Writer: Brittney Mayer
Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewer: Ashley Fricker
Disclosure: When you apply through links on our site, we may earn a referral fee from our partners. For more, see our ad disclosure and review policy.
Most Americans have at least one personal credit card, with the average adult carrying four cards each. This is hardly surprising given that credit cards are not only convenient and arguably the most secure payment method, but they can also provide valuable perks like purchase rewards and cardholder discounts, and they help build credit (when used responsibly).
Moreover, the sheer volume of personal credit cards on the market today means that nearly anyone can find a credit card that suits their individual needs. Indeed, whether you want a cash back card or a credit-builder card, you can likely find a personal card that hits the mark.
Our experts have selected some of the best personal credit cards on the market today for inclusion in the list below.
Cash Back | Travel | Student | 0% APR | Fair Credit | Bad Credit | No/Limited Credit
Top Personal “Cash Back” Cards
Cash back is the currency of choice for cardholders who don’t want to waste time trying to decipher the best ways to transfer and redeem complicated points or miles. Rewards earned with a cash back credit card are most often redeemed directly as a statement credit, making it easy to put your cash back toward nearly any card purchase.
In general, you’ll find two main types of cash back: unlimited and bonus. Unlimited cash back cards tend to offer one flat rewards rate for every purchase, regardless of type, while bonus cash back cards offer a higher rewards rate for specific category purchases. Regardless of the type of cash back they earn, our favorite cash back cards all come with extra perks like intro-APR deals.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Select your card design option when you apply – the Customized Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 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. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
- Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Freedom Unlimited® was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.
+ See More Personal Cash Back Cards
Top Personal “Travel” Cards
Whether you’re on the road daily or travel just once a year, a good travel credit card can not only help you earn your way to free airfare and hotel stays, but it can also help you save with extras like trip delay insurance and Global Entry membership credits.
Most of the major travel rewards cards offer transferable points and miles that can be turned into frequent flyer miles or hotel loyalty points, giving smart users the opportunity to get 2¢ per point or more out of their rewards. Our top picks represent three of the more popular programs, blending value with versatility to suit many types of travelers.
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Top rated mobile app
- Low $95 annual fee.
- Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
- Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
- Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
- Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
- Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app
- Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
- Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
- Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
- Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
+ See More Personal Travel Cards
Top Personal “Student” Cards
On the whole, student credit cards are, hands down, some of the best starter cards you can find. To start, student cards are very easy to qualify for; so long as you meet the legal requirements for your own credit card — i.e., you are 18 or older and have either an independent income or a cosigner — and you’re, well, a student, you can typically get a student card.
Moreover, the top student cards, including our picks below, come with all the perks and benefits of your typical personal credit card, including competitive purchase rewards. Student cards rarely charge an annual fee, and some of the best cards even come with a signup bonus.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No credit score required to apply.
- No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- Early Spend Bonus: For a limited-time, earn $100 when you spend $300 in the first three months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
- Top rated mobile app
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No credit score required to apply.
- No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Select your card design option when you apply – the Customized Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Early Spend Bonus: For a limited-time, earn $100 when you spend $300 in the first three months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
- Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
- Top rated mobile app
+ See More Student Credit Cards
Top Personal “0% APR Offer” Cards
For many consumers, the term credit card is synonymous with debt — and they’re not entirely off the mark. If you don’t pay your credit card in full each month, you’ll get charged interest on the balance you carry over. Given that the average credit card has an APR between 15% and 20%, those fees can get expensive in a hurry.
The easiest way to avoid interest fees is to pay your balance in full before the due date every month. The second-easiest way is to use an introductory 0% APR offer to enjoy interest-free purchases or balance transfers. Many great personal cards come with intro-APR offers, and the top offers give you well over a year of 0% APR.
- New! 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- No annual fee.
- No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Select your card design option when you apply – the Customized Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
- Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
- No Annual Fee
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants, including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
- Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee.
- Select your card design option when you apply – the Unlimited Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
+ See More 0% APR Credit Cards
Top Personal Cards for Fair Credit
Often, fair is a good thing; we like fair weather, fair verdicts, and fair maidens. Unfortunately, having fair credit (usually a FICO credit score between 580 and 669) is a little less ideal — except, of course, when the alternative is bad credit.
