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August 1, 2022
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Picking the best credit card for you can be tough with so many options on the market. To help you select the best one for your wallet, we’ve identified some top cards in a variety of categories: best cash back cards, best rewards cards, best balance transfer cards, best travel cards, best for building credit and best for small business owners.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card lets you earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. Plus, earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
There’s a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, after which a 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% variable APR applies. This, with the sign-up bonus, presents an opportunity to finance a big-ticket item.
If you need to transfer debt from another card, the card has a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers. After, a 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% variable APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5.
The card’s annual fee is $0. There is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
If you value simplicity and don’t want to keep track of different rewards rates for different spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card just might be the card for you. It offers an excellent flat rate on all purchases, comes with a valuable sign-up bonus and provides a solid 0% intro APR periods on both purchases and balance transfers. However, if you’re planning to travel abroad, this isn’t a good card to take with you due to the foreign transaction fee.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card lets you earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. Plus, earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
There’s a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, after which a 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% variable APR applies. This, with the sign-up bonus, presents an opportunity to finance a big-ticket item.
If you need to transfer debt from another card, the card has a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers. After, a 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% variable APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5.
The card’s annual fee is $0. There is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
If you value simplicity and don’t want to keep track of different rewards rates for different spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card just might be the card for you. It offers an excellent flat rate on all purchases, comes with a valuable sign-up bonus and provides a solid 0% intro APR periods on both purchases and balance transfers. However, if you’re planning to travel abroad, this isn’t a good card to take with you due to the foreign transaction fee.
With the Chase Freedom Flex℠, you’ll earn 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. Note that you must activate the rotating categories each quarter, otherwise you’ll earn just 1% back on that spending.
You can also earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
If you need to finance a big purchase, take advantage of this card’s 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months. After, a 16.49% - 25.24% variable APR applies.
There’s also a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months. After, a 16.49% - 25.24% variable APR applies. The balance transfer fee is either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. Then, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
While the annual fee is $0, there is a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
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.
With the Chase Freedom Flex℠, you’ll earn 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. Note that you must activate the rotating categories each quarter, otherwise you’ll earn just 1% back on that spending.
You can also earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
If you need to finance a big purchase, take advantage of this card’s 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months. After, a 16.49% - 25.24% variable APR applies.
There’s also a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months. After, a 16.49% - 25.24% variable APR applies. The balance transfer fee is either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. Then, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
While the annual fee is $0, there is a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
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.
Cardholders with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1% back on all other purchases.
Plus, you can get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.
The annual fee is $0, but you do need an Amazon Prime membership to qualify for this card, which costs $139 a year or $14.99 per month (or for the college student plan, $69 a year or $7.49 a month).
Don’t worry about a foreign transaction fee when traveling abroad because this card charges $0.
The APR is 15.74% to 23.74% variable.
If you’re already paying for an Amazon Prime membership and turn to Amazon.com for the bulk of your online shopping, getting the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card just makes good sense. Earning 5% back for your online purchases is an excellent deal, especially since there’s no cap on how much cash back you can earn.
But if you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll have to do some math to see if it’s worth signing up. If you pay for an annual plan, that’s $139 — you’ll recoup that amount in cash back after spending $2,780 on purchases eligible for 5% back. Or, if you’re paying $69 for the annual student plan, you can break even after spending $1,380 on purchases that earn 5%.
Cardholders with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1% back on all other purchases.
Plus, you can get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.
The annual fee is $0, but you do need an Amazon Prime membership to qualify for this card, which costs $139 a year or $14.99 per month (or for the college student plan, $69 a year or $7.49 a month).
Don’t worry about a foreign transaction fee when traveling abroad because this card charges $0.
The APR is 15.74% to 23.74% variable.
If you’re already paying for an Amazon Prime membership and turn to Amazon.com for the bulk of your online shopping, getting the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card just makes good sense. Earning 5% back for your online purchases is an excellent deal, especially since there’s no cap on how much cash back you can earn.
But if you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll have to do some math to see if it’s worth signing up. If you pay for an annual plan, that’s $139 — you’ll recoup that amount in cash back after spending $2,780 on purchases eligible for 5% back. Or, if you’re paying $69 for the annual student plan, you can break even after spending $1,380 on purchases that earn 5%.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 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. Cash back can be redeemed for a statement credit.
