 months automatically and qualify for an additional three months when you make all of your payments on time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
No annual fee 120 days to complete balance transfers Cell phone protection | Does not earn rewards 3% foreign transaction fee 5% balance transfer fee after 120 days Higher interest rate for cash advances and overdraft protection |
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 that you want to eliminate interest charges. Those who can make all of their payments on time receive three extra months of 0% financing.
Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening
Regular APR: 16.74% - 28.74% 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 a 0% APR for 18 months automatically and qualify for an additional three months when you make all of your payments on time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
No annual fee 120 days to complete balance transfers Cell phone protection | Does not earn rewards 3% foreign transaction fee 5% balance transfer fee after 120 days Higher interest rate for cash advances and overdraft protection |
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 that you want to eliminate interest charges. Those who can make all of their payments on time receive three extra months of 0% financing.
Credit cards with 0% APRs offers enable customers to pay off their purchases or balance transfers without incurring any interest charges. This allows all of their payment to go towards 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.
Want to see our entire list of recommended intro 0% APR credit cards? Click here.
| Credit Card | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Intro Purchase APR | Regular APR | Recommended Credit | Card Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Discover it® Secured Credit Card
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Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | 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 | $0 | N/A | 25.99% Variable APR | Poor/Limited | Discover it® Secured Credit Card Review |
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Chase Freedom Flex℠
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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! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. | $0 | 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months | 17.99% - 26.74% Variable | Excellent/Good | Chase Freedom Flex℠ Review |
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Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
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N/A | None | $0 | 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening | 16.74% - 28.74% variable APR | Excellent/Good | Wells Fargo Reflect® Card Review |
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Capital One Platinum Credit Card
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No bonus | Non-rewards Card | $0 | N/A | 28.49% (Variable) | Fair/Limited | Capital One Platinum Credit Card Review |
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Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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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. | 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 | $0 | 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months | 17.99% - 26.74% Variable | Excellent/Good | Chase Freedom Unlimited® Review |
|
Discover it® Student Cash Back
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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. | 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. | $0 | 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases | 15.99% - 24.99% Variable APR | Fair/Limited | Discover it® Student Cash Back Review |
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Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
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LIMITED TIME OFFER: 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 card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn. | $0 | 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months | 16.24% - 22.24% Variable | Excellent | Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Review |
|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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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®. | 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases | $95 | N/A | 18.99% - 25.99% Variable | Excellent | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review |
How does credit card interest work?
Credit cards charge customers interest when they carry a balance from one statement period to another. Interest charges are based on the average daily balance of your credit card and the interest rate associated with your account.
Here are a few terms related to interest rates that you may find on your credit card statement.
Credit cards are available for people with all types of credit history. Whether you have bad credit, are just starting your credit journey or have perfect credit, you have choices.
Many credit cards have minimum credit score requirements, so people with lower credit scores or a short history may not qualify for cards with the best rewards and benefits. Before applying for a credit card, it makes sense to check your credit score first. This will keep you from applying for cards that are beyond your current credit situation.
Even if you currently have bad credit or are rebuilding your credit score, you can grow your score with responsible use of these cards. As your score grows, you can apply for more lucrative cards with better rewards and benefits. Over time, you’ll reach your credit goals by making all of your payments on time and keeping your balances low.
| FICO Score | Vantage Score |
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The right number of credit cards depends on a variety of factors that are unique to you. Some people prefer the simplicity of having a single card, while others want multiple cards to maximize each card’s bonus categories and benefits. While there is no maximum number of cards, simpler is often better. For people who want to maximize rewards, consider a three-card strategy like the Chase Trifecta.
With most credit cards, you can apply online. Some issuers will even let you check if you’re prequalified. Prequalification doesn’t guarantee approval when you apply, but it does indicate a solid chance of success. You may be able to apply in a physical bank branch if you don’t want to apply online.
Credit cards often target applicants based on their credit scores. If your credit score is below their requirements, there’s a strong chance that you’ll be declined. Before applying, we suggest checking your credit score to ensure it meets their criteria. When your credit score is too low, there are ways to boost your credit score to increase your odds of approval.