When it comes to personal credit cards, fair credit often means you’ll be on the bottom tier of the prime marketplace. In other words, most consumers with fair credit can qualify for an entry-level unsecured card from a major issuer, rather than needing to turn to a subprime issuer. Our top picks even include some options for purchase rewards, though you’ll usually pay an annual fee.
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
- Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
- Top rated mobile app
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and you can use your cash back for any amount–get gift cards, cover purchases or redeem for cash. Plus, rewards don’t expire for the life of the account
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card usage
- Enjoy unlimited access to your credit score and tools to help you monitor your credit profile with CreditWise from Capital One
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases with your SavorOne Card and enjoy exclusive access and cardholder perks
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Capital One SavorOne cardholders can pay with their rewards via PayPal Pay with Rewards and at Amazon.com
- Top rated mobile app
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No credit score required to apply.
- No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
- Top rated mobile app
- Earn Cash Back Rewards* – 3% on Eligible Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
- Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
- Prequalify** without affecting your credit score
- No security deposit
- Free Access to your Credit Score†
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
** Prequalify means that you authorize us to make a soft inquiry into your credit history (that will not affect your credit) to create an offer. If you accept an offer a hard inquiry will be made. Final approval is not guaranteed if you do not meet all applicable criteria (including adequate proof of ability to repay). Income verification through access to your bank account information may be required.
† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
+ See More Personal Credit Cards For Fair Credit
Top Personal Cards for Bad Credit
As most bad-credit consumers come to know all too well, having a bad credit score — usually considered to be anything below 580 — severely limits your personal credit card options. That’s because a bad credit score indicates a lot of credit risk, and risk makes card issuers (and most lenders) pretty nervous.
If you have a low credit score and need a personal credit card, your choices will generally come down to a subprime unsecured card, a secured card that requires a deposit, or a closed-loop store credit card. Each type of card has its pros and cons, so compare your options carefully to find the best credit card for your needs.
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
** Prequalify means that you authorize us to make a soft inquiry into your credit history (that will not affect your credit) to create an offer. If you accept an offer a hard inquiry will be made. Final approval is not guaranteed if you do not meet all applicable criteria (including adequate proof of ability to repay). Income verification through access to your bank account information may be required.
† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
+ See More Personal Credit Cards For Bad Credit
Top Personal Cards for No/Limited Credit
When used responsibly, personal credit cards can be a fantastic way to establish and build your consumer credit profile. You only need a single active credit line reporting to at least one major credit bureau to start building a credit history, and after six months of reported payments, you could have your very own FICO credit score.
The best personal cards for people with no or limited credit history will check a few main boxes, starting with being easy to qualify for and charging no annual fee. Secured credit cards are a good way to go if you’re worried about being approved, and some secured cards even include perks like purchase rewards.
- The secured Self Visa® Credit Card* requires no credit check or minimum score.
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus to establish and build credit, with free access to your credit score.
- Secure your credit line with a refundable security deposit as low as $100.**
- Deposits are returned upon account closure after settling outstanding balances.
- *The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.
- **Qualification for the secured Self Visa® Credit Card is based on meeting eligibility requirements, including income and expense requirements and establishment of security interest. Criteria subject to change.
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
- Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
- Top rated mobile app
- No minimum balance requirements*
- No credit check**
- 2% cash back on category of choice with direct deposit***
- The perks of credit building meet the best of banking****
- Chime Checking Account required to apply for the Chime Visa® Credit Card
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank.
*Money added to Chime CardTM will be held in a secured deposit account as collateral for your Chime Card, and you can spend up to this amount. You can use money deposited in your Secured Deposit Account to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
**Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply.
***With a qualifying direct deposit, earn 2% cash back on category of choice on eligible secured Chime Visa® Credit Card purchases.
****On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Results may vary.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- Early Spend Bonus: For a limited-time, earn $100 when you spend $300 in the first three months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
- Top rated mobile app
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No credit score required to apply.
- No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
+ See More Personal Credit Cards For No Credit
Who Can Get a Personal Credit Card?
At one point in time, all you really needed to get a credit card was a pulse. However, the CARD Act of 2009 introduced a number of new restrictions on who can get a personal credit card.
No matter what else, you must be at least 18 years old to qualify for your own personal credit card account. But it’s not quite that simple anymore.
If you’re over 18 but under the age of 21, you’ll also need to have either: proof of an independent income or a cosigner over the age of 21 who has good credit.
