Best Credit Cards for Excellent Credit of March 2023
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The point of having excellent credit is not to sit there and stare at your credit score. It's to take advantage of the opportunities available to those who have shown they can handle credit responsibly. People with excellent credit get the best terms on financial products — the lowest costs, the richest rewards, the nicest perks. That's especially true with credit cards.
If you've got a credit score of 720 or better, every credit card you carry should reward you in some way for using it, and the cards on this page all do exactly that. Although no single credit card is "best" for every single user, these cards have earned NerdWallet's highest ratings. It's hard to go wrong with these excellent credit cards for excellent credit.
The point of having excellent credit is not to sit there and stare at your credit score. It's to take advantage of the opportunities available to those who have shown they can handle credit responsibly. People with excellent credit get the best terms on financial products — the lowest costs, the richest rewards, the nicest perks. That's especially true with credit cards.
If you've got a credit score of 720 or better, every credit card you carry should reward you in some way for using it, and the cards on this page all do exactly that. Although no single credit card is "best" for every single user, these cards have earned NerdWallet's highest ratings. It's hard to go wrong with these excellent credit cards for excellent credit.
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Best Credit Cards for Excellent Credit From Our Partners
Our pick for
Cash back: High rate on all purchases
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
2%
Cashback
$200
A simple value proposition — a high rewards rate on everything with no categories to remember or track — makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card an ideal one-card solution.
A simple value proposition — a high rewards rate on everything with no categories to remember or track — makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card an ideal one-card solution.
Pros
You earn 2% cash back on every purchase. No complications, no catches, no gimmicks. The deal gets even sweeter with a solid bonus offer for new cardholders, a 0% intro APR period, a $0 annual fee and even cell phone protection.
Cons
You could probably find higher cash-back rates in your biggest spending categories (such as groceries, restaurants or gas), if you're OK with keeping track of the bonus structures on competing cards.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
$0 annual fee
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
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Our pick for
Cash back: Bonus rewards on groceries, gas, streaming & more
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
1%-6%
Cashback
$250
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the rare cash back card that charges an annual fee, but the rewards it earns are so rich that you might consider that fee a bargain.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the rare cash back card that charges an annual fee, but the rewards it earns are so rich that you might consider that fee a bargain.
Pros
You earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%); 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses); and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The bonus offer for new cardholders is one of the richest on any consumer cash-back card, and there's even a 0% intro APR period. Terms apply.
Cons
There's a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. You'll have to consider if you spend at least $31 a week at U.S. supermarkets to offset that cost. Terms apply.
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.
Buy Now, Pay Later: 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.
Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.74% to 29.74%
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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.
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Our pick for
Cash back: Bonus rewards on dining, entertainment, groceries & more
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
1%-10%
Cashback
$200
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is the rare dinner-and-a-movie card that's just as rewarding for homebodies as for those who enjoy the night life.
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is the rare dinner-and-a-movie card that's just as rewarding for homebodies as for those who enjoy the night life.
Pros
Like to go out? You earn unlimited 3% cash back on restaurants and entertainment. Like to stay in? You also earn 3% cash back at grocery stores and on select streaming services. Plus, get 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; and 1% on other purchases. With a nice bonus offer, a 0% intro APR period and a $0 annual fee, it's a winner.
Cons
If your spending is more concentrated in one food category over the other — dining out or cooking at home — you could do better with a card that specializes in one of those areas.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
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
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
No foreign transaction fee
No annual fee
Our pick for
Cash back: Bonus categories + 1.5% on everything else
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1.5%-6.5%
Cashback
$300
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® has potentially lucrative bonus categories, but what makes it stand out is the rate it pays on purchases outside those bonus categories — a rate 50% higher than most competing cards offer.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® has potentially lucrative bonus categories, but what makes it stand out is the rate it pays on purchases outside those bonus categories — a rate 50% higher than most competing cards offer.
Pros
You earn 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase and 3% at restaurants and drugstores. But instead of the typical 1% on "all other purchases," this card gives you 1.5%. There's a solid bonus offer and a 0% intro APR period, and your rewards can be worth even more if you use them strategically within the Chase Ultimate Rewards® system.
Cons
Although it can earn you big rewards on travel bookings, this card does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it's not a good companion abroad.
INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Our pick for
Travel: Flexible rewards + big bonus for all-purpose travelers
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$95
1x-5x
Points
60,000
Points
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an outstanding pick if you want maximum flexibility in a travel rewards credit card. Use it on its own or combine your rewards from other Chase cards.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an outstanding pick if you want maximum flexibility in a travel rewards credit card. Use it on its own or combine your rewards from other Chase cards.
Pros
The card earns 5 points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase; 2 points per dollar on all other travel; 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and eligible online grocery purchases (see terms for details); and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. You can use points to book travel through Chase (they're worth 25% more that way), or you can transfer them to a dozen airline and hotel programs. There's a $50 annual credit for hotels booked through Chase, a giant sign-up bonus and more.
Cons
The card charges an annual fee of $95. That's standard for cards in its class, and for all you get, it can even be considered a bargain — but it's still an annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
Our pick for
Travel: Rewards and benefits for frequent travelers
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$550
1x-10x
Points
60,000
Points
The annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can be intimidating, but regular travelers will find the card paying for itself with a generous suite of benefits.
The annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can be intimidating, but regular travelers will find the card paying for itself with a generous suite of benefits.
Pros
Book travel through Chase with this card and get 5 points per dollar on airfare and 10X on hotel stays and rental cars. All other travel earns 3X. Like to eat out? Get 10X points on Chase Dining purchases and 3X at other restaurants. Other spending earns 1X. Use points to book travel through Chase (they're worth 50% more when you do) or transfer them to a dozen hotel and airline partners. You get $300 a year in credit for travel expenses, Priority Pass airport lounge access and reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. And don't forget the big sign-up bonus.
Cons
The $550 annual fee is a big upfront cost, no two ways about it. But the $300 travel credit alone more than cuts it in half.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Our pick for
Travel: VIP travel perks
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$695
1x-5x
Points
80,000
Points
The Platinum Card® from American Express isn't designed to squeeze maximum value out of your travel dollar; it's designed to help you enjoy the VIP travel experience. Its high price tag reflects this.
The Platinum Card® from American Express isn't designed to squeeze maximum value out of your travel dollar; it's designed to help you enjoy the VIP travel experience. Its high price tag reflects this.
Pros
This is a high-end card designed for high-end travelers. The ongoing rewards are decent: 5 points per dollar on airfare and hotels when booked the right way (terms apply) and 1 point per dollar elsewhere. But the real value lies in the perks. There’s an annual credit of $200 for airline fees and up to $200 a year in Uber credit, for example. You’ll be reimbursed for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every five years and enough for a Clear membership. You have access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide and exclusive perks at hotels. And don’t forget the big welcome offer for new cardholders.
Cons
The $695 annual fee is about as high as it gets for a mainstream card. If you don’t spend a lot on travel, the rewards are poor. And while this card is geared to world travelers, American Express isn’t as widely accepted globally as Visa and Mastercard.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and other participating providers. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your 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 is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back each year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
$189 CLEAR® Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus at 45+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per year on your membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.
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Our pick for
Balance transfers / 0% intro APR period
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 322-7707
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 322-7707
$0
No rewards
N/A
The BankAmericard® credit card isn't flashy, but with one of the longest introductory 0% APR periods available anywhere, why would it need to be?
The BankAmericard® credit card isn't flashy, but with one of the longest introductory 0% APR periods available anywhere, why would it need to be?
Pros
You get a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 21 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, and then the ongoing APR of 15.49%-25.49% Variable APR. The balance transfer fee of 3% of the transaction is on the low end; some other cards charge 5%.
Cons
There are no ongoing rewards, so the card has limited value once the 0% intro period ends. When you get to that point, though, consider upgrading your account to one of the issuer's rewards cards.
0% Introductory APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
No annual fee.
No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
N/A
N/A
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card boasts an offer that few other cards can match: a 0% intro APR period potentially approaching two years.
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card boasts an offer that few other cards can match: a 0% intro APR period potentially approaching two years.
Pros
The selling point of this card is pretty simple: 0% intro APR on Purchases for up to 21 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.49%-29.49% Variable APR. You also get cell phone protection if you pay your bill with the card.
Cons
The card doesn't offer rewards, so its value beyond the 0% intro period is limited (although you could later ask to switch your account to a different card from the issuer). If you're absent-minded, beware: A single late payment could cause your 0% period to be cut off.
0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Intro APR extension for 3 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro period. 17.49% to 29.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min $5.
$0 Annual Fee
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
Last updated on March 23, 2023
