Best Credit Cards for Good Credit in 2026: Rewards, APRs & Perks
Good credit puts premium-feeling rewards within reach — but picking the right card can still be confusing. Whether you want high-value cash back, low-interest breathing room or your first real travel card, the options are endless. This guide shows what “good credit” gets you and the best cards for each goal, starting with our top pick: the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
You’re in the right place if…
- You have a good FICO score (670–739) or good VantageScore (661–780)
- You’re choosing your first or second rewards card and want straightforward value
- You want a simple, high-value cash-back card with no complicated categories
- You’re paying off debt and want a 0% intro APR on purchases and/or balance transfers
- You want travel rewards but aren’t ready for a premium card with a high annual fee
| Scenario | LendingTree's Recommendation |
|---|---|
| I want the best overall card for good credit, especially for travel | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card |
| I want straightforward, flat-rate cash back | Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card |
| I spend a lot on dining and entertainment | Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card |
| I want the highest rewards at U.S. supermarkets | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express |
| I spend heavily on gas, transit or commuting | Citi Custom Cash® Card |
| I want a strong rewards card with no annual fee | Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (see Rates & Fees) |
| I want to pay off a balance with a long intro APR offer | Citi Simplicity® Card |
Our top picks for good-credit credit cards
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
|
Winner / Best for travel
|
$95 | 2X - 5X Miles
| 75,000 miles
75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
| |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card*
|
Flat-rate cash back
|
$0 | 2% cash rewards on purchases
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
| $200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
| |
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Dining and entertainment
|
$0 | 1% - 8% cash back
| $200 Cash Back
Earn $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
| |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
|
Groceries
|
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 1% - 6% cash back
| $250 statement credit
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
| |
Citi Custom Cash® Card*
|
Gas, transit or commuting
|
$0 | 1% - 5% cash back
| $200 cash back
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
| |
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®*
|
No annual fee
|
$0 | 1X - 5X points
| N/A | |
Citi Simplicity® Card
 Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Long intro APR offer
|
$0 | N/A | N/A |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Methodology: How we chose the best credit cards for good credit
We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best credit cards for good credit. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. Every card is selected based on its merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals. We use the following criteria to make our picks:
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 the sign-up bonus and annual bonuses (including annual free night certificates). We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum redemption thresholds, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.
We also compare a card’s benefits — such as purchase protections, travel protections, elite status benefits and travel credits — against benefits from other cards.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best rewards credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder’s. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
Best credit cards for good credit
Winner / Best travel credit card for good credit
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
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.Key takeaway: A top choice for good-credit travelers, thanks to its simple rewards and valuable transfer partners, but not ideal if you want cash back or don’t travel often
- Earns flat-rate rewards on purchases
- Opportunity to earn a valuable sign-up bonus
- Ability to transfer miles to travel partners
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- $95 annual fee
- No intro APR offer
- No bonus rewards categories outside of Capital One’s travel booking site
Who’s this card for:
This card is our top pick if you’re a traveler with good credit who wants simple, high-value rewards on every purchase and flexible ways to redeem them. It’s best for people who travel regularly enough to benefit from Capital One’s 15+ airline and hotel partners and perks like the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit.
Who should skip it:
Skip this card if you don’t travel often or prefer straightforward cash back, since miles usually deliver their best value through transfer partners. It’s also not the right fit if you want a no-annual-fee card or a 0% intro APR offer.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
→ See LendingTree’s top picks for travel credit cards.
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app
- 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
Best for flat-rate cash back rewards
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card*
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.Key takeaway: An ideal everyday card for shoppers who want effortless 2% cash rewards without tracking categories
- Flat-rate cash rewards on purchases
- Low spend requirement to earn the welcome offer
- Long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- $0 annual fee
- Cellphone protection
- No bonus earning categories
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Who’s this card for:
This card is our top pick if you have good credit and want a card you can use for everything without thinking about categories. It’s ideal if you’re an everyday spender who values simple, unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, a $0 annual fee, a long intro APR period and a welcome offer with a low spend requirement.
Who should skip it:
Skip this card if you prefer earning higher rewards in specific bonus categories, since it only offers a flat-rate structure. You should also skip it if you want travel rewards, premium perks or the ability to transfer points to travel partners, as this card is designed strictly for cash back.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.