And, no, the weekly allowance from your parents does not count as an independent income source. However, if you’re also a student, you can typically count income from grants, fellowships, and some scholarships as income (so long as that income can be used for things beyond education costs).
Even if you’re over the age of 21, you generally can’t get a credit card without a source of income.
While the law doesn’t list a mandatory minimum income to qualify for a credit card, it does require that issuers ensure you have an income that is reasonably capable of handling the monthly payments for any credit line extended to you.
In addition to meeting age and income requirements, most U.S. credit card issuers will require that you have a Social Security number and an active bank account. Some issuers may waive the SSN requirement — especially for foreign students — but few, if any, issuers will waive the bank account requirement.
How to Select the Best Personal Card for Your Needs
Choosing the right credit card can be a bit of a tricky process, and not just because there are so many options. Each cardholder will have their own spending habits, rewards preferences, and fee tolerances that will determine the best card for them.
If you’re just starting to build credit — or are in the process of rebuilding your credit — then your primary concern is likely just getting approved. In general, the easiest credit cards to get will be those specifically designed for your current credit situation.
For example, consumers with no or a very limited credit history should look at starter cards made for just that purpose. On the other hand, if you have bad credit from some past mistakes, a secured credit card will likely be the easiest to get thanks to the low risk secured cards represent for the issuer.
Consumers who have good credit and don’t need to worry about ease of approval should generally focus on things like the card’s rewards, annual fee, interest rate, and secondary benefits. If you’re looking to make a big purchase, for instance, a card with a long introductory 0% offer will likely be the best fit.
Those cardholders who are simply looking for a personal card for everyday spending generally base their new card decision on the rewards they can earn. Ideally, you want to find a card that will give you the best return on your spending for the purchases you make most often.
For example, if a large portion of your spending goes toward eating out, then you should find a card that offers a high rewards rate for dining purchases. Similarly, if your commute means you’re constantly filling your car’s tank, then a gas rewards card can provide great value.
Additionally, make sure the rewards you earn are a currency you’ll actually use. If you know you don’t have the patience to deal with rewards points that take time and effort to redeem for a good value, then perhaps you should stick with a card that provides cash back rewards instead of points or miles.
What Rewards Can You Earn with a Personal Credit Card?
Unless you’re looking for a new card for a very specific purpose — such as consolidating high-interest debt with a 0% APR offer — then chances are good your main point of comparison for a new personal card will come down to the rewards.
While this may seem like an easy task, there are literally hundreds of rewards credit cards available. What’s more, those rewards cards can be highly variable, with significant deviations in the type of rewards, the earning structures, and how those rewards can be redeemed.
Let’s start with earning rewards on eligible purchases. In general, you’ll find three currencies for credit card rewards: cash back, points, and miles. That said, no matter what type of currency you wish to collect, your rewards card will likely be structured in one of two ways: flat-rate rewards or tiered rewards.
Flat-rate rewards cards will usually offer a single, unlimited rewards rate on eligible purchases, regardless of the category into which the purchase falls. These types of rewards cards are good for purchases that may not fit into common bonus categories or for consumers who don’t want to go through the bother of trying to maximize rewards.
Tiered rewards cards, on the other hand, will have different rates depending on the type of purchase. Many tiered cards will still offer an unlimited flat rate for every purchase, but they’ll also have higher reward rates for specific bonus categories.
For example, a tiered rewards card might offer 3% cash back for gas purchases, 2% back for groceries, then an unlimited 1% cash back on everything else. Cards with tiered rewards systems are ideal for consumers who like to maximize their rewards, as it allows you to earn higher rewards rates for purchases you make frequently.
So far as rewards currencies are concerned, cash back rewards are considered to be the simplest currency to earn and redeem, as they can typically only be redeemed for statement credit (or, in some cases, as a deposit into a qualifying bank account). Points and miles programs tend to be much more complicated, with a variety of redemption options and values that depend on how you redeem.
The most sought-after points by credit card rewards junkies are the versatile bank-issued points that can be either redeemed for travel through an issuer’s travel portal or transferred to any number of hotel or airline loyalty programs. Some popular rewards programs include American Express Membership Rewards, Citi Thank You points, and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
You can also transfer points to a partner program, which then turn into branded frequent flyer miles or hotel points that can be pooled with the rewards in your existing loyalty account.