Cardholders also earn a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
Enjoy an intro APR of 0% on purchases for 12 months. After, a 16.24%-27.24% Variable APR applies.
There’s a $95 annual fee.
The foreign transaction fee is 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
To see rates & fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.
If you spend heavily on supermarket shopping and gas or transit, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is hard to beat. It’s true there’s an annual spending cap of $6,000 on the elevated rate at U.S. supermarkets, but if you max that out, you’ll earn $360 in cash back before your earning rate drops to 1%. That’s more than enough to recoup the $95 annual fee each year.
To see rates & fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 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. Cash back can be redeemed for a statement credit.
Cardholders also earn a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
Enjoy an intro APR of 0% on purchases for 12 months. After, a 16.24%-27.24% Variable APR applies.
There’s a $95 annual fee.
The foreign transaction fee is 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
To see rates & fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.
If you spend heavily on supermarket shopping and gas or transit, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is hard to beat. It’s true there’s an annual spending cap of $6,000 on the elevated rate at U.S. supermarkets, but if you max that out, you’ll earn $360 in cash back before your earning rate drops to 1%. That’s more than enough to recoup the $95 annual fee each year.
To see rates & fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card rewards foodies generously: Earn 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, EV charging stations and on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more! And earn 1X points on all other eligible purchases.
Plus, earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
If you need to finance a big purchase, you can take advantage of an intro APR of 0% for 12 billing cycles on purchases. After, a 17.24% - 26.24% (variable) APR applies.
There’s also a 0% for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers, after which a 17.24% - 26.24% (Variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
The annual fee is $0 and you don’t have to worry about a foreign transaction fee — there is none.
Quite simply, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is an excellent choice for foodies, whether you’re craving something from your favorite restaurant or want to try the hottest new spot in town. Points are worth 1 cent when redeemed, meaning this card earns an effective 4% back on restaurant dining. For a card with a $0 annual fee, that’s almost impossible to beat. Plus, since the foreign transaction fee is none, you can take this card when traveling abroad and try exciting new cuisine without worrying about an extra charge getting tacked on.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card rewards foodies generously: Earn 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, EV charging stations and on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more! And earn 1X points on all other eligible purchases.
Plus, earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
If you need to finance a big purchase, you can take advantage of an intro APR of 0% for 12 billing cycles on purchases. After, a 17.24% - 26.24% (variable) APR applies.
There’s also a 0% for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers, after which a 17.24% - 26.24% (Variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
The annual fee is $0 and you don’t have to worry about a foreign transaction fee — there is none.
Quite simply, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is an excellent choice for foodies, whether you’re craving something from your favorite restaurant or want to try the hottest new spot in town. Points are worth 1 cent when redeemed, meaning this card earns an effective 4% back on restaurant dining. For a card with a $0 annual fee, that’s almost impossible to beat. Plus, since the foreign transaction fee is none, you can take this card when traveling abroad and try exciting new cuisine without worrying about an extra charge getting tacked on.
Looking for flexibility? That’s exactly what you get with the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card.
You’ll earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Rewards come in the form of ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards and more.
Plus, earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Those needing to finance a big purchase will appreciate the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. After, a 16.24% - 26.24% (variable) APR applies.
And there’s a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers as well. After, a 16.24% - 26.24% (variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The annual fee is $0. However, beware the 3% foreign transaction fee.
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is ideal for consumers who are willing to use two or more credit cards. This card comes with a unique rewards program where it detects your top spending category (from a specific list) and rewards you with 5% back on up to $500 spent in that category. If you max that out, that’s $25 a month worth of rewards ($300 per year) at the elevated rate. So, a smart strategy is to pick one category to use the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card for, then put everything else on a flat-rate card. The list of categories eligible for 5% when using the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card include:
Looking for flexibility? That’s exactly what you get with the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card.
You’ll earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Rewards come in the form of ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards and more.
Plus, earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Those needing to finance a big purchase will appreciate the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. After, a 16.24% - 26.24% (variable) APR applies.
And there’s a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers as well. After, a 16.24% - 26.24% (variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The annual fee is $0. However, beware the 3% foreign transaction fee.
