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Visa is one of the most widely accepted payment networks in the world. Accepted in more than 200 countries, Visa is a global leader in moving money.
Visa doesn't issue credit cards but partners with most major U.S. card issuers to offer Visa credit cards. There are 4.2 billion Visa cards worldwide. There's a good chance there's one in your wallet or purse now.
Visa credit cards come in all types to meet various consumer needs. The best Visa card for you depends on your spending habits, credit score, and goals.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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.
Best Visa credit cards: Summary
- Best travel credit card: card_name
- Best airline credit card: card_name
- Best hotel credit card: card_name
- Best cash back credit card: card_name
- Best credit card for flat-rate cash back rewards: Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Card
- Best credit card for no annual fee: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
- Best credit card for premium benefits: card_nameBest credit card for cash-back choices: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Best credit card for gas purchases: card_name
- Best credit card for small businesses: card_name
Why we recommend these Visa credit cards
Best travel credit card: card_name
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Rewads rate: Cardholders earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x miles on all other eligible purchases.
Why we recommend it: The card_name offers premium travel benefits, including a $300 annual credit for travel booked through Capital One Travel and the ability to transfer rewards to more than a dozen travel transfer partners. The card has a annual_fees annual fee, which is lower than other top-tier travel cards.
Other card_name perks include a 10,000-mile card anniversary bonus,up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years, airport lounge access, and Hertz President’s Circle Status.
Best airline credit card: card_name
United℠ Explorer Card
United℠ Explorer Card
Why we like it:
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Rewads rate: Cardholders earn 2x miles on United Airlines purchases, dining, and hotel stays and 1x miles on all other purchases. You can also bonus_miles_full.
Why we recommend it: While it's not a luxury airline card, the card_name offers a nice blend of airline benefits for a relatively low annual fee. This card costs annual_fees annual fee.
The card_name offers more than just basic benefits with the airline. It comes with a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and a companion, and priority boarding for the primary cardmember and travel companions on the same reservation. The card also provides two annual United Club passes, 25% back on inflight purchases, and up to a $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or NEXUS application fees every four years.
Best hotel credit card: card_name
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
Why we like it:
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Rewads rate: As a hotel card, it also rewards spending with Hyatt. You can earn up to 9x points with Hyatt— 4x points per dollar spent on purchases at all Hyatt hotels plus 5x base points for each dollar spent as a World of Hyatt member. The card also earns 2x points from restaurants, airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships. All other eligible purchases earn 1x points.
Why we recommend it: Hyatt is a fan favorite for many travelers, making the card_name a top choice for Hyatt loyalists. For a annual_fees annual fee, cardholders receive a wealth of value and benefits.
The card_name features several hotel perks, including one free night at any category 1 to 4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your card's opening anniversary. You can earn an additional free night if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year.
Other perks include automatic Hyatt Discoverist status plus annual credits toward the next status tier. There are also several travel protections, including baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and an auto rental collision damage waiver.
Best cash back credit card: card_name
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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
Rewards rate: The cash back rewards are impressive, too. You'll earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% at restaurants and drugstores, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.The no-annual-fee card also comes with a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and a balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration.
Why we recommend it: If you want a Visa that earns bonus cash back rewards, look no further than card_name. The card has an easily attainable welcome offer. Although the card is not great for international travel given its foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fee, it does come with several travel protections such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, an auto rental collision damage waiver, and travel and emergency assistance services.
Best credit card for flat-rate cash back rewards: Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
Welcome offer: None.
Rewards rate: Eligible cardholders will earn 2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases per billing cycle and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other qualifying eligible purchases. There are some hoops to jump through to earn Alliant’s highest cash-back tier. You need to open an Alliant High-Rate Checking and meet the following requirements each month:
- Opt in to receive eStatements
- Have at least one electronic deposit posted to the account each calendar month
- Maintain an average daily balance of $1,000 or more
Cardholders who don't meet those requirements earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all qualifying eligible purchases. Other card perks include travel accident insurance, an auto rental collision damage waiver, and roadside dispatch.
Why we recommend it: You must be an Alliant Credit Union member to apply for the Alliant Cashback Visa®Signature Credit Card, but it could be worth it to earn the card's elevated flat-rate cash back. If you don't meet the credit union's eligibility requirements through employment, family, or location, you can qualify by becoming a Foster Care to Success member. Alliant will even pay the one-time $5 membership fee on your behalf.
Best credit card for no annual fee: card_name
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
Rewards rate: You'll earn 4x points on dining; 2x points on groceries, at gas stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and on streaming services; and 1x points on all other eligible purchases.
Why we recommend it: If you want to get rewarded for spending but don't want to pay a fee, consider the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. In addition to its very generous welcome offer and rewards rate, the card also comes with a $15 credit for annual streaming services purchases like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Spotify. It's also a decent option for financing purchases and balance transfers. The card offers a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration on purchases and a balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration. After the introductory bonus period, the APR reverts toreg_apr,reg_apr_type.
