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.
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.
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.
Credit card numbers are a (seemingly) magical combination of digits that unlock a whole new realm of finance options to consumers.
Sometimes it seems as though, in just a few decades, we’ve gone from having hardly any credit cards at all to living in a world in which nearly every product and service requires a credit card number to operate.
But while many of us already have a credit card or two — or 40 — there are still thousands of Americans without the necessary numerical key to access many popular services.
So, how do you get a credit card number? It starts by finding the right card. And given that your credit profile is the first thing a prospective card issuer will investigate, cards aimed at your credit type can be a good place to begin your search.
The very top of the consumer credit food chain, consumers with excellent credit have a wide range of credit cards from which to choose. That’s because they’ve shown a solid history of on-time payments, have no delinquent credit card accounts, and keep low (to no) balances on their cards.
Yes, with excellent credit, little will stand in your way to getting a credit card number — and a whole lot more. Your excellent credit can net you everything from a top-tier travel rewards card to a fee-free cash back card — and most cards in between, including our top picks below.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
$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 APR17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee$0
Credit NeededExcellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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®
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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.
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 APR17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee$0
Credit NeededExcellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Of course, nothing in finance is ever guaranteed, and even having excellent credit won’t be enough for some cards. For instance, many of the most exclusive credit cards are invite-only and require six-digit annual credit card spending, which of course isn’t a reality for many Americans.
Another common example is the Chase family of cards, the majority of which fall under its infamous 5/24 Rule. In essence, those who have opened five or more credit cards in the last 24 months will be automatically rejected for most Chase credit cards, that excellent credit notwithstanding.
Get a Credit Card Number with Good Credit
Although consumers with good credit aren’t quite as coveted as their excellent-credit counterparts, good-credit applicants are still in high demand by most credit card issuers thanks to their strong credit histories and the lack of any serious red flags on their credit reports.
As such, you’ll find a wide range of options available to you with good credit, including many of the top cash back credit cards and a range of quality travel rewards cards, too. Plus, you’ll have access to a number of good rewards cards that come without any annual fees, potentially saving you hundreds each year.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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
One of the most common differentiations between a good credit profile and an excellent profile is the length of credit history and average age of accounts. While only worth 15% of your FICO score, these factors can only be improved by time, which make them harder to grow than other parts of your score.
That said, you can still potentially reach credit score greatness by maintaining low balances, being modest about how frequently you apply for new credit, and by ensuring you always pay on time. With healthy credit behaviors — and some time — you can boost your good credit score to the top level.
Get a Credit Card Number with Fair Credit
Fair credit happens when you’re just beginning your credit journey — or have been working on rebuilding your credit after a few wrong turns. Consumers with fair credit typically have limited credit profiles, high card balances, or a semi-recent late payment or two.
Given that most issuers see a fair credit score as a sign of fairly high credit risk, the options for getting a credit card number are a bit limited. That said, there are still a number of prime unsecured credit cards and rewards-rich secured cards that can be had to help build your score.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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.
Once you have your new credit card in hand, it’s important to use it responsibly so you can build up your fair credit score into a good one. The most important step is to make all of your payments on time, ensuring you make at least the minimum required payment (but more is always better).
You’ll also want to avoid any negative financial behaviors that could drop your score into the bad credit range, further limiting your options. Steer clear of maxing out your new card, and avoid opening too many new credit accounts at once. Slow and steady wins the credit race.
Get a Credit Card Number with Poor Credit
The bottom of the credit score rankings, those consumers with poor credit tend to have reports with recent delinquent payments, defaulted accounts, or perhaps even bankruptcy discharges. Since these are all red flags to issuers, bad-credit consumers will have the hardest time qualifying for a credit card number.
But while the field of options is limited, it isn’t empty. Subprime issuers who specialize in bad credit lending offer many unsecured card options, albeit with higher fees. And if you’re willing to make a refundable deposit, you can even find secured options that have low fees and/or purchase rewards.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
PREMIER Bankcard credit cards are for building credit.
Start building credit by keeping your balances low and paying all your bills on time each month.
When you need assistance our award-winning US-based Customer Service agents are there to help.
Credit Limit Increase Eligible after 12 months of consistent responsible account management.
We report monthly to the Consumer Reporting Agencies to help you build your credit.
Intro (Purchases)N/A
Intro (Transfers)N/A
Regular APRSee Provider Website
Annual FeeSee Provider Website
Credit NeededFair/Poor
When deciding what type of credit card to obtain to build up your bad credit score, carefully consider both the obvious and hidden costs. Unsecured credit cards may not require a deposit, but most subprime cards will have high APRs and annual fees, plus additional processing or program fees.
Secured credit card deposits, on the other hand, are fully refundable so long as your account remains in good standing. Some secured cards can also be upgraded to unsecured products as your credit improves, saving you a hard inquiry down the line.
Whichever way you go, be sure to practice good financial habits with your new (and any existing) card. Always, always, always pay on time, making at least the minimum required payment — or, better, more than the minimum.
