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BEST CREDIT CARDSBEST CREDIT CARDSCREDIT CARD AWARD WINNERS OF 2024
BEST OF

Credit Card Award Winners of 2024

Updated: Dec 10, 2024
Caitlin Mims
Written by
Content Management Specialist
Paul Soucy
Reviewed by
Director
Erin Hurd
Edited by
Fact Checked
Fact Checked
Caitlin Mims
Written by
Content Management Specialist
Paul Soucy
Reviewed by
Director
Erin Hurd
Edited by
Fact Checked
Fact Checked
+ 2 more
+ 2 more
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

In some respects, 2023 was a return to normalcy. Consumers spent more, traveled more and generally got back to their pre-COVID lifestyles. But at the same time, inflation and high interest rates are continuing to cause a significant amount of economic uncertainty. We considered all of this when we chose the winners for NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards for 2024.

Thankfully, credit cards continue to offer valuable perks and rewards that can help you meet your 2024 goals, whether you’re planning on finally taking that big trip or just hoping to stave off the effects of inflation.

Here’s our top credit card offers for 2024.

  • 400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)

  • 80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

  • 27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months

  • Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.

  • 400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)

  • 80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

  • 27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months

  • Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.

NerdWallet's Credit Card Award Winners of 2024

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Credit Card Award Winners From Our Partners

Credit card
NerdWallet rating
Annual feeRewards rateIntro offerLearn more
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card ImageWells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Best for Simple cash back

$0

2%

Cashback
$200
Chase Freedom Flex® ImageChase Freedom Flex®
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Best for Bonus cash back

$0

1%-5%

Cashback
$200
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ImageChase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Best for All-purpose travel rewards

$95

1x-5x

Points
60,000
points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Chase Sapphire Reserve® ImageChase Sapphire Reserve®
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Best for Premium travel card

$550

1x-10x

Points
60,000
points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Citi Simplicity® Card ImageCiti Simplicity® Card
Best for Balance transfer

$0

N/A

N/A
United℠ Explorer Card ImageUnited℠ Explorer Card
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Best for Airline card

$0 intro for the first year, then $95

1x-2x

Miles
60,000
miles
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
World of Hyatt Credit Card ImageWorld of Hyatt Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Best for Hotel card

$95

1x-9x

Points
Up to 60,000 Points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Discover it® Student Chrome ImageDiscover it® Student Chrome
Best for College students

$0

1%-2%

Cashback
Cashback Match™
Discover it® Secured Credit Card ImageDiscover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for Building credit

$0

1%-2%

Cashback
Cashback Match™
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card ImageThe American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Best for Small business

$0

1%-2%

Cashback
$250
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express ImageBlue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best for Groceries

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

1%-6%

Cashback
$250
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card ImageCapital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for Entertainment

$0

1%-8%

Cashback
$200
Citi Custom Cash® Card ImageCiti Custom Cash® Card
Best for Gas

$0

1%-5%

Cashback
$200
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card ImageU.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Best for 0% APR for purchases

$0

1%-5%

Cashback
$200
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card ImageBilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
Best for No-annual-fee travel card

None

1X-3X

Points
N/A
save money

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.

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.

Our pick for

Simple cash back

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
2%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • High rewards rate

  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • No bonus categories

Read full review

Product Details

  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 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.
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • View Rates & Fees

Pros
  • High rewards rate

  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • No bonus categories

Our pick for

Bonus cash back

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
Chase Freedom Flex® card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Bonus categories

  • Cash rewards

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • Complicated rewards

Read full review

  • 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 Travel℠, 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 19.74%-28.49%.
  • 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.
  • Member FDIC

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Bonus categories

  • Cash rewards

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • Complicated rewards

Our pick for

All-purpose travel rewards

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$95
Rewards rate
1x-5x
Points
Intro offer
60,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Bonus categories

  • Primary rental car coverage

  • Flexible rewards redemption

  • Transfer partners

Cons
  • Has annual fee

  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • Complicated rewards

Read full review

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. 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, 2027.
  • Member FDIC

Pros
  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Bonus categories

  • Primary rental car coverage

  • Flexible rewards redemption

  • Transfer partners

Cons
  • Has annual fee

  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • Complicated rewards

Our pick for

Premium travel card

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
Chase Sapphire Reserve® card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$550
Rewards rate
1x-10x
Points
Intro offer
60,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • High rewards rate

  • Luxury perks

  • Premium travel protections

  • Transfer partners

  • Primary rental car coverage

Cons
  • High annual fee

  • Requires excellent credit

Read full review

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $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 Travel℠ 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 Travel℠. 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 $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC

Pros
  • High rewards rate

  • Luxury perks

  • Premium travel protections

  • Transfer partners

  • Primary rental car coverage

Cons
  • High annual fee

  • Requires excellent credit

Our pick for

Balance transfer

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • No rewards

  • No new cardholder bonus offer

  • Requires good/excellent credit

Read full review

  • 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 18.49% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
  • 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).
  • Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock
  • View Rates & Fees

