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Last updatedApril 2025
Our Best Credit Cards of April 2025
Get rewarded for every dollar you spend
Looking for the best credit card? We ranked the best cards from our partners based on rewards and savings potential—so you can confidently choose the one that’s right for you.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card provides a straightforward cash rewards experience with unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. It’s great for people who prefer simplicity and consistent rewards.
The Citi Double Cash® Card boasts a market-leading unlimited cashback rate of 2%, plus an intro APR period of 18 months, which is comparable to some of the top balance transfer cards. With additional perks like no annual fee, convenient redemption options, and 24-hour fraud monitoring, this card could be a worthy addition to your wallet.
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ credit card is a points-based travel card. You can earn one reward point for every dollar spent, with bonus points for purchases related to hotels, restaurants, airfares, and other travel expenses. It also offers coverage for various travel situations, including lost luggage and travel delays.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
Welcome Bonus
$200
Rewards Rate
1x-3x
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Regular APR
20.24%-29.24% Variable
Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 months
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a cash back rewards card with no annual fee. It is a great credit card for individuals with low overall spending who want to benefit from high 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, gas, and online purchases (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).
The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card offers a robust rewards structure with 3 points per dollar spent in six popular categories, including restaurants, travel, and streaming services. With no annual fee and a welcome bonus of 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months, it is ideal for everyday spenders looking to maximize their rewards.
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers excellent international travel perks and flexible ways to earn rewards at an affordable price. It’s easy to earn rewards with 3x points offered on common purchases like restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores. Additionally, with no fees on foreign transactions, you don’t have to worry about racking up charges when you use your card while traveling abroad.
The Blue Cash Preferred card from American Express is a great cash back rewards card for individuals and households who spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets and on commuting. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers generous cash back rewards with no annual fee. It’s a great card if you spend a moderate amount on travel or dining and don’t want to manage rotating bonus categories. It also comes with 0% intro APR for 15 months, making this card a good choice if you want to pause interest on an existing credit card balance.
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Features & Benefits
BestMoney’s editorial team researches and reviews financial products based on factors such as: range of products and services offered, ease-of-use, online accessibility, customer service, special awards, and more. Each brand is then given a score based on the offerings in each parameter. The specific parameters which we use to evaluate the score of each product can be found on its review page.
Before picking from the best credit cards, you need to consider the perks and features you want the most. That's because the right fit for your wallet depends on your credit score, financial goals, and spending habits.
This guide will help you find that fit by comparing the top credit cards across multiple categories, based on their rewards programs, introductory annual percentage rates (APRs), cardholder benefits, features, fees, and more.
Credit Cards at a Glance
Many of the best cards on the market are cash back credit cards offering generous spending rewards without charging an annual fee.
Some top credit cards also come with an intro APR offer for purchases, balance transfers, or both.
While some rewards cards offer the same earning rate on all purchases, others offer enhanced rewards in bonus spending categories like dining out, groceries, or gas.
Make sure to compare card costs, rewards programs, and ancillary benefits before you pick a credit card.
What Is a Credit Card — and How Do They Work?
A credit card can be a rectangular piece of metal or plastic, or it can be a virtual card number. In either case, credit cards offer a line of credit you can borrow against with the option to pay back their balance over time.
However, using a credit card isn't free, and many charge high variable interest rates if you carry a balance from one month to the next. Some credit cards also charge annual fees just for the privilege of being a cardholder.
On the flip side, the best credit cards offer valuable rewards and cardholder perks that can make them an excellent spending tool. Also, you can avoid credit card interest completely by paying your credit card statement balance in full each month.
Pros
Credit cards are a convenient form of payment
Potential to earn rewards for spending
Some cards offer intro 0% APR terms for purchases, balance transfers, or both
Some cards offer consumer protections like guaranteed returns and extended warranties
Travel credit cards come with perks like airport lounge access and annual travel credits
$0 liability for fraudulent purchases
Cons
Sky-high variable interest rates apply
Annual fees up to $695 are possible
Potential for overspending and debt
Types of Credit Cards
Before you pick the right credit card, you need to understand the types of cards on the market. Consider how the different types of cards can work for your goals.
Cash Back
These cards offer cash back rewards for spending, which you can often redeem for a check in the mail, statement credits, gift cards, and other flexible options. When finding the best cash back credit card, most experts recommend looking for options with no annual fee and the most optimal rewards rate for your spending.
Expert intel: "You should expect to settle for 2% cash back on all purchases or opt for cards that have higher earnings on quarterly rotating spending categories. Also, note that you can boost your cash back earnings with card-linked merchant offers, such as Amex Offers, that you need to activate but can give you 10%-plus cash back on purchases." — Travel rewards expert Elliot Rosenberg
These credit cards earn flexible points for travel, airline miles, or hotel points. Many of the best travel credit cards on the market come from programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and the Citi ThankYou program.
