When choosing a new credit card, you’ll need to consider a few factors, from the annual fee to the card’s APR and rewards process.
But before you can find the right credit card, check your credit score to see where you stand. Some of the best credit card offers require a good credit score, or typically a FICO score of 670 or higher. And many top rewards and travel credit cards may even have tighter credit requirements than that, so knowing your score can help you figure out what you qualify for.
Pro Tip
If you’re hoping to keep the initial expenses of getting a credit card at a minimum, look for cards with no annual fee and an introductory APR. Many cards fall in this category, yet they still offer rewards on spending and plenty of perks.
Once you know your credit score, consider additional factors like how you plan to use your credit card, the perks and features you’d get the most value from, and the interest rate and fees you’re comfortable with. These factors can help you narrow down a list of cards that might make the best fit for your wallet.
To help you get started, here are a few different credit card types to keep in mind throughout your search:
Rewards Credit Cards
A rewards credit card is generally any credit card that offers rewards on your spending. Rewards can come in the form of cash back or points, which you can redeem for statement credits, gift cards, travel, merchandise, and more.
Rewards cards offer a certain amount of these rewards depending on where you spend — some rewards cards are more geared toward travel while others offer more rewards on everyday spending, or a combination of both.
While rewards credit cards give you something back each time you use them, annual fees can apply and interest rates can be on the high end. Rewards credit cards are offered by all of the major issuers including American Express, Capital One, Chase, and Discover.
Who they’re best for: Rewards credit cards are best for consumers who want to earn rewards for each dollar they spend. They can charge high fees; it’s even more important to pay off your balance in full each month with a rewards card to get the full value of your rewards. But if you have great credit and you want to earn rewards that you can redeem in a number of ways, a rewards card may be a good fit.
Rewards cards to consider:
Editorial Independence
As with all of our credit card reviews, our analysis is not influenced by any partnerships or advertising relationships.
- Intro offer:60,000 points
- Annual fee:$250
- Regular APR:20.24%-27.24% Variable
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Tiered points system
- Welcome bonus offer
- Annual credits
- Annual fee
- Value of points dependent on how you redeem
Additional Card Details
- Up to $120 annual dining credit
- Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides
- Up to $100 credit on qualifying activities when booking through the American Express Hotel Collection
- $250 annual fee
- Amex Offers
- Car rental insurance
- Global travel assistance hotline
- Baggage insurance
- Extended warranty on covered purchases
- Purchase protection
- Dispute resolution
- Intro offer:60,000 points
- Annual fee:$95
- Regular APR:20.24% – 27.24% Variable
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3x on dining. 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Generous welcome offer
- Tiered bonus points categories
- 25% points boost when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 1:1 point transfer at airline and hotel partners
- No foreign transaction fee
- $95 annual fee
- High APR
- Need to spend within bonus categories to maximize rewards
- Other cards have similar bonus categories with higher rewards rates
Additional Card Details
- Get 10% value of annual purchases back in points every account anniversary
- $50 in annual hotel credits toward hotel stays booked through Chase
- Primary auto rental collision damage waiver
- Travel protections
- Purchase protections
- Intro offer:20,000 points
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:17.74% – 27.74% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Round up feature helps you earn more points over time
- Long intro APR
- No annual fee
- Ongoing 10% points boost on your first 100,000 redeemed each year
- Spending cap for bonus categories
- Other no annual fee cards may offer higher rewards earn in similar categories
- Minimal cardholder benefits
Additional Card Details
- Automatically round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase
- 10% points back bonus on up to the first 100,000 points you redeem each year
- 0% APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of transfer and purchases from date of account opening (17.74% - 27.74% (Variable) APR thereafter)
- Citi Entertainment access
Cash Back Credit Cards
Cash back credit cards are a form of rewards cards that offer cash back for each dollar you spend.
Your cash back card will likely offer different rates of cash back in different purchase categories. For example, some cash back credit cards offer a flat rate of cash back on everything you buy, yet others offer higher rewards rates in certain bonus categories or in revolving quarterly categories. Cash back cards can be more straightforward than points or miles when it comes to earning and redeeming your rewards.
While not always the case, cash back credit cards tend to come with no annual fee. However, interest rates can be on the high side if you carry a balance over the long-term. It’s best to pay your balance in full and on time each month to avoid interest that can wipe out the value of your rewards.
Who they’re best for: Cash back credit cards are best for anyone looking to earn simple rewards on their spending without a bunch of hassle or stress. If you’re not chasing points or miles travel redemptions, cash back is a good way to earn rewards to redeem toward purchases, statement credits, and more.
