Best Credit Cards for December 2024

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.

TIME Stamped best credit card picks

card_name

Best cash-back card

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Learn More

Best cash-back card

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles_full

Product details:

Introductory Offer:

• Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year), which can add up to $300 in cash back!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.

Intro Card Rewards:

• 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, our top-tier rewards program where you can redeem for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more.
• 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
• 3% cash back on all other purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year).

After the First Year or $20,000 Spent Card Rewards:

• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠.
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Additional Benefits:

• No minimum to redeem for cash back. Choose a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards never expire as long as your account is open!
• No annual fee – Enjoy all the great features of your Freedom Unlimited® card without paying an annual fee.
• Credit Monitoring – Keep track of your credit health with Chase Credit Journey, offering free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.

Member FDIC

• Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
• Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee

Why we like it:

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® 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:

Read our full review here.

Citi Double Cash® Card

Best flat-rate cash back card

Citi Double Cash® Card

Best flat-rate cash back card

Citi Double Cash® Card

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles_full

Product details:

• 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, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, 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).

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 annual_fees annual fee.

Pros & cons:

Read our full review here.

card_name

Best card for grocery shopping

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Learn More

Best card for grocery shopping

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles

Product details:

Introductory Offer:

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.24% to 29.24%.

Card Rewards:

• 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 at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Additional Benefits:

• Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That's $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Fees:

• Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
• Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee

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:

Read our full review here.

card_name

Best card for entertainment

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Learn More

Best card for entertainment

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles

Product details:

Introductory Offer:

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
• Benefit from a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that, a variable APR of 19.49% - 29.49% applies. Note that balance transfer fees may apply.

Card Rewards:

• Get 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). Plus, earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Enjoy 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
• Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Capital One guarantees the best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply.
• No need to worry about rotating categories or sign-ups to earn rewards. Cash back won't expire for the life of the account, and there's no cap on earnings.

Additional Details:

• No foreign transaction fees.
• No annual fee.

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:

Read our full review here.

card_name

Best travel card

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

Learn More

Best travel card

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

Credit score needed

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles_full

Product details:

Introductory Offer:

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening and redeem them through ChaseTravel℠ for $900 toward travel.

Card Rewards:

• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
• Earn 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Additional Benefits:

• Annual Travel Credit: Receive $300 as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Get 50% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• Point Transfer: 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
• Airport Lounge Access: Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®.
• Travel Protections: Includes Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, and more.

Member FDIC

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:

Read our full review here.

card_name

Best travel insurance card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Learn More

Best travel insurance card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles_full

Product details:

Introductory Offer:

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Card Rewards:

• 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries.
• 2x points on all other travel purchases.
• 1x points on all other purchases.

Additional Benefits:

• $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit and more.
• Get 25% more value when redeeming points for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For instance, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
• Lost Luggage Insurance
• Complimentary DashPass Access: Enjoy $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for at least one year when activated by December 31, 2027.

Member FDIC

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:

Read our full review here.

card_name

Best card for lounge access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Learn More

Best card for lounge access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles

Product details:

Introductory Offer:

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and choose your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.

Card Rewards:

• 5X Membership Rewards® Points: Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year. Also, earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on services like Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.

Additional Benefits:

• Global Lounge Collection®: Enjoy complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, offering more lounge options than any other credit card issuer.

• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back each month.

• $200 Airline Fee Credit*: Select one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.

• $200 Uber Cash*: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status are available to Basic Card Members only. Terms apply.

• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Get up to $199 back per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership when you use your Card. CLEAR® lanes are available at over 100 airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.

• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® Credit: Receive a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® application fee when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.

• Shop Saks* with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue stores or saks.com. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.

• Global Dining* Access by Resy: Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.

• Annual Fee: $695.

• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

  *Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Terms apply.

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:

Read our full review here.

card_name

Best balance transfer card

Citi Simplicity® Card

Best balance transfer card

Citi Simplicity® Card

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles_full

Product details:

• No Let Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
• 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.99% based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
• 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).
• Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock
• Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
• Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee

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:

Read our full review here.

card_name

Best student card

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Learn More

Best student card

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles

Product details:

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
• Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
• Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
• Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
• Build your credit with responsible card use
• Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you

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:

Best card for dining out

American Express® Gold Card

Learn More

Best card for dining out

American Express® Gold Card

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles

Product details:

Introductory Offer:

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Card Rewards:

• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 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.

Additional Benefits:

• $120 Uber* Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining* Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Discover more than 1,000 luxury hotels globally with The Hotel Collection and enjoy a $100 credit for eligible expenses with every booking of two nights or more via AmexTravel.com. Eligible expenses differ by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Fees:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325. Terms Apply.

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:

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Read our full review here.