The best balance transfer credit cards may or may not offer rewards, but they all offer 0% APR on balance transfers for a limited time. Balance transfer fees usually apply, but people can save considerable sums on interest if they use these cards to get out of debt fast.
Note: Experts warn against the perils of using balance transfer credit cards while pursuing rewards.
Expert intel: "One major downside of pursuing balance transfers on cards that also offer rewards for spending is the temptation to rack up additional spending on the card to earn rewards, max out the credit limit, and end up in debt. Another downside is that, even though you're not paying interest during the introductory period, you will incur a 3% to 5% balance transfer fee." — Ariana Arghandewal, founder of Points Chaser
There are also credit cards that offer 0% APR on purchases for a limited time (and potentially balance transfers), and many offer rewards for spending. Most credit cards with 0% APR offers for purchases come with $0 annual fees.
The most important features of good credit cards depend on the type of card you're after. However, most top credit card offers come with at least some of the following:
Rewards Program
Most (but not all) of the best credit cards offer something back for each dollar you spend, whether that's cash back, travel rewards, or flexible points.
Before picking the best card for you, you need to think about the rewards you want to earn and how you might redeem them.
Reasonable Fees
There are numerous $0 annual fee credit cards on the market if you prefer to keep costs down, whereas many cards with the most perks and features charge a fee each year.
If you're considering a credit card with an annual fee, ensure you'll get enough ongoing benefits and rewards to make up for that cost.
Builds Credit
All major credit cards build credit by reporting to at least one of the credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. However, some card types (like secured credit cards) are specifically geared toward individuals who need to build or rebuild their credit.
Expert intel: If you're looking for a credit card to build credit, consider secured credit cards that let you upgrade to an unsecured card and get your deposit back with a certain number of on-time payments. Secured cards that fit in that category include the Discover it® Secured Credit Card and the Platinum Secured Credit Card from Capital One
Cardholder Benefits
The best credit cards also come with their share of perks, which vary by card type. For example, many cash back cards offer extended warranties and purchase protection against theft or damage.
Meanwhile, travel credit cards tend to offer travel insurance coverage, annual travel credits, or airport lounge access.
How to Pick the Best Credit Card for You
The path to the right credit card looks different for everyone, mostly because we all have different goals. These steps can help you compare cards to find the perfect fit.
Know Your Credit Score
The best travel and rewards credit cards require good-to-excellent credit (FICO scores of 700 or higher), which means not everyone can qualify. If you have a fair credit score (FICO score from 580 to 669) or poor credit (FICO score of 579 or below), you must pick from credit cards geared to that credit rating.
Fortunately, credit cards offer a way to build credit with regular spending and bills. To make the most of cards that build credit, you must avoid using too much of your available credit limit and always pay your monthly bill on time.
Expert intel: "Do not carry balances. It's a myth that you have to do so in order to build credit. Just use the card for your normal planned purchases, and then pay it in full each month. Lather, rinse, repeat … and you'll build credit without even trying." — Credit expert John Ulzheimer, formerly of FICO and Equifax
Pick a Card Type
Once you have a general idea of the cards you can qualify for based on your credit rating, you can narrow down a specific niche of cards to suit your goals. These niches could include credit cards that earn cash back or travel rewards, or perhaps you want a 0% APR credit card to save on interest for a while.
Whatever your goal is, start looking at the best credit cards within that category.
Consider Annual Fees
There's nothing wrong with paying a credit card annual fee, but make sure you're getting enough in return to justify the cost. Factors that help make up for annual fees include credit card sign-up bonuses, rewards you earn throughout a year, statement credit offers, and other perks.
Compare Rewards Programs
Ensure you understand the rewards programs associated with the cards you're considering and the redemption options each offers. This part can be tricky since reward redemptions vary significantly from card to card.
For example, there are cash back credit cards that only let you redeem for statement credits (like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express). In contrast, others allow you to redeem for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, or travel redemptions (like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®).
Decide Which Perks You Want
Remember how credit cards all have their selection of benefits, from consumer protections for purchases to perks that apply when you travel. Look at credit card benefits for offers you're considering and decide if they make sense. Also remember that you'll get more cardholder benefits overall if you're willing to pay a higher annual fee.
Expert intel: If you frequently travel with a specific airline or stay with a specific hotel brand, consider co-branded credit cards from brands like Delta SkyMiles or Hilton Honors. Airline credit cards tend to offer free checked bags and priority boarding, whereas hotel credit cards offer automatic elite status, accelerated rewards earned on paid stays, and other perks.
Narrow Your Options
Once you consider your credit rating, credit card annual fees, the perks you want, and the ways you can redeem rewards, narrow down your options to a list of cards. The best card for you should offer a package of perks and benefits you want for an annual fee you can afford, or even no annual fee.
