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The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped household budgets and realigned financial goals. That reality is reflected in the categories we used for choosing credit cards as part of NerdWallet's Best-Of Awards for 2021.
Perhaps you’re focusing less on dining out and more on cooking at home, meaning you could use a good card for the supermarket — preferably one that also rewards purchases made through grocery-delivery services.
Maybe travel isn’t on your radar anytime soon, so instead of paying a triple-digit annual fee for a card with airport lounge access, you’d rather have a solid cash-back rate on takeout or office expenses. Or it could be that your entertainment spending has shifted from concerts and sporting events to Disney+ and two-day delivery on retail therapy, and you need a card that can keep up.
One thing remains the same, though: There’s no such thing as “the best credit card.” There’s only “the best credit card for you.” Whatever your spending priorities look like now, we’ve picked our top 10 credit card offers for 2021, along with a few more options representing the best credit cards for specific needs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped household budgets and realigned financial goals. That reality is reflected in the categories we used for choosing credit cards as part of NerdWallet's Best-Of Awards for 2021.
Perhaps you’re focusing less on dining out and more on cooking at home, meaning you could use a good card for the supermarket — preferably one that also rewards purchases made through grocery-delivery services.
Maybe travel isn’t on your radar anytime soon, so instead of paying a triple-digit annual fee for a card with airport lounge access, you’d rather have a solid cash-back rate on takeout or office expenses. Or it could be that your entertainment spending has shifted from concerts and sporting events to Disney+ and two-day delivery on retail therapy, and you need a card that can keep up.
One thing remains the same, though: There’s no such thing as “the best credit card.” There’s only “the best credit card for you.” Whatever your spending priorities look like now, we’ve picked our top 10 credit card offers for 2021, along with a few more options representing the best credit cards for specific needs.
The Top Credit Cards of 2021 From Our Partners
Our pick for
Flat-rate cash back
Top 10 credit card offers for 2021
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months
Regular APR
13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer is a long-running champion in this category (it won the same NerdWallet honors in 2019 and 2020), thanks to its rich rewards rate of 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay it off. There's no sign-up bonus, but among no-annual-fee cash-back cards, it continues to reign as a simple but extremely effective tool for everyday spending.
The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer is a long-running champion in this category (it won the same NerdWallet honors in 2019 and 2020), thanks to its rich rewards rate of 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay it off. There's no sign-up bonus, but among no-annual-fee cash-back cards, it continues to reign as a simple but extremely effective tool for everyday spending.
Pros
No annual fee
High rewards rate
Intro balance transfer fee
Cons
Requires good/excellent credit
No bonus offer
No bonus categories
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 Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back.
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 a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
Our pick for
Bonus cash back
Top 10 credit card offers for 2021
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Regular APR
14.99% - 23.74% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ debuted in 2020 and immediately leapfrogged the competition with its impressive combination of bonus rewards: 5% rotating categories, yes, but also fixed categories like dining, drugstores and eligible travel. You’ll have to track and activate bonus categories, so it’s not the simplest rewards structure on the market — but it can be among the most lucrative.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ debuted in 2020 and immediately leapfrogged the competition with its impressive combination of bonus rewards: 5% rotating categories, yes, but also fixed categories like dining, drugstores and eligible travel. You’ll have to track and activate bonus categories, so it’s not the simplest rewards structure on the market — but it can be among the most lucrative.
Pros
No annual fee
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Cash rewards
Intro APR period
Cons
Requires good/excellent credit
Complicated rewards
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
No annual fee.
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Get Pre-Qualified
Our pick for
Flat-rate travel rewards
Top 10 credit card offers for 2021
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
15.99% - 23.99% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a repeat winner, largely because it's as straightforward and reliable as a travel card can get: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on every purchase. Using those miles is also refreshingly easy: Redeem them at a value of a penny each toward any eligible travel purchase — from flights, hotels and car rentals to taxis, timeshares, travel agents and more. (You can also transfer rewards to various travel partners, although the per-mile value varies for that.)
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a repeat winner, largely because it's as straightforward and reliable as a travel card can get: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on every purchase. Using those miles is also refreshingly easy: Redeem them at a value of a penny each toward any eligible travel purchase — from flights, hotels and car rentals to taxis, timeshares, travel agents and more. (You can also transfer rewards to various travel partners, although the per-mile value varies for that.)
