Credit cards come with varied terms, fees, requirements, and rewards programs. Below, we list the best credit cards available now, grouped by feature (rewards, balance transfers, etc.) and starting with the best options in each category.
Note that we only provide general information about APRs and required credit. APR estimates are defined as:
- Low: 0% to 9.99%
- Moderate: 10% to 17.49%
- High: 17.59% to 24.99%
- Very high: 25% and up
The approximate credit tiers are:
- Poor: 579 and lower
- Fair: 580 to 619
- Average: 620 to 659
- Good: 660 to 719
- Excellent: 720 and up
Not sure which type of card you want? See our explanation of the different kinds of credit cards.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table
You can use the table below for a quick comparison of our top picks in each credit card category, then click any category or card, or scroll to the list below for more options. Note that you can sort by any column using the arrow buttons at the top of the table.
Credit Card Category | Our Top Pick | APR Range | Credit Score Requirement | Annual Fee | Rewards |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low Interest | First Tech Federal Credit Union Platinum Rewards Mastercard | Low to moderate | Good | None | 1x points on purchases |
Balance Transfer | Amex EveryDay | Moderate to high | Good | None | 1x to 2x points on purchases; 20% extra points when using the card 20 or more times in a billing cycle |
Rewards | American Express Gold | Moderate to high | Excellent | $250 | 1x to 4x points on purchases |
Cash Back | Alliant Cashback Visa Signature | Moderate to high | Excellent | $99 | 2.5% cash back on all purchases |
Travel | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Moderate to high | Good | $95 | 1x to 2x purchases |
Student | Discover It Student Chrome | High | Average | None | 1% to 2% cash back |
Business | Blue Business Cash Card from American Express | Moderate to high | Good | None | 2% cash back on eligible purchases |
Building Credit | Jasper Mastercard | Moderate | None | None | None |
Average Credit | Petal | Moderate to very high | Fair | None | 1% to 1.5% cash back on purchases |
Excellent Credit | American Express Gold | Moderate to high | Excellent | $250 | 1x to 4x points on purchases; $100 annual travel reimbursements |
Low-Interest Credit Cards
Low-interest credit cards are cards that charge lower-than-average APRs, meaning if you carry a balance, you’ll pay less for your purchases than you would with a higher-interest card. Our picks in this category have low to moderate APRs. Some also have interest-free introductory APRs that last for 12 months or longer.
1. First Tech Federal Credit Union Platinum Rewards Mastercard
- APR: Low to moderate[1]
- Card network: Mastercard
- Annual fee: None[1]
- Balance transfer fee: None[1]
- Introductory offers:
- Rewards: One point for every dollar spent on everyday purchases; points do not expire.[1]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[1]
- Apply
2. Andrews Federal Credit Union Titanium Rewards Visa Signature
- APR: Low to moderate[2]
- Card network: Visa
- Annual fee: None[2]
- Balance transfer fee: 1.5%, or $50, whichever is greater[2]
- Introductory offers: 10,000 points for qualifying purchases of $1,500 made within the first 90 days of account opening[2]
- Rewards: 3x points on gas and groceries; 1.5x points on all other purchases[2]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[2]
- Apply
3. Upgrade Card
Notes: The Upgrade Card provides a line of credit ranging from $500 to $50,000 rather than a traditional revolving credit card account. Most accounts will not be approved for more than $20,000. To receive the lowest, single-digit rates, you will need excellent credit and to enroll in autopay.
- APR: Low to very high[3]
- Card network: Visa
- Annual fee: None[3]
- Balance transfer fee: N/A[3]
- Introductory offers: None[3]
- Rewards: None[3]
- Minimum credit requirement: Fair[3]
- Apply
4. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
- APR: Moderate to high[4]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual fee: None[4]
- Balance transfer fee: Up to 1.33%[4]
- Introductory offers:
- 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months
- [4]
- 0% introductory plan fee on each purchase moved into a plan during the first 15 months
- [4]
- 20% back (up to $200) on Amazon.com purchases on the Card within the first six months
- [4]
- $150 back after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the Card within the first six months[4]
- Rewards: 3x points on groceries; 2x points on gas; 2x points on select stores; 1x points on all other purchases[4]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[4]
- Apply
5. Discover Cash Back
- APR: Moderate to high[5]
- Card network: Discover
- Annual fee: None[5]
- Balance transfer fee: 3% to 5% of the transfer amount[5]
- Introductory offers:
- Rewards: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter; 1% cash back on all other purchases[5]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[5]
- Apply
Balance Transfer Credit Cards
These cards offer lengthy introductory periods that waive interest charges on transferred balances. Note, though, that you may still need to pay transfer fees.
