- $300 annual travel credit applies to any travel purchase.
- Numerous redemption options, including transferring points to 14 airlines and hotels.
- Points are worth 50% more when booking travel through Chase.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
Updated June 19, 2024
Although many people associate credit cards with debt, having the right card can improve your financial position by earning rewards on everyday purchases, eliminating interest charges and improving your credit. When you get a new credit card, you may qualify for a welcome bonus, intro APR offers and complimentary benefits that can save money and time. Learn more about the best credit cards of April 2024, what they offer and how to choose the best credit card for your situation.
Our top recommendations
card_name: Best travel credit card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it
It earns up to 10 times points on travel booked through Chase and 3 times points on all other travel purchases (excluding the first $300 spent on travel annually). Plus, travelers earn 3 times on dining anywhere on the planet, and there are no foreign transaction fees, so you can take this card on all of your travels.
Pros:
Cons:
- Large annual fee and additional fee for authorized users.
- Chase 5/24 Rule may limit some applicants.
- Must purchase through Chase to get the highest rewards on spending.
Cardholders receive complimentary airport lounge access at Chase Sapphire Lounges and Priority Pass locations, and it is one of the last credit cards that includes the dining benefit at Priority Pass restaurant partners. Though it has an annual fee of annual_fees, if you take advantage of all the perks, it’s well worth the cost.
card_name: Best for luxury travel
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full Terms Apply.
Pros:
- Over $1,500 in value, including airline fee credits, hotel credits, CLEAR Plus credits and airline lounge access.
- Earn up to 5x on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel.
- Complimentary hotel and rental car elite status.
Cons:
- Highest annual fee of any card on this list.
- Many of its annual credits must be used monthly or be lost.
- Limited bonus categories to maximize rewards.
If you're looking for a card to help you enjoy luxury travel, the best credit card is card_name. While it charges a high annual fee, the card is packed with benefits and annual credits for the discerning traveler, including complimentary airport lounge access, hotel and rental car elite status, $200 hotel credit, $200 airline fee credit and more.
Cardholders also receive reimbursement for CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees. You'll earn up to 5x points on purchases, and Membership Rewards points have flexible redemption options, including 21 airline and hotel partners. The annual_fees annual fee isn’t for occasional travelers, and the 150,000 membership rewards points sign up bonus requires you to spend $8,000 in the first six months you own the card. But for frequent travelers, this upfront cost is borne out by the many perks of membership.
card_name: Best entry-level travel card
VentureOne Rewards from Capital One
VentureOne Rewards from Capital One
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Pros:
- Earns unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.
- Redeem rewards for cash back, travel and more or transfer to airline and hotel partners.
- Reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees.
Cons:
- Must book through Capital One Travel to earn the highest rate.
- Limited bonus categories restrict opportunities to maximize rewards.
- Many transfer partners may not be familiar to U.S. travelers.
The card_name is an ideal travel credit card for people who are just learning about travel rewards. It earns an unlimited 2 times miles on every purchase, which increases to 5 times miles when booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel. The miles can be redeemed in multiple ways, including booking travel, getting cash back, buying gift cards or transferring to more than 15 airline and hotel partners. Additionally, you can redeem miles to cover travel purchases made in the last 90 days.
Cardholders can get reimbursed for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck once every four years, which will make life easier when going through airport security. The annual_fees annual fee makes this a more affordable option than some other premium cards on this list, though greater affordability comes with reduced options for travel partners in this case.
card_name: Best airline credit card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card is designed with airline loyalists in mind, offering the highest rewards rate on Southwest purchases. Still, cardholders can still earn on plenty of general purchases thanks to bonus categories for transit, commuting and internet, cable and phone services.
Despite the Southwest Priority Card’s $149 annual fee, it can be worth the investment for frequent fliers. Its annual $75 Southwest credit offsets half the cost, and rewards and perks like upgraded boardings can cover the rest.
Pros:
- $75 annual credit and 7,500 anniversary bonus points help to offset the annual fee.
