The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Saturday, June 20, 2026

What Credit Card is Best for Me? Expert Guide (2026)

What Credit Card Is Best For Me
Ashley Fricker

Writer: 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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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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When people learn that you write about consumer credit for a living, the conversation seems to almost inevitably circle around to, “So, what’s the best credit card?” Unfortunately, people are rarely happy with the true response, which is: there isn’t one.

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of credit credits on the market, each with its pros and cons, its own costs and rewards. Furthermore, there are millions of credit cardholders out there, too — each with their own wants, needs, and spending habits.

In the end, if you find yourself chatting with someone in-the-know, the question to ask isn’t, “What’s the best credit card?” Instead, what you really need to know is, “What credit card is best for me?” With that being said, let’s explore a variety of our picks for some of the top credit cards available today, including cards for a variety of credit scores, competitive APRs, appealing rewards, and more.

Find Cards By: Credit Score | APR | Rewards | Specialty

A Quick 4-Question Quiz to Narrow Your Card Options

As with many things in consumer culture, credit cards are often designed and marketed with a specific demographic in mind. This may be a certain credit score or income range, or a particular type of card user. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card is a rewards card that targets travelers with high incomes by offering big bonus rewards on travel-related purchases but charging a high annual fee.

To find the best credit card for you, the first step will be to decide on your wants and needs, and then determine into which demographic they likely fall. You can narrow down your options fairly significantly by taking a look at your credit and spending habits, then answering the four questions below.

  • 1. Is your FICO credit score below 670? One of the most important factors determining whether you are approved for a particular credit card will be your credit score. Those with good to excellent credit — FICO scores of 670 and above — will typically be able to qualify for just about any consumer card (though higher credit scores will generally earn higher credit limits). If your credit score is below 670, you’ll find the best luck getting approved for cards if you apply for those specifically aimed at your credit score range.
  • 2. Do you tend to carry a balance from month to month? Most credit cardholders tend to fall into one of two groups: those who compulsively pay off their balance every month, and those who tend to carry a balance from month to month. Since interest charges are one of the biggest costs associated with using a credit card, balance-carriers should consider a card designed just for them, i.e., one that comes with an introductory 0% interest rate offer or low ongoing APR.
  • 3. Do you make most of your purchases at the same places? With so many credit cards on the market today, one of the easiest ways to choose one over another is by picking a card that offers the rewards best suited to your personal spending habits. For instance, if a large portion of your budget goes to groceries each month, a card that offers bonus rewards for grocery store purchases may be the best fit. Keep the redemption options in mind, as well; if you know you won’t bother with a complicated points redemption process, for example, get cash back instead.
  • 4. Are you a business owner or student? For business owners or students, the process of narrowing down a credit card may be the simplest of all. That’s because many issuers have specialty cards aimed at these specific users, both in terms of qualifying requirements as well as card perks and purchase rewards.

While no individual question or answer will likely point you to a single card, answering each question can help you put together a short list of options. Things like the credit requirements, rewards, and APR can all contribute to choosing a specific card — but you may also want to consider a few other factors, too, including extraneous fees and the processing network.

Find the Right Card for Your Credit Score

Contrary to popular belief, the typical consumer doesn’t have a single credit score; they can have dozens of credit scores, which can vary based on the credit bureaus supplying the information and the specific model used to calculate the score. Of them all, the FICO Score 8 is the most frequently used scoring model by far, though the credit bureau(s) used will vary by credit card issuer.

The FICO Score 8 operates on a range of scores from 300 to 850, with 850 being the highest possible credit score — and, thus, the most desirable. Although 300 is technically the lowest possible score, few subprime consumers have scores this low, instead typically scoring in the low to mid 500s. Your credit score is considered “poor” if it falls below 580.

Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor | No/Limited

Best Cards for “Excellent” Credit

FICO credit scores of 740 and above are generally dubbed as “excellent,” and they show that you can responsibly handle credit. Since those with excellent credit tend to get their pick of credit cards (and other financial products), perhaps the only downside to having excellent credit is that it won’t really help you narrow down the field of card options.

With the full field of awesome rewards cards and lengthy intro-APR offers available, finding the best card means moving on to Questions 2, 3, and 4. Find the rewards that best match your individual spending habits and redemption preferences, or the card with the lowest APR if you often carry a balance. Our favorite cards for excellent credit cover the gamut of rewards and benefits.