1. Amex EveryDay
- APR: Moderate to high[6]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual fee: None[6]
- Balance transfer fee: Up to 1.33% of each purchase[6]
- Introductory offers:
- Rewards: 20% extra points when using the card 20 times or more during a billing cycle; 2x points on supermarket purchases up to $6,000; 1x points on all other purchases[6]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[6]
- Apply
2. Citi Diamond Preferred
- APR: Moderate to high[7]
- Card network: Mastercard
- Annual Fee: None[7]
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater[7]
- Introductory offers: 0% intro APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers[7]
- Rewards: Members-only savings and entertainment events[7]
- Minimum credit requirement: Excellent[7]
- Apply
3. Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Platinum
- APR: Moderate to high[8]
- Card network: Visa
- Annual fee: None[8]
- Balance transfer fee: During the first 120 days, either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater; 5% for each transfer thereafter.[8]
- Introductory offers: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers[8]
- Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash rewards that do not expire[8]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[8]
- Apply
4. U.S. Bank Visa Platinum
- APR: Moderate to high[9]
- Card network: Visa
- Annual fee: None[9]
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater[9]
- Introductory offers: 0% intro APR for 20 months on purchases and balance transfers[9]
- Rewards: None[9]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[9]
- Apply
5. Citi Simplicity
- APR: Moderate to high[10]
- Card network: Mastercard
- Annual fee: None[10]
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater[10]
- Introductory offers: 0% intro APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers[10]
- Rewards: None[10]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[10]
- Apply
Rewards Credit Cards
Rewards credit cards offer cardholder perks like points redeemable for free stuff and statement credits. When used for everyday purchases and paid off monthly, rewards credit cards can be beneficial to the cardholder — though keep in mind that if you carry a balance, you will pay interest.
1. American Express Gold
- APR: Moderate to high[11]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual fee: $250[11]
- Balance transfer fee: Up to 1.33%[11]
- Introductory offers: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 during the first six months[11]
- Rewards:
- Minimum credit requirement: Excellent[11]
- Apply
2. U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa
- APR: Moderate to high[12]
- Card network: Visa
- Annual fee: None[12]
- Balance transfer fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater[12]
- Introductory offers: 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on purchases and balance transfers[12]
- Rewards: 4x points on takeout, food delivery, and groceries; 2x points on groceries and at gas stations; 1x points on all other purchases[12]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[12]
- Apply
3. Wells Fargo Propel American Express
- APR: Moderate to high[13]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual fee: None[13]
- Balance transfer fee: During the first 120 days, either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater; 5% for each transfer thereafter.[13]
- Introductory offers:
- Rewards: 3x points on eating out, ordering in, rideshare services, gas stations, flights, hotels, car rentals, and streaming services; 1x points on all other purchases[13]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[13]
- Apply
Cash Back Credit Cards
Cash back credit cards offer money back to you when you use your card to make purchases in particular categories. As with rewards credit cards, keep in mind that you will pay interest on your purchases if you carry a balance.
