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LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
March 1, 2023
*Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.
This article was last updated March 1, 2023 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.
Our top pick for best Mastercard credit card overall is the Chase Freedom Flex℠. It offers a generous cashback program, a valuable sign-up bonus and a solid intro APR period, all for a $0 annual fee.
Citi is an advertising partner.
The red and yellow circles that make up the Mastercard logo are instantly recognizable. If you’re thinking about 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.
It should be noted that Mastercard is a payment network, not a credit card issuer. When you get a Mastercard credit card, it won’t come from Mastercard directly, but rather it’ll be issued by a bank or credit union. Visa operates the same way. In contrast, American Express and Discover are both payment networks and issuers.
There are a variety of Mastercard credit cards available, including cashback credit cards, balance transfer cards, and more. We’ll help you evaluate the options and choose the best Mastercard credit card for your wallet.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ lets cardholders 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 rotating categories must be activated each quarter and come with a $1,500 spending cap on the 5% rate, after which you’ll earn 1% back.)
There’s also a generous sign-up bonus with a low spending threshold: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months. Plus, earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year
Consumers planning a big purchase will enjoy more than a year to pay it off without interest charges, thanks to a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months; after, a 19.49% - 28.24% variable APR applies.
Meanwhile, those who need to transfer debt from another credit card can take advantage of a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months, after which a 19.49% - 28.24% variable APR applies.
The balance transfer fee is either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. While the annual fee is $0, do beware the foreign transaction fee — 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
It’s our top pick for best overall Mastercard for a reason.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is an incredibly flexible card that can reward you in a variety of ways. If you spend heavily on dining, it’s an excellent choice for that category. And if your spending often aligns with the rotating categories, that adds even more value. Some examples of past rotating categories include gas stations and home improvement stores, Walmart and purchases made with PayPal, Amazon.com and Whole Foods.
Plus, thanks to solid intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is also a good choice if you need to make a big purchase or transfer debt from another card.
Just make sure you’re aware of the Chase 5/24 rule before applying — this unwritten rule means that if you’ve been approved for five or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, Chase is expected to deny your application for any of their cards.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ lets cardholders 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 rotating categories must be activated each quarter and come with a $1,500 spending cap on the 5% rate, after which you’ll earn 1% back.)
There’s also a generous sign-up bonus with a low spending threshold: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months. Plus, earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year
Consumers planning a big purchase will enjoy more than a year to pay it off without interest charges, thanks to a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months; after, a 19.49% - 28.24% variable APR applies.
Meanwhile, those who need to transfer debt from another credit card can take advantage of a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months, after which a 19.49% - 28.24% variable APR applies.
The balance transfer fee is either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. While the annual fee is $0, do beware the foreign transaction fee — 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
It’s our top pick for best overall Mastercard for a reason.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is an incredibly flexible card that can reward you in a variety of ways. If you spend heavily on dining, it’s an excellent choice for that category. And if your spending often aligns with the rotating categories, that adds even more value. Some examples of past rotating categories include gas stations and home improvement stores, Walmart and purchases made with PayPal, Amazon.com and Whole Foods.
Plus, thanks to solid intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is also a good choice if you need to make a big purchase or transfer debt from another card.
Just make sure you’re aware of the Chase 5/24 rule before applying — this unwritten rule means that if you’ve been approved for five or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, Chase is expected to deny your application for any of their cards.
The Citi® Double Cash Card lets cardholders earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. This isn’t the only 2% cash back credit card on the market, but it’s probably one of the better-known ones.
There’s also an intro APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers. After, a 18.49% - 28.49% (variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is reasonable if you act promptly: There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
You won’t have to pay to carry the card thanks to a $0 annual fee — however, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
The Citi® Double Cash Card is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to bother with activating quarterly categories or earning elevated rates on some purchases and subpar ones on others.
However, it’s worth noting that this card does have a small quirk in how your cash back is earned; you earn half after making a purchase and the other half after paying off the purchase. As long as you make at least the minimum payment each month, you can earn the second half of your cash back. Missing a payment, though, will forfeit the remaining cash back you would have earned.
