CREDIT CARDSCREDIT CARDSCREDIT CARD AWARD WINNERS OF 2023
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Credit Card Award Winners of 2023

Erin Hurd Jun 1, 2023
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
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NerdWallet's Credit Card Award Winners of 2023

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.
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Credit Card Award Winners From Our Partners

Credit card
NerdWallet rating
Annual feeIntro APRRegular APRLearn more
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card card image
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website
Rates & Fees
5.0/5
Best for Simple cash back

$0

0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months from account opening and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website
Chase Freedom Flex℠ card image
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Best for Bonus cash back

$0

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

19.74%-28.49% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Chase's website
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card image
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Best for All-purpose travel rewards

$95

N/A

21.24%-28.24% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Chase's website
Chase Sapphire Reserve® card image
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Best for Premium travel card

$550

N/A

21.74%-28.74% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Chase's website
BankAmericard® credit card card image
BankAmericard® credit card
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,or call (800) 322-7707
Best for Balance transfer

$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

15.99%-25.99% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,or call (800) 322-7707
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card card image
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Apply Now
on American Express' website
Best for Airline card

$0 intro for the first year, then $99

N/A

20.74%-29.74% Variable APR

Apply Now
on American Express' website
World of Hyatt Credit Card card image
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Best for Hotel card

$95

N/A

20.74%-27.74% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Chase's website
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card card image
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
Best for College students

$0

N/A

19.74%-29.74% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Capital One's website
Discover it® Secured Credit Card card image
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
on Discover's website,or call 800-347-0264
Best for Building credit

$0

10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months

27.99% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Discover's website,or call 800-347-0264
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card card image
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Apply Now
on American Express' website
Best for Small business

$0

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening

18.24%-26.24% Variable APR

Apply Now
on American Express' website
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express card image
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Apply Now
on American Express' website
Best for Groceries

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

0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers

18.99%-29.99% Variable APR

Apply Now
on American Express' website
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card card image
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
Best for Dining

$0

0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers

19.99%-28.99% Variable APR

Apply Now
on US Bank's website
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card card image
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
Best for Entertainment

$0

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

19.74%-29.74% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Capital One's website
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card card image
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's application
Best for Gas

$0

0% intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months

18.99%-28.99% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Citibank's application
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card card image
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,or call (877) 754-6706
Best for 0% APR for purchases

$0

0% intro APR on Purchases for 18 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

17.99%-27.99% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,or call (877) 754-6706
Our pick for

Simple cash back

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card card image
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

5.0
NerdWallet rating
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card card image
NerdWallet rating
5.0/5
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months from account opening and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular APR

19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score

Pros
  • High rewards rate

  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • No bonus categories

Read full review
Product Details
  • 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 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
  • $0 annual fee
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
  • Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
  • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
  • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
  • View Rates & Fees
Pros
  • High rewards rate

  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • No bonus categories

Why We Like It
Our pick for

Bonus cash back

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Chase Freedom Flex℠ card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

19.74%-28.49% Variable APR

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 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 19.74% - 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.
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Bonus categories

  • Cash rewards

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • Complicated rewards

Why We Like It
Our pick for

All-purpose travel rewards

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$95

Intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

21.24%-28.24% Variable APR

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. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • 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

Why We Like It
Our pick for

Premium travel card

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Chase Sapphire Reserve® card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$550

Intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

21.74%-28.74% Variable APR

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. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Pros
  • High rewards rate

  • Luxury perks

  • Premium travel protections

  • Transfer partners

  • Primary rental car coverage

Cons
  • High annual fee

  • Requires excellent credit

Why We Like It
Our pick for

Balance transfer

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
BankAmericard® credit card card image
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,or call (800) 322-7707

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

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

Regular APR

15.99%-25.99% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • No ongoing rewards

Read full review
  • 0% Introductory APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 15.99% - 25.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
  • No annual fee.
  • No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
  • Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • No ongoing rewards

Why We Like It
Our pick for

Airline card

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card card image
Apply Now
on American Express' website

Annual fee

$0 intro for the first year, then $99

Intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

20.74%-29.74% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score

Pros
  • Free checked bag

  • Early boarding

  • Rewards don't expire

Cons
  • Has annual fee

  • Requires good/excellent credit

Read full review
  • Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 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.
  • Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
  • Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
  • Terms Apply.
  • View Rates & Fees
Pros
  • Free checked bag

  • Early boarding

  • Rewards don't expire

Cons
  • Has annual fee

  • Requires good/excellent credit

Why We Like It
Our pick for

Hotel card

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
World of Hyatt Credit Card card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$95

Intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

20.74%-27.74% Variable APR

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 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 at Hyatt hotels & 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
Pros
  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Automatic free night annually

  • Bonus categories

  • Luxury perks

Cons
  • Has annual fee

  • Complicated rewards

  • Limited redemptions

Why We Like It
Our pick for

College students

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card card image
Apply Now
on Capital One's website

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

19.74%-29.74% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Bonus categories

  • No rewards caps

  • Reports to the three major credit bureaus

Cons
  • High APR

Read full review
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases
  • Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
  • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
  • Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
  • Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
  • Build your credit with responsible card use
  • Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Bonus categories

  • No rewards caps

  • Reports to the three major credit bureaus

Cons
  • High APR

Why We Like It
Our pick for

Building credit

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Discover it® Secured Credit Card card image
Apply Now
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

27.99% Variable APR

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, earn cash back, and build your credit history
  • 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.
  • 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. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • 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.
  • Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
  • 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

Why We Like It
Our pick for

Small business

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card card image
Apply Now
on American Express' website

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening

Regular APR

18.24%-26.24% Variable APR

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.
  • 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.
  • Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
  • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.24%-26.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
  • 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

Why We Like It
Our pick for

Groceries

Best credit cards for specific needs
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express card image
Apply Now
on American Express' website

Annual fee

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

Intro APR

0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

18.99%-29.99% Variable APR

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 purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.99% to 29.99%
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.
  • 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

Why We Like It
Our pick for

Dining

Best credit cards for specific needs
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card card image
Apply Now
on US Bank's website

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Bonus categories

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • Complicated rewards

Read full review
  • Intro Offer: 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.
  • 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
  • 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
  • 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
  • 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 19.99% - 28.99%.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Points never expire
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Bonus categories

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • Complicated rewards

Why We Like It
Our pick for

Entertainment

Best credit cards for specific needs
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card card image
Apply Now
on Capital One's website

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

19.74%-29.74% Variable APR

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 after you spend $1,000 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; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • Intro APR period

  • Bonus categories

  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

Why We Like It
Our pick for

Gas

Best cards for specific needs
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card card image
Apply Now
on Citibank's application
4.7
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card card image
NerdWallet rating
4.7/5
Apply Now
on Citibank's application

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

0% intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months

Regular APR

18.99%-28.99% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • 5% bonus categories

  • Intro APR Period

Cons
  • Low rate outside bonus categories

  • Requires good/excellent credit

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 18.99% - 28.99%, 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.
  • View Rates & Fees
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • 5% bonus categories

  • Intro APR Period

Cons
  • Low rate outside bonus categories

  • Requires good/excellent credit

Why We Like It
Our pick for

0% APR for purchases

NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card card image
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,or call (877) 754-6706

Annual fee

$0

Intro APR

0% intro APR on Purchases for 18 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular APR

17.99%-27.99% Variable APR

Recommended Credit Score

Pros
  • No annual fee

  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Rotating bonus categories

  • Relationship rewards for customers

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • Complicated rewards

  • Spending caps on bonus rewards

  • Best rewards limited to certain customers

Read full review
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
  • 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
  • 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.
Pros
  • No annual fee

  • New cardholder bonus offer

  • Rotating bonus categories

  • Relationship rewards for customers

  • Intro APR period

Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit

  • Complicated rewards

  • Spending caps on bonus rewards

  • Best rewards limited to certain customers

Why We Like It

TO RECAP OUR EDITORIAL SELECTIONS

TOP CREDIT CARD OFFERS FOR 2023

2023's BEST CARDS FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS

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

Best small-business cash-back card 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 SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best balance transfer card BankAmericard® credit card

Best card for gas Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Best 0% intro APR on purchases card Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Best airline card Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Best hotel card World of Hyatt Credit Card

Best card for college students Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best card for building credit Discover it® Secured Credit Card

PAST YEARS

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 : Best for entertainment

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

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

  • 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 for Business: 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

  • Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: 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 for Business: 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: Best for dining and entertainment

  • 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 for Business: 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® credit card: Best airline card

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

  • Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: Best store card

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

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

  • Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment

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 for Business: 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 June 1, 2023

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

Portrait of author

Erin Hurd

Erin Hurd is a credit card and travel rewards expert at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in Yahoo, Nasdaq, TheStreet, International Living, the Daily Reckoning, Personal Finance and FinanceBuzz. Previously the director of strategic growth at a large financial publishing company, Erin is passionate about harnessing the power of credit card and loyalty rewards to travel the world. When she's not writing, she's planning the next adventure for her family of four using points and miles. Twitter: @ErinHurd1. Read more

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