- Receive four Upgraded Boardings per year (value starting at $30 each).
- Earn points toward the Southwest Companion Pass.
Cons:
- Southwest does not offer premium cabin experiences.
- Airline destinations are limited to the U.S., Central America and the Caribbean.
- Perks like the annual travel credit and Upgraded Boarding expire if not used.
The card_name is our choice for the best airline credit card because its benefits easily outweigh its annual fee. You'll receive an annual credit of $75 toward Southwest purchases, four Upgraded Boardings per year and 7,500 anniversary points each year you renew the card.
The card earns up to 3 times points and cardholders can redeem points to book any seat on any Southwest flight without restrictions or blackout dates. Points earned from purchases, flights, the welcome bonus and the anniversary bonus all count toward earning the Southwest Companion Pass. Additionally, you'll receive 1,500 A-List Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 you spend on the card each year.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Best hotel credit card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Credit score
690
Annual fees
$550
Welcome offer
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within six months of account opening.
Pros:
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status.
- $400 annual Hilton resort credit and $200 annual flight credit.
- Annual free night certificate good at almost any Hilton property.
Cons:
- High annual fee may be hard to justify for the occasional Hilton traveler.
- Annual credits are spread throughout the year.
- Bonus categories have restrictions, limiting rewards potential.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is the best hotel credit card because it comes with a generous welcome bonus and includes complimentary Diamond status and an uncapped annual free night. While many hotel credit cards feature an annual free night, most are capped, where you can only redeem for mid-level properties.
With the Hilton Aspire Card, your free night can be used at almost any property in the Hilton family of brands. The card also includes several annual credits that can be used at Hilton resorts ($400 per year), on flights ($200 per year) and for a CLEAR Plus membership ($189 per year). It also comes with complimentary travel and purchase protections when using the card on eligible purchases.
card_name: Best rewards credit card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome bonus
bonus_miles_full
Pros:
- Annual travel credit and anniversary points offset annual fee.
- Complimentary airport lounge access, including Capital One lounges.
- Free authorized user cards that include many perks.
Cons:
- Annual travel credit must be used through Capital One Travel.
- No bonus categories aside from Capital One Travel.
- Capital One transfer partners aren't as well known.
The best rewards credit card is the card_name because it earns an unlimited 2 times miles on every purchase and up to 10 times miles on travel booked through Capital One Travel. While the card doesn't have bonus categories like dining, gas or groceries, it earns double the number of points on everyday purchases of competing premium travel credit cards. Miles can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards and more, or you can transfer them to more than 15 airline and hotel partners or cover travel purchases up to 90 days after the transaction date.
As a luxury travel credit card, it has a high annual fee that is offset by the card's $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 points on every anniversary of your card’s annual fee (after the second one). Cardholders receive complimentary airport lounge access to Capital One, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group. Additionally, there is no charge to add authorized users, and they also receive airport lounge access for free.
card_name: Best cash back credit card
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
Pros:
- Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase.
- Long intro APR offer on balance transfers.
- Rewards are eligible to transfer to airline and hotel partners.
Cons:
- Intro APR offer does not include purchases.
- Limited benefits for cardholders.
- Foreign transaction fees of 3% apply.
The card_name is our choice for the best cash back card because it earns an unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase. You'll earn 1% when you make purchases, plus another 1% as you pay down your balance. Additionally, a limited-time promotion offers 5% cash back when booking hotels and rental cars through Citi Travel.
New cardholders can earn $200 when they spend $1,500 within six months. The rewards can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, travel or shopping at Amazon. Points may receive higher value by transferring to Choice Privileges, Wyndham Rewards or JetBlue TrueBlue loyalty programs.
card_name: Best business credit card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it
The card_name from Chase is a premium travel rewards card for small businesses. It offers 100,000 bonus points worth $1,000 cash back or $1,250 in travel after spending $8,000 in the first three months. Cardholders earn 3x points per dollar on up to $150,000 in combined purchases for shipping company, social media and search engine advertising, travel, and eligible telecommunications purchases. You’ll get 1x per dollar everywhere else.