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.

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

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

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

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

Our Review »
  • 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 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.

+See More Cards for Excellent Credit

Best Cards for “Good” Credit

With credit scores between 670 and 739, good-credit consumers have nearly as many options as their excellent-credit counterparts, albeit often with lower credit limits. While some cards aimed specifically at those with excellent credit may be out of reach, the rest of the prime credit card market will typically be up for grabs.

While the same basic advice applies to good-credit applicants as excellent-credit ones — i.e., use Questions 2, 3, and 4 to better narrow the options — you may want to pay special attention to the APRs charged by each card. Those with good credit will generally receive higher interest rates than those with excellent credit, particularly as you get closer to the bottom end of the range.

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.
  • 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.
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

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.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
  • 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 (Purchases) 0% for 15 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% for 15 months
Regular APR 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent, Good

+See More Cards for Good Credit

Best Cards for “Fair” Credit

Not quite poor credit but not quite good, credit scores between 580 and 669 fall into the “fair” credit score range. Like their scores, these consumers exist in a bit of a middle ground, with the potential to qualify for a limited array of prime credit cards — but by a narrow margin.

Selecting a card with fair credit will definitely start by identifying cards designed for credit-builders, be it a flexible prime credit card or a subprime card. Pay special attention to any annual, processing, and/or maintenance fees, as well as the APR charged by the card, to keep your costs down as you build credit. And of course, building credit is an essential step in planning for the future and moving up into the next tier of “good” credit consumers. This will open up more card options for you and potentially make you eligible for lower interest rates and better rewards offerings.

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 28.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Average, Fair, Limited

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
  • 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 (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 28.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee $39
Credit Needed Average, Fair, Limited

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

+See More Cards for Fair Credit

Best Cards for “Poor” Credit

Whether from defaulted accounts, multiple late payments, maxed out credit cards, or a bankruptcy discharge — or some combination of them all — when a credit score drops below 580, it is in the “poor” credit range. Since most creditors are wary of the credit risk presented by poor-credit applicants, perhaps the only useful thing about poor credit is that it definitely helps to narrow down the options.

The cards likely to approve someone with poor credit all tend to have a catch. Secured credit cards are the easiest to get but require a deposit to open and use. Unsecured card options are limited to closed-loop store cards that can only be used on branded purchases, and subprime credit cards that will likely charge high fees and interest rates. Start comparing with our top-rated cards.

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

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

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

+See More Cards for Bad Credit

Best Cards for “No/Limited” Credit

Although some confusion may exist around the origins of your credit profile, you aren’t born with one nor is it automatically established by turning 18. Instead, it takes about six months of credit use — such as with a credit card or loan — to build enough credit history for a FICO credit score to be calculated.

Credit card issuers will be wary of extending you significant credit before you establish enough credit history for a credit score. While not as limited as those for poor credit, the selection of cards available to those with no/limited credit will likely resemble that of those with fair credit. Similarly, keep an eye on APRs and extraneous fees to reduce your credit-building costs.

Secured Self Visa® Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★ 4.2/5.0
Secured Self Visa® Credit Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

  • 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 APR Variable APR of 27.49%
Annual Fee $0 annual fee for the first year only, $25 annual fee thereafter
Credit Needed None, Limited, Poor, Fair

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 28.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Average, Fair, Limited

The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
  • 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.

Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR N/A
Annual Fee No annual fees
Credit Needed Poor/Fair/Limited/Damaged

+See More Cards for No/Limited Credit

Find the Right Card for Your Interest Rate Needs

Although every potential credit card applicant should look at the APR charged by a new credit card, those with fair, poor, or limited credit will have fewer options for finding low interest rates than those with good credit or better. Consumers with higher credit scores, on the other hand, can use a card’s APR as a deciding factor when selecting the best credit card.

In particular, two main aspects of a card’s APR may be of interest: the introductory APR and the ongoing APR. Many credit cards will come with an introductory APR offer, the best of which offer 0% APR for the duration of the promotional period. Once any intro period expires, the ongoing APR will determine what interest rate is charged for purchases carried from month to month.

0% New Purchases | 0% Balance Transfers | Low Ongoing APR

Best Cards for 0% Intro-APR on New Purchases

At most times, making large purchases with your credit card that you can’t repay right away is a horrible idea. Interest charges will start to accrue after the grace period passes, and those charges can get quite expensive over time. However, there is a solution: an introductory 0% APR offer, which can provide six months or more of interest-free purchases.

