How to Get Approved for a Credit Card
Mar 13, 2025
The Ultimate Travel Credit Card Guide
Mar 19, 2023
What is a Credit Builder Credit Card?
Mar 13, 2025
What Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card?
Mar 13, 2025
Credit Card Rewards: A Guide
Mar 13, 2025
9.9
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
10.0
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.6
Learn More
on Citi's application
See Rates & Fees
See Rates & Fees
Citi Double Cash® Card
2% Cash Back
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Welcome Bonus
$200
Rewards Rate
2%
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Regular APR
18.24%-28.24% (Variable)
Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons
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.
9.3
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.9
Learn More
on chase.com site
See Rates & Fees
See Rates & Fees
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Welcome Bonus
$250
Rewards Rate
1.5%-5%
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Regular APR
18.99%-28.49% Variable
Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 months
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons
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.
8.6
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
7.5
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.8
Learn More
on Bank of America's application
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Get a 25,000 bonus points offer
25,000 online bonus points after you spend at least $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of opening your account
Welcome Bonus
25,000 points offer
Rewards Rate
1.5x
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Regular APR
18.24%-28.24%
Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee, lets you earn 1.5 points for each dollar you spend on purchases, and features a generous welcome bonus and intro APR. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to offset the cost of travel purchases from flights to hotels to rental cars.
8.8
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
7.9
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.8
Learn More
on Bank of America's application
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Bonus
$200 cash rewards bonus offer
Rewards Rate
1x-3x
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Regular APR
18.24%-28.24%
Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee while offering up to 3% cash back in your chosen category. It is a good choice for those who want a card with rewards for everyday purchases.
9.1
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.7
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Earn $200
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
Regular APR
18.24%-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%).
9.2
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.7
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Welcome Bonus
$250
Rewards Rate
1x-6x
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Recommended Credit Score
Regular APR
18.24% - 29.24% Variable
Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 12 months
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons
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.
23,207 people
visited a credit card site this month
BestMoney Total Score
Our product scores consist of a combination of the following 3 components:
Popularity
BestMoney measures user engagement based on the number of clicks each listed brand received in the past 7 days. The number of clicks to each brand will be measured against other brands listed in the same query. Therefore, the higher the share of clicks a brand receives in any specific query, the higher the Click Trend Score. BestMoney accepts advertising compensation from companies, which impacts their (and/or their products’) position, and in some cases, may also affect their Click Trend Score.
Brand Reputation
Semrush is a trusted and comprehensive tool that offers insights about online visibility and performance. The BestMoney Total Score will consist of the brand's reputation from Semrush. The brand reputation is based on Semrush's analysis of clickstream data, which includes user behavior, search patterns, and engagement, to accurately measure each brand's prominence, credibility, and trustworthiness. If a brand does not have a Semrush score, the BestMoney Total Score will be based solely on the Click Trend Score and Products & Features Score (read below).
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.
Must Reads
Best Credit Cards 2025
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.
Comparing Our Top Cash Back Credit Cards: Editor’s Notes
These eight cards rate as our favorites currently on the market. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for choosing among them.
Card | Our Pick for … | Consider other cards if … |
Flat-rate cash back | You want to have 0% APR on purchases and not just balance transfers. | |
Customized rewards | You want to use rewards to travel and see the world. | |
Online retail shopping and gas rewards | You’d benefit from a cash back credit card that offers the same rewards rate on everything you buy. | |
Grocery rewards | You’d prefer a no-annual fee rewards card. | |
No annual fee | You’re in the market for travel rewards and benefits. |
Other Top Credit Cards to Consider
Don’t see a card on our list that meets your specific criteria? These alternatives also offer attractive benefits.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card offers outsized rewards on U.S. supermarket and restaurant spending worldwide and flights booked with American Express or directly with airlines. Cardholders also earn flexible American Express Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for gift cards, travel through AmexTravel.com, point transfers to Amex airline and hotel partners, and more.
A $325 annual fee applies, but cardholders qualify for statement credit offers for eligible dining purchases and partners like Dunkin, that can help recoup that cost.
Read our full American Express® Gold Card review.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 2X miles on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals booked through Capital One. Cardholders qualify for a generous sign-up bonus and get benefits like a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership.
Rewards are also flexible, with the option to redeem for cash back, gift cards, travel through Capital One, and transfers to Capital One airline and hotel partners. A $95 annual fee applies.
Read our full Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the upgraded version of the traditional Venture card, so it has enhanced rewards rates and more perks for a higher annual fee of $395. This card offers a lucrative sign-up bonus, plus 2X miles on all regular purchases, 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One, and 10X miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One.
Perks include a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, Capital One lounge access, 10,000 anniversary miles each year, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, and more.