Reward points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards, or you can transfer to airline and hotel partners for potentially more value. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, the card offers cell phone protection and valuable purchase and travel coverages. While there’s a $95 annual fee, it’s easy to see how you can earn much more in rewards and benefits.
Pros:
- Earn up to 5x points on common business expenses.
- No charge to add employee cards and set individual spending limits.
- Complimentary protections for travel, purchases and cell phones when using the card.
Cons:
- Annual cap on spending for bonus categories.
- Does not include an intro APR offer on purchases or balance transfers.
- Travel protections do not include trip delay or baggage protection.
When selecting the best business credit card, it is important to offer free employee cards with individual limits and have bonus categories that focus on common business expenses. The card_name does all that and more with flexible rewards points, complimentary travel, purchase and cell phone protections and other benefits. When redeeming points, you'll get 25% more value by booking travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, or possibly even higher value when transferring to 14 airline and hotel partners.
One drawback of this card is its cap on spending for bonus categories. The cap gives the card_name travel bonuses more weight, meaning this card is especially good for businesses that involve a lot of travel.
card_name: Best balance transfer credit card
Citi Simplicity® Card
Citi Simplicity® Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Pros:
- Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers.
- Purchases have 12 months of interest-free financing.
- No annual fees, late fees or penalty APR.
Cons:
- Does not earn rewards or offer a welcome bonus.
- Limited benefits.
- Charges a 3% fee on foreign transactions.
When transferring a balance, having extra time to pay off that balance is crucial for many people. The card_name provides almost two years of 0% intro APR, so you can transfer from a high-interest rate card and become debt-free. Additionally, new cardholders receive a 0% intro APR for 12 months on their purchases.
The card_name does not feature a welcome bonus or earn rewards on purchases. Instead, its intro APR promotions focus on helping people who are struggling with debt or a variable income. The card also does not charge annual fees, late fees or a penalty APR. However, it does charge foreign transaction fees of 3%, so it wouldn't be a good card to travel outside the U.S.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: Best 0% APR credit card
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
Credit score
0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers
Annual fees
$0
Welcome offer
None
Pros:
- Long intro APR offer that applies to both purchases and balance transfers.
- Cell phone protection when paying the bill with your card.
- Free credit score and identity theft protection.
Cons:
- Charges a 5% balance transfer fee, which is higher than the typical 3%.
- 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases outside the U.S.
- Limited benefits beyond intro APR offers.
The card_name is the best 0% APR credit card because it offers the longest interest-free financing period that applies to both purchases and balance transfers. These promotions provide almost two years of interest-free financing to pay off your debt without having any interest charges.
While the card doesn't offer a welcome bonus or earn rewards on purchases, it does include cell phone protection of up to $600, complimentary access to your credit score and free identity theft protection.
CoreFirst Bank & Trust Visa Platinum Card: Best low-interest credit card
Low interest rate
CoreFirst Bank & Trust Visa Platinum Card
Low interest rate
CoreFirst Bank & Trust Visa Platinum Card
Credit score
Excellent
Annual fees
$0
Welcome offer
Low interest rate
Pros:
- Ultra-low standard APR.
- Intro APR offer for six months on purchases and balance transfers.
- Earns rewards on every purchase.
Cons:
- No bonus categories to earn additional rewards.
- Limited redemption options for rewards.
- Lacks benefits found on competing rewards credit cards.
Having a low-interest rate credit card reduces your interest charges if you ever carry a balance. While you may not have heard of this bank, it can save you money in the long run by offering an ultra-low standard APR on purchases and balance transfers. The CoreFirst Bank & Trust Visa Platinum Card does not charge an annual fee, and it earns rewards on every purchase.
New customers can also take advantage of a short-term intro APR offer. The card does not include a welcome bonus, and its benefits are limited. But if you're looking for the best low-interest credit card, this one is a solid choice.
Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best no annual fee credit card
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Credit score
670
Annual fees
$0
Welcome bonus
$200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
Rewards rate
1% - 5%
Why we like it
There are many credit cards with no annual fees, but they generally lack rewards and benefits that many consumers find useful. The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a powerful rewards card that earns up to 5% cash back and offers a welcome bonus that most people can easily meet without charging an annual fee.
Pros:
- Earn up to 5% cash back on quarterly rotating categories.
- Unlimited cash back on dining and drugstore purchases.
- Easy to earn welcome bonus.
Cons:
- Quarterly cash back promotions must be activated and are limits on spending.
- 3% foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
- Balance transfer fee increases after 60 days.
There are many credit cards with no annual fees, but they generally lack rewards and benefits that many consumers find useful. The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a powerful rewards card that earns up to 5% cash back and offers a welcome bonus that most people can easily meet without charging an annual fee.
The quarterly bonus categories typically line up with seasonal purchases that help cardholders maximize their rewards. To participate in the quarterly rotating bonus categories, you must activate them before the deadline. If you forget to activate them, you'll still earn rewards, but at a lower level.
card_name: Best first credit card
Chase Freedom Rise℠
Chase Freedom Rise℠
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome bonus
bonus_miles_full
Rewards rate
1.5%
Terms URL
The no annual fee Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card is an easy win for those with limited (or no) credit history. You’ll get a respectable 1.5% cash back on all purchases, as well as a $25 statement credit after enrolling in autopay.
The main draw of this card is its low approval standards. If you’re new to credit, this unsecured credit card is a top-notch option to build your credit profile. It offers a credit limit increase in as soon as six months (based on healthy usage), and it lets you track your credit score for free.
Pros:
- Earn unlimited cash back on purchases.
- Qualify for a credit limit increase in as little as six months.
- No annual fee.
Cons:
- No bonus categories to earn additional rewards.
- Foreign transaction fees of 3% on purchases outside the U.S.
- Does not offer a true welcome bonus offer.
For people looking to get their first credit card, the card_name is an excellent choice. Even if you don't have a credit history, you can improve your approval odds by having a Chase checking account with at least $250 in it. This card does not charge an annual fee, and it earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
While it doesn't offer a traditional welcome bonus, you can get a $25 statement credit when you enroll in automatic payments. Use the card responsibly by making all payments on time and keeping your balance low, and you may qualify for a credit limit increase in as little as six months after opening your account. The card also includes complimentary benefits to automatically protect your purchases and travel when using the card_name to pay.
Chime(R) Credit Builder Secured Credit Builder Visa(R) Card: Best credit card for bad credit
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome bonus
bonus_miles_full
Disclosure
Chime® is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card and the Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card are issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit and credit cards are accepted.
Pros:
- Does not require a credit check to apply.
- No minimum security deposit is required.
- Does not charge interest on any purchase.
Cons:
- No set credit limit.
- Must transfer money from your Chime bank account before you can spend.
- Requires a Chime checking account and direct deposit of at least $200 per month.
People with bad credit or no credit history can find it challenging to get a credit card. They often turn to secured credit cards, which require a security deposit that cardholders cannot use to pay their bill. The Chime(R) Credit Builder Secured Credit Builder Visa(R) Card is our choice for the best credit card for bad credit because it helps to build credit without a traditional security deposit. Instead, customers transfer money to their Chime checking account, and that balance is what they can spend with their credit card. This way, you're spending your own money while building credit, and there are no interest charges by the bank.
card_name: Best credit card to build credit
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Pros:
- Security deposit as low as $49.
- Automatic credit limit reviews in as little as six months.
- No hidden fees, including no foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- Initial credit limit of $200, unless you deposit more.
- Maximum credit limit of $1,000.
- No welcome bonus or rewards on purchases.
For those wanting a credit card to build credit, the card_name is an excellent choice. Customers start out with a credit limit of $200, and they may qualify for a security deposit as low as $49. They can deposit more if they want a larger credit limit, up to a maximum of $1,000. After using the card responsibly for six months, they may qualify for a higher credit limit or an upgrade to an unsecured card. The bank reports your activity to all three major credit bureaus to help you build a solid credit history to qualify for better interest rates, terms and loans in the future.
card_name: Best secured credit card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Pros:
- Get pre-approved without impacting your credit.
- Earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
- Automatic credit line reviews for a higher limit or upgrade.
Cons:
- Requires a minimum security deposit of $200.
- High interest rate if you carry a balance.
- No welcome bonus or bonus categories.
People who are building their credit often want to start earning rewards on their purchases. With the card_name, you can earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase without paying an annual fee, making it the best secured credit card.
Open your account with a minimum $200 security deposit, and your deposit amount equals your credit limit. With responsible use of the card, you may qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured card or a credit limit increase in as little as six months.
card_name: Best student credit card
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Pros:
- Up to 3% cash back without any caps.
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus.
- No annual fees or foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- No student-specific features or benefits.
- No introductory APR offers.
- APR can be high for some customers.
The card_name is our choice for the best student credit card because of its earning power and no annual fees. Students can earn unlimited 3% cash back on common spending categories, like dining out, entertainment, groceries and select streaming services. Plus, you can earn 10% cash back through Uber and Uber Eats for a limited time or up to 8% cash back if you shop through Capital One on select purchases.
The card has no foreign transaction fees, which also makes it ideal when traveling internationally. New members earn a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, making this a useful card for taking on a semester abroad.
card_name: Best credit card for groceries
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Pros:
- Unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores.
- Complimentary Uber and Uber Eats membership through November 14, 2024.
- Intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.
Cons:
- Limited redemption options for rewards.
- Limited travel and purchase protections.
- Potential for a high APR for some customers.
The card_name is an excellent choice for the best credit card for groceries because it earns an unlimited 3% at grocery stores. When you don't feel like cooking, you'll earn 10% cash back on Uber Eats orders (through November 14, 2024) or 3% on dining and entertainment. New cardholders can earn a $200 welcome bonus after spending $500 within three months and benefit from an intro APR for more than a year.
The card_name offers similar benefits, but its annual_fees annual fee requires higher spending in its 4% cash back categories to cover the cost. Similarly, the Amex Gold Card earns 4x points at U.S. supermarkets, but your spending in that bonus category is capped at $25,000 per year, and you may not be able to justify paying the card's annual_fees annual fee.
card_name: Best sign up bonus credit card
Capital One Venture X Business
Capital One Venture X Business
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Pros:
- Large welcome bonus opportunity.
- $300 annual travel credit helps to cover a majority of the annual fee.
- Complimentary airport lounge access at more than 1,300 lounges.
Cons:
- High annual fee reduces the value of rewards and benefits.
- Heavy late fee applies if you don't pay off the card in full each month.
- Annual travel credit must be used through Capital One Travel.
People looking for the best signup bonus should consider the card_name. This card offers 150,000 bonus miles when you spend $30,000 within the first three months. Those miles are worth $1,500 in travel, and you may get even more value if you transfer them to Capital One's more than 15 airline and hotel partners.
While the card does have a high annual_fees annual fee, the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles offset that cost. However, the credit can only be used when booking travel through Capital One Travel, so it may have limited use for some cardholders. Business owners can add employee cards for free to earn additional rewards and keep track of employee spending.
Best credit cards: Comparison
| Card name | Annual fees | Welcome bonus | Credit score |
|---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Reserve® | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
The Platinum Card® from American Express | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
VentureOne Rewards from Capital One | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | $550 | Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points. | 690 |
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
Citi Double Cash® Card | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
Citi Simplicity® Card | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card | $0 | None | 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ | $0 | $200 bonus after $500 in purchases in the first three months | 670 |
Chase Freedom Rise℠ | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
Capital One Venture X Business | annual_fees | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
How we chose the best credit cards for 2024
To find the best overall credit cards we compared card offers based on the following criteria: rewards rates (when applicable), welcome offers (when applicable), rewards flexibility, introductory APR offers, variable APRs, annual fees, included consumer protections included, travel benefits and perks, travel insurance benefits and required credit rating.
