Best of

Best Mastercard Credit Cards of 2019

NerdWalletMay 23, 2019

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NerdWallet's Best Mastercard Credit Cards of 2019

Our pick for

Flat-rate cash back

Citi® Double Cash Card

on Citibank's application

4.3

NerdWallet rating 

on Citibank's application

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

15.74% - 25.74% Variable APR

Intro APR

0% on Balance Transfers for 18 months

recommended credit score

The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer is one of the best rewards cards on the market, partly because it’s so simple: You get straight cash back — there are no points or bonus categories to keep track of. Cardholders can shop as they normally would and get a high rewards rate on every purchase.

Our pick for

Flat-rate travel rewards

Barclaycard Arrival Plus Credit Card

on Barclays's website

Rates & Fees

4.1

NerdWallet rating 

on Barclays's website

Rates & Fees
Annual Fee

$89

Waived first year

Regular APR

18.24%, 22.24% or 25.24% variable based on your creditworthiness

Intro APR

0% intro APR for the first 12 billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening

recommended credit score

Light on flash but loaded with value, the Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard® is an excellent companion for travelers who value flexibility in their rewards.

Our pick for

Bonus category cash back

Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card

on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706

3.6

NerdWallet rating 

on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR

Intro APR

0% on Purchases for 12 billing cycles and 0% on Balance Transfers for 12 billing cycles for balance transfers made in the first 60 days

recommended credit score

The option to pick a 3% cash-back category among a list of six makes the Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card a flexible pick, and it can become even more valuable if you qualify for the Preferred Rewards program.

Our pick for

Bonus category travel rewards

Citibank ThankYou Premier Credit Card

on Citibank's application

2.9

NerdWallet rating 

on Citibank's application

Annual Fee

$95

Waived first year

Regular APR

16.74% - 25.74% Variable APR

Intro APR

N/A

recommended credit score

While we’re not crazy about a card at this rewards level having an annual fee, triple points on travel is a nice feature, especially because the category includes gas.

Our pick for

Balance transfers

Citibank Simplicity Credit Card

on Citibank's application

3.6

NerdWallet rating 

on Citibank's application

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR

Intro APR

0% on Purchases for 12 months and 0% on Balance Transfers for 21 months

recommended credit score

The long 0% intro APR period for balance transfers on the Citi Simplicity® Card - No Late Fees Ever makes this a solid card if you need breathing room to pay off debt.

Our pick for

Fair/average credit

Capital One QuicksilverOne Credit Card

on Capital One's website

3.9

NerdWallet rating 

on Capital One's website

Annual Fee

$39

Regular APR

26.96% Variable APR

Intro APR

N/A

recommended credit score

The Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card offers those with average credit a chance to earn rewards and gain access to a higher credit line after making the first five monthly payments on time.

Our pick for

Small business

Bank of America Travel Rewards World Mastercard® for Business Credit Card

on Bank of America's website

4.2

NerdWallet rating 

on Bank of America's website

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

13.49% - 23.49% Variable APR

Intro APR

0% on Purchases for 9 billing cycles

recommended credit score

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card is just right for business owners who want a travel card with robust ongoing rewards but no fee.

Our pick for

College students

Deserve® Edu Mastercard for Students

on Deserve's website

4.0

NerdWallet rating 

on Deserve's website

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.99% Variable

Intro APR

N/A

recommended credit score

The Deserve® Edu Mastercard for Students is an excellent option for students who can’t qualify for a credit card because they lack a U.S. credit history, a Social Security number or both.

Our pick for

Dining and entertainment

Capital One® SavorOneSM Cash Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

4.3

NerdWallet rating 

on Capital One's website

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR

Intro APR

0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months

recommended credit score

If a night out is more than a once-in-a-while proposition, the Capital One® SavorOne℠ Cash Rewards Credit Card will fit neatly in your wallet.

Last updated on May 23, 2019

Methodology

NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen in multiple categories.
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