The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Thursday, July 17, 2025

Which Credit Card Companies Provide the Best Credit Cards? (July 2025)

Which Credit Card Companies Provide The Best Credit Cards
Erica Sandberg

Writer: Erica Sandberg

Erica Sandberg

Erica Sandberg, Finance Expert

Erica Sandberg is a consumer finance expert and journalist whose articles and insights are featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, MarketWatch, Forbes, and MSN Money. An experienced media host, she's led many financial programs, including her podcast, "Adventures With Money." She's appeared on Fox, CNN, "EconTalk" and "The Dr. Drew Podcast," and has been the resident money and credit authority for KRON-4 News in San Francisco for more than 10 years. She's also the author of "Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families" and recipient of the 2024 Financial Literacy and Education in Communities (FLEC) Award for National Excellence.

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Lillian Guevara-Castro

Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro, Senior Editor

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

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Ashley Fricker

Reviewer: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor

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

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Choosing a credit card can be a confusing process. Not only are there a huge number of credit cards on the market, but many different companies issue these products. When searching for the card of your dreams, it’s a good idea to know more about the issuing company. 

After all, you will be doing business with them, so you will want to go with the right one for you. In fact, by focusing your attention on the company first, you can narrow down your choices to make the decision easier. 

Here are the top credit card companies operating in the US. As you will see, each has a unique history, business model, and set of products.

American Express

American Express has been operating since 1850 and offers a wide array of credit and charge cards. Some of the company’s most notable products include credit cards developed with the frequent traveler and big spender in mind. 

Many of its cards offer luxurious perks, such as complimentary entry into thousands of global airport lounges. Some cards allow you to upgrade flights, get free hotel nights, and enjoy valuable credits when dining out. 

The Platinum Card® Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

CATEGORY RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
4.7/5.0
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new card to make $8,000 in purchases in your first 6 months of Card Membership
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly through airlines or American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Also earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
  • $200 annual hotel credit, $200 annual airline fee credit, $15 monthly Uber cash credit, $50 bi-annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit, and more.
  • Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Global Lounge Collection®, including 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries.
  • Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status. Enrollment required.
  • Choose among three card designs
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
20.24% – 29.24% Pay Over Time
$695
Excellent
American Express® Gold Card Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

CATEGORY RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
4.8/5.0
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership.
  • Earn 4X Points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases. Also earn 4X Points at restaurants on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, including takeout and delivery, 3X points on flights when booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 2X points on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel purchases, booked through AmexTravel.com. All other eligible purchases earn 1X point.
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at participating partners. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
  • Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges.
  • $325 Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
20.24% – 29.24% Pay Over Time
$325
Excellent
The Business Platinum Card® Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

CATEGORY RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
4.6/5.0
  • Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of card membership
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, 1.5X points on business categories and purchases of $5,000 or more on up to $2 million per calendar year, and 1X point for each dollar you spend on other purchases.
  • Get up to $400 back per year toward U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies, up to $360 back per year for purchases with Indeed, and $120 back per year for wireless telephone service purchases on the Business Platinum Card, plus additional credits. Enrollment is required for all.
  • Access to more than 1,400 lounges across 140 countries and counting with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®
  • Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to your Business Platinum Card® Account.
  • $695 Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
18.49% – 27.49% Pay Over Time
$695
Excellent

+ See More American Express Cards

American Express also has a travel portal where you can easily book flights and accommodations. Be aware that the more premium products can come with sky-high annual fees

American Express is also one of the few financial institutions that offers charge cards. These products differ from credit cards because they don’t have fixed credit limits

The debt on a charge card typically has to be repaid at the end of the billing cycle in one lump sum rather than in minimum monthly payments as with a credit card. 

American Express cards tend to require credit scores in the good range, and borrowers with very good credit scores (as well as a history of high spending) are expected to qualify for their most premium cards. Moreover, the company does not use the Visa or Mastercard networks, though their cards are accepted at most retailers. 

Bank of America

Bank of America, started in 1904, is another longstanding financial institution. It also launched the very first credit card in 1958. Today the bank offers a wide array of credit cards for consumers and small business owners. 

Included in its portfolio are credit cards for students, travel, cash back rewards, and secured cards for people who are new to credit or have damaged credit. Its cash back cards are particularly popular because they often come with generous signup bonuses that have easy-to-meet spending requirements.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America’ssecure website

EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
4.9/5.0
  • New offer! Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. 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.
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could go up to 3.75%-5.25%. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 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 18.24% – 28.24% 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 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
  • Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
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 4%)
18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America’ssecure website

EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
4.9/5.0
  • 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 all 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 18.24% – 28.24% 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 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
  • If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
  • Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
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 4%)
18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card Review

at Bank Of America’ssecure website

EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
4.6/5.0
  • Low $95 annual fee.
  • Receive 60,000 online bonus points – a $600 value – after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 – 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
  • Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
  • Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
  • Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
20.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$95
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

+ See More Bank of America Cards

Because Bank of America is the second largest bank in the US and offers everything from deposit accounts to car loans and mortgages, a large percentage of consumers already do business with it. Bank customers who maintain good histories on their existing accounts may find that getting approved for a Bank of America credit card is relatively simple. 

Capital One

A relative newcomer, Capital One started in 1994 and immediately began offering a full suite of credit cards. 