Best card for building credit

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Learn More

Best card for building credit

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles

Product details:

• No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you're approved in seconds
• Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
• Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
• Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
• You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
• Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
• Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
• Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee

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:

Best card for small businesses

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Learn More

Best card for small businesses

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles_full

Product description:

Introductory Offer:

Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. That’s equivalent to $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Card Rewards:

• 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year.
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Additional Benefits:

• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases.
• Zero Liability: You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more. Points don’t expire as long as your account is open.
• 25% More Value: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠.
• Covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

Member FDIC

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:

Read our full review here.

card_name

Best card for business cash back

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Learn More

Best card for business cash back

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles

Product details:

Introductory Offer:

• Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months.
• Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500,000 spent during the first year. You can earn this bonus multiple times over the course of year 1!

Card Rewards:

• Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions.
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Additional Benefits:

• Enjoy purchasing power that adapts to your business needs. The Spark Cash Plus card has no preset spending limit, adapting based on your spending behavior, payment history, credit profile, and other factors.
• Empower your teams to make business purchases while you earn rewards from their transactions with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease.
• $150 annual fee—spend $150,000 annually and Capital One will refund this fee every year.
• Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month.
• Ideal for businesses that need large spending capacity and want to maximize cash back.

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:

Read our full review here.

Revenued Business Card

Best card for limited or damaged business credit

Revenued Business Card

View Offer

Best card for limited or damaged business credit

Revenued Business Card

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles

Product details:

• No origination fees, maintenance fees, or draw fees.
• As your revenue increases, your spending limit increases.
• Only pay for the working capital you need.
• Approvals based on your business revenue and not personal credit.
• Access cash on demand via the Flex Line with funds deposited straight into your bank account.
• Fast and easy - apply online and receive a funding decision in as little as an hour.
• 24/7 access to business funding – via mobile app and Visa business card.
• Revenued Reports to D&B to help build your business credit.
• Access to a dedicated U.S-based account manager.
• Rated Excellent on Trustpilot with 600+ reviews.
• Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
• Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee

Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full

Bonus rewards: None.

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 annual fee, no monthly fees, and no hidden fees.

Pros & cons:

card_name

Best card for saving on gas

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Best card for saving on gas

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles

Product details:

• Discover one of Citi's best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
• 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
• Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico

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:

Read our full review here.

card_name

Bes for Amazon shopping

Prime Visa

Bes for Amazon shopping

Prime Visa

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Annual fees

annual_fees

Welcome offer

bonus_miles_full

Product details:

Introductory Offer:

• Receive a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval, exclusively for Prime members.

Card Rewards:

• Earn unlimited 5% back on purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and Chase Travel for Prime members (or 3% for non-Prime members). These points can be redeemed for future Amazon.com purchases, cash back, gift cards, or travel via Chase.
• Get unlimited 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshares).
• Enjoy unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.

Additional Details:

• No annual fee.
• Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
• Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee

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:

Read our full review here.

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.

Best credit cards comparison chart

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.

More about credit cards

What are the different types of credit cards?

There are many types of credit cards, all of which are included in this ranking of the best credit cards. As you compare card offers and look for the right fit for your wallet, consider which credit card types might serve you best.

Cash back credit cards offer generous rewards on all your spending, (usually with no annual fee). Many cards in this niche also offer introductory APRs for purchases, balance transfers, or both, and most offer a sign-up bonus to boot.

Rewards credit cards offer flexible points that can be redeemed for travel in more than one way. In most cases rewards earned with a flexible card can be redeemed for travel through a portal or for points transfers to airline and hotel partners. Many flexible travel credit cards also let users redeem for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, and other alternative redemptions. Examples of flexible travel cards include cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, American Express Membership Rewards points, Capital One Miles, or points in the Citi ThankYou program.

Airline credit cards are credit cards are co-branded with an airline, so they offer airline miles instead of flexible points. As an example, American AAdvanage credit cards earn a rewards currency called "Loyalty Points," whereas Southwest credit cards earn points in theSouthwest Rapid Rewards program. In addition to letting you earn airline miles, many airline credit cards offer benefits such as free checked bags and priority boarding.

There are also hotel credit cards to consider, which are co-branded with hotel loyalty programs such as Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and Wyndham Rewards. These cards earn hotel loyalty points you can redeem for free hotel nights, room upgrades, and more. Some hotel credit cards also come with automatic elite status and all the perks that come with it.

Balance transfer credit cards

Balance transfer cards offer 0% introductory APRs for debts you transfer from other credit cards and loans. This gives you the chance to pay down debt faster and save money on interest along the way. However, balance transfer fees (typically 3% or 5% of the debt amount transferred) usually apply.

Also be aware that the regular variable APR applies after the introductory offer ends.

