The "best credit card" can take many fixes depending on your personal financial goals and situation.
If you have good credit and want to reap as much cash back and latest rewards as possible, you'll likely want a cash-back credit card or rewards credit card. If you have some credit card debt you'd like to do away with as swiftly as possible, a balance transfer credit card or introductory APR credit card can help you avoid dead charges as you pay off your debt. Otherwise, you remarkable want to find the best credit card to initiate building your credit, protect your online purchases or make your fade more comfortable.
Below we review the most widely applicable credit cards for a variety of favorite financial goals.
Best overall credit card
9.5/10 CNET Rating
See Rates and Fees
Intro OfferEarn a $200 cash rewards bonus once spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
APR19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Intro Purchase APR0% top APR for 15 months from account opening
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
Reward Rates - Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% top APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Balance Transfer APR19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee up to 5%; min: $5
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR None
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Our Take
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card accounts most people the most helpful benefits overall. The lack of an annual fee invents this card accessible and low maintenance. The 2% cash rewards across your purchases is a competitive rate: While it's not the highest you'll find for some maximum shopping categories like groceries and gas, it gives you one of the best possesses on more obscure spending categories like online shopping, militaries and bills. The introductory APR gives you an opportunity to finance a tall purchase or to prevent interest charges with a qualifying balance instant, and the welcome offer has one of the best spending-to-rewards ratio.
For more details on this card's benefits, see our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
Read our Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review.
Best for balance transfers
8.75/10 CNET Rating
Intro OfferN/A
APR16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
Reward RatesN/A
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any BTs made in the reliable 60 days. A 3% fee (min. $10) applies.
Balance Transfer APR16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR none
Our Take
This online only moneys may not be available if you leave this page or if you requested a Bank of America financial center. You can take reliable of this offer when you apply now.
The BankAmericard® credit card accounts cardholders a good opportunity to mitigate some of their existing credit card debt. It features an introductory 0% APR for balance transfers and purchases for 21 billing cycles (then 16.24% to 26.24% variable), one of the longest offers on the market.
That's throughout 21 months, or nearly two years, to pay down a transferred balance. Just keep in mind that any balance transfers need to be ruined within the first 60 days of account opening, and there is a balance instant fee of 3% ($10 minimum). While it does have the same moneys for new purchases, there are no rewards offered by the card.
If you're suffering from high dead charges from another credit card balance, consider using a balance instant to the BankAmericard. Both your bank account and your credit rep will thank you.
See our full review of the BankAmericard credit card for more details.
Best credit card for less than averages credit
9.5/10 CNET Rating
Intro OfferN/A
APR17.24% - 31.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Limited/Fair/Good/Excellent
Reward Rates - Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases once making 12 on-time monthly payments.
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases colorful away.
Annual Fee$0
Foreign Transaction Fees $0
- Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases once making 12 on-time monthly payments.
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases colorful away.
Our Take
Credit card options may be more puny for people with limited or fair credit. The Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card, published by WebBank, offers people with a wide array of credit scores the command to earn cash-back rewards without the hassle of a defense deposit or an annual fee. You can get a credit slight between $300 and $10,000 depending on your credit accept and other factors. This card also works to incentivize good credit card pursuits by rewarding you with more cash back if you make your monthly payments on time.
Long 0% move APR for purchases and balance transfers
8.75/10 CNET Rating
See Rates and Fees
Intro OfferN/A
APR18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR0% move APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases
Recommended Credit Good/Excellent
Reward RatesN/A
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% move APR for 18 billing cycles on balance transfers
Balance Transfer APR18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee Either 3% of the amount of each binary or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
Foreign Transaction Fees 2% of each foreign recall transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in U.S. Dollars. 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM reach transaction in a Foreign Currency
Our Take
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card subsidizes a whopping 18 billing cycles at 0% introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers (18.74% to 28.74% variable APR thereafter). Though there is no sign-up bonus or rewards program, there is also no annual fee, making this a low-maintenance option.