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • No rewards

  • No new cardholder bonus offer

  • Requires good/excellent credit

Our pick for

Airline card

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
United℠ Explorer Card card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
1x-2x
Miles
Intro offer
60,000
Miles
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • Bonus categories

  • Luxury perks

  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Free checked bag

Cons
  • Has annual fee

  • Rewards have limited flexibility

Read full review

  • Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
  • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
  • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
  • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
  • Member FDIC

Pros
  • Bonus categories

  • Luxury perks

  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Free checked bag

Cons
  • Has annual fee

  • Rewards have limited flexibility

Our pick for

Hotel card

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
World of Hyatt Credit Card card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$95
Rewards rate
1x-9x
Points
Intro offer
Up to 60,000 Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Automatic free night annually

  • Bonus categories

  • Luxury perks

Cons
  • Has annual fee

  • Complicated rewards

  • Limited redemptions

Read full review

  • Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. 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.
  • Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
  • 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 on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
  • Member FDIC

Pros
  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Automatic free night annually

  • Bonus categories

  • Luxury perks

Cons
  • Has annual fee

  • Complicated rewards

  • Limited redemptions

Our pick for

College students

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

  • Qualify with average credit

  • Bonus categories

Cons
  • Complicated rewards

Read full review

  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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 cash back 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, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

  • Qualify with average credit

  • Bonus categories

Cons
  • Complicated rewards

Our pick for

Building credit

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
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

Read full review

  • No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
  • Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
  • Raise your credit score by 30+ points.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 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, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees

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

Our pick for

Small business

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
$250
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • High rewards rate

  • Intro APR period

  • Cash rewards

Cons
  • Spending caps on bonus rewards

  • Requires good/excellent credit

Read full review

  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
  • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% – 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
  • Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
  • From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
  • The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms Apply
  • View Rates & Fees

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • High rewards rate

  • Intro APR period

  • Cash rewards

Cons
  • Spending caps on bonus rewards

  • Requires good/excellent credit

Our pick for

Groceries

Best credit cards for specific needs
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Rewards rate
1%-6%
Cashback
Intro offer
$250
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • High rewards rate

  • Bonus categories

  • Intro APR period

  • Cash rewards

Cons
  • Has annual fee

  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • Spending caps on bonus rewards

Read full review

  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible 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% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.49% - 29.49%.
  • 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.
  • 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
  • View Rates & Fees

Pros
  • High rewards rate

  • Bonus categories

  • Intro APR period

  • Cash rewards

Cons
  • Has annual fee

  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • Spending caps on bonus rewards

Our pick for

Entertainment

Best credit cards for specific needs
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-8%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

  • Bonus categories

  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

Read full review

  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
  • 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; 19.49% - 29.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
  • View Rates & Fees

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

  • Bonus categories

  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

Our pick for

Gas

Best cards for specific needs
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • 5% bonus categories

  • Intro APR Period

Cons
  • Low rate outside bonus categories

Read full review

  • 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 18.49% - 28.49%, 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. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
  • 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.
  • View Rates & Fees

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • 5% bonus categories

  • Intro APR Period

Cons
  • Low rate outside bonus categories

Our pick for

0% APR for purchases

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Bonus categories

  • High rewards rate

Cons
  • Complicated rewards

Read full review

  • $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
  • 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.
  • 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
  • 2% cash back on one everyday category like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, or Grocery Stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.74% - 28.99%.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Bonus categories

  • High rewards rate

Cons
  • Complicated rewards

Our pick for

No-annual-fee travel card

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2024
Annual fee
None
Rewards rate
1X-3X
Points
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Bonus categories

  • Cell phone insurance

  • Transfer partners

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • No new cardholder bonus offer

  • Monthly minimum to earn rewards

Read full review

  • $0 Annual Fee
  • Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
  • Earns 3x points on dining
  • Earn 2x points on travel
  • Earn 1x points on other purchases
  • Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
  • Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
  • Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
  • Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc
  • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
  • View Rates & Fees

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Bonus categories

  • Cell phone insurance

  • Transfer partners

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • No new cardholder bonus offer

  • Monthly minimum to earn rewards

TO RECAP OUR EDITORIAL SELECTIONS

TOP CREDIT CARD OFFERS FOR 2024

2024's BEST CARDS FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS

Best card for simple cash back Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Best small-business cash-back card The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Best card for bonus cash back Chase Freedom Flex®

Best card for groceries Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Best all-purpose travel rewards card Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Best card for dining U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

Best premium travel card Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Best card for entertainment Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best travel card with no annual fee Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

Best card for gas Citi Custom Cash® Card

Best balance transfer card Citi Simplicity® Card

Best 0% APR card for purchases U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Best airline card United℠ Explorer 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

Top 10 credit offers of 2023

  • Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for simple cash back

  • Chase Freedom Flex®: Best for bonus cash back

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for all-purpose travel rewards