Read our full Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® lets cardholders earn a generous welcome offer plus bonus rewards in everyday spending categories like online grocery delivery and dining. This card also offers a $50 annual hotel credit for each account anniversary year. It lets users redeem rewards for gift cards, statement credits, merchandise, travel through Chase Travel, or point transfers to Chase airline and hotel partners.
Users also get 25% more value when redeeming their travel points through Chase. A $95 annual fee applies.
Read our full Chase Sapphire Preferred® review.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The swanky Chase Sapphire Reserve® requires a $550 annual fee each year, yet it offers outsized rewards for travel and dining purchases and a welcome bonus that can be worth $900 in travel right off the bat. That's because the card offers 50% more value for points redeemed for travel through Chase in addition to the other flexible redemption options in the Chase Ultimate Rewards universe.
In exchange for the higher annual fee, this card comes with a $300 annual travel credit, a fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, access to Chase Sapphire airport lounges, and more.
Read our full Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
If you have poor credit or need to build credit from scratch, put the Discover it® Secured Credit Card on your list. This card doesn't require a credit score for approval, yet you can begin building credit through responsible use with a security deposit as low as $200. Users even earn rewards on their spending, and there's no annual fee.
Discover also says it's possible to get the deposit back and be upgraded to an unsecured card after making at least six on-time payments while maintaining positive status on all other credit cards and loans.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
If you need a credit card to help you consolidate debt or pay down large purchases without interest, consider the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card. This card offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles, followed by a variable APR of 17.74% to 28.74%. There's no annual fee, although it charges a high balance transfer fee of 5% (minimum $5).
While its intro APR offer can be a valuable benefit for consumers who need help out of debt, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card doesn't offer any rewards for spending.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is another flat-rate cash back credit card that doesn't charge an annual fee. In addition to its welcome bonus, this card grants individuals a flat 2% cash back on every purchase. Other benefits include an intro APR for purchases and balance transfers, and cellular telephone insurance.
Expert Recommendations and First-Hand Perspectives
While card issuers work hard to craft competitive offers, consumer sentiment on popular message boards indicates that, for the most part, individuals lean toward different types of cards based on their goals.
While some users swear by cash back credit cards with no annual fee, others believe flexible travel credit cards offer more value due to their versatile redemption options and cardholder perks — even when much higher annual fees apply.
In other words, it's ultimately up to you to decide which credit card aligns with your current needs and spending habits.
What Cardholders Say About the Best Credit Cards
Conversations on Reddit underscore some of the reasons consumers go with one type of card over another. When it comes to why they might be willing to pay an annual fee for their favorite rewards credit card, one Reddit user posted the following:
"Perks outweigh the costs, whether it’s specific extras like credits, membership discounts or just the great points. Also AMEX specifically, which is what I mainly use, has very good customer service, especially if you have the cards with an annual fee."
Another Reddit user explained that paying an annual fee can make sense, but only in certain situations:
"The annual fee puts you in the hole, so you have to do the math to see if the better earning rates and perks make sense over free credit cards. For a lot of people’s spending, it doesn’t make sense to get a $700 platinum or even a $95 travel card over a handful of $0 cash back cards."
Some people don't want to pay an annual fee for a credit card no matter what. This sentiment is laid out reasonably well on the myFICO.com credit card forum, especially when you look at consumer feedback on the best $0 annual fee credit cards on the market.
Recommended Cash Back Credit Cards
What are the best credit cards for earning cash back? Some consumers prefer flat-rate rewards, while others want the chance to maximize cash back with bonus category spending. Users also pair a few different cash back credit cards to earn more rewards all year.
In that vein, one Reddit user posted:
"AmEx Blue Cash Preferred gives 6% at grocery stores and streaming, 3% at gas stations/Uber/parking. Surprised no one mentioned this card. It's worth the $95/year. I pair it with the Citi Double Cash."
Some cult-favorite cash-back credit cards are popular with certain groups. For example, one Reddit user posted the following:
"Fidelity Rewards Visa is my catch-all. 2% cash back when deposited into a Fidelity account, which is awesome because they're also my 5% APR checking account."
Recommended Travel Credit Cards
Some consumers have entirely different goals with credit cards, especially if they have no or bad credit. When that's the case, they often seek a secured or unsecured credit card geared toward this demographic.
Conversations around secured cards are helpful, with users offering advice to help people pick the right card. One Reddit user posted this invaluable advice, which makes a lot of sense:
A user in the myFICO.com forum posted the following to explain their choice for the best combination of cards to earn travel rewards, which included the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®:
"Chase CSR paired w/ Freedom Unlimited also is a great combo. CSR 10x car rentals and 10x booking on their travel portal makes this card a great independent hotel card, in addition Chase has a shopping portal to make up for non-cat spend."