Cash back credit cards to consider:
- Intro offer:Earn an Additional 1.5% Cash Back
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:19.24% – 27.99% Variable
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Enjoy 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. 1.5% on all other purchases.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Flexible, hybrid rewards structure made up of tiered categories and flat cash back
- No annual fee
- Valuable first-year bonus
- Competitive intro APR period can be useful for paying off large purchases over time
- Not a great choice for international travelers — you’ll incur a 3% foreign transaction fee
- Travel bonus rewards only apply to travel booked through Chase
Additional Card Details
- 0% introductory interest offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after account opening, variable APR of 19.24% – 27.99% interest thereafter; intro balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025
- Complimentary 3-month subscription to Doordash’s DashPass, followed by 50% off DashPass for 9 months (activate by 12/31/24)
- Travel protections
- Purchase protections
- Intro offer:$250
- Annual fee:$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Regular APR:18.24%-29.24% Variable
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Great rewards in everyday spending categories
- Introductory interest offer for new purchases and balance transfers
- Competitive welcome bonus
- $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year)
- U.S. supermarket 6% rewards capped after $6,000 annual spend
Additional Card Details
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months from the date of account opening, then 18.24% to 29.24% variable APR
- Cash welcome bonus
- Disney Bundle credit worth up to $84
- Equinox+ credit worth up to $120
- Early event ticket access and seating through American Express Experiences
- Eligible for Amex Pay It, Plan It
- Travel protections
- Purchase protections
- Minimum $25 rewards redemption
Retail Store Cards
There are two different types of retail cards — closed loop store cards that you can only use at the associated store or family of brands, and open-loop cards that you can use anywhere, but usually offer the best rewards at with associated brand.
Closed loop retail cards are not as versatile as general credit cards. That said, store cards tend to come with perks like in-store discounts or free shipping, and they are easier to qualify for than traditional credit cards. Open loop retail cards offer more flexibility. They’re usually issued by Visa or Mastercard, so you can use them anywhere, but you can get valuable rewards with a retailer you shop with often, like a grocery brand or gas station.
Many consumers keep store cards just for the discounts they offer on eligible purchases, and this is fairly easy to justify since retail credit cards rarely charge an annual fee. Most retail cards also come with high interest rates so it’s important to only charge what you can afford to pay back in full each month.
Who they’re best for: Retail credit cards are perfect for anyone who wants to build credit for the first time, as well as frequent shoppers who want access to in-store perks and discounts.
Retail cards to consider:
- Intro offer:$150 Amazon Gift Card
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:14.99% to 22.99% Variable
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership* 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores* 1% back on all other purchases*
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Rewards on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases, plus popular everyday spending categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Metal card
- Sign up bonus comes in the form of an Amazon gift card
- No annual fee, but $119 Amazon Prime membership required
- High variable APR
Additional Card Details
- Visa Signature Card with benefits like Visa Signature Concierge Service and Luxury Hotel Collection access
- Travel and emergency assistance
- Lost luggage reimbursement and baggage delay coverage
- Travel accident insurance
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranties
- Auto rental coverage and roadside assistance
- Intro offer:N/A
- Annual fee:No Annual Fee
- Regular APR:See Terms
- Recommended credit score:(No Credit History)
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Save 5% off eligible Lowe’s spending
- Special financing offers for select purchases
- No annual fee
- Prequalification
- High APR
- 5% off or special financing, but not both
- Store card has limited utility
Additional Card Details
- Earn 5% off every day or sign up for six months special financing offers (on eligible purchases) when you shop with Lowe’s
- Get 20% off your first purchase (up to $100 discount) through Jan. 31, 2022
- Retail credit card that may only be used at Lowe’s, in stores or online
- 26.99% variable APR
- Intro offer:N/A
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:22.90% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
NextAdvisor’s Take
- No annual fee
- 5% discount on Target purchases
- Free two-day shipping
- Extended returns timeframe
- High APR
- No points-earning capabilities
- No perks for non-Target purchases
Additional Card Details
- No annual fee
- 5% discount on Target purchases and at in-store Target Starbucks locations
- Access to “exclusive extras” benefit, offers that may be targeted based on your purchase history or location
- Free two-day shipping
- Extra days for returns
- 22.90% variable APR
- No foreign transaction fees
Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Balance transfer credit cards are useful debt payoff tools if you have an existing balance on a credit card you’re looking to pay off. These cards offer 0% APR on balance transfers for a limited time, usually up to 21 months. A balance transfer fee is required for each transfer, which can add 3% or 5% of the full balance amount transferred. However, the long-term interest savings you can achieve by securing 0% APR can easily outpace that cost.