0% APR credit cards

Some credit cards offer 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for a limited time. These cards tend to come with no annual fee, and some even offer rewards for spending.

Note, however, that the regular variable APR applies after the introductory offer ends.

Student credit cards

Student credit cards are geared to college students, so they are easier to qualify for than other unsecured credit cards. Some student credit cards offer rewards for spending and other benefits, such as a free credit score. Most student credit cards don't charge an annual fee.

Business credit cards

Business credit cards are geared to small business owners, sole proprietors, side hustlers, and entrepreneurs. These cards let business owners earn rewards on their business purchases, and they help keep business and personal spending separate for tax purposes.

Secured credit cards

Where unsecured credit cardsdon't require any collateral, secured credit cards require a cash deposit to "secure" the line of credit in the first place. With a security deposit, however, consumers with bad credit and even no credit have the chance to qualify. That's why secured credit cards are commonly referred to as "starter credit cards."

While many secured credit cards offer rewards for purchases and don't charge an annual fee, the main benefit of these cards is the fact that they build credit by reporting your payments to the credit bureaus.

How to apply for a credit card

Once you find the best credit card for your needs, you'll need to take a few simple steps to complete an application. Fortunately, all the steps required to apply for a new credit card can be executed online and from the comfort of your home.

Check your credit scores

Before you apply for a credit card, you'll want to have a general idea of where your credit score falls on the spectrum. We recommend taking steps to check your credit score for free, which you can do with any number of platforms including Capital One CreditWise and Chase Credit Journey.

You may also find that some credit cards let you get "prequalified" without a hard inquiry on your credit reports. This step doesn't help you check your credit scores, but it can help you gaugage your approval odds before you apply for a specific card product.

Read over the terms and fine print

No matter which credit card you decide is best, you'll want to read over the terms and conditions and fine print. Make sure you have a full understanding of any fees that are charged, including annual fees, late fees, and more. Also note the credit card's interest rate and how it compares to average, as well as the details of a card's intro APR offer if it has one.

If your preferred credit card has a rewards program, make sure you understand how rewards are doled out, as well as the minimum spending requirements and timeline to earn the card's sign-up bonus.

Gather your personal information

Next up, you'll want to gather relevant personal information that's required on all credit card applications. This includes some details you'll know off the top of your head, like your full name, address, and contact information. However, you'll also need to supply details you may have to look up like your Social Security number (SSN), annual household income, monthly housing payment, and more.

Provide thorough, honest information

Finally, move forward with a credit card application online and fill in the prompts with the best, most honest information you can. Once you're ready, you can hit "submit application" and wait to see your results. Many credit card issuers will process your application while you wait and give you an answer either way within a few minutes’ time. Others will contact you via email and take up to 30 days to approve you or deny you for the card you want.

If you aren’t approved for the card you applied for, don't panic. You may need to work on improving your credit score before you apply again. In the meantime, consider other credit cards you could get approved for now based on your credit profile, including credit cards for fair credit and secured credit cards for credit-building.

Alternatives to credit cards

• Debit cards: Consider the benefits of using a debit card for purchases, although you'll need an eligible checking account to qualify. Also be aware that unlike credit cards, which let you borrow money, debit cards draw from money in your account to cover your purchases. Note, however, that using debit cards will not help you build a good credit score.
• Home equity loans: Home equity loans come with fixed interest rates and fixed monthly payments, and they use the value of your home as collateral. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), most lenders will only let you access up to 80% of your home's equity through a first mortgage and a home equity loan.
• Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs): Home equity lines of credit also use the value of your home as collateral, although they offer a line of credit you can borrow against (instead of a lump sum), and they typically have variable interest rates. With a HELOC, your monthly payment is based on how much you borrow from your credit line.
• Personal loans: Also called “installment loans,” this type of loan lets you borrow a lump sum with a fixed monthly payment, a set repayment term you agree to ahead of time, and fixed interest rates that are typically lower than you get with credit cards. In fact, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System data shows that, as of February 2024, the average interest rate on 24-month personal loans worked out to 12.49%, while the average rate for credit accounts assessed interest was 22.63%.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How many credit cards should you have?

The right number of credit cards is different for everyone. Ideally, you'll end up with a number of cards that help you maximize rewards and cardholder perks with the lowest interest rates and fees possible.

What is the easiest credit card to get?

The easiest credit card to get is typically a secured credit card, because it requires you to put down a cash deposit as collateral. That said, it's easier to qualify for most credit cards when you have good credit or better, meaning a FICO score of 670 or higher.

What are the best credit card offers right now?

Some of the best credit card offers right now include sign up bonuses which will generate $750 redeemed through travel rewards, like with the card_name.