Pros
High rewards rate
Flexible rewards redemption
Cons
High annual fee
Rewards have limited flexibility
Requires good/excellent credit
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
Redeem on travel—including flights, vacation rentals, car rentals and more. Plus transfer your miles to over 15+ travel loyalty programs
No foreign transaction fees
Our pick for
Bonus travel rewards
Top 10 credit card offers for 2021
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual fee
$250
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit Score
The American Express® Gold Card has a healthy annual fee, but you get a lot of value in exchange, including super-rich rewards rates in two of the most popular everyday spending categories: restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. That can help you amass a pile of flexible points toward your next vacation. The card also earns generous rewards on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and it comes with multiple perks, transfer partners and credits.
The American Express® Gold Card has a healthy annual fee, but you get a lot of value in exchange, including super-rich rewards rates in two of the most popular everyday spending categories: restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. That can help you amass a pile of flexible points toward your next vacation. The card also earns generous rewards on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and it comes with multiple perks, transfer partners and credits.
Pros
Bonus categories
Transfer partners
Flexible rewards redemption
Cons
Has annual fee
Complicated rewards
Requires good/excellent credit
Rose Gold is back. You can now choose between Gold or Rose Gold.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
Get up to 12 complimentary months of an Uber Eats Pass subscription when you enroll with your Gold Card by 12/31/21.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $250.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
0% intro APR and balance transfer
Top 10 credit card offers for 2021
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Annual fee
$0*
Intro APR
0%* intro APR for 20 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers*
Regular APR
14.49% - 24.49%* Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card stands out for its super-long interest-free promotion: You get a 0%* intro APR for 20 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers*, and then the ongoing APR of 14.49% - 24.49%* Variable APR. That’s a 0% window approaching two years, and the fact that it also applies to balance transfers is key, given that balance transfer cards in general are harder to find right now. It does charge a balance transfer fee, and you won’t earn rewards. But if your goal is financing a large purchase or paying off debt, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better offer.
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card stands out for its super-long interest-free promotion: You get a 0%* intro APR for 20 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers*, and then the ongoing APR of 14.49% - 24.49%* Variable APR. That’s a 0% window approaching two years, and the fact that it also applies to balance transfers is key, given that balance transfer cards in general are harder to find right now. It does charge a balance transfer fee, and you won’t earn rewards. But if your goal is financing a large purchase or paying off debt, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better offer.
Pros
No annual fee
Intro APR period
Cell phone insurance
Cons
No rewards
Requires good/excellent credit
No bonus offer
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.49% - 24.49%.
Great offer from U.S. Bank, a 2021 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2021.
No Annual Fee*
Flexibility to choose a payment due date that fits your schedule.
Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S.Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Airline card
Top 10 credit card offers for 2021
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
15.74% - 24.74% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card snags this award for the first time, in part because it launched two new bonus categories in the past year, making it a more useful card for everyday spending. It earns 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, on top of the double miles it offers on eligible Delta purchases. The annual fee is waived in the first year, and there’s an extremely generous checked-bag benefit that other airline credit cards don’t come close to matching. Terms apply. It’s also worth noting that Delta topped NerdWallet’s list of the best airlines to fly during COVID-19, thanks to its health and safety protocols and flexible booking policies.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card snags this award for the first time, in part because it launched two new bonus categories in the past year, making it a more useful card for everyday spending. It earns 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, on top of the double miles it offers on eligible Delta purchases. The annual fee is waived in the first year, and there’s an extremely generous checked-bag benefit that other airline credit cards don’t come close to matching. Terms apply. It’s also worth noting that Delta topped NerdWallet’s list of the best airlines to fly during COVID-19, thanks to its health and safety protocols and flexible booking policies.
Pros
Free checked bag
Early boarding
Rewards don't expire
Cons
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Limited Time Offer: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer expires 11/10/2021.
Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
$100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel.
Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Hotel card
Top 10 credit card offers for 2021
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
15.99% - 22.99% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
A winner here last year as well, World of Hyatt Credit Card continues to offer exceptional value for its $95 annual fee, including most notably a free night every anniversary year that can easily offset that cost — plus a way to earn a second one if you spend enough. It offers automatic elite status, too. There’s a rich sign-up bonus, not to mention high ongoing rewards in everyday categories, and those rewards are worth more than double the value of points you earn with larger rival hotel chains. And in NerdWallet’s analysis of hotels that have handled COVID-19 the best, Hyatt was among the top chains in terms of health and social distancing policies.