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is ideal for consumers who are willing to use two or more credit cards. This card comes with a unique rewards program where it detects your top spending category (from a specific list) and rewards you with 5% back on up to $500 spent in that category. If you max that out, that’s $25 a month worth of rewards ($300 per year) at the elevated rate. So, a smart strategy is to pick one category to use the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card for, then put everything else on a flat-rate card. The list of categories eligible for 5% when using the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card include:
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers the longest 0% intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers we’ve found anywhere.
Enjoy a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases, after which a 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR applies.
There’s also a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers. After, a 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5.
You start out with a 0% intro APR period of 18 months (on both purchases and balance transfers), and by making on-time minimum payments, have the opportunity to earn an extension of up to three months.
The annual fee is $0. However, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
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.
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers the longest 0% intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers we’ve found anywhere.
Enjoy a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases, after which a 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR applies.
There’s also a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers. After, a 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5.
You start out with a 0% intro APR period of 18 months (on both purchases and balance transfers), and by making on-time minimum payments, have the opportunity to earn an extension of up to three months.
The annual fee is $0. However, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
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.
The Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card has a relatively short intro period. Cardholders get a 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After, a 7.49% to 18.00% (variable) APR applies.
But where this card excels is in the $0 balance transfer fee. If you can pay off your transferred balance within a year, you can save a nice chunk of money by avoiding the 3% to 5% balance transfer fee most cards charge.
There’s no intro APR on purchases, so you’ll start out immediately at the regular APR of 7.49% to 18.00% (variable). But do note that’s quite low, so if you need a low interest credit card to keep on hand for emergencies once you pay off your balance transfer, this one is a good candidate.
The annual fee is $0 and the foreign transaction fee is $0 too.
You need to be a Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) member to apply for the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card. Membership is open to United States military members, veterans, family members and Department of Defense civilian employees.
If you meet the criteria to join, the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card is an exceptional balance transfer card. The $0 balance transfer fee can help you save a significant amount of money if you’re able to pay off your debt within the somewhat short intro APR period.
The Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card has a relatively short intro period. Cardholders get a 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After, a 7.49% to 18.00% (variable) APR applies.
But where this card excels is in the $0 balance transfer fee. If you can pay off your transferred balance within a year, you can save a nice chunk of money by avoiding the 3% to 5% balance transfer fee most cards charge.
There’s no intro APR on purchases, so you’ll start out immediately at the regular APR of 7.49% to 18.00% (variable). But do note that’s quite low, so if you need a low interest credit card to keep on hand for emergencies once you pay off your balance transfer, this one is a good candidate.
The annual fee is $0 and the foreign transaction fee is $0 too.
You need to be a Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) member to apply for the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card. Membership is open to United States military members, veterans, family members and Department of Defense civilian employees.
If you meet the criteria to join, the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card is an exceptional balance transfer card. The $0 balance transfer fee can help you save a significant amount of money if you’re able to pay off your debt within the somewhat short intro APR period.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card with an annual fee of $550 to match.
There’s an annual $300 travel credit each account anniversary year that will automatically reimburse you for eligible purchases made on the card. After earning the $300 travel credit, cardholders earn 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® also offers the following 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 $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards® There’s a $0 foreign transaction fee. The APR is 18.49% - 25.49% variable.
If you fly frequently, and want a card that doesn’t restrict your benefits to one airline, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout choice. In addition to the $300 travel credit, it offers a Priority Pass™ Select membership (enrollment required) which provides access to more than 500 airport lounges worldwide. And, get a credit of up to $100 to reimburse the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years.
Plus, rewards earned on this card are very flexible. Book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® for 50% more value or transfer points 1:1 to the following partners:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card with an annual fee of $550 to match.
There’s an annual $300 travel credit each account anniversary year that will automatically reimburse you for eligible purchases made on the card. After earning the $300 travel credit, cardholders earn 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® also offers the following 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 $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards® There’s a $0 foreign transaction fee. The APR is 18.49% - 25.49% variable.
If you fly frequently, and want a card that doesn’t restrict your benefits to one airline, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout choice. In addition to the $300 travel credit, it offers a Priority Pass™ Select membership (enrollment required) which provides access to more than 500 airport lounges worldwide. And, get a credit of up to $100 to reimburse the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years.
Plus, rewards earned on this card are very flexible. Book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® for 50% more value or transfer points 1:1 to the following partners:
With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card you can earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases. And, each account anniversary year, you can earn up to $50 in statement credits for hotel stays booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
There’s also a generous 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®.
