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

Which Credit Card Companies Provide the Best Credit Cards? (June 2026)

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

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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®

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
The Platinum Card® Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

  • Earn 175,000 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.
  • $600 annual hotel credit, $200 annual airline fee credit, $200 per year Uber cash credit, $300 per year digital entertainment credit, and more.
  • Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Global Lounge Collection®, including 1,550 airport lounges.
  • Apply with Confidence: Know if you’re approved for this Card with no credit score impact
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, CLEAR® Plus Membership
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 19.99% – 28.99% Pay Over Time
Annual Fee $895
Credit Needed Excellent

American Express® Gold Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
American Express® Gold Card Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

  • Earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
  • 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, 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com or Amex Travel App, 3X points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com or Amex Travel Appor directly through airlines, and 2X points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or Amex Travel Appand cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $120 Dining Credit: 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.
  • Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide every time you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or Amex Travel App
  • $325 Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 19.49% – 28.49% Pay Over Time
Annual Fee $325
Credit Needed Excellent

The Business Platinum Card®

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.6/5.0
The Business Platinum Card® Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

  • Earn 200,000 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) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 18.49% – 29.24% Pay Over Time
Annual Fee $695
Credit Needed 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

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.

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.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.6/5.0
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card Review

at Bank Of America’ssecure website

Our Review »
  • Low $95 annual fee.
  • Receive 60,000 online bonus points – a $600 value – after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
  • Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
  • Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 19.49% – 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee $95
Credit Needed 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

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • 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, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 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

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

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

+ 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®

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • 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.
  • Member FDIC
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
Regular APR 18.99% – 28.49% Variable
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Freedom Unlimited® was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 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 unlimited 1% cash back 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!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24% – 27.99%.
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
Regular APR 19.24% – 27.99% Variable
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Freedom Flex℠ was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

CardRates Expert 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.
  • Member FDIC
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 19.99% – 28.24% Variable
Annual Fee $95
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.

+ See More 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 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.

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.

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 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

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

Discover it® Miles

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited mile-for-mile match for all new cardmembers. 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 mile-for-mile 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 and balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
  • 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

Discover it® Chrome

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
Discover it® Chrome Review

at Discover Card’ssecure website

Our Review »
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Redeem cash back for any amount
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 6 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 18 months
Regular APR 17.49% – 26.49% Variable APR
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed 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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