Some of the company’s best products are accounts designed for college students. Capital One offers student cards that are not just easy to qualify for but are equipped with compelling rewards programs

EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
4.9/5.0
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good
EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL 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 and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • 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; 19.24% – 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good
EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
4.8/5.0
  • Enjoy 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, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • 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
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
19.99% – 29.24% (Variable)
$95
Excellent, Good

+ See More Capital One Cards

The company also has secured credit cards for people who have thin credit files and low credit scores. Since these cards are collateralized with a cash deposit, applicants can qualify for the account and then start to build or rebuild their credit rating with little trouble.  

Travel is another major product category for Capital One, and it offers several credit cards ideal for the traveler who wants to redeem rewards with few restrictions. Depending on the card, the rewards rate can be exceptionally high, and the company has a shopping portal that cardholders can use to book their travel arrangements. 

Chase

JP Morgan Chase has been providing financial services since 1799. It is currently the largest bank in the US, worth about $3.31 trillion in assets. This puts the company in the perfect position to issue credit cards with 0% APR introductory rates for both purchases and balance transfers. These cards are ideal for the consumer who wants to save money on interest for a year or more. 

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Review

at Chase’ssecure website

EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
4.9/5.0
  • Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
  • Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.49%.
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
18.99% – 28.49% Variable
$0
Good/Excellent
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review

at Chase’ssecure website

EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
4.9/5.0
  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
  • Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
  • 10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
19.99% – 28.24% Variable
$95
Good/Excellent
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Review

at Chase’ssecure website

EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
4.7/5.0
  • Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
20.24% – 28.74% Variable
$795
Good/Excellent

+ See More Chase Cards

Chase also specializes in the small business space. It has many different credit cards for startups, entrepreneurs, and established business owners. 

For the traveler, Chase offers general purpose cards with points redeemable at many airlines and hotel chains as well as co-branded travel cards affiliated with specific companies. These partnerships can be attractive to the traveler who is a frequent customer of those companies because they come with the opportunity to enjoy upgrades and free hotel stays. 

In addition to the credit cards that require good to excellent credit ratings, Chase also offers a student card to young adults new to building credit. 

Citi

Citibank was founded in 1811 and was then known as the City Bank of New York. Today the company offers a variety of credit cards, including those with cash back rewards. 

Citi has developed a range of credit products, some with creative features, including a card that allows cardholders to earn 1% cash back on purchases, then another 1% cash back when the bill is paid. Other cards have high flat-rate cash back as well as tiered rewards programs. Some Citi credit cards are affiliated with big box retailers, which enables cardholders to rack up rewards while shopping. 

Citi Double Cash® Card Review

at Citi’ssecure website

CITI® RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL 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 18.24% – 28.24%, 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)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
0% 18 months on Balance Transfers
18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
$0
Excellent/Good/Fair

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

Citi Strata Premier® Card Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

CITI® RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL 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)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
20.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
$95
Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

CITI® RATING
★★★★★
4.7
OVERALL RATING
4.6/5.0
  • Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
  • Earn 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco and earn 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases for the first $7,000 combined spend per year, and then 1% thereafter.
  • 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases and eligible travel, including Costco Travel.
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
  • Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
19.49% – 27.49% (Variable)
$0
Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

+ See More Citi Cards

It also offers several point-based rewards cards, some developed for dining and others for travel. All cardholders can trade in their accumulated rewards at the company’s shopping portal, ThankYou. Cardholders can redeem cash and points to shop for products, services, gift cards, travel, gas, and even donate to a cause.   

While most Citi cards demand high credit scores, the company also offers a secured card for consumers with low scores. 

Discover

Discover began operations in 1985, and with its savings and checking accounts, personal loans, home equity loans, and student loans, it offers a number of credit cards. 

The most outstanding feature of Discover credit cards is that the company never charges an annual fee. This can be extremely attractive to consumers who are looking for credit cards with rewards but don’t want to worry about a yearly cost being added. 

Discover has plenty of cards that offer cash back rewards. In fact, it was one of the first financial institutions to offer this program. Its travel card allows cardholders to earn miles. Some of its cards are developed for students, and most Discover cards offer balance transfer promotions.

Discover it® Cash Back Review

at Discover Card’ssecure website

EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
4.9/5.0
  • 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 $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
  • Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 90 seconds. No annual fee.
  • Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with your digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 months
0% Intro APR for 15 months
18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR
$0
Excellent/Good
Discover it® Miles Review

at Discover Card’ssecure website

EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
4.8/5.0
  • UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. You could turn 35,000 Miles into 70,000 Miles.
  • Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
  • No annual fee
  • Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% – 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
  • Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 months
0% Intro APR for 15 months
18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR
$0
Excellent/Good
Discover it® Chrome Review

at Discover Card’ssecure website

EXPERT’S RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
4.8/5.0
  • 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.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Redeem cash back for any amount
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
0% Intro APR for 18 months
18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR
$0
Excellent/Good

+ See More Discover Cards

Like American Express, Discover does not use the Visa or Mastercard network, but its cards are still accepted by most retailers.

The Bottom Line on Top Credit Card Companies

Having some basic background on the issuing company when searching for the best new credit card can help you make the correct choice. Although many of the issuers offer similar products, the programs and pricing differ. 

Some issuers cater to consumers who already have established credit histories, while others are open to people who need to build or rebuild their credit histories. But in all cases, the cards can be used for safe and convenient transactions — and will be an asset rather than a liability with proper use.

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