Apply Now
What’s the best credit card?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best credit card because of its high rewards earning rate, flexible redemption options and modest $95 annual fee.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Recommended Credit Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best rewards credit card
|
1X - 5X points
| $95 | Excellent |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Best cash back credit card
|
1% - 8% cash back
| $0 | Good / Excellent | |
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best business credit card
|
1X - 3X points
| $95 | Excellent |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
|
Best travel credit card
|
2X - 10X miles
| $395 | Excellent | |
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card*
|
Best credit card for beginners
|
1.5% cash back
| $0 | Good / Excellent | |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
|
Best credit card for students
|
1.5X points
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases. | $0 | Good / Excellent | |
Citi Double Cash® Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best balance transfer credit card
|
2% - 5% cash back
| $0 | Fair / Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best credit card for bad credit / secured credit card
|
1% - 2% cash back
| $0 | Limited / Poor |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best 0% interest credit card
|
1.5% - 5% cash back
| $0 | Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
To bring you the list of best credit card deals, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
We calculate the savings on a balance transfer, based on the length of the introductory period. We assume a transfer amount of $6,000 and a monthly payment of $300. We subtract balance transfer fees, annual fees and the amount paid on interest for any amount left over after the introductory period expires.
We calculate the amount saved on interest given the length of the card’s introductory period. We assume a purchase of $6,000 and a monthly payment of $300. We subtract the card’s annual fee and interest paid on any amount remaining after the introductory period expires. We also add in the amount earned on rewards for the average cardholder, including the card’s sign-up bonus, minus the card’s annual fee. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We calculate the rewards earned for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes sign-up bonus and annual bonuses (including annual free night certificates). For travel cards, this value includes travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We calculate how much the average cardholder can save with the card on a yearly basis. If it is a rewards card, we use U.S. Bureau of Labor data and $300 in monthly spend (the typical starting credit limit for an introductory card) to calculate how much the average cardholder can earn in rewards. We then subtract fees — including annual fees and maintenance fees — from this amount.
Depending on the category, we also look at the flexibility rewards, features for building credit and how the card’s overall list of benefits compares to other cards.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s rewards categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Rewards: Earn 1X - 5X points
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best rewards credit card available, thanks to its high earning rate on travel and dining plus the flexibility of redeeming rewards, all for a modest $95 annual fee. By earning Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, you can increase the value of your points by utilizing airline and hotel transfer partners, or use them to book travel through Chase.
It does lack features of more premium credit cards that offer airport lounge access and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® that are included with its sibling card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates & fees).
Find more rewards credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards: Earn 1% - 8% cash back
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers high cash back rewards rates on several popular spending categories, including dining, entertainment and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target). This card would be an excellent fit for foodies looking for cash back rewards for a $0 annual fee. You can also take advantage of an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus: Earn $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
“I like having the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card because I earn bonus cash back on dining and can easily redeem the rewards as a statement credit. However, since it doesn’t have a foreign transaction fee (see rates & fees) and I don’t have a travel card, I was also able to use it when I went to a friend’s wedding in Colombia.”
–Sarah Fisher, deputy editor at LendingTree
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Rewards: Earn 1X - 3X points
You’ll earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for purchases in common business spending categories like shipping, advertising and travel with the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Plus, you can pair this card with other Chase cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom Unlimited® to pool points and redeem travel rewards.
Cardholders also earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This is one of the most valuable sign-up bonuses currently available.
Find more business credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel rewards: Earn 2X - 10X miles
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a valuable and flexible travel credit card that’s well worth the $395 annual fee for frequent travelers. This card provides luxury benefits like a TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry credit up to $120 and lounge access that can help you easily recoup the annual fee.
On top of its benefits, it offers a rewarding earning rate on travel, a chance to earn a large sign-up bonus and 10,000 bonus miles on your card anniversary each year.
Find more travel credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Increase your approval odds by having a balance of at least $250 in a Chase checking or savings account.