Get a Credit Card Number with No/Limited Credit
Perhaps the greatest catch-22 of the credit world is that you often need credit to get credit. And while it only takes six months of credit history to be eligible for a credit score, a credit history of less than a year will typically be seen as a bad sign by most issuers.
Most — but not all. Some credit card issuers are happy to help out the credit newcomers, offering entry-level cards designed specifically to help those with no or limited credit get the credit cards they need to build up their score.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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.
Intro (Purchases)N/A
Intro (Transfers)N/A
Regular APRVariable APR of 27.49%
Annual Fee$0 annual fee for the first year only, $25 annual fee thereafter
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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
Without an extensive credit history to mask any mistakes, it can be all too easy to go from no credit to bad credit with a single delinquent payment. Making use of modern technology, like automatic payments and payment-tracking apps, can make all the difference.
Of course, you don’t have to fear that every day-late payment will crash your credit score. Unless your payment is 30-days late (or more), it won’t be reported to the credit bureaus or show up on your credit reports. You’ll probably be stuck paying a hefty late-payment fee, however.
Get a Store Credit Card Number
Although most store credit cards are closed-loop cards, meaning they can only be used to make branded purchases, they can still be worthwhile additions to your credit card number collection if you have a favorite brand and are a frequent shopper.
In addition to purchase rewards or special financing, store credit card numbers can also unlock extra brand bonuses, like free shipping or early sale access. Plus, many store credit cards have flexible credit requirements that make them accessible to those with lower credit scores.
Amazon.com Store Card
The Amazon.com Store Card is mediocre at best for non-Prime members, offering only deferred-interest financing. If you have a Prime account, however, you can earn 5% cash back on every Amazon.com purchase.
Receive special financing on eligible Amazon.com orders of $149 or more made with your card
Amazon Prime members get 5% cash back on Amazon purchases
Pay no annual card fee (Prime fee may apply)
While the card itself doesn’t charge an annual fee, you’ll need to pay for a Prime membership to make the most of it, the price of which has jumped by 10% or more every few years.
Unlike most store cards, the Target REDcard doesn’t provide points on every purchase. Instead, you’ll get 5% off eligible Target purchases at the register or online check-out.
Get 5% off your total purchase at checkout for eligible in-store or online Target purchases
Receive exclusive deals & discounts
Pay no annual fee
Certain purchases won’t qualify for the 5% cardholder discount, including gift card purchases, in-store restaurants (like Starbucks), gift wrapping, and shipping charges.
The My Best Buy Credit Card allows cardholders to earn 2.5X points per dollar spent on eligible in-store and online purchases. Every 250 points can be redeemed for a $5 reward certificate.
Earn 2.5X points per dollar on in-store and online Best Buy purchases
Receive special financing deals on eligible purchases
Pay no annual fee
If you use the special financing deal, be sure to pay it off in full before your due date. Best Buy uses deferred interest, which means you’ll be on the hook for interest on the entire purchase if any of the balance remains unpaid when the terms expire.
It can be really tempting to open a new store credit card while checking out, especially when the clerk makes the card sound so fantastic. But store card reviews are full of consumers who thought they were getting one thing — and ended up with something much more expensive.
Before opening any credit card, even a store card with a shiny signup bonus, be sure you do your own research into what the card offers — and what it doesn’t offer.
This can be particularly important when looking to take advantage of a low- or no-interest offer, as store cards often operate with deferred financing, which can end up costing you hundreds if your financed purchase is not paid off in time.
Get a Virtual Credit Card Number
While EMV chip cards have made card present (CP) credit card fraud less common, those tricksy fraudsters have simply refocused their efforts on card-not-present (CNP), or digital, card fraud.
One popular way of combating CNP fraud is through the use of virtual credit cards, which are randomly generated one-time use (or one-merchant use) credit card numbers that limit access to your real account information. Despite its growing popularity, however, only a handful of issuers offer virtual credit card numbers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
$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 APR17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee$0
Credit NeededExcellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
In addition to some of the major credit card issuers, several third-party companies have come onto the virtual credit card scene — although “credit card” may be the wrong term, as most of these programs act more like prepaid cards than actual credit cards.
Regardless of where you get your virtual credit card number, there is one important thing to remember: your virtual credit card is only as safe as the company that issues it. Since no company is too large to be hacked, be aware of the risks before you buy.
How to Protect Your New Card Number from Fraud
In today’s world, not having access to a credit card number can exclude you from any number of products and services, making it worthwhile to have at least one good card in your wallet.
But while credit cards have a ton of great benefits, they are subject to fraud just like any other financial product. Luckily, the law limits your liability for fraudulent credit card purchases, and most card companies will eliminate your financial liability entirely.
Even so, it’s important to practice safe credit card use; fraud protection takes diligence on all sides. Never give your credit card number to a website or business you don’t trust and always keep an eye on your transactions so you can spot unauthorized purchases.
If you do find charges you don’t recognize, report them promptly to your credit card issuer. The sooner fraud is spotted, the easier it is to keep it from escalating.
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