Best credit card for premium benefits: card_name
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
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
Rewards rate: With card_name, you can earn 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when purchasing travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. In addition, you can get 10x points on Chase Dining, 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1x points on all other purchases. And your points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Why we recommend it: card_name offers a bounty of travel benefits and other perks. The card has a hefty annual_fees annual fee, but its value exceeds the fee as long as you take advantage of annual credits.
Other benefits include a $300 annual travel credit; a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Fee Credit up to $100 every four years; Priority Pass Select membership eligibility); trip cancellation/interruption insurance; an auto rental collision damage waiver; lost luggage reimbursement; trip delay reimbursement; and other travel and purchase protections.
Best credit card for cash-back choices: card_name
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Welcome offer: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Rewards rate: As a cardholder, you'll earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose, which can include fast food, TV, internet and streaming, home utilities, cell phone, and more. You'll also earn 2% cash back on one everyday category, which includes gas stations and EV charging stations, grocery stores, or restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Why we recommend it: The card_name offers a good cash back rate on gas, along with excellent rates in categories of your choice.
Another introductory perk is a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and a balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration.
Best credit card for gas purchases: card_name
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Rewards rate: The card earns 5x points on gas paid at the pump and EV charging stations, 3X points at the supermarket (including select Target and Walmart locations), restaurants and TV, radio, cable and streaming services, and 1X points on all other purchases. Points are redeemable for travel, gift cards, shopping and other options.
Why we recommend it: The card_name is our top choice for fueling up at gas stations. You'll earn a generous welcome bonus and won't pay any annual fee. The card_name offers 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers (after that, a variable APR of reg_apr,reg_apr_type applies). PenFed membership is required to apply for this card.
Best credit card for small businesses: card_name
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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
Rewards rate: This card earns 3x points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in the following categories each account anniversary year:
- Shipping purchases
- Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines
- Internet, cable, and phone services
- Travel
All other purchases earn 1x point per dollar spent.
Why we recommend it: The card_name is one of the best Visa cards for small businesses. The card has a annual_fees annual fee but offers more than enough value to make up for that.
The card_name has access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards program and flexible redemption options. Plus, points are worth 25% more when used to book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Other perks include complimentary employee cards, fraud and purchase protection, and no foreign transaction fees.
Best Visa credit cards compared 2024
| Visa credit card | Annual fee | Credit needed | Bonus rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
$0 | Excellent | N/A | |
$0 | Excellent | 20,000 points | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
$0 | Good, Excellent | $200 bonus | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles |
Our methodology
To find the best Visa cards, we compared cards based on the following criteria:
- Rewards rates
- Welcome offers
- Introductory APR offers
- Variable APRs
- Annual fees
- Card benefits and perks
- Travel benefits
- Consumer protections
The cards on this list represent the best Visa cards, either for a specific benefit or their overall strength of rewards and features.
Are Visa credit cards worth it?
Visa cards are among the most valued credit cards on the market. Visa is a payment network, not a card issuer, so it doesn't necessarily have much say in which benefits and features are included with a particular credit card. That said, all Visa credit cards offer basic benefits and protections such as roadside dispatch, complimentary identity-theft monitoring, and zero liability. Higher-tier Visa cards, such as Visa Signature and Visa Infinite, offer additional benefits and perks that add value to the existing rewards and perks card issuers offer.
How to choose the right Visa card for you
The best Visa card depends on your spending habits and whether you're willing to pay an annual fee for access to card benefits. It also depends on your credit score and history since some cards may require good to excellent credit to qualify.
Start by analyzing why you want a Visa credit card. Consider factors such as annual fees, welcome offers, APR, rewards structure, and additional card benefits until you find a card that aligns with your needs.
TIME Stamp: Visa is one of the most widely accepted cards worldwide
If you're looking for a credit card you can use nearly anywhere, look no further than a Visa card. Visa can be used in more than 200 countries and territories and is one of the most accepted digital payment technologies in the world. Card benefits and rewards vary significantly among the different cards, but all Visa cards come with basic benefits such as zero liability protection, roadside dispatch, and identity-theft monitoring.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is Visa a credit card issuer?
No. Visa is a payment network, not a credit card issuer. Visa connects cardholders with merchants and banks, authorizing and processing over 250 billion transactions annually.
Which credit cards are most widely accepted: Visa, Mastercard or American Express?
Visa and Mastercard are the most accepted credit cards worldwide. Both payment networks operate in more than 200 countries and territories.
Are Visa credit cards widely accepted internationally?
Yes, Visa credit cards are accepted by millions of merchants in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Do Visa credit cards offer purchase protection or extended warranties?
Many Visa credit cards offer purchase protection and extended warranty protection, but these are not standard benefits that come with all Visa credit cards. It’s up to the card issuer to include these types of additional perks, not Visa.
Can I transfer balances from other credit cards to a Visa credit card?
Many, but not all, credit cards allow you to transfer balances to a Visa credit card. Balance transfers are typically at the discretion of card issuers, not payment networks like Visa. Most credit card issuers do not allow you to transfer a balance from one of their cards to another of their cards.
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