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for travel perks

  • BankAmericard® credit card: Best for balance transfers

  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for 0% intro apr on new purchases

  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Best airline card

  • World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best hotel card

  • Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for students (at the time this card was chosen, it was known as the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card)

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for building credit

2023's best credit cards for specific needs

  • Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for entertainment (at the time this card was chosen, it was known as the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card)

  • U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: Best for dining

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for groceries

  • Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best for gas

  • The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best for small business

Top 9 credit offers of 2022

  • Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card : Best for simple cash back

  • Chase Freedom Flex®: Best for bonus cash back

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for basic travel rewards

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for travel perks

  • Wells Fargo Reflect® Card : Best for intro 0% APR and balance transfer

  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card : Best airline card

  • World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best hotel card

  • Discover it® Chrome : Best for students

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card : Best for building credit

2022's best credit cards for specific needs

  • Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card (no longer available): Best for entertainment (this was the annual-fee version of the Savor card, which has since been discontinued; the no-annual fee card formerly known as SavorOne now bears the "Savor" name)

  • U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card : Best for dining

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Best for groceries

  • The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card : Best for small business

Top 10 credit card offers of 2021

  • Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for flat-rate cash back

  • Chase Freedom Flex®: Best for bonus cash back

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate travel rewards

  • American Express® Gold Card: Best for bonus travel rewards

  • Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card: Best for no-annual-fee travel rewards

  • U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: Best for 0% intro APR and balance transfer

  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Best airline card

  • World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best hotel card

  • Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for college students

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for building credit

2021's best credit cards for specific needs

  • Capital One Spark Cash: Best for small-business cash back

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for groceries

  • U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: Best for dining out or ordering in

  • Prime Visa: Best for staying at home

Top 10 credit card offers of 2020

  • Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for flat-rate cash back

  • Discover it® Cash Back: Best for bonus category cash back

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate travel rewards

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for bonus travel rewards

  • Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card: Best for no-annual-fee travel rewards

  • Amex EveryDay® Credit Card: Best for balance transfers

  • U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: Best for 0% intro APR

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best premium card

  • ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card: Best for fair credit

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for building credit

2020's best credit cards for specific needs

  • Capital One Spark Cash: Best for small-business cash back

  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for small-business travel

  • Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for college students

  • Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students: Best for international students

  • United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline card

  • World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best hotel card

  • Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard®: Best store card

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for families

  • Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card (no longer available): Best for dining and entertainment (this was the annual-fee version of the Savor card, which has since been discontinued; the no-annual fee card formerly known as SavorOne now bears the "Savor" name)

  • Ducks Unlimited Rewards Visa® Card: Best for gas

Top 10 credit card offers of 2019

  • Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard®: Best for flat-rate travel

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for bonus travel rewards

  • Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card: Best for no-annual-fee travel

  • Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for flat-rate cash back

  • Discover it® Cash Back: Best for bonus cash back

  • Amex EveryDay® Credit Card: Best for balance transfers

  • U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: Best for 0% interest

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best premium card

  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for fair credit

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for building credit

2019's best credit cards for specific needs

  • Capital One Spark Cash: Best for small-business cash back

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for small-business travel

  • Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students: Best for college students

  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card: Best airline card

  • Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card: Best hotel card

  • Prime Visa: Best store card

  • Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card: Best gas card

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for families

  • Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment (at the time this card was chosen, it was known as the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card)

Top 10 credit card offers of 2018

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best flat-rate travel rewards card

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best bonus category travel rewards card

  • Citi Double Cash® Card: Best flat-rate cash back card

  • Discover it® Cash Back: Best bonus category cash back card

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best family card

  • Citi Simplicity® Card: Best 0% Intro APR card

  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best card for fair/average credit

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best card for building credit

  • Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best card for college students

  • SimplyCash® Plus Business Credit Card from American Express: Best small business card

Top 10 credit card offers of 2017

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best flat-rate travel rewards card

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best bonus category travel rewards card

  • Citi Double Cash® Card: Best flat-rate cash back card

  • Chase Freedom®: Best bonus category cash back card

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best card for everyday spending

  • Chase Slate®: Best card for balance transfers

  • Citi Simplicity® Card: Longest 0% Intro APR period

  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best card for fair/average credit

  • Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best card for college students

  • Capital One Spark Cash: Best small business card

Top 10 credit card offers of 2016

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for travel

  • (TIE) — Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard®: Easiest travel redemption

  • Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for cash back

  • Chase Freedom®: Best for bonus categories

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for everyday spending

  • Chase Slate®: Best for balance transfers

  • Citi Simplicity® Card: Longest 0% Intro APR period

  • Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card for College Students: Best for students

  • Ink Plus® Business Credit Card: Best for business

  • Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard®: Best for fair/average credit

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. To view rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, see this page.

Last updated on December 10, 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit 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 as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

About the author

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Caitlin Mims

Caitlin Mims is a content management specialist at NerdWallet covering credit cards. Previously, she was an editor at CreditCards.com. Read full profile
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