The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Compare Credit Cards: 17 Best Offers Today (2026)

Credit Card Comparison
Brittney Mayer

Writer: Brittney Mayer

Brittney Mayer

Brittney Mayer, Credit Analyst

Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.

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Lillian Guevara-Castro

Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro, Senior Editor

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.

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Ashley Fricker

Reviewer: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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According to a 2016 Gallup survey on the future of cash, a full 62% of those surveyed felt it was likely that they would see the end of cash within their lifetimes — including almost 60% of respondents 65 and older. The modern American is relying less and less on cash, and between the convenience, security, and usage rewards that come with using alternative payment methods, like credit cards, who can blame them?

Yes, instead of wondering where they can find change for a $20 bill, the average American seems to be wondering, “Which credit card should I get?” Which is, of course, an important question with so many quality credit cards available from which to choose. The best method is to compare your options side by side to see which options work best for you.

Cash Back | Travel Rewards | Balance Transfer | Business | Students | Bad Credit

Compare the Best “Cash Back” Card Offers

A good cash back program is like a coupon that’s valid everywhere your credit card is accepted, giving you a percentage of your purchases as a statement credit or gift card. When it comes to comparing cash back offers, the main factor to consider is the nature of the cash back program; you’ll need to decide whether you want your cash back to be an unlimited flat rate, or if you want to receive bonus cash back rewards for spending in specific categories.

In general, an unlimited flat-rate cash back program will offer a small percentage — 1.5% tends to be average — on any purchase made with your card. Some programs may offer a larger cash back rate in specific set categories, such as gas or restaurant purchases, while offering a smaller unlimited rate on other purchases. And another popular type of cash back program offers a large cash back rate in quarterly rotating categories, with a small unlimited flat rate on everything else.

1

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

Our Review »
  • $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.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 5%)
Regular APR 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

2

Citi Double Cash® Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • 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).
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) 0% 18 months on Balance Transfers
Regular APR 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

3

Discover it® Cash Back

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
  • 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.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 17.49% - 26.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 15 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 15 months
Regular APR 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good

+Compare More Cash Back Cards

An additional factor to consider when comparing cash back offers is the signup bonus offered by the card. Many credit cards will give you a set bonus amount for reaching specific spending requirements within a certain time period, typically 90 days after account opening.

Of course, if you can’t meet the required amount without carrying that debt for months (or, worse, years) afterward, then the signup bonus loses its value. It only takes six months to negate a $200 signup bonus when you’re paying 20% interest on a $2,000 balance.

Compare the Best “Travel Rewards” Card Offers

In many ways, travel rewards operate very similarly to cash back rewards, offering a certain number of rewards points or airline miles for every qualifying credit card purchase. These programs will generally offer a flat-rate point-per-dollar reward, with some programs also offering bonus rewards for spending in specific categories such as travel and dining.

Also like cash back cards, travel rewards cards will often come with signup bonuses, granting a lump sum of points or miles for hitting specified spending requirements, so be sure to take that into account when comparing offers. You’ll also want to look at any applicable annual fees, as these can take a significant bite out of your rewards.

4

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $95
Credit Needed Excellent, Good
5

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $395
Credit Needed Excellent
6

Capital One Venture Business

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 24.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $95
Credit Needed Excellent

+Compare More Travel Rewards Cards

While travel rewards will be most useful for those who frequently travel, they can be beneficial to those who don’t live in the proverbial saddle, as well. In fact, redeeming your rewards for travel — and, sometimes, travel-related purchases — can often present the greatest per-point value.

For instance, the Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned with the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card can be redeemed for cash back via a statement credit, giving a value of $0.01 per point back as cash back. This means every 10,000 Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for $100 in cash back.

On the other hand, when Ultimate Rewards points are redeemed via the Chase portal for airline travel, they can net $0.0125 per point, making those 10,000 points worth $125 in travel. Particularly travel-reward-savvy users can get even more bang for their buck (or pow for their point, as the case may be) by transferring rewards to one of the dozen or so airline and hotel partners, earning up to $0.04 per point with smart transfers.

Compare the Best “Balance Transfer” Card Offers

For many, the most impactful downside to credit cards is the interest fees they charge for carrying a balance. Often ranging from 12% up to 30% (or more), interest fees can turn even a small balance into a big burden over time. Thankfully, those who need a little relief from killer interest rates can often find it with a quality balance transfer credit card.

Pretty much as it sounds, a balance transfer involves transferring the balance on one credit card to a second credit card with a lower interest rate. Thus, when comparing balance transfer cards, the main factor to consider will be the interest rate charged by the new credit card. Typically, balance transfer credit card offers will provide 0% APR on new balance transfers for a set period of time, often 12 to 18 months, so compare offers for the best introductory rate.

7

BankAmericard® credit card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.6/5.0
BankAmericard® credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

Our Review »
  • 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.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 5% of the amount of each transaction)
Regular APR 14.99% - 25.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good
8

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 16.49% - 27.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
  • 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).
  • No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don't come with a yearly charge.
  • Buy now and pay later. Split your payment for eligible purchases of $75 or more into a fixed payment with Citi® Flex Pay.
  • Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
Intro (Purchases) 0% 12 months on Purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% 21 months on Balance Transfers
Regular APR 16.49% - 27.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

9

BankAmericard® credit card for Students

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
BankAmericard® credit card for Students Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

Our Review »
  • 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.
  • 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.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 5% of the amount of each transaction)
Regular APR 14.99% - 25.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good

+Compare More Balance Transfer Cards

Another factor to consider when comparing balance transfer offers is the transfer fee charged by the credit card. Most credit cards will charge between 3% and 5% of the total balance being transferred, although the Chase Slate® credit card does not charge a balance transfer fee on transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening. The caveat with that deal, however, is that you cannot transfer the balance from one Chase credit card to another Chase card.