The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is the best card for building credit. It’s designed for beginner credit cardholders, offers tools to help build your credit and offers automatic credit line reviews. In addition, you won’t have to pay a security deposit and you can improve your approval odds by having $250 in a Chase checking or savings account. It’s one of the best unsecured credit cards for building credit. Additionally, it has a solid cash back rewards rate on all purchases, as well as valuable perks like travel insurance and purchase protection.
Notably, although there’s a $0 annual fee, the card charges hefty late fees of up to $40, so you’ll want to use it responsibly.
Find more credit cards for building credit.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards: Earn 1.5X points
Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is an incredibly rewarding travel card for college students. Its sign-up bonus lets you earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. Plus, earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
Its $0 annual fee, long intro APR and elevated rewards rate make this an excellent choice for college students traveling or studying abroad. It also has a $0 foreign transaction fee.
Find more credit cards for students.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 18 months on Balance Transfers; after that, a 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable) APR applies
The Citi Double Cash® Card offers a long intro period on balance transfers that gives you ample time to pay off high-interest credit card debt. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
It also has a rewards rate that makes it valuable to keep in your wallet even after you’ve paid your balance transfer: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
Find more balance transfer credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Rewards: Earn 1% - 2% cash back
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers a slew of perks and features for people who want to build credit. You can check your FICO Score for free. In addition, Discover starts conducting monthly account reviews to determine if you’re eligible for an upgrade to an unsecured card in just seven months — making it one of the best secured credit cards as well. In the meantime, you’ll earn cash back rewards and pay $0 in annual fees.
Find more credit cards for bad credit.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months; after that, a 18.99% - 28.49% Variable APR applies
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers long intro APRs on both purchases and balance transfers. In addition, you’ll get an excellent sign-up bonus that can help you pay down your purchase. It has an intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Since this card comes with several benefits and protections, you can keep using it even after your intro APR is over. If you’re simply looking for the longest APR possible without any other card perks, then the Citi Simplicity® Card may be a better fit.
“The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is my go-to card for dining out at restaurants or ordering takeout because of its high cash back rate on those purchases. I also like that this card offers a higher cash back rate on all other purchases than many other cash back cards. I find it much easier to redeem the cash back I earn with this card compared to some of my other cash back cards.”
–Sammi Scharf, staff writer at LendingTree
Credit cards work in two main ways:
The number of credit cards you should have will depend on your lifestyle and financial goals. Having at least two or three cards is a good idea for several reasons. Having more cards increases the amount of credit you have available, which can have a positive impact on your credit score. Some businesses don’t accept Discover or American Express, so if they won’t take your Discover credit card, you can most likely use your Visa or Mastercard. Finally, it’s good to have an alternate credit card in case your primary card gets lost or stolen or your account is frozen.
You may use one credit card for cash back on your weekly grocery trips and another to finance a large purchase over an extended time, interest-free.
Still, some people find it difficult to juggle several cards with different due dates and interest rates. If you struggle with credit card debt or managing payments, keep the number of credit cards in your wallet to a minimum.
There are many types of credit cards. Understanding them will help you pick the best card for your spending habits.
Cash back credit cards let you earn back a percentage on your purchases, effectively lowering the cost of everything you buy with the card. You usually redeem cash back rewards for statement credits, but you can also redeem them for direct deposits, gift cards and more.
Travel credit cards, in contrast, earn points or miles that you can redeem for flights, hotel stays and more. Points and miles are typically worth around 1 to 2 cents each. Some cards are flexible and allow you to earn rewards on any travel purchase. Others only give you points or miles on purchases from a partner airline or hotel chain.
Airline credit cards
These cards give you points or miles that you can use toward your next flight. They may offer travel perks like free checked bags, early boarding and lounge access. Choosing an airline credit card depends on where your loyalties lie — if you travel with one airline frequently, an airline credit card could be worth it, even if it comes with an annual fee. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is our top pick for best airline credit card. It lets you earn valuable miles on flights and comes with plush perks, including airline lounge access.