This card is also an excellent choice for someone who needs a balance transfer card to pay off debt from a non-Citi credit card. If you decide to use this card for a balance transfer, we recommend not making new purchases on it until you’ve paid off your transferred debt in full, so as not to let debt accrue a second time.
The Citi® Double Cash Card lets cardholders earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. This isn’t the only 2% cash back credit card on the market, but it’s probably one of the better-known ones.
There’s also an intro APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers. After, a 18.49% - 28.49% (variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is reasonable if you act promptly: There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
You won’t have to pay to carry the card thanks to a $0 annual fee — however, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
The Citi® Double Cash Card is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to bother with activating quarterly categories or earning elevated rates on some purchases and subpar ones on others.
However, it’s worth noting that this card does have a small quirk in how your cash back is earned; you earn half after making a purchase and the other half after paying off the purchase. As long as you make at least the minimum payment each month, you can earn the second half of your cash back. Missing a payment, though, will forfeit the remaining cash back you would have earned.
This card is also an excellent choice for someone who needs a balance transfer card to pay off debt from a non-Citi credit card. If you decide to use this card for a balance transfer, we recommend not making new purchases on it until you’ve paid off your transferred debt in full, so as not to let debt accrue a second time.
Check out our Citi® Double Cash Card review.
The Citi Simplicity® Card comes with an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, after which a 18.49% - 29.24% (variable) APR applies.
A there is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. Then a balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. This is a bit high, but if you need almost two years to pay down debt from another card, it might be worth the fee.
There’s a shorter intro APR on purchases: 0% for 12 months on Purchases, after which a 18.49% - 29.24% (variable) APR applies. That’s decent, but the intro APR on balance transfers is where this card shines.
The annual fee is $0, but there is a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each purchase transaction after its conversion into U.S. dollars.
If you need a long time to pay off a balance transfer from another credit card, the Citi Simplicity® Card is a rock star. It’s not hard to find a balance transfer card offering a 0% intro APR period of 15 or 18 months, but 21 months is truly exceptional.
Just beware that in exchange for the lengthy intro APR on balance transfers, you’ll pay a balance transfer fee that’s a bit on the high side. For example, if you transfer $3,000 to this card, a 5% balance transfer fee means you’ll pay $150 on top of that.
The Citi Simplicity® Card comes with an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, after which a 18.49% - 29.24% (variable) APR applies.
A there is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. Then a balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. This is a bit high, but if you need almost two years to pay down debt from another card, it might be worth the fee.
There’s a shorter intro APR on purchases: 0% for 12 months on Purchases, after which a 18.49% - 29.24% (variable) APR applies. That’s decent, but the intro APR on balance transfers is where this card shines.
The annual fee is $0, but there is a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each purchase transaction after its conversion into U.S. dollars.
If you need a long time to pay off a balance transfer from another credit card, the Citi Simplicity® Card is a rock star. It’s not hard to find a balance transfer card offering a 0% intro APR period of 15 or 18 months, but 21 months is truly exceptional.
Just beware that in exchange for the lengthy intro APR on balance transfers, you’ll pay a balance transfer fee that’s a bit on the high side. For example, if you transfer $3,000 to this card, a 5% balance transfer fee means you’ll pay $150 on top of that.
Check out our Citi Simplicity® Card review.
The BankAmericard® credit card offers a 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, after which a 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR applies. There’s also a chance to earn a N/A
Consumers who need to do a balance transfer will appreciate that there’s also a 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After this time, a 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR on balance transfers applies. The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transaction.
Though the card has a $0 annual fee, beware that there’s a 3% foreign transaction fee.
If you’re planning a big purchase, there are two features you likely want in a credit card — a long 0% intro APR period on new purchases and a sign-up bonus. The BankAmericard® credit card offers both, making this an excellent choice if you’re looking to offset the cost of your spending a little bit and spread out payments over a year and a half without incurring interest charges.