→ See LendingTree’s top picks for cash back credit cards.
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter
- balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Best for dining and entertainment
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
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.Key takeaway: A high-value card for people who go out often, with elevated cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming and more
- Generous cash back rate on everyday spending
- Flexible rewards program
- Low spend requirement to earn the sign-up bonus
- $0 annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Low rewards rate outside of bonus categories
- Target® and Walmart® aren’t included in grocery category
Who’s this card for:
This card is a great fit if you have good credit and spend heavily on dining, entertainment, groceries and streaming, thanks to its high cash-back rates in those categories. It’s ideal if you regularly go out, order in or enjoy live events and want a rewards card that maximizes those purchases.
Who should skip it:
Skip it if you rarely spend in its bonus categories, as a flat-rate card may reward your everyday purchases better.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
→ See LendingTree’s top picks for dining credit cards.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
- 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
Best for U.S. supermarkets
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
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.Key takeaway: A top choice if you have good credit and want to maximize rewards on groceries — the card’s standout category — as well as other everyday essentials
- Generous cash back* rate in multiple everyday categories
- Higher-than-average welcome offer for a cash back* card
- Monthly streaming subscription credit
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.)
- Limit on U.S. supermarket cash back* rate
- Foreign transaction fee
Who’s this card for:
This card is a great fit if you have good credit and spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets and on U.S. streaming services, gas and transit. It’s ideal for families, commuters and anyone whose budget goes toward everyday essentials and digital subscriptions.
Who should skip it:
Skip this card if you don’t spend enough at U.S. supermarkets to offset the annual fee (most cardholders need to spend roughly $132 per month — or $1,584 per year — on groceries to break even). It’s also not a good fit if you primarily shop at wholesale clubs or discount stores, since those retailers don’t qualify for the top rewards rate.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
→ See LendingTree’s top picks for grocery credit cards.
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.49%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
Best for gas and commuting
Citi Custom Cash® Card*
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.Key takeaway: Best for earning top-tier cash back in the category where you spend the most each month
- 5% 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. cash back automatically applies to your highest spending category
- Solid sign-up bonus
- $0 annual fee
- Intro APR offer
- Cap on the highest earning rate each billing cycle
- Low earnings outside your top spending category
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Who’s this card for:
This card is great if you have good credit and want high cash back in a single top spending category each month without tracking rotating categories. It’s ideal if your budget naturally goes toward areas like dining, gas, groceries or select transit and you want a no-annual-fee card that automatically adjusts to where you spend the most.
Who should skip it:
Skip this card if your spending is spread evenly across multiple categories, since you’ll only earn elevated rewards in one area each month.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Citi Custom Cash® Card.
→ See LendingTree’s top picks for gas credit cards.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.99% - 27.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- 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. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- No Annual Fee
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
Best credit card for good credit no annual fee
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®*
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.Key takeaway: This is the only major rewards card that lets you earn points on rent payments (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year) without paying transaction fees.
- Earns points on rent (up to 100,000 points per calendar year)
- $0 annual fee (see Rates & Fees)
- $0 foreign transaction fee (see Rates & Fees)
- Transfer points mostly 1:1 to 15+ loyalty programs
- Lyft credits
- Must use the card five times each statement period to earn points
- No sign-up bonus
Who’s this card for:
This card is great if you’re a good-credit renter who wants to earn rewards on rent payments (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year) and get strong value from categories like dining, travel and Lyft rides — all without paying an annual fee (see Rates & Fees). It’s ideal if you want a versatile everyday card that can turn rent, meals out and commuting into points while still rewarding general spending, as long as you make at least five purchases per statement period.
Who should skip it:
Skip this card if you don’t pay rent or won’t use its top-earning categories like dining, travel or Lyft frequently. It’s also not the best choice if you prefer simple cash back or want higher rewards on groceries or other everyday essentials that aren’t included in the card’s bonus categories.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Bilt World Elite Mastercard®.
→ See LendingTree’s top picks for credit cards with no annual fee.