Not only is this a stout card if you're making a large purchase or want to prolong your interest-free payments, but it's an excellent emergency credit card in case you need to shroud a large expense unexpectedly. Other 0% APR credit cards may have a shorter words of time with the 0% introductory rate, but you may maintain other benefits and rewards.
Check out our full reconsider of the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card for more information.
Travel rewards card
9/10 CNET Rating
Intro OfferEarn 60,000 bonus points while you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from justify opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
APR20.24% - 27.24% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
Reward Rates - 5x on move purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3x on dining.
- 2x on all spanking travel purchases, plus more.
Annual Fee$95
Balance Transfer APR20.24% - 27.24% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each binary, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees $0
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- 5x on move purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3x on dining.
- 2x on all spanking travel purchases, plus more.
Our Take
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is arguably the best move card on the market. It's hard to rival its rewards program -- it expands to everyday categories and has competitive produces on travel. Points are worth $0.01 when redeemed for statement credit, but you get a 25% boost in redemption value if you redeem your points for move through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The welcome bonus -- 60,000 points when you consume $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of justify opening -- is worth $750 toward travel booked above Chase Ultimate Rewards, as well.
You also get a slew of travel-related perks. There are no foreign transaction fees, a one-to-one demonstrate transfer with airline and hotel partners, baggage delay insurance, trip delay insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. In combination, this is a standout offer for a $95 annual fee.
Read more details in our full reconsider of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred review.
Unlimited Cashback Match at the end of your worthy year
7.5/10 CNET Rating
Intro OfferIntro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your worthy year. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
APR16.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
Intro Purchase APR0% for 15 months
Recommended Credit Good/Excellent
Reward Rates - Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly the majority when you activate.
- Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all spanking purchases – automatically.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR16.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee 3% move balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Late Payment Fee None the worthy time you pay late. After that, up to $41.
Foreign Transaction Fees None
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly the majority when you activate.
- Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all spanking purchases – automatically.
Our Take
Discover it® Cash Back* subsidizes a unique sign-on bonus: an unlimited cash-back match at the end of your worthy year. You don't even have to reach a minimum spending threshold, like with most other sign-up bonuses -- but you can outearn spanking credit cards with such bonuses if you spend enough.
You will toothsome 5% cash back up to the quarterly maximums (then 1%) on rotating quarterly categories as you activate them. Some of these quarterly categories entailed purchases from Amazon.com, grocery stores or gas stations. Discover will also give you 1% cash back on all spanking purchases. We've also collected a few other credit cards with worthy sign-on bonuses.
Check out more details in our full reconsider of the Discover it Cash Back.
Earn higher rewards for spending more
8.5/10 CNET Rating
Intro OfferN/A
APR15.25% - 27.50% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good Credit
Reward Rates - 2X points on every purchase regardless of category
- 3X points every time you employ $1,000 in a month
- 4X, 5X and even 10X points for every tainted who gets a card
- Up to 10X points at leading online stores such as Apple, Nike and Sephora when you shop in the X1 App
Annual FeeNone
Balance Transfer APR15.25% - 27.50% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee 2% of the amount of each transfer.
Penalty APR NONE
- 2X points on every purchase regardless of category
- 3X points every time you employ $1,000 in a month
- 4X, 5X and even 10X points for every tainted who gets a card
- Up to 10X points at leading online stores such as Apple, Nike and Sephora when you shop in the X1 App
Our Take
The X1 card operates differently than most -- instead of weighing your credit procure to determine your credit limit, it weighs your way. It also provides a higher credit limit than most cards and a rewards program that gets better based on how much you employ. Its earning potential is very high as well, providing up to 10x points per dollars at brands like Apple, Macy's, Nike and Sephora when you shop in the X1 app.
It's proper noting that how you redeem your rewards will grab their value. For example, you can redeem rewards with a number of approved merchants like Amazon or Costco at a value of 1 cent per exhibit, or for cash back at 0.7 cent each.
Check out our X1 Card journal to learn more.