Compare the Best “Business” Card Offers

For the most part, comparing credit cards for your business is the same as comparing personal credit cards. Business have many of the same costs and credit cards come with many of the same perks as consumer cards, including cash back and travel rewards.

When looking at business cards, you’ll want to compare reward types and amounts, the size of (and requirements for) the signup bonus, and the annual fee you’ll need to pay. Additionally, be sure to check out the APR, especially if you know you’ll have to carry the occasional balance. If you have employees who will be using the company card to make purchases, you’ll also want to look into any fees for additional cards when comparing offers.

10

Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

Our Review »
  • $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.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 7 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 16.74% - 26.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee $0.00
Credit Needed Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

11

Capital One Venture Business

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 24.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $95
Credit Needed Excellent

+Compare More Business Cards

Another major comparison point for business cards will be the qualification requirements. While your personal credit can influence your ability to obtain a business credit card, your company will also develop its own business credit score and history over time. New businesses without established business credit may have a more difficult time obtaining the best business credit cards than established companies with long credit histories.

Compare the Best “Student” Card Offers

Be it academic lessons in the classroom, interpersonal lessons in the dorm room, or life lessons in the common room, your job as a student is to learn. And, as a student, one of the most important skills you can learn is to properly use and manage credit. Thankfully, while some credit card issuers may blanch at your lack of credit history, others are more than happy to help you learn.

As you compare student credit cards, you’ll learn to weigh many of the same options as do other credit card users, like deciding between flat-rate or category-based cash back rewards. You’ll also face a few options that may not be as important to other cardholders, such as whether a card offers a statement credit for good grades — or whether the issuer reports to all three of the major credit bureaus, an important part of building your credit.

12

Discover it® Student Cash Back

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
  • 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.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 6 months
Intro (Transfers) 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
Regular APR 16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Fair/New to Credit
13

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.6/5.0
  • 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 (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Average, Fair, Limited
14

Discover it® Student Chrome

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★ 4.0/5.0
  • 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.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 6 months
Intro (Transfers) 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
Regular APR 16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Fair/New to Credit

+Compare More Student Cards

Credit cards that report to the major bureaus are a key comparison point for student credit cards. One of the most important reasons to get a student credit card in the first place is to use the one advantage you have as credit novice: time. The earlier you start building a positive credit history, the better off your credit will be in the long run. Specifically, it’s important to establish credit early because of the impacts of the age of your credit accounts on your overall credit score.

Credit History Length Graphic

In fact, the length of your credit history, also called the average age of accounts, represents a full 15% of your FICO credit score. This means that no matter how perfect the rest of your credit is, your credit score will never reach similar perfection without a long, well-established credit history — and the only thing that can truly increase the length of your credit history is time.

Compare the Best “Bad Credit” Card Offers

One of the many facts of life — perhaps the fact of life — is, simply, “stuff happens.” Sometimes, all the planning in the world can’t prevent or solve some problems, and the consequences can often have long-term effects. When those effects are to your finances, your credit can suffer, making it difficult — but not impossible — to obtain new credit through traditional methods — but not impossible.

When comparing credit cards for poor credit consumers, the main point of comparison will be unsecured versus secured cards. With bad credit, unsecured credit cards will be harder to obtain from prime issuers, so you will need to obtain a subprime credit card. These cards often have very high interest rates and may also have large fees. Secured cards, on the other hand, require a security deposit to open, and your credit limit will be restricted to the size of your deposit.

15

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★ 4.1/5.0
Surge® Platinum Mastercard® Review

at Continental Finance'ssecure website

Our Review »
  • Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
  • See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
  • Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Surge Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
  • Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
  • Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
  • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
  • Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
  • Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
Intro (Purchases) See website for Details
Intro (Transfers) See website for Details
Regular APR 35.90% Fixed
Annual Fee $75 - $125
Credit Needed Bad, Limited, Fair
16

Milestone® Mastercard®

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★ 3.8/5.0
Milestone® Mastercard® Review

at Milestone Mastercard®'ssecure website

Our Review »
  • Guaranteed $700 credit limit if approved.
  • Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
  • Don't Have Perfect Credit? No Problem!
  • Join over a million consumers who are working on building their access to credit.
  • Zero Fraud Liability - Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
  • Get the credit you deserve, even with less-than-perfect history.
  • No security deposit, and a path to better credit.
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR See terms
Annual Fee See terms
Credit Needed Bad/Limited/Fair
17

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★ 4.0/5.0
  • No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
  • Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
  • Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get at least a $200 initial credit line
  • You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
  • 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 to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
  • Top rated mobile app
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 28.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Limited, Bad

+Compare More Bad Credit Cards

Another option for those with poor credit will be limited brand or store credit cards. While only usable for specific locations or brands, these credit cards are often easier to obtain than unsecured credit cards from major issuers. Look for cards that report to all three credit bureaus to ensure your new credit card is helping to grow and improve your credit score.

Shop Around to Find the Best Card for You

Not so long ago, the average American toted around pocketfuls of cash and coins with which to make his or her daily purchases, often literally weighed down by the currency needed to operate in the world. Today, more and more shoppers are using plastic, not paper, for their purchases, lured by the convenience, security, and rewards represented by alternative currency formats.

Finding the right credit card is simply a matter of a little research and some solid comparison shopping. Consider each aspect of your new card, including rewards, fees, and credit requirements, to make the best choice for you and your personal needs.

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