Ultimately, we looked for credit cards that offer the most lucrative rewards structures and welcome offers, as well as flexibility within their designated rewards programs. Some cards that don't offer rewards were evaluated based on other factors, including their fee structure, introductory interest rates, and regular variable APR. In all cases benefits such as consumer protections and travel insurance perks were taken into account.
Choosing the best credit cards: Where to begin
Getting a new card offers numerous benefits, but many people are unsure how to choose the best credit cards for their situation. Following these steps will help you narrow down the choices by aligning the card’s fees, benefits, bonus categories and other features with how and where you spend the most.
Check your credit
Most credit cards require a certain credit score before the bank will approve your application. Checking your credit can help you understand your credit score and highlight areas for improvement. If your score falls below the required score for your ideal credit card, take steps to improve your score before applying.
What are your goals for the card?
There are literally hundreds of credit cards available from a variety of banks, and each one targets a different type of consumer or business. Knowing what your goals are helps to narrow down the choices quickly. For example, if you're looking to get out of debt or need extra time to pay for a purchase, get a card that includes an intro APR offer. Do you want to earn rewards on purchases? Then select a card that provides the rewards you like.
Which rewards are important to you?
When comparing rewards credit cards, there are four main types of rewards to choose from: cash back, airline miles, hotel points or flexible points. Cash back provides the most flexibility since it can be spent, saved, invested or used any way you like. Airline miles and hotel points typically can only be spent with the brand offering the miles and points.
Flexible points are the best of both worlds because they can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards and more. Some flexible points also transfer to airline and hotel loyalty programs to book award travel.
Where do you spend the most?
To get maximum rewards on your monthly expenses, select a card whose bonus categories align with the areas you spend the most. Examples of bonus categories include groceries, gas, travel, dining and drugstore purchases. Many cards have multiple bonus categories, while others offer a flat rate of rewards on all purchases.
Additional benefits
Credit cards often include other benefits that earn their place in your wallet. These benefits vary by card, so look for a card that offers perks that you find useful. For example, travelers may want airport lounge access, elite status and travel protections. Other consumers may prefer to have purchase protections and extended warranty coverage.
What type of APR offer is included, and how long does it last?
There are two types of APR offers you may find from a credit card: purchases and balance transfers. Purchase offers provide interest-free or low-cost financing on your purchases during the promotional period. Balance transfer offers allow you to transfer a balance from another credit card to eliminate or reduce interest charges on your debt. When you make a balance transfer, the new bank typically charges a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, and this amount is added to your new balance.
Take note of how long the intro APR offer lasts and how long you have to complete the balance transfer. Some offers provide a short window, while others allow you to make transfers at any time. When the intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers expires, the rate reverts to the standard APR and the unpaid balance will start accruing interest at that rate until you pay it off.
Annual fees
Does the credit card charge an annual fee, and how much is it? Depending on the card, it may be worthwhile to pay an annual fee based on the earning power, benefits and other features of the card.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How many credit cards should you have?
The “right” number of credit cards depends on your financial situation. People who are working to rebuild credit or are just getting started should start with one credit card as they learn how to use the card without overspending and getting into debt. Those with more experience and who like to travel should have three credit cards: one each from their favorite airline and hotel and another card that earns flexible points that can book travel, get cash back or transfer to airline and hotel partners.
What is the easiest credit card to get?
The easiest credit card to get is a secured credit card. Secured cards are backed by a security deposit equal to your credit limit, so banks are more willing to approve these accounts. With responsible use of the card, you may qualify for a higher credit limit or an upgrade to an unsecured card. Additionally, making all payments on time and keeping your credit utilization low can improve your credit score over time.
What are the best credit card offers right now?
The best credit card offers depend on what's most important to you. These factors may include the card's welcome bonus, earning power, benefits, intro APR offer and annual fee. Credit card offers fluctuate throughout the year, so don't feel the need to chase an offer if the card's features don't align with your goals.
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