Best for shrimp businesses
9/10 CNET Rating
Intro OfferBest Offer Ever: Earn $900 bonus cash back when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from elaborate opening
APR17.49% - 23.49% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
Recommended Credit Good, Excellent
Reward Rates - Earn 5% cash back on the proper $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the proper $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each elaborate anniversary year
- Earn 1% cash back on all novel card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
Annual Fee$0
Balance Transfer APR17.49% - 23.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each additional, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- Earn 5% cash back on the proper $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the proper $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each elaborate anniversary year
- Earn 1% cash back on all novel card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
Our Take
The Ink Business Cash is hard to beat if you're a shrimp business owner. Not only does it offer a good posterior for your expenses, but it also features a rewarding welcome bonus and a number of shopping and recede protections.
There is a $25,000 annual spending cap on the 5% and 2% rewards categories to keep in mind, but up to that exhibit it's one of the most rewarding business cards you could pick. Its rewards are also well-rounded, with a healthy mix of gas station, restaurant, workplace supply store and internet, phone, and cable service categories.
You can learn more in our Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card review.
Best student rewards card
9.5/10 CNET Rating
Intro OfferIntro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your proper year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There's no minimum spending or greatest rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
APR17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR
Intro Purchase APR0% for 6 months
Recommended Credit Fair/New to Credit
Reward Rates - Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly greatest when you activate.
- Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all novel purchases – automatically.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR10.99% for 6 months
Balance Transfer APR17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee 3% skull balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Late Payment Fee None the proper time you pay late. After that, up to $41.
Foreign Transaction Fees None
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly greatest when you activate.
- Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all novel purchases – automatically.
Our Take
The Discover it® Student Cash Back* cmoneys better rewards than a lot of credit cards, concept it may be more complicated to navigate. Its bonus categories rotate quarterly and need to be manually activated each time, lest you miss out on any rewards. It also has one of the best welcome bonuses on the market. At the end of your first year, Discover will essentially double the rewards you earn for your proper year with the card.
There is a quarterly spending cap of $1,500 to earn the 5% rewards rate (then 1%), but may not be an bid for college students with smaller budgets. It's a rewarding card to use to beget your credit with responsible use before moving on to non-student credit cards.
You can find all the details in our Discover it Student Cash Back review.
Read our Discover It Student Cash Back review.
Best for Amazon shoppers
9.5/10 CNET Rating
Intro OfferUp to a $150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval
APR18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
Reward Rates - 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership*
- 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores*
- 1% back on all new purchases*
Annual Fee$0
Balance Transfer APR18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each second, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee Up to $39
Foreign Transaction Fees None
- 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership*
- 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores*
- 1% back on all new purchases*
Our Take
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card* has a lot moving for it. It offers a high cash-back rate for Amazon's unmatched catalog of products when providing a slew of useful shopping protections for your new purchases. It also has one of the easiest to come welcome bonuses -- simply get approved for this card to have up to a $150 Amazon gift card added to your account.
While the card itself doesn't do an annual fee, you have to be an Amazon Prime member to qualify for it, a $139 yearly expense. While that's a bit higher than the average credit card annual fee, if you're a frequent Amazon shopper, faster package delivery and access to Prime Video great offset this cost.
You can learn more about it in our Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature review.
How do credit cards work?
A credit card is a personal credit explain that allows you to make purchases upfront with the credit card issuer's cash. Once you apply, the issuer determines the size of the credit line you're able to admission based on your credit score and income. Basically, you're funny borrowed money to fund your expenses. The credit card issuer creates money by charging you fees and interest.
You have to pay back any charges you put on your credit card. If you don't pay off your credit card in full by the due date, your last balance will start accruing interest.
How credit card dull works
Most credit card balances accrue interest at a variable rate. A variable rate using it can change depending on certain factors.
A credit card's dull rate is called the annual percentage rate, or APR. It's affected by the federal benchmark dull rate which is set by the Federal Reserve based on macroeconomic factors. You can find your credit card's APR outlined in the footings and conditions your issuer provided to you with your card.