The foreign transaction fee is $0, but there is a $95 annual fee. The APR is 17.49% - 24.49% variable .
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:
With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card you can earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases. And, each account anniversary year, you can earn up to $50 in statement credits for hotel stays booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
There’s also a generous 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®.
The foreign transaction fee is $0, but there is a $95 annual fee. The APR is 17.49% - 24.49% variable .
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:
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns a flat rate of 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Cardholders also earn 5 miles per $1 spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Plus, you can earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
There’s an intro APR of 0% intro on purchases for 15 months, after which a 16.49% - 26.49% (variable) APR applies.
And there’s also an intro APR of 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months). After, a 16.49% - 26.49% (variable) APR applies. You’ll pay a balance transfer fee of 3%.
The annual fee is $0 and the foreign transaction fee is none.
When you don’t travel enough to pay an annual fee for a premium travel card, but would still like to earn miles for the occasional trip, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a solid option. Miles don’t expire for the life of your account, and you can use them to book a trip through Capital One Travel or redeem to cover a past travel purchase. You can also transfer them to the following partners:
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns a flat rate of 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Cardholders also earn 5 miles per $1 spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Plus, you can earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
There’s an intro APR of 0% intro on purchases for 15 months, after which a 16.49% - 26.49% (variable) APR applies.
And there’s also an intro APR of 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months). After, a 16.49% - 26.49% (variable) APR applies. You’ll pay a balance transfer fee of 3%.
The annual fee is $0 and the foreign transaction fee is none.
When you don’t travel enough to pay an annual fee for a premium travel card, but would still like to earn miles for the occasional trip, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a solid option. Miles don’t expire for the life of your account, and you can use them to book a trip through Capital One Travel or redeem to cover a past travel purchase. You can also transfer them to the following partners:
The Discover it® Student Cash Back earns 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Note that earning 5% requires activation of a new category each quarter, and earnings at the 5% rate are capped at $1,500 spent per quarter. If you max that out, you’ll earn $75 in cash back each quarter at the elevated rate before your earnings drop to 1% on all purchases.
There’s also a unique sign-up bonus in the form of a cash back match: 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.
Plus, if you need to finance a big purchase such as a laptop or expensive textbooks, you can take advantage of a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases. After, a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR applies.
The annual fee is $0. As for a foreign transaction fee, there’s none.
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.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back earns 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Note that earning 5% requires activation of a new category each quarter, and earnings at the 5% rate are capped at $1,500 spent per quarter. If you max that out, you’ll earn $75 in cash back each quarter at the elevated rate before your earnings drop to 1% on all purchases.
There’s also a unique sign-up bonus in the form of a cash back match: 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.
Plus, if you need to finance a big purchase such as a laptop or expensive textbooks, you can take advantage of a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases. After, a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR applies.
The annual fee is $0. As for a foreign transaction fee, there’s none.
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.
To get the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, you’ll have to submit a security deposit to Discover in the amount of your desired credit limit (ranging from $200 to $2,500). That’s because it’s designed to help people with poor/limited credit build credit history and establish a good credit score.
Not all secured cards earn rewards, but the Discover it® Secured Credit Card does. Cardholders earn 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.
Plus, it comes with a cash back match the first year: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
The annual fee is $0 and the foreign transaction fee is none.
Do beware the interest rate is high (a 24.49% Variable APR), so avoid carrying a balance.
But what might be this card’s best feature is that Discover conducts monthly reviews (starting after seven months) to see if you qualify to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded. Some other secured cards also allow you the chance to graduate, but most don’t specify with such transparency when your account is reviewed.
If you have poor/limited credit and are looking to improve your credit score, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the best cards on the market. Some cards for people with bad credit come laden with high fees and opaque terms, but the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a solid product with clear terms and no surprise fees. You do need to put together at least $200 for the security deposit, but there’s a chance to get that back if your account is unsecured after you demonstrate good behavior. Or if Discover doesn’t unsecure your account, you can get your deposit back by paying off the card in full and closing the account.
To get the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, you’ll have to submit a security deposit to Discover in the amount of your desired credit limit (ranging from $200 to $2,500). That’s because it’s designed to help people with poor/limited credit build credit history and establish a good credit score.
