August 1, 2023
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Chase Freedom Flex℠ is the best Mastercard because it offers high cash back rates in popular rotating categories, as well as a large-sign-up bonus with no annual fee. Plus, rewards are worth even more when paired with select premium Chase travel cards.
The red and yellow circles that make up the Mastercard logo are instantly recognizable. But what you may not realize is that Mastercard is a payment network — not a credit card issuer. Your Mastercard credit card doesn’t come from Mastercard directly. Rather, it’s issued by a bank or credit union.
If you’re considering applying for a new credit card, getting one on the Mastercard payment network is an excellent choice. Like Visa credit cards, Mastercard credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere in the world that you can pay by card.
There are a variety of Mastercard credit cards available, including cash back credit cards, balance transfer cards and more. We’ll help you evaluate the options and choose the best Mastercard credit card for your wallet.
Citi is an advertising partner.
Earn 5% cash back on quarterly categories. Plus, get a bonus on dining, drugstores and Chase travel
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is an excellent Mastercard with rewards, offering a winning mix of spending categories sure to match many consumers’ spending habits. Cardholders 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.
Cardholders should be fine earning Freedom Flex’s generous sign-up bonus thanks to a low spending threshold. Its lengthy 0% intro APR offer makes it a great option if you want to finance a large purchase or pay off existing credit card debt without interest. You’ll get a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months and a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months. After that, a 20.49% - 29.24% Variable APR applies.
On the downside, however, it does carry a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside of the U.S.
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Earn 10X points on hotel, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024
10X total ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024. 3X -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels 3X -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets 1X -- Earn 1 Point on All Other Purchases Annual Hotel Savings Benefit.
The Citi Premier® Card earns our top pick for travel rewards thanks to its respectable sign-up bonus offer. The card also features a $100 hotel credit off select hotel stays booked through thankyou.com, and that alone is enough to offset the card’s $95 annual fee.
It earns high rewards on a wide variety of categories, including gas, air travel, hotels and restaurants. It also offers flexible redemption options, including the ability to transfer points to more than 10 airline, hotel and retail partners.
The Citi Premier® Card notably lacks any kind of travel protections, such as trip interruption/cancellation and car rental insurance. Still, it’s an excellent choice for international travel with no foreign transaction fees.
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Earn 1.5% Cash Back on most purchases, plus a bonus on qualifying travel purchases
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card lets you build credit and earn cash back, with no annual fee. Geared toward consumers with Poor/Limited credit, this secured card reports payments to the three major credit bureaus and offers opportunities for credit line increases. You may even be able to upgrade to an unsecured card with responsible use.
Like many secured cards, Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card features a high APR and requires a refundable security deposit. But it has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, so may be a more affordable option in the long run. Plus, you can see if you qualify for the card before applying without negatively affecting your credit score.
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card offers simple, flat-rate cash back on all your spending, letting you focus on your small business.
With a modest 0% intro APR offer, this no-annual-fee card is a top choice for businesses that want to finance large business purchases without interest. You’ll get a 0% Introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles. After that, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR will apply.
And if you’re already a Bank of America Customer, this card is an even better deal. Preferred Rewards for Business members with a qualifying business checking account can earn up to 75% more cash back.
Get valuable airline perks, including Admirals Club® membership
This card can save you $650 for an Admirals Club® membership
With a $595 annual fee, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® probably isn’t a fit for everyone. But for frequent American Airlines travelers, the card offers premium airline perks that make it well worth its annual fee. Its showcase perk is Admirals Club® membership, the airline’s airport lounge network — annual memberships cost $650 per person, much higher than the card’s annual fee.
You’ll also enjoy priority treatment at the airport and a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for yourself and up to eight companions. The card is a perfect travel companion, with no foreign transaction fees and discounted in-flight purchases for those who enjoy a beverage or meal while flying. Plus, cardholders also receive up to a $100 credit every five years on application fees for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, perfect for expedited security lines at the airport.
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Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card doesn’t necessarily come with benefits geared specifically toward college students, but it does offer a fantastic cash rewards program. You’ll earn elevated cash back rates in categories that align with college life, including dining, groceries, streaming and entertainment.
It’s a great starter card for students with limited credit history. With no annual fee, it’s a low-cost way to build your credit profile, provided you pay your balance on time each month. It also includes no foreign transaction fees, so it’s a good option for your semester abroad.
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Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a must-have for foodies who love cash back rewards, as well as a good option when traveling abroad. It includes no foreign transaction fees and bonus cash back rates on travel-friendly spending categories like dining, entertainment, streaming services and groceries.
And yet, the cash back card’s travel benefits even extend beyond its fee structure and rewards rates. Card features include several travel protections as safeguards and support when you’re away from home.
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Build credit with no annual fee
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card has a $0 annual fee and reports to all three credit bureaus
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card isn’t the flashiest card — it comes with no rewards program or sign-up bonus offer. Still, it is an excellent tool for building or rebuilding your credit profile. Unlike many cards for fair credit, it doesn’t charge a ton of fees. In fact, there’s no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Further, Capital One automatically reviews accounts for higher credit limits as early as six months. Accounts come with complimentary credit score monitoring to keep tabs on your credit as you make payments.
Get a 0% APR for 21 billing cycles on balance transfers and purchases
0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases (followed by a 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR) and 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (followed by a 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on balance transfers)
The BankAmericard® credit card is known for one thing — its exceptionally long intro APR offer. BankAmericard® credit card offers a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, followed by a 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR. Plus, it also offers an equally long 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (followed by the same 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on balance transfers). That’s among the longest introductory periods on the market.