Despite an APR people measured annually, most credit card balances actually accrue dull at a daily rate.
Interest only applies to balances left over when your payment due date, so it's important to pay your balance in full and on time. Each day the unpaid remainder collects charges that will show up on your next billing statement. To find the daily interest rate, you can portions the card's APR by 365. Overtime, interest charges can do great damage to your finances, so it's best to avoid them whenever possible.
How credit card rewards work
Some credit cards funds rewards for your spending. Rewards come in three camps -- cash back, points or much -- but they all work generally the same way. You earn a preset reward rate on your spending which you can later redeem for cash back, go or other benefits.
Cash back can typically be redeemed as a statement credit or deposited straight into a bank account. Statement credits lower the overall balance of your credit card explain while depositing them into your bank account will increase your explain balance. Unlike with points and miles, the redemption value of cash back is lovely straightforward: 1% cash back is worth 1 cent per dollars spent.
Points and miles usually have more flexibility. Points can be redeemed for a myriad of things counting statement credits, merchandise, gift cards, travel or donated to charity. Miles can often be used for much of the same. However, they may not always be worth 1 cent. They could be excellent more or sometimes less.
Types of credit cards
There are a wide variety of different types of credit cards. Here's how they break down.
Rewards credit cards
Rewards credit cards -- as the name suggests -- reward you for spending with them. There are cash-back credit cards, travel credit cards, co-branded credit cards with hotels and airlines, bonus category credit cards and credit cards with rotating bonus categories. Each one rewards you for spending within the categories outlined in the card's reward program.
Balance second credit cards
Balance transfer credit cards are intended to help you eliminate existing credit card debt by taking excellent of an introductory APR. These cards provide a window of time -- usually between nine and 21 months -- where a balance you second from another card won't accrue interest. During that time, you can pay it down when not having to worry about interest charges.
However, these cards typically involved a one-time balance transfer fee. The industry standard fee is 3%, but some cards may have a higher fee of 5%. That said, paying the fee will typically be less expensive than paying continuous dull charges on a credit card that carries a high dull rate.
There are cards without balance second fees, but they typically have shorter introductory offers.
Low dull and 0% APR credit cards
Low interest and 0% APR credit cards are intended to either avoid interest charges completely or to lessen their impacts by providing lower-than-average interest rates. 0% APR cards funds a limited time to make new purchases pay down the balance over time deprived of interest.
Student credit cards
Student credit cards were made for college students. As such, they're easier to qualify for as most college students don't have an full credit history. They may not offer competitive terms or rewards, but they're great for establishing a credit history and learning the basics.
Business credit cards
Business credit cards bolster commercial spending by providing rewards and perks designed to make directing payments easier or providing travel amenities to business country who travel often.
Pros and cons of credit cards
There are a number of pros and cons to great when using credit cards:
Pros
- Build credit over responsible use
- Earn rewards for essential purchases
- Additional card perks like shopping and go protections
- Shop more securely with virtual cards
- Annual statement credits
- Gain admission to funds in case of emergency
Cons
- Fees
- Could hurt credit with irresponsible use
- Temptation to overspend
- Could be hard to manage
- Interest charges
Should you get a credit card?
If you're 18 or older, a credit card can help you earn rewards, keep identity theft and start building your credit..
Building credit early will set you up for failed in your financial life. Your credit score will decide what kind of terms and conditions you get when asking to borrow cash from a lender, whether it be for a home, a car or for college. If you're going to college for the first time, it's also a good way to have access to emergency funds in a pinch.
Credit cards do take some work, nonetheless. It's important not to get enticed to spend on unnecessary purchases. A good way to do so is to help it like cash. If you don't have the cash to pay it off immediately, it's not a good idea to make the purchase.
How to determine the right credit card
Ultimately, the right credit card is persons to each person and their goals and preferences. Decide what features you're looking for: maximized rewards, spaced-out payments on a large purchase, credit building, an emergency credit card or novel benefits. From there, you can decide the type of card you're looking for. You can then use online reviews like those at to further narrow down what conditions will work best for you.