- $0 Annual Fee
- Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Earn 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel, and 1x on other purchases
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
- Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
- Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
- Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statements, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
- Other features and benefits include: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Purchase Security, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, Cellular Telephone Protection, and Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Select Apply Now to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
Best for 0% intro APR/balance transfers
Citi Simplicity® Card
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
Key takeaway: One of the best cards if you have good credit and need extra time to pay off debt, thanks to an exceptionally long intro APR on balance transfers and solid intro APR on purchases
- Extremely long intro APR on balance transfers
- Solid intro APR on purchases
- $0 annual fee
- No late fees or penalty APR
- No rewards program
- No sign-up bonus
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Who’s this card for:
This card is a strong fit if you have good credit and want one of the longest intro APR periods to pay off high-interest credit card debt or finance a large purchase over time. It’s especially useful if you value a simple, low-stress repayment experience, since it charges no annual fee, no late fees and no penalty APRs.
Who should skip it:
Skip this card if you want to earn rewards or receive a sign-up bonus, since it doesn’t offer either. It’s also not ideal if you already pay your balance in full each month, because you won’t benefit much from the intro APR and could get more value from a rewards card.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Citi Simplicity® Card.
→ See LendingTree’s top picks for 0% intro APR credit cards and balance transfer credit cards.
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 17.49% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock
- Rates & Fees
What counts as good credit?
In most cases, “good credit” means a FICO Score of 670 to 739 or a VantageScore of 661 to 780. Those ranges differ a bit between scoring models, which is why you might see two different numbers when you check your credit.
Check your credit score for free with LendingTree Spring
| Credit rating | Credit score |
|---|---|
| Poor credit | 300 to 579 |
| Fair credit | 580 to 669 |
| Good credit | 670 to 739 |
| Very good credit | 740 to 799 |
| Exceptional credit | 800 to 850 |
| Credit rating | Credit score |
|---|---|
| Subprime (Poor) | 300 to 600 |
| Near Prime (Fair) | 601 to 660 |
| Prime (Good) | 661 to 780 |
| Superprime (Excellent) | 781 to 850 |
→ See LendingTree’s full guide on FICO vs. VantageScore.
What can you expect with good credit
With good credit, you’ll qualify for most mainstream rewards cards, including strong cash back options, solid sign-up bonuses and entry-level travel cards. Issuers see you as a lower-risk borrower, so you can expect competitive terms, though not always the very best offers reserved for excellent credit.
What issuers assume with good credit:
- You can manage rewards cards responsibly
- You’re eligible for good APRs and solid credit limits
- You may qualify for cards labeled “good/excellent,” depending on income, credit utilization and history
What you may not get yet:
- The lowest APRs
- Top-tier sign-up bonuses
- Premium travel perks or luxury-tier cards
- The highest credit limits
How good credit affects your APR and your costs
Good credit can dramatically lower your interest rate. Someone with good credit may be offered an APR around 20.45%, compared to 27.63% for poor credit. On a $7,000 balance, that difference can mean $1,770 less in interest and a payoff that’s seven months faster. Good credit may also qualify you for balance transfer cards, often available to borrowers with scores of 680+.
How to choose the best credit card for good credit
With good credit, you’ll have access to a wide range of rewards cards. But the best choice depends on your spending habits, financial goals and whether you plan to carry a balance. Use the steps below to narrow your options quickly.
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Start with your rewards preferences
Choose the rewards structure that fits how you spend:
- Flat-rate cash back if you want simple, predictable earnings (example: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card)
- Category-based rewards if you spend heavily on dining, groceries, gas or streaming (example: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card)
- Travel rewards if you travel often enough to use miles or transfer partners (example: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card)
-
Consider your annual fee comfort level
Many great credit cards for good credit charge no annual fee, but cards with fees often offer more perks and larger sign-up bonuses. You might prefer:
- No annual fee if you want low-maintenance rewards
- A moderate annual fee if the value outweighs the cost (for example, one or two round trips with free checked bags can offset a $100 annual fee)
Tip: If you can’t reasonably earn back the fee each year, choose a no-annual-fee card.
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Decide whether you carry a balance
If you sometimes carry a balance, APR matters more than rewards. Credit cards for good credit have decent rates, but they’re not always the lowest. Even a small APR difference can cost more than you’d earn back in rewards.