During the application process, you’ll need to provide personal and financial information such as the following:
Tip: If you already have accounts with the bank, log into your online account to minimize the information that you need to provide. Many banks use the personal details you have on file to speed up the application process.Generally, you’ll have a decision within a few minutes of applying for a new credit card. If you were approved, you should receive the card within 7 to 10 business days.
However, this timeframe varies by the card issuer and which credit card you’ve applied for. To illustrate how different each bank is, here are the timelines provided by a few of the most popular credit card issuers:
Tip: If you need your new credit card faster, some card issuers will expedite the card for a fee.Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your cards:
To see rates & fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.
That depends on how you plan to use the card. For example, if you spend a large amount on groceries, dining out or gas each month, a card that offers an accelerated rewards rate in those categories may be ideal. But if you prefer to earn up to 2 rewards points or miles per $1 on everything you buy, you can opt for a card that offers a flat rewards rate on every purchase.
When choosing which credit card is right for you, there are a number of factors to consider.
For example, if you travel on a regular basis, a card that offers travel benefits and miles on every purchase may help you offset the cost of flights or luggage fees. But if you want to finance a large purchase and pay it off over time or transfer high interest credit card debt, a card that offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and/or balance transfers for a specified period of time may be a better fit. Or, if you’d like to earn a little cash on regular, everyday expenses, such as groceries, a cash back card may be better suited for that. Before deciding on a card, you’ll also want to take a close look at how a rewards program works as well as any benefits offered by the card to ensure that those outweigh any annual fee the card may charge.
A cash back credit card is a good choice for people who don’t travel frequently or don’t want to deal with steps such as transferring credit card rewards to airline or hotel loyalty programs. Travel cards are more valuable for frequent travelers willing to spend a little extra time making sure they get maximum value from their points or miles.
Before applying for a new credit card, you should check your credit score to ensure that it falls within the range required by the credit card. For example, if your credit score falls between 670 and 739 (which is considered “good” according to FICO”), you may qualify for a credit card that requires good credit. Credit card issuers also use other parameters to determine an applicant’s worthiness. For example, Capital One describes applicants with good credit as those who have not declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan in the past five years, and someone who has had a credit card or loan and has not been 30 days late on any payment in the last year.
Several credit card issuers, including Capital One, Chase and Discover, also offer tools that let you see if you prequalify for a credit card offer without negatively impacting your credit score. Just know that if you do prequalify for a card, that doesn’t guarantee approval as once you formally apply, the issuer will need to check your income and employment status before making a final decision.
When used responsibly — meaning paying your bill on time each month and in full whenever possible and keeping your balances low — a credit card can serve as a useful tool to help establish and build your credit history and credit scores.
Credit cards also offer convenience for online shopping, renting a car or hotel room, for example, or help you finance a big purchase or even be a source for emergency funds. Additionally, many credit cards let you earn rewards for the purchases made using your card, as well as access benefits, like purchase protection and extended warranty.
There’s a common myth that you need to carry a balance to build credit, but that’s not the case. As long as you use your card, your usage will be reported to the credit bureaus. Paying your card off in full every month is actually better than carrying a balance because that way you can typically avoid having to pay interest.
Canceling a credit card is simple, at least in theory. You’ll need to pay off the card in full, either before closing it or shortly after. Call the number on the back of your credit card and tell the customer service representative you wish to close the account. You may face resistance — be polite but firm. You might get a retention offer, such as a spending bonus or a waived annual fee. If you do get such an offer, you’ll have to evaluate if it’s enough to address why you decided to cancel the card in the first place.
Some may worry that closing a credit card means you’ll lose that account history, but that’s not the case. A closed credit card will stay on your credit reports for up to 10 years if the account was in good standing. However, your credit score may be negatively impacted because the loss of the credit line could increase your overall credit utilization ratio if you’re carrying balances on other cards.
In selecting the best credit cards, we evaluated factors such as rewards, sign-up bonuses, 0% intro APRs, and accessibility for consumers with a varied credit histories.
Many of the cards on this list charge no annual fee. If a card does charge an annual fee, if offers enough value through rewards and benefits to make it worth the fee in certain situations.
Finally, benefits such as travel and extended warranty protections were weighed in favor when offered.
To see rates & fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.