Balance transfer cards tend to come with no annual fee, and some offer ongoing rewards you can take advantage of after you’ve paid your balance in full. However, cards with the longest 0% APR offers tend to skip rewards altogether.
Who they’re best for: Balance transfer credit cards are good for people with good credit who need to consolidate and pay down high-interest debts from other credit cards.
Balance transfer cards to consider:
- Intro offer:N/A
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:18.24% – 28.99% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
NextAdvisor’s Take
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months for balance transfers and 12 months for purchases (then a 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR )
- No annual fee
- No late payment fees or penalty APR
- No rewards
- No welcome offer
- Intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5)
Additional Card Details
- Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening
- Includes Citi Identity Theft Solutions protection
- Choose your payment due date
- Digital wallet compatible
- Intro offer:N/A
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:18.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Long 0% interest intro offer for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- No penalty APR
- Fees for late or returned payment
- 3% balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) applies
- No rewards structure
Additional Card Details
- 0% introductory APR for 18 billing cycles on new purchases and balance transfers, 18.74% – 28.74% variable APR thereafter
- Balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of balance, whichever is greater
- No penalty APR
- Cellphone protection for damage or theft up to $600 for up to two claims per year with a $25 deductible.
Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards let you earn points or miles on your spending which you can put toward future travel. Some travel rewards are flexible, and may be used toward multiple redemption options with flexible programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards. Other travel cards are co-branded with certain travel brands, and earn airline miles or hotel loyalty points to use toward a specific brand
The best travel credit cards tend to come with an array of benefits for users, which can include free checked baggage on flights, lounge access at the airport, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck membership, annual travel credits, and more.
Some travel cards also let you transfer and redeem your points with airline and hotel partners, which can help boost your redemption value, depending on your itenerary. While travel credit cards tend to offer more perks than other types of cards, they typically come with annual fees and high APRs.
Who they’re best for: Travel credit cards are ideal for people who want to earn points or miles good for free airfare, hotel stays, rental cars, and more. These cards also work well for people who want travel perks like annual credits or frequent flyer benefits. That said, these credit cards are best for people who travel at least a few times each year, so you can get the full value of the card’s benefits and help offset any fee cost.
Travel credit cards to consider:
- Intro offer:60,000 points
- Annual fee:$550
- Regular APR:21.24% – 28.24% Variable
- Recommended credit score:740-850 (Excellent)
Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Valuable welcome bonus
- $300 annual travel credit and other added benefits
- 50% points value boost when redeemed for travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- No foreign transaction fee
- Metal card
- $550 annual fee
- High APR
- Not a great choice if you travel infrequently
Additional Card Details
- 50% redemption boost on points redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards or eligible statement credits via Pay Yourself Back
- $300 annual travel credit
- Up to $100 credit every four years toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee
- Complimentary airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select membership
- 10x points on Lyft rides through March 2025
- Complimentary DashPass from DoorDash subscription through 12/31/24
- Travel protections
- Purchase protections
- Intro offer:50,000 miles
- Annual fee:$250
- Regular APR:19.99%-28.99% Variable
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Valuable welcome offer
- Bonus miles in travel and everyday spending categories
- Earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) toward elite status through credit card spending
- Additional airport and flight benefits for frequent Delta travelers
- $250 annual fee
- High variable APR for purchases and balance transfers
- Rewards not as valuable for infrequent travelers or those who don’t usually fly Delta
Additional Card Details
- Annual companion certificate good for domestic main cabin round trip flight (taxes and fees still apply)
- First checked bag free for you and up to nine companions on the same flight reservation
- Up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
- Earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 with your card in a calendar year (up to two times)
- Priority boarding
- 20% back on in-flight spending
- Delta SkyClub lounge access for a reduced rate of $39 per visit, (See Rates & Fees)
- No foreign transaction fees (See Rates & Fees)
- Travel protections
0% Intro APR and Low Interest Credit Cards
Credit cards that offer 0% APR on new purchases can help you save on a large upcoming expense you want to pay off over time.
Many 0% APR cards also offer rewards for spending, although you’ll typically sacrifice some intro offer length for ongoing rewards. Cardholder perks can also vary but may include benefits like purchase protection or extended warranties.
While 0% APR credit cards do let you avoid interest for a while, keep in mind that these offers don’t last forever. Typically, credit cards with 0% APR offer high variable rates after their initial offers end. It’s best to pay off as much of your balance as you can before the interest-free period ends, because interest will accrue on any remaining balance. Have a plan to pay your balance in full before you open the card.