The card offers no rewards and few other perks. It’s only ideal for those who want to finance purchases or pay off existing credit card balances without paying expensive interest charges.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chase Freedom Flex℠
|
Winner
|
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. | 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. | $0 | |
|
Citi Premier® Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Travel
|
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening | 10X total ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024. 3X -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels 3X -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets 1X -- Earn 1 Point on All Other Purchases Annual Hotel Savings Benefit | $95 |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Secured Mastercard
|
N/A | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) | $0 |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Review Coming Soon
|
Small business
|
Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases everywhere, every time | $0 | Review Coming Soon |
|
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Review Coming Soon
|
Air miles
|
Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. | Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases | $595 | Review Coming Soon |
|
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Students
|
Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months | 3% Cash Back on dining and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services and entertainment; 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases | $0 |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
No foreign transaction fee
|
$200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 3% Cash Back on dining and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services and entertainment; 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases | $0 |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Fair credit
|
No bonus | Non-rewards Card | $0 |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
BankAmericard® credit card
|
Balance transfers
|
N/A | N/A | $0 |
Mastercard is one of the four major payment networks in the U.S., along with Visa, American Express and Discover. Mastercard doesn’t approve card applications or issue credit cards on its own — instead, it partners with banks and other financial institutions to provide payment services for credit, debit and prepaid cards.
Mastercard is among the most accepted forms of payment worldwide. It’s accepted by more than 44 million merchants in more than 210 countries and territories and more than 150 currencies. So if you’re traveling with a Mastercard, you should be able to use it with most merchants.
The benefits you receive as a cardholder vary depending on the type of Mastercard you have. Currently, three kinds of Mastercard credit cards are available: Standard, World Mastercard and World Elite Mastercard. Each offers a different set of benefits.
Credit card issuers ultimately determine the specific benefits that accompany a particular Mastercard. Refer to your card agreement or card issuer for the specific benefits included with a particular credit card.
Standard Mastercard credit cards
Standard Mastercards feature basic card benefits. These benefits include identity theft protection, zero liability protection and emergency assistance through Mastercard Global service.
World Mastercard credit cards
In the next tier of Mastercard, you find standard Mastercard benefits as well as additional perks. You may get partner benefits with companies like Lyft, DoorDash and ShopRunner. World cardholders may also enjoy access to exclusive event offers, travel discounts, upgrades and assistance and airport concierge services.
World Elite Mastercard credit cards
The highest tier of Mastercards features all of the benefits of other Mastercards and much more. Cardholders receive complimentary 24/7 access to World Elite concierge services for almost any want or need. In addition, Mastercard World Elite cards further expand on travel benefits, including even more amenities, upgrades and free nights at partner hotels. You can also earn cash back rewards at select travel and retail merchants with World Elite.
| Standard Mastercard | World Mastercard | World Elite Mastercard | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastercard ID Theft Protection™ | |||
| Mastercard Zero Liability Protection | |||
| Mastercard Global Service | |||
| Lyft, DoorDash & Shoprunner benefits | |||
| Priceless Experiences | |||
| Mastercard Golf | |||
| Complimentary professional travel services | |||
| Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services | |||
| World Elite Concierge | |||
| Mastercard Travel Rewards | |||
| Fandango discount |
Mastercard and Visa are the most accepted credit cards in the world. You should have no issues using either of them wherever you make purchases. Both payment networks offer different types of cards with varying benefits, from standard perks to elite travel and purchase benefits.
However, it’s the card issuer, and not Mastercard or Visa, that decides which perks are included with an individual card. So when choosing a credit card, don’t worry about whether it has a Visa or Mastercard logo — instead, look for a card that best fits your needs and aligns with your spending habits.
Generally, most banks offer Mastercard credit cards. Some banks, like American Express and Discover, do not offer Mastercards, as they’re both credit card issuers and payment networks.
| Issuer | Mastercard cards offered? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| American Express | No | N/A |
| Bank of America | Yes | BankAmericard® credit card |
| Capital One | Yes | Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card |
| Chase | Yes | Chase Freedom Flex |
| Citi | Yes | Citi® Double Cash Card |
| Discover | No | N/A |
| U.S. Bank | No | N/A |
| Wells Fargo | Yes | Bilt Mastercard® |
Mastercard is a global payment network that processes credit card, debit and prepaid card transactions. Credit card issuers partner with Mastercard to provide payment services for particular credit cards.
Costco doesn’t accept Mastercard credit cards for payment in its retail stores. However, it does accept Mastercard for online purchases at Costco.com.
No, not all credit cards are Mastercards. Card issuers partner with Visa, American Express, Discover and other payment networks.
Merchants widely accept Mastercard in over 210 countries and territories worldwide.
Merchants around the world widely accept Mastercard credit cards. though benefits, perks and fees vary between cards. Ultimately, it depends on the specific card itself whether it’s considered a good credit card.
To select the cards in this post, we reviewed the top Mastercard credit cards available on LendingTree and major issuer sites.
In addition, we evaluated factors including rewards, 0% intro APR periods and ease of accessibility to applicants with varying credit levels. Some cards also include useful benefits, such as extended warranty or free access to your credit score.
Finally, nearly all of the cards on this list charge no annual fee.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.