Depending on the specific program, miles will typically either act like cash back — i.e. be redeemed as a statement credit for travel purchases — or they’ll act like points, with variable redemption options and values.
Can You Use a Personal Card for Business Expenses?
In the fine print of many business credit cards is language that suggests you should strongly avoid using your business credit card for personal expenses. And some contracts go so far as to include a clause downright saying that you agree to only use the card for your business.
But — what about the other way around? Can you use a personal card for business expenses? Say, for instance, when you’re out to dinner with a client and want to earn 4% cash back on the meal with your personal credit card?
The short answer here is yes, you can technically use your personal card for business purchases without breaching your typical cardholder agreement. However, the more important question you should ask is, should you use your personal credit card for business expenses?
Here, the answer is pretty much always a resounding “no.” Keeping your personal and business finances separate is one of the cornerstones of good business accounting. Having an independent credit card for your business expenses can make everything from payroll to taxes easier and faster.
On the bright side, the modern business credit card market is diverse enough that you don’t necessarily have to skimp on rewards to keep your business expenses separate from personal ones. You can find business credit cards that offer rewards on almost anything. Here are a few great business rewards cards:
- $500 Online Cash Rewards Bonus Offer: Get a $500 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter), and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for our highest Preferred Rewards for Business tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards-as a deposit into your eligible Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 7 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 16.74% to 26.74% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- Earn a one-time welcome bonus of 100,000 miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- $95 annual fee
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
- Top rated mobile app
- $500 Online Cash Rewards Bonus Offer: Get a $500 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62% cash back on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for our highest Preferred Rewards for Business tier.
- No annual cap and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards – as a deposit into your eligible Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 7 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 16.74% to 26.74% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - the security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
No matter how small your business is, you can likely find a good business credit card that can help you earn on your expenses. Most credit card issuers won’t require you to have been in business for decades or to pull in thousands of dollars a month in revenue to qualify for a business card.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you will need to have decent personal credit to get a business credit card. Most, if not all, issuers will check your personal credit reports when evaluating your business credit card application, and you can be rejected for a business card if your personal credit is poor.
Swipe Your Way to Better Credit
Long gone are the days when only the elite had the convenience of paying with a credit card. Today, nearly any adult who wants a card can likely find a good option for convenient purchasing — and, in many cases, valuable rewards.
As simple as it can be to find a good personal credit card, however, it’s important to remember that you’re not just swiping your way to rewards; you’re also, hopefully, building credit. So, it’s important that you use your credit card responsibly to build credit the right way.
Building good credit with a credit card starts with paying your bill on time — every single month. Your payment history can be worth up to 35% of your credit score, so every delinquent payment can mean significant damage to your scores.
Ideally, you should also be paying your balance in full every statement period, both to avoid costly interest fees and to keep your utilization rate — the ratio of how much credit you use over how much credit you have — at a reasonable level.
Advertiser Disclosure
CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.
Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer.
About the Author
![Can I Use Credit Cards Before Closing on a Home?[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2022/06/Can-I-Use-My-Credit-Card-Before-Closing-on-a-Home.jpg?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "Can I Use Credit Cards Before Closing on a Home?[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![12 Best Personal Cards For Business Expenses[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2023/07/BusinessPersonaCard1.jpg?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "12 Best Personal Cards For Business Expenses[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![4 Tips: Getting Business Credit Cards with No Personal Credit Check[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2017/10/biznocredit.png?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "4 Tips: Getting Business Credit Cards with No Personal Credit Check[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![7 Business Credit Cards With & Without Personal Guarantee[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2019/05/cover-5--1.jpg?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "7 Business Credit Cards With & Without Personal Guarantee[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![5 Best Online Personal Loans for Bad Credit[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2018/06/loan.png?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "5 Best Online Personal Loans for Bad Credit[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![7 Cash Advance & Personal Loans For No Credit[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2021/05/Cash-Advance-Personal-Loans-For-No-Credit.jpg?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "7 Cash Advance & Personal Loans For No Credit[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![7 Personal Loans For Fair Credit[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2022/08/Personal-Loans-for-Fair-Credit.png?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "7 Personal Loans For Fair Credit[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![5 Personal Loans For Credit Card Debt Payoff[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2022/09/Personal-Loans-For-Credit-Card-Debt-1.jpg?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "5 Personal Loans For Credit Card Debt Payoff[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")