Best Mastercard Credit Cards of February 2023
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Mastercard credit cards are accepted widely both in the U.S. and internationally. If you’re in the market for a new Mastercard, options abound — and there’s no such thing as a single “best” Mastercard card for everybody. To decide which card is best for you, consider your spending, debt and rewards preferences.
Mastercard credit cards are accepted widely both in the U.S. and internationally. If you’re in the market for a new Mastercard, options abound — and there’s no such thing as a single “best” Mastercard card for everybody. To decide which card is best for you, consider your spending, debt and rewards preferences.
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 Mastercard Credit Cards From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Intro APR | Regular APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Citi® Double Cash Card Apply now on Citibank's application | Best for Simple cash back | $0 | 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months | 18.24%- | Apply now on Citibank's application |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Bonus category cash back | $0 | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers | 19.24%- | Apply now on Chase's website |
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Apply now on Citibank's application | Best for Auto-adjusting bonus cash back | $0 | 0% intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months | 18.24%- | Apply now on Citibank's application |
Citi Premier® Card Apply now on Citibank's application | Best for Travel rewards | $95 | N/A | 20.24%- | Apply now on Citibank's application |
BankAmericard® credit card Apply now on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 322-7707 | Best for 0% intro APR period | $0 | 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 | 16.24%- | Apply now on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 322-7707 |
Citi Simplicity® Card Apply now on Citibank's application | Best for Balance transfers + no late fees | $0 | 0% Intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on Purchases | 18.24%- | Apply now on Citibank's application |
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for Fair/average credit | $39 | N/A | 29.74% Variable APR | Apply now on Capital One's website |
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card Apply now on Bank of America's website | Best for Small business | $0 | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 9 billing cycles | 16.49%- | Apply now on Bank of America's website |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for Dining and entertainment | $0 | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers | 19.24%- | Apply now on Capital One's website |
Our pick for
Simple cash back
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
$0
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months
18.24%-28.24% Variable APR
The Citi® Double Cash Card 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.
The Citi® Double Cash Card 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.
Pros
The card offers a 2% cash-back rate on all purchases: You get 1% back on every dollar you spend and another 1% back when you pay off your purchases, for an annual fee of $0.
Cons
This offer does not include a 0% intro APR period on purchases or a sign-up bonus, nor does the card have any bonus categories. Higher cash-back percentages can be had on different cards for specific categories. There’s a minimum cash-back redemption of $25.
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.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, 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).
Our pick for
Bonus category cash back
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
19.24%-27.99% Variable APR
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rewards as high as 5% in specific categories (some that change quarterly and some that don't), plus a generous bonus for new cardholders. If you're willing to put in a little work, it's one rich card.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rewards as high as 5% in specific categories (some that change quarterly and some that don't), plus a generous bonus for new cardholders. If you're willing to put in a little work, it's one rich card.
Pros
This card earns 5% cash back in bonus categories that change every three months (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending, then 1%); 5% on travel booked through Chase; 3% cash back at restaurants and drugstores; and 1% on other purchases. New cardholders can snag this sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Cons
You have to opt in to the bonus categories every quarter, which can be a hassle. The rotating 5% categories might not be a good fit for everyone, and in recent years, they've shifted a bit toward lower-spending areas: Restaurants dropped out of the rotation entirely (although dining is now a permanent 3% category), and gas stations have been included for two quarters a year.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
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
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% 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!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 27.99%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ 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.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
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Our pick for
Auto-adjusting bonus cash back
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
$0
0% intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months
18.24%-28.24% Variable APR
The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers something unique in its class: 5% rewards that are automated based on your spending and don't require any "activation" or bonus-calendar tracking. Terms apply.
The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers something unique in its class: 5% rewards that are automated based on your spending and don't require any "activation" or bonus-calendar tracking. Terms apply.
Pros
The card earns 5% back automatically in your eligible top spending category per billing cycle, on up to $500 spent per cycle. All other purchases earn 1% back. Eligible 5% categories include popular line items like restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and a host of others. And you get that rate automatically; it's customized to your spending.
Cons
Note the $500 monthly spending cap for the 5% rewards rate, which means the most you can earn per month in a bonus category would be $25. Also note the low rewards rate outside of your lone bonus category for the month.
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.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
No Annual Fee
Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
Our pick for
Travel rewards
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
$95
N/A
20.24%-28.24% Variable APR
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.
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.
Pros
By paying 3 points per dollar on travel, the Citi Premier® Card has an edge on competitors that offer only 2 points per dollar in that category. Citi’s definition of “travel” is broad and includes gas station purchases. Citi ThankYou points are worth 1.25 cents per point when you redeem for airfare booked through Citi.