How to Apply for a Credit Card
Once you find the credit card you want, applying is a breeze. These tips can help you get to the finish line.
Find the credit card you want online. You can apply for the best credit cards via links directly on this page or by finding the card issuer and product online. Once you find the right credit card, look for a button that says "apply now."
Fill out the credit card application. Complete the application for the card by providing your full name, address, household income, date of birth, employment information, Social Security Number, and monthly housing payment.
Double-check your information. Review your application to ensure the details are correct before submitting it. Once you're sure you've honestly answered all the questions, go ahead and click.
Wait for the results. The good news about applying is that you can usually find out if you're approved for a new credit card right away. If you don't get a fast notification about your approval or denial, expect to hear from the card issuer one way or the other within 30 days.
Leveraging Credit Cards: Expert Tips and Tricks
Ways to get the most bang for your buck with a credit card depend on the type of card you have and the goal(s) you're trying to accomplish. For example, someone with a balance transfer credit card will likely focus on debt repayment instead of rewards. In contrast, someone with a travel credit card is probably trying to maximize rewards for free travel.
Consider these expert tips and tricks to help you get the most out of different card types.
Assess Your Spending
"Figure out how much you spend monthly and where you spend it,” says travel rewards expert Aaron Hurd of Cards and Points. “Chances are the majority of your spending is at a small handful of stores or in a small number of categories like grocery store or dining.”
"Look for options that can offer you more total cash back in those categories,” Hurd adds. “Remember that you could hold both a 2% cash back credit card and a card that earns rewards in useful bonus categories like groceries, gas, or dining.”
Don't Neglect Your Credit
"Never buy more than you can afford just because you have extra credit available," says travel rewards expert Kheel. "If you want to build a good credit score, you'll also want to avoid spending more than about 30% of your available credit at any given time. When you start using more than that on a regular basis, your credit utilization ratio increases, which can cause your overall credit score and credit health to go down."
Look for Bonus Offers
"Chasing after sign-up bonuses (SUBs) beats out any category on a credit card. Most SUBs can earn 10%-plus back on your spend compared to half that in normal credit card spending," says travel rewards expert Matthew Dong of Wuhoo Group.
While the best credit card sign-up bonuses vary by card type, you can expect to earn $200 to $1,000 or more if you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening. However, ensure this minimum spend won't put you over budget.
Credit Card Alternatives
Not sure you want a credit card? Consider these alternatives.
Buy now, pay later (BNPL): BNPL payment options from companies like Affirm and Klarna let consumers set up payment plans for eligible purchases at the source. However, costs vary for these plans and you can pay interest, fees, or both.
Debit cards: Debit cards let you pay for purchases with funds from a connected checking account. Since debit cards don't rely on a line of credit, they don't help consumers build their credit history or scores.
Prepaid cards: Many prepaid cards are offered at stores and online. These cards let users "load" them with funds they can use for in-person or online purchases.
Personal loans: If you need to borrow money but aren't sure you want a credit card, consider personal loans from the best lenders. These loans let you borrow a set amount of money and pay it back with a fixed interest rate and set monthly payment that doesn't change.
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Credit Cards
While all rankings for the "best credit cards" are subjective, we conducted considerable research to create this guide. Beyond considering credit card offers in various categories, we compared cards based on factors consumers care about. These include credit card rewards programs, rates and fees, features and benefits, account security, user experience, and customer service.
We also surveyed consumers and credit card experts to get their opinions on the best credit cards for achieving different goals. Finally, we assessed consumer sentiment on credit card usage and preferences across user platforms like myFICO.com, Reddit, and Quora.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is the Best Credit Card?
The best credit card depends on a range of factors that vary from person to person. Where one person might benefit more from a 0% APR credit card or balance transfer credit card, another could be better suited to a cash back or travel credit card.
What Is the Best Credit Card Company?
Some credit card issuers receive better rankings for their customer service and satisfaction each year. As an example, American Express earned the top ranking for credit card satisfaction in J.D. Power's 2024 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study, followed by Discover, Capital One, and Chase.
What's the Best Credit Card to Build Credit?
The best credit card to build credit is often a secured credit card that requires a cash deposit as collateral. These cards let users secure their line of credit with a security deposit, and the issuers report payments and balances to the credit bureaus to build credit over time. Users can also get their deposit back when they close or upgrade their account in good standing.
How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?
The right number of credit cards varies from person to person. Some individuals are better off having a single card to keep track of each month, whereas others can successfully pair cards to earn more rewards or enjoy more benefits without ending up in debt.
What Credit Card Is the Most Elite?
There are several genuinely elite credit cards on the market, although these cards are primarily geared to big spenders and some are offered on an invite-only basis. Elite credit cards include the Centurion® Card from American Express, the J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and the Platinum Card® from American Express.
Disclosures
Bank of America
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Wells Fargo
Disclosure: This content is not provided by the issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of BestMoney alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer.
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