Hotel credit cards
Hotel credit cards give you points that you can use for free stays with a specific hotel chain. These cards also unlock hotel benefits, such as complimentary room upgrades, early check-in/late checkout, free Wi-Fi and more. The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express is our pick for best hotel credit card. It has a high earning rate on travel, numerous travel credits, an annual free night reward and complimentary Hilton Diamond status (enrollment required).
Credit cards for international travel
Costs add up quickly when using a credit card with foreign transaction fees abroad. The best international travel cards have valuable travel benefits and don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Our current favorites are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) and The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates & fees).
There are two kinds of cards for people with bad credit: unsecured credit cards (which may come with a lot of fees) and secured credit cards. Secured credit cards tend to be the more affordable option for rebuilding credit. You’ll need to put down a security deposit, but you’ll typically get your deposit back when you upgrade your card or pay it off and close your account. Many of the best unsecured credit cards for bad credit may charge annual fees and have high APRs, so it’s often best to go with a secured credit card.
The best credit cards for people with fair credit may offer no annual fee, rewards programs, lower interest rates and introductory APRs that allow you to pay off a big purchase. While a card for good credit may have all these perks, cards designed for fair credit typically offer one or two. You’ll need to decide which features are most important to you as you build credit with a credit card. Once your credit improves, you can apply for cards for good to excellent credit.
The best credit cards for making and paying off a large purchase are cards that offer a long introductory 0% APR. You’ll have breathing room — typically between a year and 24 months — to pay off your purchase over time. Look for cards with sign-up bonuses and rewards programs that you can use to offset the cost of your purchase. You can also use these benefits after the intro APR expires.
A student credit card can help you build credit while also earning rewards if you’re enrolled in school. These cards typically earn cash back rewards, offer lower credit limits and are available to people with a limited credit history.
The best cards for building credit offer free access to your credit score and report to the credit bureaus monthly. Look for cards that don’t charge annual or late fees to keep costs down. Some of our top credit-building card picks even offer sign-up bonuses and rewards programs.
Balance transfer credit cards allow you to save money by transferring your high-interest credit card debt to a card with a lower APR. The best balance transfer cards offer a 0% intro APR for a year or longer.
But while it is possible to find a credit card with no balance transfer fees, those cards tend to offer shorter interest-free periods than ones that charge 3% to 5% of each transferred balance.
If you aren’t able to pay off your card in full every month, skip the rewards and travel cards and choose a low-interest credit card. It’s simple math: The interest rates that credit card companies charge will always be higher than rewards rates. A low-interest card is the best way to save money if you regularly carry a balance.
Knowing how to use a business credit card can help keep you out of the red. Look for cards with features that match your current business needs. For instance, look for a card with a 0% APR period to finance a large purchase. Or, look for cards with good rewards programs to earn points or cash back on your most common business purchases.
The best credit card to apply for will depend on a lot of different factors. You can narrow down your choices by taking inventory of your spending habits, credit history and rewards preferences.
To get a credit card, follow these steps:
→ Learn more about how to get instant approval on credit cards.
→ Read more about what is a good credit score.
Our pick for the best credit card for travel is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. It offers excellent travel rewards, lets you earn an excellent sign-up bonus and includes a great set of benefits. Its travel credits — up to a $300 travel credit for bookings through Capital One’s travel booking site and up to a $120 credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® — can make up for the card’s $395 annual fee (see rates & fees).
It can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few days to get approved for a card. Some cards offer instant credit card numbers as soon as you’re approved, but most cards arrive via mail a few days to a couple of weeks later.
There’s no limit to the amount of credit cards you can get, in theory. However, credit card applications require hard inquiries — which can bring down your credit score temporarily. Plus, some issuers, like Chase, will deny your application if you’ve opened too many accounts recently. It’s better to plan your applications rather than apply for every card you like on the spot.
The best bank for you to get credit cards through depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a frequent traveler, comparing Chase, Capital One and American Express transfer partners can help you make a decision. If you’re looking for a credit card to build credit, then Capital One and Discover will have more options for you than other banks.
You’ll often have better luck searching for specific cards that meet your needs rather than by bank.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® and Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