Not all secured cards earn rewards, but the Discover it® Secured Credit Card does. Cardholders earn 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.
Plus, it comes with a cash back match the first year: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
The annual fee is $0 and the foreign transaction fee is none.
Do beware the interest rate is high (a 24.49% Variable APR), so avoid carrying a balance.
But what might be this card’s best feature is that Discover conducts monthly reviews (starting after seven months) to see if you qualify to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded. Some other secured cards also allow you the chance to graduate, but most don’t specify with such transparency when your account is reviewed.
If you have poor/limited credit and are looking to improve your credit score, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the best cards on the market. Some cards for people with bad credit come laden with high fees and opaque terms, but the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a solid product with clear terms and no surprise fees. You do need to put together at least $200 for the security deposit, but there’s a chance to get that back if your account is unsecured after you demonstrate good behavior. Or if Discover doesn’t unsecure your account, you can get your deposit back by paying off the card in full and closing the account.
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a pretty no-frills card. It’s a secured card, with a minimum deposit of $200 and a maximum deposit of $3,000. You’ll pay a $35 annual fee, and the APR is 18.89% (variable). What makes this card unique is that it doesn’t require a credit check when you apply, which most cards do. If you have blemishes on your credit reports, this might be a good card for you.
Beware that there’s a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each Transaction in U.S. dollars. Also, the card doesn’t offer the opportunity to graduate to an unsecured version, meaning you can only get your deposit back by paying off what you owe in full and closing your account.
Most credit cards require a credit check when you apply, and if you have financial missteps on your record, that can prevent you being approved. The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check, and is meant for people with poor/limited credit. Though no credit check is required, you will have to supply financial information such as annual income and monthly housing payment when applying.
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a pretty no-frills card. It’s a secured card, with a minimum deposit of $200 and a maximum deposit of $3,000. You’ll pay a $35 annual fee, and the APR is 18.89% (variable). What makes this card unique is that it doesn’t require a credit check when you apply, which most cards do. If you have blemishes on your credit reports, this might be a good card for you.
Beware that there’s a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each Transaction in U.S. dollars. Also, the card doesn’t offer the opportunity to graduate to an unsecured version, meaning you can only get your deposit back by paying off what you owe in full and closing your account.
Most credit cards require a credit check when you apply, and if you have financial missteps on your record, that can prevent you being approved. The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check, and is meant for people with poor/limited credit. Though no credit check is required, you will have to supply financial information such as annual income and monthly housing payment when applying.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card cardholders 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.
Plus, earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
If you need to finance a big purchase for your business, there’s a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months. After, a 14.74% - 20.74% variable APR applies.
The annual fee is $0. However, be aware there’s a 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 0% intro APR period to make life a little bit easier.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card cardholders 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.
Plus, earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
If you need to finance a big purchase for your business, there’s a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months. After, a 14.74% - 20.74% variable APR applies.
The annual fee is $0. However, be aware there’s a 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 0% intro APR period to make life a little bit easier.
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers 2% cash back on every purchase; 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through capital one travel.
You can also earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening. And in years you spend $200,000 or more on the card, you can earn an annual $200 bonus too.
The foreign transaction is none, but there is a $150 annual fee.
This is a charge card that must be paid in full every month, so there’s no APR. If you don’t pay in full, there’s a 2.99% monthly late fee.
Because this is a charge card, it comes with a unique feature — there’s no preset spending limit. If you’re a business owner who has to make big purchases frequently, or you regularly put a significant spend on your card, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers a flexibility that many other business cards don’t.
When you need a card that can deal with a heavy cash flow, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus might just be right for your business. With no preset spending limit, you have more flexibility than you’ll find with many other business cards. However, you do need to be able to pay in full every month, so this isn’t the card to apply for if you’re looking to finance a big-ticket item over time.
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers 2% cash back on every purchase; 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through capital one travel.
You can also earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening. And in years you spend $200,000 or more on the card, you can earn an annual $200 bonus too.
The foreign transaction is none, but there is a $150 annual fee.
This is a charge card that must be paid in full every month, so there’s no APR. If you don’t pay in full, there’s a 2.99% monthly late fee.
Because this is a charge card, it comes with a unique feature — there’s no preset spending limit. If you’re a business owner who has to make big purchases frequently, or you regularly put a significant spend on your card, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers a flexibility that many other business cards don’t.