The BankAmericard® credit card offers a 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, after which a 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR applies. There’s also a chance to earn a N/A
Consumers who need to do a balance transfer will appreciate that there’s also a 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After this time, a 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR on balance transfers applies. The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transaction.
Though the card has a $0 annual fee, beware that there’s a 3% foreign transaction fee.
If you’re planning a big purchase, there are two features you likely want in a credit card — a long 0% intro APR period on new purchases and a sign-up bonus. The BankAmericard® credit card offers both, making this an excellent choice if you’re looking to offset the cost of your spending a little bit and spread out payments over a year and a half without incurring interest charges.
Check out our BankAmericard® credit card review.
With the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, you’ll earn 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
There’s also an opportunity to earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening — that’s a low spend requirement with a generous payout.
The APR is 0% intro on purchases for 15 months; after, a 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) APR applies. There’s an APR of 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months, too — after, a 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is reasonable at 3%.
You’ll pay a $0 annual fee to carry the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, and as for foreign transaction fees, there are none.
Whether you prefer dining at restaurants, ordering takeout or delivery or picking out the groceries to make a meal at home, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a versatile card that can reward you. Plus, you can take this card abroad and try exotic cuisines without worrying about an extra charge being added to every transaction you make.
With the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, you’ll earn 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
There’s also an opportunity to earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening — that’s a low spend requirement with a generous payout.
The APR is 0% intro on purchases for 15 months; after, a 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) APR applies. There’s an APR of 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months, too — after, a 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is reasonable at 3%.
You’ll pay a $0 annual fee to carry the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, and as for foreign transaction fees, there are none.
Whether you prefer dining at restaurants, ordering takeout or delivery or picking out the groceries to make a meal at home, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a versatile card that can reward you. Plus, you can take this card abroad and try exotic cuisines without worrying about an extra charge being added to every transaction you make.
Check out our Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review.
Cardholders with the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card 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.
Plus, there’s a generous sign-up bonus with a long time time period to reach the spend requirement: 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.
Consumers who need to make a big purchase and pay it off over time will appreciate the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. After, a 18.49% - 28.49% (variable) APR applies.
There’s also a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, after which a 18.49% - 28.49% (variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
While you’ll pay a $0 annual fee to carry the card, beware of the 3% foreign transaction fee.
Because of this card’s unique structure — offering an elevated cashback rate in your top eligible spending category each month — it could fit a variety of niches. Since one of the eligible categories is grocery store spending, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is an excellent card for your regular grocery haul. It’s true the 5% rate is capped at $500 in spending each month, but that comes out to $25 in cash back per month (or $300 over the course of a year) before your earning rate drops.
The eligible spending categories include:
Cardholders with the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card 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.
Plus, there’s a generous sign-up bonus with a long time time period to reach the spend requirement: 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.
Consumers who need to make a big purchase and pay it off over time will appreciate the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. After, a 18.49% - 28.49% (variable) APR applies.
There’s also a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, after which a 18.49% - 28.49% (variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
While you’ll pay a $0 annual fee to carry the card, beware of the 3% foreign transaction fee.
Because of this card’s unique structure — offering an elevated cashback rate in your top eligible spending category each month — it could fit a variety of niches. Since one of the eligible categories is grocery store spending, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is an excellent card for your regular grocery haul. It’s true the 5% rate is capped at $500 in spending each month, but that comes out to $25 in cash back per month (or $300 over the course of a year) before your earning rate drops.
The eligible spending categories include:
Check out our Citi Custom Cash℠ Card review.
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a no-frills credit card that doesn’t offer rewards or a sign-up bonus. It comes with a $0 annual fee, and as for foreign transaction fees — there are none. The APR is 29.74% (variable).
While you won’t earn rewards with the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, you can build credit history with responsible usage, as your usage is reported to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). And since this card is meant for consumers with fair/limited credit, it’s more accessible than many of the other cards on this list.