In contrast, a Reddit user posted the following:
"The best travel card is the Venture X, which does everything for effectively no annual fee if you are willing to use the travel portal credit. Some pair it with the SavorOne, but I recommend getting another card with a higher sign up bonus like the Strata Premier instead."
Recommended Cards for Rebuilding Credit
Some consumers have entirely different goals with credit cards, especially if they have no or bad credit. When that's the case, they're often looking for a secured credit card or an unsecured credit card that’s geared toward this demographic.
Conversations around secured cards tend to be helpful, with users offering advice to help people pick the right card. One Reddit user posted this extremely helpful advice, which makes a lot of sense:
"The best secured credit cards have $0 annual fees, monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus, and above-average rewards. You should expect to earn at least 1% back on purchases and perhaps get bonus rewards for certain spending categories. For example, you might get 1.5% cash back on everything, or 1% as a base rate plus 2% on gas and dining. I prefer the simpler options, especially when you’re focused on building credit. "
The best card in this niche also depends, and consumers don't always agree. When it comes to the best secured credit card options, one myFICO.com forum member posted the following:
"Discover is pretty much the best as it's basically a secured version of the regular card. In addition, you can add more money at a later time if you need the spending power, which can't be said of many secured cards. The drawback is they have to approve you for a larger secured limit."
Another said the following:
"The best secured card out there IMO that flies under the radar often is the US Bank Altitude Go Secured. Definitely check that one out."
What Credit Card Experts Say About the Best Credit Cards
The top credit cards cited by industry experts also vary widely. Experts often become the champions of specific cards because they find them incredibly useful in their everyday lives.
For example, travel rewards expert Jason Steele says the Capital One Venture X is his favorite travel credit card based on the earning rates for rewards, flexible redemption options, and extra perks.
Steele adds that he likes visiting the small but growing number of Capital One airport lounges that allow free visits with the card, letting him bring up two guests. He has also added family members as authorized users on his account at no cost, which allows them to have their own airport lounge membership with the chance to bring in two guests.
"I regularly go to the Capital One Lounge in Denver and recently visited the Capital One Cafe in Washington Reagan National, which was basically like visiting a fine dining restaurant for free," he says. "The card offers double miles on all purchases, and miles can be transferred to airline or hotel partners. The $395 annual fee is very reasonable when you consider that you get a $300 annual travel credit, making the net cost just $95."
Credit card expert Luis Lan of Better than Points says he pairs his favorite travel cards with others that make more sense for everyday purchases. One of his favorites is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® due to factors like its primary auto rental coverage and the flexibility of its rewards program.
"The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is ideal for those who value travel but still want an affordable annual fee,” he says. “While it doesn’t have all the perks of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, it offers enough value to make it a solid choice for people who want to transfer points to travel partners for maximum value or take advantage of the 25% boost through the Chase portal.”
From there, Lan says the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is his "catch-all card."
"f there's a category where I know I won’t earn [bonus] rewards, I end up putting those on this card,” he says. “A good example is when I shop at Costco. Since they don’t accept American Express cards, the Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice because I earn 1.5% cash back instead of the 1% I’d earn otherwise. Plus, getting 3% back on dining and drug stores for a no-annual-fee card is an extra benefit."
Credit card experts also have some specific recommendations to help you find the right credit card for you no matter the type of card you’re looking for. Some also have advice on specific cards that make sense for different types of consumers.
For example, credit card expert Julian Kheel of Points Path says the following about the Citi Double Cash®:
"If you're someone who doesn't want to spend a lot of time thinking about your credit card, the Citi Double Cash® will be an ideal fit. It's a great 'set it and forget it' option that you can use essentially anywhere credit cards are accepted, and the cash back it earns is easy to redeem. Plus, it has no annual fee."
However, others, Kheel says, might be better served by the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express:
"For households that spend a lot of money each month on U.S. supermarkets, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express could be a good choice, since it earns 6% cash back at supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year (then 1%). It also earns 6% back on streaming services, and a solid 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit. So you're well covered with the card not only when you go to the grocery store, but also when you need to fill up the tank on the way home."
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
See our picks of the best cash back credit cards.
Travel
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.
See our picks of the best travel credit cards.
Balance Transfer
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
See our picks for the best balance transfer credit cards.
Low Interest
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.
See our picks for the best low interest credit cards.
Key Features of a Good Credit Card
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.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Writer bio: Holly Johnson is a credit card expert, award-winning writer, and mother of two who covers travel rewards and loyalty programs, rewards credit cards, loans, banking, and personal finance. In addition to writing for publications like Bankrate, Investopedia, U.S. News and World Report Travel, and Travel Pulse, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love."