- bonus_miles_full.
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
- Additional 5x cash back on travel purchased through the Ultimate Rewards program, 3x on dining, and 3x on drugstore purchases.
- Extra 1.5% earned the first year up to $20,000.
Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.
The best credit cards on the market change over time as card issuers update their promotions and new card offers are introduced. That's why we created this list that's updated on a regular basis. Here you can find out which credit cards are the most promising at the moment, including travel credit cards, cash back credit cards, 0% APR credit cards, and other credit card categories.
Read on to learn about the best credit cards in 2024, why we picked them, and how each card we selected can help you reach your goals.
Best credit cards 2024: Summary
- Best cash-back credit card: card_name
- Best credit card for grocery shopping: card_name
- Best gas credit card: card_name
- Best credit card for entertainment: card_name
- Best travel credit card: card_name
- Best credit card for travel insurance: card_name
- Best credit card for lounge access: card_name
- Best credit card for balance transfer: card_name
- Best credit card for Amazon shopping: card_name
- Best student credit card: card_name
- Best credit card for dining: card_name
- Best credit card for building credit: card_name
- Best credit card for small businesses: card_name
- Best business cash-back credit card: card_name
- Best business credit card for limited or damaged credit: card_name
- Best flat-rate cash-back credit card: Citi Double Cash® Card
Why we recommend these cards
Best cash-back credit card: card_name
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Intro APR
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Balance transfer intro apr
balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it
The card_name is a solid flat-rate earnings card with annual_fee_disclaimer annual fee. Although the 1.5% cash back doesn’t seem impressive at first glance, it becomes more valuable when combined with other rewards cards from Chase that can be redeemed for a far greater value.
This card is recommended for everyday use, whether for doctor copays or big box store purchases. It can be a large earner for cardmembers who want to get the most out of their everyday spending.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Up to $20,000 spent in the first year: 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (takeout and delivery services included), 3% on all other purchases. Post $20,000 spent or first year: 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (takeout and delivery services included), 1.5% on all other purchases.
Why we chose it: The card_name was selected as the best cash-back credit card due to its quarterly bonus categories that earn 5% cash-back, its generous rewards for drugstore and dining purchases, and its intro 0% APR offer for purchases and balance transfers.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
- 5% cash advance and balance transfer fees.
- 3% foreign transaction fee.
- Only available for cardholders with a good credit score.
Read our full review here.
Best credit card for grocery shopping: card_name
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 6% cash back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1% back), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% back on other purchases. Terms Apply.
Why we chose it: We picked the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express as best for groceries due to its sky-high rewards rate in this category. The card also has an impressive welcome offer and intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers (Rates & Fees).
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Highest bonus rewards rate for U.S. supermarkets and U.S. streaming subscriptions
- Generous rewards for U.S. gas stations and transit
- annual fee (Rates & Fees)
- Introductory intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration (Rates & Fees); then reg_apr,reg_apr_type
- Comes with purchase protection and return protection
- Terms Apply.
Cons:
- Bonus rewards cap at U.S. supermarkets
- Rewards only redeemable for statement credits
- High Go-To APR () after introductory APR period ends (Rates & Fees)
- Charges in foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees)
- Annual fee after year one (Rates & Fees)
- Requires credit
Read our full review here.
Best gas credit card: card_name
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 4% cash back on up to $7,000 spent on eligible gas and EV charging purchases per year (then 1% back), 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel, 2% on purchases from Costco and Costco.com, and 1% back on other spending.
Why we chose it: While the card_name members only, this card offers 4% cash back on up to $7,000 spent on eligible gas and EV charging purchases per year (then 1% back). This means bonus rewards on gas are available at nearly any gas station—not just at Costco.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Exceptional rewards on gas and EV charging purchases
- Great earning rate for dining, travel, and Costco spending
- annual_fees annual fee for Costco members
- foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- No welcome offer
- High APR (reg_apr,reg_apr_type) if you carry a balance
- Must be a Costco member
- Rewards only redeemable once per year
- Rewards only redeemable for Costco merchandise or cash back in stores
- Requires credit_score_needed credit score
Read our full review here.