A winner here last year as well, World of Hyatt Credit Card continues to offer exceptional value for its $95 annual fee, including most notably a free night every anniversary year that can easily offset that cost — plus a way to earn a second one if you spend enough. It offers automatic elite status, too. There’s a rich sign-up bonus, not to mention high ongoing rewards in everyday categories, and those rewards are worth more than double the value of points you earn with larger rival hotel chains. And in NerdWallet’s analysis of hotels that have handled COVID-19 the best, Hyatt was among the top chains in terms of health and social distancing policies.
Pros
New cardholder bonus offer
Automatic free night annually
Bonus categories
Luxury perks
Cons
Has annual fee
Complicated rewards
Limited redemptions
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent
Limited Time offer: Apply by 9/30/21 and upon approval you'll receive 2 Tier-Qualifying Night Credits for each night you stay from 8/16/21 through 12/31/21.
Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort.
Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
Our pick for
College students
Top 10 credit card offers for 2021
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months
Regular APR
12.99% - 21.99% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
The Discover it® Student chrome won this award last year, too, and the same features push it to the head of the class again for 2021: simplicity and student-friendly rewards. Unlike some other Discover cards, there’s no tracking or activating of bonus categories — what busy student has time for that? Instead, you earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, and 1% back on all other purchases. You’re eligible for Discover’s cash-back match bonus, and if you have good grades you may qualify for a $20 statement credit each year for up to five years. One thing to note, however, if you’re studying abroad: Discover is not as widely accepted outside the U.S. as Visa or Mastercard are.
The Discover it® Student chrome won this award last year, too, and the same features push it to the head of the class again for 2021: simplicity and student-friendly rewards. Unlike some other Discover cards, there’s no tracking or activating of bonus categories — what busy student has time for that? Instead, you earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, and 1% back on all other purchases. You’re eligible for Discover’s cash-back match bonus, and if you have good grades you may qualify for a $20 statement credit each year for up to five years. One thing to note, however, if you’re studying abroad: Discover is not as widely accepted outside the U.S. as Visa or Mastercard are.
Pros
No annual fee
Intro APR period
Qualify with average credit
Bonus categories
Cons
Complicated rewards
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Good Grades Rewards: $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.
Earn rewards while building your credit history that can help you after graduation. And, get your free Credit Scorecard that includes your FICO® Credit Score and important details that help make up your score.
No annual fee. No late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late.
Refer-a-Friend: Once you become a Discover it® Student cardmember, you can earn a statement credit each time you refer a friend and they’re approved. Over half a million students got Discover Cards from their friends' recommendations.
Freeze It® on/off switch for your account that prevents new purchases, cash advances & balance transfers in seconds.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 12.99% - 21.99% applies.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Building credit
Top 10 credit card offers for 2021
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months
Regular APR
22.99% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
The $0-annual-fee Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a perennial winner here, and it’s little wonder why. For starters, it’s the rare secured card that offers ongoing rewards on your spending. More important, there’s a clear “graduation” path: After eight months, Discover automatically begins reviewing your account for a possible upgrade to a regular unsecured card, at which point your deposit can be returned to you.
The $0-annual-fee Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a perennial winner here, and it’s little wonder why. For starters, it’s the rare secured card that offers ongoing rewards on your spending. More important, there’s a clear “graduation” path: After eight months, Discover automatically begins reviewing your account for a possible upgrade to a regular unsecured card, at which point your deposit can be returned to you.
Pros
No annual fee
Reports to the three major credit bureaus
Qualify with limited/bad credit
Earns rewards
New cardholder bonus offer
Cons
Requires minimum deposit
High APR
No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
Using your secured credit card helps build a credit history with the three major credit bureaus. Generally, prepaid and debit cards can’t do that.
Establish your credit line with your tax return by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200 after being approved. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
Automatic reviews starting at 8 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
Get 100% U.S. based customer service & get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Groceries
Best credit cards for specific needs
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
Regular APR
13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
If groceries have become an even bigger expense amid the pandemic, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express will reward you like no other card can, with an industry-leading 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spending per year (then 1%). Terms apply. And if you’re ordering groceries online, that rich rate also can apply to eligible third-party delivery services like Instacart, Peapod, Amazon Fresh and more. Plus, the card offers bonus cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, U.S. gas stations and eligible transit spending (1% back on everything else). There is an annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95. But you’ll offset it if you spend just $31 per week at U.S. supermarkets alone. Terms apply.