1. Alliant Cashback Visa Signature
- APR: Moderate to high[14]
- Card network: Visa
- Annual fee: $99[14]
- Balance transfer fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer[14]
- Introductory offers: Annual fee waived for the first year[14]
- Rewards: 2.5% cash back on all purchases[14]
- Minimum credit requirement: Excellent[14]
- Apply
2. Blue Cash Preferred
- APR: Moderate to high[15]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual fee: $95[15]
- Balance transfer fee: Up to 1.33% of each purchase[15]
- Introductory offers:
- Rewards: 6% back on groceries up to $6,000; 6% back on streaming services; 3% back on transit services and gas; 1% on all other purchases[15]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[15]
- Apply
3. Citi® Double Cash Card
- APR: Moderate to high[16]
- Card network: Mastercard[16]
- Annual fee: None[16]
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater[16]
- Introductory offers: 0% intro APR for 18 months from date of the first transfer[16]
- Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases; 1% additional cash back on purchases (Note that the 1% additional cash back doesn’t apply to interest payments.)[16]
- Minimum credit requirement: Excellent[16]
- Apply
4. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature
- APR: Moderate to high[17]
- Card network: Visa
- Annual fee: None, but you must be an Amazon Prime member, which costs either $12.99 per month or $119 when paid annually.[17]
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater[17]
- Introductory offers: None[17]
- Rewards: 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases; 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drug stores; 1% back on all other purchases[17]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[17]
- Apply
Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards are best for those who fly and stay at hotels frequently — for work or otherwise. In addition to other rewards, these cards offer travel perks like discounts and airline miles. They also tend not to have foreign transaction fees if you’re traveling internationally.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred
- APR: Moderate to high[18]
- Card network: Visa[18]
- Annual fee: $95[18]
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater[18]
- Introductory offers: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening[18]
- Rewards:
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[18]
- Apply
2. Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card
- APR: Moderate to high[19]
- Card network: Visa[19]
- Annual fee: $95[19]
- Balance transfer fee: 3% of the transfer amount[19]
- Introductory offers: 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months[19]
- Rewards:
- Minimum credit requirement: Excellent[19]
- Apply
3. American Express Platinum
- APR: Moderate to high[20]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual fee: $550[20]
- Balance transfer fee: Up to 1.33% of each purchase[20]
- Introductory offers: None[20]
- Rewards:
- Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for fees levied by one airline[20]
- Up to up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue[20]
- Up to $20 per month in statement credits for streaming services and wireless phone service charges[20]
- $15 in Uber Cash for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders[20]
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines and prepaid hotels[21]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[20]
- Apply
4. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
- APR: Moderate to high[22]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual fee: $450[22]
- Balance transfer fee: Up to 1.33% of each purchase[22]
- Introductory offers: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $4,000 within the first three months[22]
- Rewards:
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[22]
- Apply
5. Wells Fargo Propel American Express
- APR: Moderate to high[13]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual Fee: None[13]
- Balance transfer fee: During the first 120 days, either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater; 5% for each transfer thereafter.[13]
- Introductory offers:
- Rewards:
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[13]
- Apply
Student Credit Cards
Some credit card issuer make cards specifically for students. These cards typically accept applicants with minimal credit history and are designed to help students build credit.
1. Discover It Student Chrome
- APR: High[24]
- Card network: Discover
- Annual fee: None[24]
- Balance transfer fee: Intro fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer within the first few months of account opening; 5% thereafter[24]
- Introductory offers:
- Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants for a combined $1,000 each quarter; 1% cash back on all other purchases[24]
- Minimum credit requirement: Average
- Apply
2. Deserve EDU
- APR: High[25]
- Card network: Mastercard[25]
- Annual fee: None[25]
- Balance transfer fee: N/A[25]
- Introductory offers: One free year of Amazon Prime Student[25]
- Rewards:
- Minimum credit requirement: No credit history required[25]
- Apply
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited
- APR: Moderate to high[27]
- Card network: Visa[27]
- Annual fee: None[27]
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater[27]
- Introductory offers:
- Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases; statement credit of $100 for referrals (up to $500 total)[27]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[27]
- Apply
4. Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
- APR: Very high[28]
- Card network: Visa[28]
- Annual fee: None[28]
- Balance transfer fee: N/A[28]
- Introductory offers: None[28]
- Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases; boost to 1.25% by paying on time[28]
- Minimum credit requirement: Average[28]
- Apply
Business Credit Cards
The following credit cards are designed specifically for businesses and business owners.
1. Blue Business Cash Card from American Express
- APR: Moderate to high[29]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual fee: None[29]
- Balance transfer fee: If eligible, either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater[29]
- Introductory offers:
- Rewards: Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%[29]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[29]
- Apply
2. CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
- APR: Moderate to high[30]
- Card network: Mastercard
- Annual fee: $99[30]
- Balance transfer fee: N/A[30]
- Introductory offers:
- Rewards:
- Minimum credit requirement: Excellent
- Apply
3. Amazon Business American Express
- APR: Moderate to high[32]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual fee: None[32]
- Balance transfer fee: N/A[32]
- Introductory offers: Receive a $100 Amazon gift card[32]
- Rewards:
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[32]
- Apply
4. Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card
Note: This account requires a security deposit ranging from $500 to $25,000.