Best credit card for entertainment: card_name
Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonsu rewards: Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery spending (Excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and 1% back on other purchases; also earn 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we chose it: The offers the best rewards rate on entertainment purchases—including concerts, amusement parks, zoos, professional sporting events, and more.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Profitable rewards rate on entertainment, dining, and more
- 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemptions for rewards
- ; then reg_apr,reg_apr_type and ; then balance_transfer_fees
Cons:
- Requires credit
- High APR () after intro APR period ends
Read our full review here.
Best travel credit card: card_name
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
This card's generous benefits and flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points make it an excellent deal for those who can use them. Users get a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (retail value $469), a $300 annual travel credit that applies to travel purchases each year, 50% more value when redeeming their rewards for travel through Chase, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, and a generous suite of travel insurance benefits.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 10X points on hotel and rental car purchases through Chase (after the first $300 in travel spending is met), 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase (after the first $300 in travel spending is met), 3X points on travel and dining worldwide, and 1X points on other purchases; also earn 10X points on Lyft rides through Dec. 31, 2024.
Why we chose it: We chose the as the best travel credit card due to its affiliation with the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, its exceptional travel perks, and its generous bonus categories for rewards.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Comes with a $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (valued at $469)
- 50% more value redeeming points for travel through Chase
- Points transfer 1:1 to Chase airline and hotel partners
- Points redeemable for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more
- $100 fee credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck membership
- Best selection of travel insurance benefits of all travel credit cards
- Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
- Instacart benefits
- foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- annual fee
- High APR () if you carry a balance
- Requires credit
Read our full review here.
Best credit card for travel insurance: card_name
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
This card offers many different options for points redemption, so it’s great for cardholders who want flexibility. If you travel or stay with any of the partner airlines or hotels, this can be a good way to take advantage of loyalty programs and redeem points directly for even more value.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 annual hotel credit); 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services; 2X points on other travel; and 1X points on other purchases; also, you can earn 5X points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025.
Why we chose it: The card doesn't have as many travel perks as the , but it offers the same rewards flexibility and its own selection of top bonus categories. Cardholders also get access to a range of travel insurance benefits on a complimentary basis.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Value of 25% more when you redeem points for travel through Chase
- Points transfer 1:1 to Chase airline and hotel partners
- Can also redeem points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more
- Generous travel insurance benefits
- Annual hotel credit benefit of $50
- Rewards anniversary bonus of 10%
- Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
- Instacart benefits
- foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- High APR () if you carry a balance
- Requires credit
Read our full review here.
Best credit card for lounge access: card_name
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on airfare booked with airlines and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on other eligible travel booked through American Express Travel, and 1X point for every eligible dollar spent. Terms Apply.
Why we chose it: The offers superior point flexibility for travel, as well as the most robust airport lounge membership of all travel credit cards. Members get access to Priority Pass lounges, Amex Centurion lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs when they fly with Delta.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Comes with Global Lounge Collection, the best airport lounge membership of all travel credit cards
- Comes with $1,500+ in statement credits for airline incidentals, eligible hotel bookings, and more
- Automatic elite hotel status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
- Superior rewards rate for eligible airfare and prepaid hotel bookings
- Points transfer to Amex airline and hotel partners
- Other redemptions for travel through AmexTravel.com, gift cards, statement credits, and more
- Terms Apply.
Cons:
- Very high annual fee of (Rates & Fees)
- High APR () if you carry a balance (Rates & Fees)
- Annual credits are notoriously difficult to use
- Requires credit
Read our full review here.
Best credit card for balance transfer: card_name
Citi Simplicity Card
Citi Simplicity Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: None
Why we chose it: The card_name comes with the longest intro APR of all credit cards on the market today (balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration), and it has annual_fees annual fee.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Lengthy intro APR offer for balance transfers
- annual_fees annual fee
- late_payment_fee late fees or penalty rate
- Free FICO score
- Choose your own due date
Cons:
- No rewards
- High APR (reg_apr,reg_apr_type) after intro APR period ends
- Shorter intro APR for purchases
- balance_transfer_fees;
- Charges foreign_transaction_fee in foreign transaction fees
- credit_score_needed credit required
Read our full review here.