Who they’re best for: Credit cards with 0% APR offers work well for people who want to make a large purchase and pay it down over time. Just make sure you’re able to pay your balance in full by the end of the intro period, or else risk taking on high interest on the remaining balance.
0% APR credit cards to consider:
- Intro offer:$200
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:19.24% – 27.99% Variable
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
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. Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Extensive tiered rewards structure
- Rotating bonus rewards categories every quarter
- Valuable welcome bonus offer
- Introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- High ongoing APR after intro period
- Rotating quarterly bonus categories capped after $1,500 in spending
- Keeping track of rewards categories may be more complex than some other cash back cards
Additional Card Details
- 0% introductory APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers (19.24% – 27.99% variable APR thereafter) ; intro balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days
- 5% cash back on qualifying Lyft rides through March 2025
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
- Cell phone protection
- Free credit score and monitoring
- Access to Chase Offers savings
- Intro offer:N/A
- Annual fee:$0*
- Regular APR:9.99% – 19.99% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score:740-850 (Excellent)
NextAdvisor’s Take
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles
- $100 welcome offer
- Relatively low ongoing APR after intro period
- No rewards or cash back opportunities
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Few added benefits
Additional Card Details
- $100 bonus after you spend $1,000 or more in first three billing cycles
- Balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater, within the first 90 days
- Access to travel and emergency assistance services
- $0 fraud liability and PNC Easy Lock
Student Credit Cards
Student credit cards are geared specifically toward college students who want to build credit while establishing positive credit habits. These credit cards are easier to qualify for than general rewards cards, and they tend to come with no annual fee.
The specifics of student credit cards vary quite a bit from there, but many offer rewards or cash back for each dollar spent as well as intro APR offers. You may also get some benefits specifically geared toward students, like annual credits for earning good grades.
Who they’re best for: Student credit cards are for college students and young adults who want to build credit with a credit card.
Student credit cards to consider:
- Intro offer:$50
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:19.24% Variable
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases plus $20 Good Standing Rewards after each account anniversary for up to 5 years.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Earn 1% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- $20 reward each year your account is in good standing (for the first five years)
- Credit line increase in as little as five months
- Lower rewards rate than some other student credit cards
- 3% foreign transaction fees
- High ongoing APR
Additional Card Details
- Access your credit score for free through Chase Credit Journey
- Qualify for a credit line increase after five on-time payments within the first 10 months of account opening
- Purchase protection against damage or theft worth up to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per account
- Extended warranty — an additional year of coverage for items that come with a manufacturer’s warranty of three years or less
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance worth up to $1,500 per person and up to $6,000 per eligible trip
- Fraud monitoring
- Can redeem rewards for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Intro offer:Cashback Match™
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:17.24% – 26.24% Variable APR
- Recommended credit score:(No Credit History)
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Secured Credit Cards
If you check your credit and find out your score is low or nonexistent, a secured credit card may be the only type of credit card you can qualify for.
Secured credit cards require a cash deposit as collateral, which acts as your credit limit. Your payments are reported to the three credit bureaus, which can help you build credit as you use the card responsibly. Once your credit score is in good shape, you can always upgrade or cancel your secured card and get your security deposit back.
Many of the best secured credit cards available today don’t charge an annual fee, may offer rewards on your spending, and even let you get started with a security deposit as low as $49.
Who they’re best for: Secured credit cards work well for people who need to build or repair their credit but cannot get approved for an unsecured credit card.
Secured credit cards to consider:
- Intro offer:Cashback Match™
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:27.24% Variable APR
- Recommended credit score:(No Credit History)
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Build credit, even with limited credit history
- Automatic monthly account reviews after 7 months to determine if you qualify for a refunded deposit
- Earn rewards on your spending
- Requires security deposit (minimum $200)
- High APR
Additional Card Details
- Cashback Match first-year bonus: Discover will automatically match all the rewards you earn at the end of your first year
- Refundable security deposit between $200 and $2,500 required, which will act as your credit limit
- Automatic review your account after seven months to determine if you’re eligible to get your deposit back and upgraded to an unsecured card
- Intro offer:N/A
- Annual fee:None
- Regular APR:26.24% Variable
- Recommended credit score:(No Credit History)
NextAdvisor’s Take
- No annual fee
- Establish and build credit
- Can deposit up to $4,900 for a higher credit limit
- No intro offer or rewards
- Must deposit at least $300 upon account opening
- High variable APR
Additional Card Details
- Minimum security deposit of $300 (maximum up to $4,900)
- Periodic account review to determine if you’re eligible to have your deposit returned
- Secured card available to people with no credit
- Account alerts and FICO credit score access
- 3% foreign transaction fee
*All information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by NextAdvisor and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