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Determine whether you need an intro APR
If you’re planning a large purchase or paying down existing debt, a 0% intro APR can help you avoid interest while you pay it off. Credit cards for good credit may offer up to 21 months of interest-free financing on purchases, balance transfers or both, giving you more time to catch up without the cost of interest.
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Match rewards categories to your actual spending
Choosing a card that aligns with your top categories is the fastest way to maximize rewards with good credit. Look at where your money goes each month. For example:
- High spending on dining or entertainment? Consider the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Heavy spend on U.S. supermarkets and streaming? Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
- Mixed spending? A flat-rate or customizable card, like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card or Citi Custom Cash® Card, may be better.
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Evaluate the extra benefits you’ll actually use
Credit card perks vary widely, from small conveniences to high-value benefits. Typical perks include purchase protection, extended warranties, travel insurance, rental car insurance, statement credits and no foreign transaction fees. A good guideline is to only pay for perks you’ll use more than once or twice a year.
How to improve your credit score
Good credit is usually enough to qualify for the cards on this page, but moving into the very good or excellent range can unlock even better terms. Paying on time, keeping balances low and opening new accounts sparingly can help you get there. Plus, using the right card responsibly can support that progress. Here are a few key habits to focus on to improve your credit score:
- Keep your credit utilization low: Stay under 30% of your limit. Paying balances before your statement closes can help.
- Limit hard inquiries: Apply only when you’re confident you’ll be approved, and space applications out.
- Use prequalification: Soft-pull tools help you gauge approval odds without hurting your score, especially if you’re in the 670 to 690 range.
- Know issuer rules: Some issuers restrict approvals based on recent applications or how many cards you already have. For example, the Chase 5/24 rule prevents you from being approved for a new Chase credit card if you have opened five or more accounts with any bank in the last 24 months.
Why LendingTree experts picked these cards for good credit
Curious why these cards made our list? Our credit card experts share the picks they personally carry and the reasons they recommend them for anyone with good credit.
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Writer, credit cards |
“I upgraded my old college card to the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card for its simple 2% cash rewards on purchases — no categories, no hassle. It wasn’t my first card, but it’s become my everyday go-to.”
|
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Writer, credit cards |
“I upgraded from the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card to the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card after seeing an offer in the app. The 3% cash back on groceries, restaurants and entertainment fit my spending, and I love that Capital One lets me redeem rewards almost immediately after purchases post.”
|
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Deputy editor, credit cards |
“The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express was the first card I chose for my own spending habits, not just to build credit. Its high rewards on U.S supermarkets and transit made the annual fee (see rates & fees)
feel worthwhile, and it became even more valuable once I started using the streaming and Disney+ credits.” |
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Will Collicott |
“After seeing how much interest I was paying on an older card, I decided to get a balance transfer card to help pay down my debt. I chose the Citi Simplicity® Card for its long intro APR and intro balance transfer fee. It helped me save over $1,000 in interest and get my finances back on track.”
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Frequently asked questions
Building a good credit score usually takes six months or more, especially if you’re starting from scratch or rebuilding. You can speed things up by paying your credit card on time, keeping balances low or becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account.
→ See LendingTree’s full guide on how to build credit with a credit card.
Even with good credit, you can be denied because issuers look beyond your score, including recent inquiries, high utilization, limited credit history, income and any late payments. Many issuers also have internal approval rules that can affect your chances.
If you’re unsure about approval, using a prequalification tool is the best way to gauge your odds without affecting your score.
A good APR is generally below the national average credit card interest rate. However, the APR you’re offered depends on your credit profile and the type of card. Rewards credit cards and store credit cards typically come with higher APRs than basic or low-interest credit cards.
It depends on whether you carry a balance. If you always pay in full, a rewards card is usually the better choice because interest won’t matter and you’ll earn cash back, miles or points on every purchase.
If you carry a balance, even occasionally, a low-APR card or a card with a 0% intro APR will save you far more than rewards can. Interest charges quickly outweigh the value of points or cash back, so choose based on how you manage your monthly payments.
If you’re in the lower end of good credit (around 670 to 690) or just rebuilding, you may have better odds with simple, no-annual-fee cards marketed to “good to excellent” credit. While approval isn’t guaranteed, these products usually require less established credit history than premium travel cards.
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 Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, Citi Custom Cash® Card and Bilt World Elite Mastercard® 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.