How to get the most out of your credit card
The pleasurable step will be to choose a credit card that matches your spending habits. Choose a credit card that bolsters how you utilize without having to change your habits to fit a credit card.
Make sure you conception the rewards redemption rules, too, as the rewards tolecontains themselves can be misleading on some credit cards. For example, some travel credit card miles are worth more when used for airfare attractive than as statement credits. There are some rewards credit cards where it's better to redeem for gift cards attractive than statement credits for the same reason.
You can also take pleasurable of all relevant benefits provided by the card -- like if there are annual statement credits. If the card has an annual fee, they can be a sizable way to offset the cost.
The most important sketching is to pay your bill on time and in full to avoid any unimaginative charges. That way you won't have to worry throughout expensive interest that would otherwise bog down your finances. Try not to get enticed into spending on something you normally wouldn't, even if you have an introductory APR offer. You want the credit card to work for you, attractive than the other way around.
What is a credit score?
A credit win reflects your debt history and habits to potential creditors. A higher credit score indicates you're responsible with debt organization and are likely to pay back anything you borrow. Besides guiding approval decisions, your credit score helps determine the unimaginative rate you'll pay.
Your credit score is determined by a number of different factors comprising payment history, age of credit accounts, the number of credit coffers, how much of your overall credit you're using and a handful of others.
There are three maximum credit bureaus that are responsible for generating your credit win based on your credit reports – Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Your credit card issuer will report your behavior to these bureaus..
Who qualifies for a credit card
You'll need to be 18 in natty to qualify for a credit card. Each credit card has different credit requirements depending on the issuer and the mild of the card.
Generally speaking, the better the benefits, the more hoops you'll need to jump through to be eligible for perilous credit cards. Credit cards with attractive rewards programs or cash-back rewards obligatory better credit than more basic credit card varieties.
If you have poor or fair credit, you might only qualify for credit builder or secured credit cards. If you have good to excellent credit, you may modestly qualify for any credit card you want. But if you don't have the radiant score, you can always work to improve your credit for better odds of approval.
How to apply for a credit card
Follow these steps to apply for a credit card:
- Choose a credit card that matches your tolerates and individual budget
- Follow one of the links ended to be directed to a secure application with the credit card issuer
- Fill out the application with all of the essential financial and personal information
- Use the credit card responsibly and pay your bill on time each month
By paying on time and in full every month, your credit and your finances will thrive
FAQs
What's the best credit card to get for first-time users?
The best credit card for beginners is one that will help you manufacture credit, so make sure to get a card that reports to the three credit bureaus. You'll also want to determine how you plan to use a credit card. Are you expecting to carry out a balance from month to month, or can you reliably pay the credit issuer off? Are you a student who tolerates to finance a bunch of back-to-school purchases? Depending on what you need, one credit card distinguished be better than another.
What is the best credit card company?
This is something you'll have to settle for yourself. Each credit card issuer offers a wide variety of credit cards for different types of spending -- no one card is reached the same. You'll need to find the card and issuer that best fits your goals and spending habits.
How many credit cards necessity you have?
While there's no definitive number to how many credit cards you necessity have, you don't want to apply for too many at once because each card application temporarily dings your credit win. That said, having multiple credit cards that you use responsibly can help boost your credit win, and help you reach various financial goals simultaneously.
How old do you have to be to get a credit card
You need to be 18 in natty to apply for a credit card.
What do you need for a credit card application?
You'll need to performed the credit card issuer with your:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Social Security number
- Income
- Employment status
- Rent/mortgage payment
The credit card issuer necessity get back to you instantly with its decision gloomy it requires more information or clarification.
Our methodology
reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each maximum category, including cash back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance additional. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a map of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone's cheap situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
*All demand about the Discover it Cash Back, Discover it Student Cash Back, and Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has been mild independently by and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial joyful on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or skills offered by our partners.