Best credit card for Amazon shopping: card_name
Prime Visa
Prime Visa
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
The Prime Visa is one of the most versatile cash back credit cards you can open because of its monster return rate at Amazon and Whole Foods. Between those two brands, you can get just about anything you’d possibly need.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases, Amazon in-store purchases, and Whole Foods Market spending, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% back on other spending.
Why we chose it: The card_name offers an astronomical cash-back rate of 5% back on Amazon.com, Amazon in-store purchases, and spending at Whole Foods Market. It has annual_fees annual fee, and there are foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees to worry about.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Great rewards rate for Amazon and Whole Foods spending
- Potential to earn 10% back on eligible purchases with Prime Card Bonus
- Good selection of travel insurance benefits
- Comes with Visa Signature perks
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Rewards redeemable for Amazon purchases, gas back, gift cards, travel, and more
Cons:
- Amazon Prime membership required
- High APR if you carry a balance
- Good-to-excellent credit required
Read our full review here.
Best student credit card: card_name
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on all spending, plus 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we chose it: The is available for consumers with "" credit, meaning FICO scores from 580 to 669. It helps build credit as a result, and student cardholders get to earn 1.5% in cash back on their purchases with annual fee.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Available for fair credit borrowers
- Builds credit by reporting to the credit bureaus
- Generous flat-rate rewards for spending
- Rewards have flexible redemption options
- Complimentary Uber benefits
- annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Must be a student to apply
- High APR () if you carry a balance
Best credit card for dining:
American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Gold Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 4X points on dining worldwide, 4X points on up to $25,000 spent each year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1X points), 3X points on airfare booked with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and 1X points on other purchases. Terms Apply.
Why we chose it: is best for dining due to its lucrative rewards rate for all the best food and drink money can buy. Cardholders earn 4X points on dining worldwide and 4X points on up to $25,000 spent each year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1X points).
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Very high rewards rate on eligible food spending, plus airfare
- Comes with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (doled out monthly)
- $120 annual dining credit (doled out monthly)
- Points transfer to Amex airline and hotel partners
- Membership Rewards redeemable for statement credits, gift cards, and more
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- High annual_fees annual fee
- High APR if you carry a balance
- Annual credits notoriously difficult to use
- credit_score_needed credit required
Read our full review here.
Best credit card for building credit:
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn a flat 1.5% cash back on all spending.
Why we chose it: This secured credit card offers 1.5% cash back on all spending and has annual fee, and you can check for preapproval online without a hard inquiry on your credit reports. Note that as this is a secured credit card, a minimum security deposit of $200 is required.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Reports to the credit bureaus help you build credit
- Cash back on all purchases
- Flexible rewards redemptions
- Check your approval odds before you apply
- annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Automatic credit line reviews after six months
Cons:
- Security deposit required
- High APR () if you carry a balance
- Available for credit
Best credit card for small businesses:
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
The is the best business card for travel due to its rewards flexibility, foreign transaction fees, and protective consumer benefits.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: You earn 3X points per dollar on up to $150,000 in combined spending in eligible business categories each year (then 1X points) and 1X points on other purchases. Categories that earn 3x points include shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, select advertising purchases, and travel.
Why we chose it: The is the best small business card for travel due to its rewards flexibility, foreign transaction fees, and protective consumer benefits.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Generous bonus rewards in popular business categories
- Value of 25% more when you redeem points for travel through Chase
- Points transfer 1:1 to Chase airline and hotel partners
- Other flexible redemptions include cash back, gift cards, merchandise, and more
- foreign transaction fees
- Free employee cards
- Comes with primary auto rental coverage when you rent a car for business purposes
- Has purchase protection and extended warranties
Cons:
- High APR () if you carry a balance
- High spending threshold to earn welcome offer
- credit required
Read our full review here.
Best business cash back credit card: card_name
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Why we chose it: The offers a flat 2% cash back on all spending, and it comes without a set credit limit.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Higher cash-back rate than other business cards
- Charge card with no preset spending limit
- Earn a $200 cash bonus when you spend $200,000 or more in a year
- Free employee cards
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Must pay your credit card balance in full each month
- 2.99% monthly late fee when you don't pay your balance in full
- High annual fee of
- credit required
Read our full review here.