Finally, after using this card for some time and demonstrating that you keep utilization low and always pay on time, you may be able to transition to a card that earns rewards, such as the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a no-frills credit card that doesn’t offer rewards or a sign-up bonus. It comes with a $0 annual fee, and as for foreign transaction fees — there are none. The APR is 29.74% (variable).
While you won’t earn rewards with the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, you can build credit history with responsible usage, as your usage is reported to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). And since this card is meant for consumers with fair/limited credit, it’s more accessible than many of the other cards on this list.
Finally, after using this card for some time and demonstrating that you keep utilization low and always pay on time, you may be able to transition to a card that earns rewards, such as the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Check out our Capital One Platinum Credit Card review.
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers the same rewards program as the regular Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: earn 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. This card has a $0 annual fee, and you won’t be charged additional fees to use your card outside of the U.S.
But because the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has a high 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) APR, it isn’t one that you’ll want to carry a balance on from month to month.
Building credit while in college is essential to setting yourself up for financial success later in life. Luckily, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for that purpose. It’s accessible to college students with fair/limited credit, and comes with a generous cash back program. Just make sure to always pay your balance in full every month to keep your utilization low and avoid incurring interest charges.
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers the same rewards program as the regular Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: earn 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. This card has a $0 annual fee, and you won’t be charged additional fees to use your card outside of the U.S.
But because the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has a high 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) APR, it isn’t one that you’ll want to carry a balance on from month to month.
Building credit while in college is essential to setting yourself up for financial success later in life. Luckily, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for that purpose. It’s accessible to college students with fair/limited credit, and comes with a generous cash back program. Just make sure to always pay your balance in full every month to keep your utilization low and avoid incurring interest charges.
Check out our Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card review.
Some secured credit cards don’t offer rewards — the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, however, lets cardholders earn a competitive flat rate of 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through capital one travel (terms apply).
This card charges a $0 annual fee. And as for foreign transaction fees — there are none.
Still, you should beware the high 29.74% (variable) APR. You can typically avoid interest charges by paying your card off in full every billing cycle, and that’s considered best practice regardless of your card’s interest rate.
The card requires an initial refundable security deposit of at least $200, which will serve as your credit limit. But you can submit a higher deposit for a higher credit limit — Capital One will set a maximum ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on creditworthiness.
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for people with poor/limited credit. If you’re looking to rebuild your credit profile, this card could be an excellent tool. Your usage will be reported to the major credit bureaus, so keeping your utilization low and always paying on time can help you start to improve your score.
In addition, after demonstrating responsible card usage for a designated amount of time, Capital One may allow you to transition to an unsecured card. If this happens, your security deposit will be refunded.
Some secured credit cards don’t offer rewards — the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, however, lets cardholders earn a competitive flat rate of 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through capital one travel (terms apply).
This card charges a $0 annual fee. And as for foreign transaction fees — there are none.
Still, you should beware the high 29.74% (variable) APR. You can typically avoid interest charges by paying your card off in full every billing cycle, and that’s considered best practice regardless of your card’s interest rate.
The card requires an initial refundable security deposit of at least $200, which will serve as your credit limit. But you can submit a higher deposit for a higher credit limit — Capital One will set a maximum ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on creditworthiness.
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for people with poor/limited credit. If you’re looking to rebuild your credit profile, this card could be an excellent tool. Your usage will be reported to the major credit bureaus, so keeping your utilization low and always paying on time can help you start to improve your score.
In addition, after demonstrating responsible card usage for a designated amount of time, Capital One may allow you to transition to an unsecured card. If this happens, your security deposit will be refunded.
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card comes with a uniquely flexible cashback program, letting cardholders earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter), 2% cash back on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Cardholders can also earn a Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
For business owners who need time to pay off a big purchase, there’s an intro APR on new purchases of 0% Introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR period ends, a 16.74% - 26.74% Variable APR applies.
The annual fee is $0, but the foreign transaction fee is 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction.