The better your credit score, the better the intro-APR offer you can obtain, with offers of up to 18 months available to well-qualified applicants. Keep in mind that any balance remaining when your promotional period is over will start to accrue interest according to the card’s default new purchase interest rate. See some of our favorite offers below.

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

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.

Citi Strata℠ Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases) 0% 15 months on Purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% 15 months on Balance Transfers
Regular APR 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

+See More Cards for 0% APR on New Purchases

Best Cards for 0% Intro-APR on Balance Transfers

Introductory APR offers for new purchases can be convenient when you have a large purchase coming up, but what about those who have already accumulated a balance on their cards? That’s where balance transfer introductory offers can be handy. By transferring your balance from high-interest card to one with a 0% APR introductory offer, you can enjoy a number of interest-free months to pay down your balance.

The main thing to consider when it comes to intro-APR offers for balance transfers — other than the fact that introductory offers eventually expire — is that balance transfers often come with balance transfer fees. While the occasional card without balance transfer fees does exist, many intro-APR offers may be worth the transfer fee.

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

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.

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

+See More Cards for 0% APR on Balance Transfers

Best Cards for Low Ongoing APRs

As valuable as intro-APR offers can be for reducing or eliminating interest payments on new purchases and balance transfers, these offers are, of course, temporary. If you’re likely to carry a balance on your credit card for more than just the first year or so, then an introductory offer will only be so useful. The focus for these consumers should be finding a card that offers a low APR all the time.

The trick here is twofold. One, build your credit. The better your credit score, the lower the average interest rate you’re offered. And two, find a card with a lower overall APR range. For example, a card with an APR range of 10% to 15% will always offer lower APRs than one with a range of 16% to 21%. The cards below offer lower APRs than many of their competitors.

USAA Rate Advantage Visa® Platinum Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★ 4.4/5.0
USAA Rate Advantage Visa® Platinum Credit Card Review

at Usaa Savings'ssecure website

  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on Balance Transfers and Convenience Checks that post to your account within 90 days of account opening. After this time, the Variable Regular APR will apply to your balance.
  • Our lowest-rate card: Pay less in interest if you carry a balance from month to month
  • Travel benefits include Auto Rental Coverage, Travel Accident Insurance, Baggage Delay and Reimbursement, and Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage
  • No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
  • This offer is only open to members of military-affiliated groups and their families
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) 0% for 15 Months
Regular APR 9.15% - 26.15% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good to Excellent

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.
  • 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.
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

Navy Federal Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
Navy Federal Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

  • Earn 35,000 Bonus Points when you spend $3,500 within 90 days of account opening
  • Free year of Amazon Prime®
  • Receive 3X points on travel purchases and 2X points on everything else
  • Receive statement credits (up to $120) for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
  • No balance transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, or cash advance fees
  • Worldwide Automatic Travel Accident Insurance, plus travel and emergency assistance
  • $49 Annual fee
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 15.49% - 18.00% Variable
Annual Fee $49
Credit Needed Very Good/Excellent

+See More Cards for Low Ongoing APRs

Find the Right Rewards Credit Card for You

At the heart of the modern credit card lover is often a consumer who loves to save. That’s because credit card rewards can be a valuable way to save with every swipe, earning you purchase rebates, free travel, and/or remarkable experiences for your everyday spending.

And that’s where you should start narrowing down your rewards card selections: the type of rewards you want to earn. If you like things simple, a cash back rewards card can provide straightforward savings. On the other hand, frequent flyers and hotel jockeys will often appreciate a good travel rewards card, and those who want the best of both worlds tend to prefer a flexible points credit card.

Cash Back | Travel | Points

Best Cards for “Cash Back” Rewards

Cash back rewards are typically the simplest type of rewards to redeem, with options for redemption as a statement credit or as a deposit into an eligible bank account (typically accounts held with the issuing bank). As simple as they are to redeem, however, cash back rewards can be as complex as any rewards type when it comes to maximizing your earnings.

While most cash back cards will offer an unlimited flat rewards rate, usually 1% to 2% on all purchases, some cards will also offer a higher rewards rate for purchases made in specific bonus categories. So, if your regular spending falls into the same categories each month, choosing a card that rewards you for those categories will net you the best rewards. Otherwise, an unlimited flat-rate card can still be a valuable savings tool.

