Credit Cards
If you want an unbiased credit card review or an in-depth take on rewards, interest rates and more, you’ve come to the right place. NerdWallet will help you find the best credit cards for your credit score, spending habits, and tolerance of fees. Here, we’ve assembled our reviews of our most popular credit cards. Whether you’re a jetsetter looking to avoid foreign transaction fees and rack up airline miles, a student looking for your first credit card, or simply trying to shed debt and rebuild your credit score, we’ve got you covered.
Reviews of our favorite credit cards:
Rewards credit card classics:
Chase Freedom: a no-fee, cash back rewards favorite that’s ideal for any spending profile
American Express Blue Cash: perfect for families, giving an impressive 6% cash back on groceries, 3% on gas and department stores and 1% elsewhere
Discover More: While not as exciting as the Chase Freedom, this year’s Discover More is far better than the 2011 version.
Citi Forward: the top card for suburbanites, with 5% back at restaurants, Amazon.com, bars, movies and more
Travel card mainstays:
Capital One Venture Rewards: a travel card popular among the NerdWallet staff for its 2% rewards rate on all purchases
Chase Sapphire: $500 signup bonus. Enough said.
American Express Platinum: combines prestige with practicality, perfect for big spenders who like to travel in style
American Express Gold Card: If you’re not ready to spring for the Platinum’s $450 annual fee, the Gold Card is a good consolation prize.
Airline credit cards:
Southwest Airlines credit card: Don’t mind declaring your loyalty to one airline? The Southwest card will reward your devotion.
British Airways Visa: If you’re an international traveler looking for a step up from Southwest, the BA Visa offers an unparalleled suite of perks.
Hotel credit cards:
Starwood American Express: our favorite hotel card for its estimated 2.3% base rewards rate and numerous, high-end benefits like every 3rd night free
Hilton credit card: for those who book with an eye to their budget, the Hilton card gives one of the highest rewards rates out there plus decent perks
Got debt?
Citi Platinum Select credit card: A perennial favorite for its long 0% purchase and transfer APR periods, the Citi Platinum Select is a great way to get rid of existing debt or make a big purchase and take your time paying it off.
For the rest of us:
Orchard Bank credit card: Orchard Bank goes out of its way to help you rebuild your credit, and its secured card offers better terms than pretty much anyone else
Capital One Secured MasterCard: more accessible than the Orchard Bank, it allows you to pay your security deposit in installments and has a minimum deposit as low as $49