This card is a fine choice for small business owners who need flexibility in earning cash back. While many cards lock you into one rewards structure, the Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you pick from among six options for your 3% category:
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card comes with a uniquely flexible cashback program, letting cardholders earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter), 2% cash back on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Cardholders can also earn a Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
For business owners who need time to pay off a big purchase, there’s an intro APR on new purchases of 0% Introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR period ends, a 16.74% - 26.74% Variable APR applies.
The annual fee is $0, but the foreign transaction fee is 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction.
This card is a fine choice for small business owners who need flexibility in earning cash back. While many cards lock you into one rewards structure, the Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you pick from among six options for your 3% category:
Credit Card | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Intro Purchase APR | Regular APR | Intro Balance Transfer Rate | Regular Balance Transfer Rate | Balance Transfer Fee | Recommended Credit | Card Review |
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Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months. 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 | 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months | 19.49% - 28.24% Variable | 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months | 19.49% - 28.24% Variable | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. | Excellent/Good | Chase Freedom Flex℠ Review |
![]() on Citibank's secure site
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None | Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. | $0 | N/A | 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) | 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers | 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) | There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening. | Excellent/Good | Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer Review |
![]() on Citibank's secure site
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N/A | N/A | $0 | 0% for 12 months on Purchases | 18.49% - 29.24% (Variable) | 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers | 18.49% - 29.24% (Variable) | There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. Then a balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | Excellent/Good | Citi Simplicity® Card Review |
![]() on Bank Of America's secure site
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N/A | Non-rewards card | $0 | 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases | 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR | 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days | 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR on balance transfers | 3% of the amount of each transaction. | Excellent/Good | BankAmericard® credit card Review |
on Capital One's secure site
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Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening | 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases | $0 | 0% intro on purchases for 15 months | 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months | 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | 3% | Excellent/Good | Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Review |
on Citibank's secure site
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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. | 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. | $0 | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases | 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) | 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers | 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) | 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | Excellent/Good | Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Review |
on Capital One's secure site
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No bonus | Non-rewards Card | $0 | N/A | 29.74% (Variable) | N/A | 29.74% (Variable) | $0 at this Transfer APR | Fair/Limited | Capital One Platinum Credit Card Review |
on Capital One's secure site
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Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months | 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases | $0 | N/A | 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | N/A | 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | $0 at this Transfer APR | Fair/Limited | Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card Review |
on Capital One's secure site
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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 | N/A | 29.74% (Variable) | N/A | 29.74% (Variable) | $0 at this Transfer APR | Poor/Limited | Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card Review |
![]() on Bank Of America's secure site
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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 3% cash back in the category of your choice (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter), 2% cash back on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases | $0 | 0% Introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles | 16.74% - 26.74% Variable APR | N/A | 16.74% - 26.74% Variable APR on balance transfers | Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. | Excellent | Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card Review |
No, Mastercard is not a bank. Mastercard is a payment network, while banks and credit unions can issue credit cards using this payment network.
Mastercard has wide acceptance, both in the United States and abroad.
Mastercard and Visa are competing payment networks, both of which are widely accepted. Unlike American Express and Discover, Mastercard and Visa do not issue credit cards.
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 levels of credit. Some cards also include useful benefits, such as extended warranty or free access to your credit score.
Finally, none of the cards on this list charge an 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
Glen Luke Flanagan is a senior credit card writer for LendingTree. He joined the team in June 2019, and covers topics including new credit cards, how your credit score works and what you need to know about credit card interest.
Before joining LendingTree, Glen worked in journalism and government communications. As a journalist at newspapers in North Carolina and South Carolina, his reporting won awards from the North Carolina Press Association and the South Carolina Press Association, respectively.
Glen earned his bachelor’s degree in media studies with a concentration in journalism from Radford University, graduating summa cum laude in May 2014. He also earned a master’s degree in English with a concentration in technical and professional communication, as well as a graduate certificate in marketing, from East Carolina University in May 2022.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.