When you need a card that can deal with a heavy cash flow, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus might just be right for your business. With no preset spending limit, you have more flexibility than you’ll find with many other business cards. However, you do need to be able to pay in full every month, so this isn’t the card to apply for if you’re looking to finance a big-ticket item over time.
| Credit card | Type of card | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Cash back | Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | Cash back | 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. |
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | Cash back | 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1% back on all other purchases. |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Cash back | 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. Cash back can be redeemed for a statement credit. |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | Rewards | Earn 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, EV charging stations and on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more! And earn 1X points on all other eligible purchases. |
| Citi Custom Cash℠ Card | Rewards | Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
| Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | Balance transfer | 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers. After, a 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR applies. |
| Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card | Balance transfer | $0 balance transfer fee. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Travel | $300 travel credit and robust travel benefits. Transfer points 1:1 to a variety of travel partners. |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Travel | Transfer points 1:1 to a variety of travel partners. |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | Travel | Earn flat-rate miles with a $0 annual fee |
| Discover it® Student Cash Back | Building credit | Accessible with fair/limited credit. |
| Discover it® Secured Credit Card | Building credit | Accessible with poor/limited credit. |
| OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card | Building credit | No credit check required. |
| Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | Small business card | 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. |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus | Small business card | No preset spending limit. |
To see rates & fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.
When a bank, credit union or other financial institution issues you a credit card, they’re extending you a line of revolving credit. With a revolving credit account, you can borrow repeatedly and pay back what you owe as you go. This is in contrast with an installment credit account such as an auto loan, where you borrow a set amount and make fixed monthly payments. With a credit card, you can borrow up to a credit limit set by your issuer.
You’ll have to make at least a minimum payment each month toward what you owe on the card. Typically, your minimum payment is comprised of interest charges, any applicable fees and a small portion of your principal debt.
Rather than paying the minimum, it’s a best practice to pay your balance off in full every month. When you roll a balance over from month to month, you incur interest charges, which can be expensive depending on your card’s APR. But if you pay in full every month, most credit cards offer a grace period which lets you avoid interest. Plus, paying only the minimum payment can lead to ballooning debt that can take years to pay off.
Most issuers report your credit usage to the three major consumer credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. These bureaus keep records of your accounts, balances and payments, known as your credit reports. While your credit reports do not contain your credit score, the information in your credit reports is used to generate your credit score. To build a good credit score, always pay on time and keep your utilization low.
Different credit cards are aimed at consumers in different credit bands. For example, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is aimed at people with poor/limited credit. By contrast, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card requires excellent/good credit. There are different credit scoring models, but lenders typically use your FICO Score when deciding whether or not to extend credit to you. The FICO Score tiers are as follows:
With most credit cards, you can apply online. Some issuers will even let you check if you’re prequalified, which doesn’t guarantee approval when you apply, but does indicate you’ve got a solid chance of success. You may be able to apply in a physical bank branch if you don’t want to apply online.
You’ll have to provide personal and financial information such as the following:
For many consumers, a credit card with no annual fee will be the best option. However, if you need premium rewards and benefits, there will be situations where it’s worth paying for a card with an annual fee.
For example, frequent travelers might find the Chase Sapphire Reserve® worthwhile despite its $550 annual fee. Using the $300 annual travel credit cuts the effective annual fee down to $250, and then you have to factor in benefits such as access to Priority Pass™ Select airport lounges in more than 500 cities worldwide and a fee credit to reimburse you for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Not to mention, you get the flexibility to transfer your credit card rewards to 14 airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 rate.
In short, paying an annual fee is worth it when your spending patterns mean you’ll recoup the cost through a combination of useful benefits and generous rewards.
The right number of credit cards for you depends on a variety of factors. What categories do you spend most on? How much do you value simplicity vs. maximizing the rewards you can earn? Are you willing to pay an annual fee?
Consumers who value simplicity above rewards might put everything on one flat-rate cash back card. But those who like to maximize what they earn might choose to have different cards for categories such as groceries, gas and online shopping.
There’s no maximum number of credit cards you can have. However, issuers might deny you if you’ve applied for several cards recently, because it might appear you’re desperate for credit or trying to “churn” sign-up bonuses.
Finally, if you’re new to credit, it’s a good idea to hold your first credit card for at least a year to build credit history before applying for additional 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.