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.

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.

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.
  • 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.
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

+See More Cards for Cash Back Rewards

Best Cards for “Travel” Rewards

As with cash back rewards, travel rewards come as either single, unlimited flat-rate rewards, or as bonus rewards for category-specific purchases. But while cash back rewards are almost always fairly straightforward to redeem, travel rewards can have as much — or as little — complication as you like.

For example, some travel cards will have cash-back-like redemption as a flat-rate statement credit for travel-related purchases. However, other programs will have a variable redemption value based on how you redeem them, with options for direct redemption via a travel portal or through a transfer to an eligible hotel or airline partner. Our top cards include a mix of both redemption types.

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

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

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

+See More Cards for Travel Rewards

Best Cards for “Points” Rewards

Credit cards that earn rewards points are essentially a combination of cash back and travel rewards cards, with a little extra thrown into the mix. Like the other rewards cards, you can earn points at a single, unlimited rate, or at a bonus rate for specific category purchases.

Unlike the other card types, generic rewards points can be redeemed for anything from cash back to travel — and a few things in between. The per-point value of your rewards will depend on how you redeem them, with cash typically providing the lowest value and travel redemption the highest. Many points cards, including our expert picks, also come with lucrative signup bonuses.

Citi Strata Premier® Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 19.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $95
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

Citi Strata℠ Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases) 0% 15 months on Purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% 15 months on Balance Transfers
Regular APR 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 20.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $595
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

+See More Cards for Rewards Points

Find the Right Specialty Card for You

While all credit cardholders have their own needs, some have more specific needs than others. In particular, business owners and students both need certain things out of their credit cards that may not be offered by the bulk of the field, making it even more important for these users to find just the right card.

On the bright side, many issuers have developed cards with these specialty groups in mind, offering a range of business-centered and student-focused cards. And if you can narrow your list to these specific types of cards, you can use Questions 1 through 3 to pick the perfect one off the short list of potential fits.

Businesses | Students

Best Cards for Businesses

From advertising costs to shipping expenses, business owners tend to have expenses that regular consumers simply don’t even consider, let alone have the need to earn rewards for them. Designed for business owners, business credit cards often cater to these unique needs, offering rewards for things like office supplies and digital marketing that can help bolster your business’s bottom line.

Even better, business credit cards have a secret superpower: the ability to help your business establish and build business credit. As with the consumer credit world, the business credit world relies on a solid credit history to judge whether to lend to your business in the future. A good business credit card, like our favorites, can two-birds your business finances and credit, all while earning you lucrative rewards.

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.

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

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

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card Review

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  • $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.
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

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Best Cards for Students

Being a student can be both a great adventure — and a great challenge. To start, college students aren’t typically the most well-paid workers (meals of ramen noodles and mac & cheese are the stereotypical staples of college life for a very good reason), nor do they generally have very well-established credit profiles. Combined, these attributes mean students can’t apply for just any old credit card.

Happily, the credit card industry isn’t without sympathy for the credit plights of students. A number of issuers offer credit cards specially designed for students who want to establish and build credit — without paying an arm and a leg in annual fees. What’s more, many student cards, including our options below, include valuable purchase rewards.

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

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

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

+See More Cards for Students

Audit Your Cards Regularly to Ensure You Have the Best Ones

As anyone who works in an advisory capacity knows, most people can’t help but ask for a professional opinion when they get the chance. But, as is also well known, the quality of the advice you get from someone often depends on the quality of you the questions you ask.

For example, should you ask a credit card expert to tell you about the best credit card, you’ll often get mixed results. That’s because few things are so cut-and-dry in personal finance — hence the “personal” part of the term. To get a quality answer about the best credit cards, the proper question to ask is, “What is the best credit card for me?”

Additionally, since the best credit card for an individual depends on their specific needs and spending habits, it’s important to regularly re-evaluate your current credit card collection. Our specific financial needs and habits tend to change over time, just as we do, meaning the best card for you today may not be the best card next year.

You should perform an annual audit of your credit cards — preferably before any annual fees are charged for the year — to ensure you have the best cards for your current needs and that you aren’t paying for cards you don’t use. If you haven’t used a card lately and/or can find a card with significantly better rewards, you should consider upgrading your card.

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