Best business credit card for limited or damaged credit: Revenued Business Card
Revenued Business Card
Revenued Business Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 3% cash back on every purchase.
Why we chose it: You may be able to get approved for the Revenued Business Card regardless of your credit, which helps this card stand out from the competition. This business card also comes with , no monthly fees, and no hidden fees. Note, however, that this card is a unique combination of a prepaid card and a business line of credit.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- No hard credit inquiry to apply
- Approvals based on your business revenue and not your credit
- Very lucrative rewards rate for spending
- No annual fee or hidden fees
Cons:
- Interest charges based on a "factor rate" that is applied to purchases automatically
- Substantial business revenue required
- Doesn't help build credit
Best flat-rate cash back credit card: Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Bonus rewards: Earn 2% cash back on everything—1% when a purchase is made and another 1% when it's paid off.
Why we chose it: The Citi Double Cash® Card lets cardholders earn 2% cash back on everything—1% when a purchase is made and another 1% when it's paid of —and there is a $0 (Rates & Fees) annual fee.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Lucrative flat-rate rewards on all purchases
- Rewards come with flexible redemption options
- Annual Fee: $0
Cons:
- Charges foreign_transaction_fee in foreign transaction fees
- Intro APR does not apply to purchases
- High APR (reg_apr,reg_apr_type) after intro offer ends for balance transfers
- Requires credit_score_needed credit
Read our full review here.
Best credit cards comparison chart
| Card name | Best for | Welcome points | Annual fee | Minimum credit required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash-back | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Groceries | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Gas | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Entertainment | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Travel | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Travel insurance | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Lounge access | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Balance transfer | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Amazon | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Students | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Dining | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Building credit | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Small business | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Unlimited credit limit | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Limited or damaged credit | bonus_miles | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
Flat-rate cash-back | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed |
Our Methodology
Finding the best credit cards is challenging because credit card issuers offer different rewards programs, their own unique selection of perks, and card terms that can change over time. To find the best credit cards, we compared card offers based on the following criteria:
- Rewards rates (when applicable)
- Welcome offers (when applicable)
- Rewards flexibility
- Introductory APR offers
- Variable APRs
- Annual fees
- Consumer protections included
- Travel benefits and perks
- Travel insurance benefits
- Credit rating required
Ultimately, we looked for credit cards that offer the most lucrative rewards structures and welcome offers, as well as flexibility within their designated rewards programs. Some cards that don't offer rewards were evaluated based on other factors, including their fee structure, introductory interest rates, and regular variable APR. In all cases benefits such as consumer protections and travel insurance perks were taken into account.
How to choose the best credit card for you
The sheer number of top credit cards on this page can feel overwhelming, and there are many more cards that didn't quite make our ranking. The following steps can help you find the best credit card for your needs among the sea of available options.
Determine your goals
Before you can decide on the best credit card, you have to think about what you're trying to accomplish. After all, you'll pick a different card if you want to earn rewards than you will if you need to consolidate high-interest debt.
Our advice? Think over your credit card goals and what you want out of the process, whether that's earning cash back, racking up travel rewards, or getting 0% APR for a limited time.
Compare rewards programs
If you are interested in rewards, you'll want to look over credit card earning rates and how you can redeem your points. Also note that travel rewards programs can be notoriously complicated, so you may have to do some research to find the best travel credit card for your needs.
Decide which cardholder perks you want
Are you interested in consumer protections such as cell phone insurance or extended warranties? Maybe you want early boarding with your preferred airline, free checked bags, or airport lounge access. Whatever you desire, one of the best credit cards probably offers it.
Look at card fees
While paying an annual fee for a credit card isn't always fun, these fees can be worth it if you're getting exceptional value out of the rewards you earn or the perks you receive. In addition to evaluating annual fees, you should also look for foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, and other hidden fees.
Consider eligibility by credit score
Also consider your personal credit score and which card issuers might work for you based on their minimum credit requirements. Note in the chart below how some card issuers only offer credit cards to consumers with good-to-excellent credit, whereas others offer credit cards for fair and/or bad credit and secured credit cards.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
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