If groceries have become an even bigger expense amid the pandemic, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express will reward you like no other card can, with an industry-leading 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spending per year (then 1%). Terms apply. And if you’re ordering groceries online, that rich rate also can apply to eligible third-party delivery services like Instacart, Peapod, Amazon Fresh and more. Plus, the card offers bonus cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, U.S. gas stations and eligible transit spending (1% back on everything else). There is an annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95. But you’ll offset it if you spend just $31 per week at U.S. supermarkets alone. Terms apply.
Pros
High rewards rate
Bonus categories
Intro APR period
Cash rewards
Cons
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back.
Plus, earn $150 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
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.
Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%.
Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Dining out or ordering in
Best credit cards for specific needs
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Annual fee
$0*
Intro APR
0%* intro APR on Purchases for 12 billing cycles* and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 12 Billing cycles
Regular APR
14.99% - 23.99%* Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card launched in 2020 with an essentially unrivaled value proposition: an eye-popping 4X rewards rate on dining — including takeout and delivery — for a $0* annual fee. To be sure, you can find cards that match or exceed that rate at restaurants, but those products all charge annual fees, ranging from almost $100 to nearly $500. This card costs nothing to carry and is also a solid option for groceries, gas and eligible streaming purchases.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card launched in 2020 with an essentially unrivaled value proposition: an eye-popping 4X rewards rate on dining — including takeout and delivery — for a $0* annual fee. To be sure, you can find cards that match or exceed that rate at restaurants, but those products all charge annual fees, ranging from almost $100 to nearly $500. This card costs nothing to carry and is also a solid option for groceries, gas and eligible streaming purchases.
Pros
No annual fee
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Intro APR period
Cons
Complicated rewards
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more
Earn 4X points on takeout, food delivery and dining
Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations and on streaming services
$15 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix and Spotify
No annual fee*
1X point per $1 on all other eligible purchases
Low Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
Points never expire
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Staying at home
Best credit cards for specific needs
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
14.24% - 22.24%, Variable
Recommended Credit Score
In this new category for 2021, the $0-annual-fee Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card stands out for what it delivers on, well, whatever you get delivered. Yes, to get the card you must have an Amazon Prime membership, which isn’t free — but if you’re already among the well more than 100 million users of Prime in the U.S., it's an easy call. It offers 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods, and that applies to purchases through services like Amazon Fresh, Prime Now and Prime Pantry. It also applies to WholeFoods.com. Plus, you’ll earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores, and 1% everywhere else. Streaming services aren't a bonus category, but Prime video and music streaming services are included with your membership — which you can pay for (and earn 5% back on) with this card.
In this new category for 2021, the $0-annual-fee Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card stands out for what it delivers on, well, whatever you get delivered. Yes, to get the card you must have an Amazon Prime membership, which isn’t free — but if you’re already among the well more than 100 million users of Prime in the U.S., it's an easy call. It offers 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods, and that applies to purchases through services like Amazon Fresh, Prime Now and Prime Pantry. It also applies to WholeFoods.com. Plus, you’ll earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores, and 1% everywhere else. Streaming services aren't a bonus category, but Prime video and music streaming services are included with your membership — which you can pay for (and earn 5% back on) with this card.
Pros
No annual fee
High rewards rate
Flexible rewards redemption
No foreign transaction fees
New cardholder bonus offer
Cons
Must be a member/customer
No 0% intro APR
5% Back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership*
2% Back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
1% Back on all other purchases
No annual credit card fee
No foreign transaction fees
<i>The information related to the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature credit card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card</i>
TO RECAP OUR EDITORIAL SELECTIONS
TOP 10 CREDIT CARD OFFERS FOR 2021 | 2021's BEST CARDS FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS |
|---|---|
Best flat-rate cash-back card Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer | Best small-business cash-back card Capital One Spark Cash for Business |
Best bonus rewards cash-back card Chase Freedom Flex℠ | Best card for groceries Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express |
Best flat-rate travel rewards card Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Best card for dining out or ordering in U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card |
Best bonus travel rewards card American Express® Gold Card | Best card for staying at home Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card |
Best no-annual-fee travel rewards card Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card NOTE: This card is no longer accepting applications. | |
Best 0% intro APR and balance transfer card U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card | |
Best airline card Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | |
Best hotel card World of Hyatt Credit Card | |
Best card for college students Discover it® Student chrome | |
Best card for building credit Discover it® Secured Credit Card |
PAST YEARS
To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, see this page.
Information about the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
All information about the Capital One Spark Cash for Business has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Capital One Spark Cash for Business is no longer available through NerdWallet.
Last updated on September 23, 2021
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.