Cons
An annual fee of $95 and lackluster point-transfer options to U.S. travel partners are clear downsides.
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards when redeemed at thankyou.com
No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Our pick for
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
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
16.24%-26.24% Variable APR
The BankAmericard® credit card is a great option for people looking for breathing room to whittle down high-interest credit card debt or finance a big purchase.
The BankAmericard® credit card is a great option for people looking for breathing room to whittle down high-interest credit card debt or finance a big purchase.
Pros
The card offers a hefty introductory APR that helps you wipe out debt: 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 16.24%-26.24% Variable APR. The annual fee is $0.
Cons
The card doesn't earn ongoing rewards.
New longer intro period! 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, 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) 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.
Our pick for
Balance transfers + no late fees
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
$0
0% Intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on Purchases
18.24%-28.99% Variable APR
The long 0% intro APR period for balance transfers on the Citi Simplicity® Card makes this a solid card if you need breathing room to pay off debt.
The long 0% intro APR period for balance transfers on the Citi Simplicity® Card makes this a solid card if you need breathing room to pay off debt.
Pros
This card is for someone who needs extra time to pay down debt. It has an annual fee of $0, and it offers an introductory APR of 0% Intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on Purchases, and then the ongoing APR of 18.24%-28.99% Variable APR, not to mention no late fees.
Cons
The card charges a balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum of $5), but only for four months following your account opening. After that, it bumps up to 5% (minimum of $5). You can’t transfer balances from other Citi accounts, and you won't earn rewards.
No Late 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 18.24% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
There is an introductory balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater for balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening.
Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock and $0 liability on unauthorized charges.
Our pick for
Fair/average credit
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$39
N/A
29.74% Variable APR
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.
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.
Pros
The card offers a solid ongoing rewards rate. You'll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. (The card also earns 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Terms apply.) Plus, you can be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.
Cons
The card charges an annual fee of $39. You would need to spend $2,600 per year on the card to make that back (not including any 5% travel categories). And unlike some other cash-back cards, it doesn’t allow you to boost your rewards earnings with bonus categories.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
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
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
Our pick for
Small business
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
$0
0% intro APR on Purchases for 9 billing cycles
16.49%-26.49% Variable APR
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.
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.
Pros
This card with an annual fee of $0 offers generous rewards of 1.5 points for every dollar spent, and 3 points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases booked through Bank of America®. It also comes with a plum sign-up bonus for a no-fee card: Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases. It charges no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
Higher reward rates are available on other no-fee small business cards. Other cards — especially cards with annual fees — also offer larger sign-up bonuses.
Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, every time-no matter how much you spend. Points don't expire.
Earn 3 points per every dollar spent on travel purchases (car, hotel, airline) booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center.
No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 16.49% to 26.49% will apply.
Redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America Travel Center, cash back or gift cards.
Earn up to 75% more points on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for our highest Preferred Rewards for Business tier. That means you could earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points per $1 spent on all purchases and up to 5.25 points per $1 spent at the Bank of America Travel Center.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our pick for
Dining and entertainment
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
19.24%-29.24% Variable APR
For foodies, the $0-annual-fee Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an irresistible (and hard-to-find) combo: high rates on dining AND at grocery stores.
For foodies, the $0-annual-fee Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an irresistible (and hard-to-find) combo: high rates on dining AND at grocery stores.
Pros
You'll earn 3% back on dining, grocery stores, eligible streaming services and entertainment, and 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. All other purchases earn 1% back. There's also a generous sign-up bonus, not to mention an intro APR offer. That's a lot of value packed into a card with a $0 annual fee.
Cons
If your spending is more concentrated in one food category over the other — dining out or cooking at home — you might 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
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST MASTERCARD CREDIT CARDS
Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Our pick for: Simple cash back
Our pick for: Bonus category cash back
Our pick for: Auto-adjusting bonus cash back
Our pick for: Travel rewards
Our pick for: 0% intro APR period
Our pick for: Balance transfers + no late fees
Our pick for: Fair/average credit
This card for people with fair or "average" credit pays the same cash-back rate as the regular Quicksilver card, which targets people with excellent credit. The key difference is that this version charges an annual fee while the regular one does not. Read our review.
Our pick for: Small business
Our pick for: Dining and entertainment
Love the night life but dead-set against paying an annual fee? Consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. It pays a lower cash-back rate on dining and entertainment than the regular Savor card, but the rewards are nevertheless quite good. The sign-up bonus is smaller than on the annual-fee version, too, but it's still solid. Read our review.
Last updated on January 26, 2023