- APR: Moderate[33]
- Card network: Mastercard[33]
- Annual fee: $25 per card[33]
- Balance transfer fee: Varies[33]
- Introductory offers: None[33]
- Rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back or 1x points and receive 1,000 bonus points when your company spends $1,000 or more in any monthly billing period[33]
- Minimum credit requirement: No credit history required[33]
- Apply
Credit Cards for Building Credit
If you need to build or rebuild your credit, certain cards will be more willing to accept you regardless of your credit history. For more options, see our list of the best credit cards for bad credit.
1. Jasper Mastercard
- APR: Moderate[34]
- Card network: Mastercard
- Annual fee: None[34]
- Balance transfer fee: N/A[34]
- Introductory offers: None[34]
- Rewards: None[34]
- Minimum credit requirement: None. If you’ve recently arrived in the United States on a work visa, Jasper won’t conduct a hard credit pull.[34]
- Apply
2. OpenSky Secured Visa
Note: This account requires a security deposit of $200 to $3,000; you choose the amount.
- APR: Moderate[35]
- Card network: Visa
- Annual fee: $35[35]
- Balance transfer fee: N/A[35]
- Introductory offers: None[35]
- Rewards: None[35]
- Minimum credit requirement: None[35]
- Apply
3. DCU Visa Platinum Secured Card
Note: This account requires a linked DCU savings account.
- APR: Variable[36]
- Card network: Visa
- Annual fee: None[36]
- Balance transfer fee: None[36]
- Introductory offers: None[36]
- Rewards: None[36]
- Minimum credit requirement: None[36]
- Apply
4. Capital One Secured Mastercard
Note: This card requires a security deposit (minimum $49).
- APR: Very high[37]
- Card network: Mastercard
- Annual fee: None[37]
- Balance transfer fee: N/A[37]
- Introductory offers: None[37]
- Minimum credit requirement: None[37]
- Apply
Credit Cards for Average Credit
While borrowers with no credit likely could not get approved for the following cards, applicants with fair-to-average credit may receive favorable rates. You may also want to consider the cards listed in the previous section (for rebuilding credit).
1. Petal
- APR: Moderate to very high[38]
- Card network: Visa[38]
- Annual fee: None[38]
- Balance transfer fee: N/A[38]
- Introductory offers: None[38]
- Rewards: 1% to 1.5% cash back on purchases[38]
- Minimum credit requirement: Fair[38]
- Apply
2. Capital One Platinum Mastercard
- APR: Very high[39]
- Card network: Mastercard
- Annual fee: None[39]
- Balance transfer fee: N/A[39]
- Introductory offers: Automatically receive a review for a higher credit line after six months[39]
- Rewards: None[39]
- Minimum credit requirement: Fair[39]
- Apply
Credit Cards for Excellent Credit
If you have excellent credit, you have the widest array of credit cards to choose from. The following cards are the overall best options due to their rewards, introductory offers, and other features.
1. American Express Gold
- APR: Moderate to high[11]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual fee: $250[11]
- Balance transfer fee: Up to 1.33% of each purchase[11]
- Introductory offers: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 during the first six months[11]
- Rewards:
- Minimum credit requirement: Excellent[11]
- Apply
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve
- APR: Moderate to high[41]
- Card network: Visa[41]
- Annual Fee: $550, plus $75 for each authorized user[41]
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater[41]
- Introductory offers: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months[41]
- Rewards:
- Minimum credit requirement: Excellent[41]
- Apply
3. American Express Platinum
- APR: Medium to high[20]
- Card network: American Express
- Annual fee: $550[20]
- Balance transfer fee: Up to 1.33% of each purchase[20]
- Introductory offers: None[20]
- Rewards:
- Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for fees levied by one airline[20]
- Up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue[20]
- Up to $20 per month in statement credits for streaming services and wireless phone service charges[20]
- $15 in Uber Cash for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders[20]
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines and prepaid hotels[20]
- 1x points on all other purchases[20]
- Minimum credit requirement: Good[20]
- Apply