Credit Card Award Winners of 2025
Updated: May 2, 2025
+ 2 more+ 2 more
For a good bit of 2024, inflation remained stubbornly high, and interest rates refused to budge. But by the end of that year, the picture was looking a little better on both counts, with the potential for even more rate cuts in 2025 — all of which could mean a big spending year for consumers. We kept all of that in mind when we chose the winners for NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards for 2025.
Thankfully, no matter the economic picture, credit cards continue to offer valuable perks and rewards that can help you meet your 2025 goals, whether you’re planning on finally taking that big trip or just aiming to defray everyday household expenses.
Here are our top credit card offers for 2025.
Why trust NerdWallet
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.
Show More
For a good bit of 2024, inflation remained stubbornly high, and interest rates refused to budge. But by the end of that year, the picture was looking a little better on both counts, with the potential for even more rate cuts in 2025 — all of which could mean a big spending year for consumers. We kept all of that in mind when we chose the winners for NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards for 2025.
Thankfully, no matter the economic picture, credit cards continue to offer valuable perks and rewards that can help you meet your 2025 goals, whether you’re planning on finally taking that big trip or just aiming to defray everyday household expenses.
Here are our top credit card offers for 2025.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
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.
For a good bit of 2024, inflation remained stubbornly high, and interest rates refused to budge. But by the end of that year, the picture was looking a little better on both counts, with the potential for even more rate cuts in 2025 — all of which could mean a big spending year for consumers. We kept all of that in mind when we chose the winners for NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards for 2025.
Thankfully, no matter the economic picture, credit cards continue to offer valuable perks and rewards that can help you meet your 2025 goals, whether you’re planning on finally taking that big trip or just aiming to defray everyday household expenses.
Here are our top credit card offers for 2025.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
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.
For a good bit of 2024, inflation remained stubbornly high, and interest rates refused to budge. But by the end of that year, the picture was looking a little better on both counts, with the potential for even more rate cuts in 2025 — all of which could mean a big spending year for consumers. We kept all of that in mind when we chose the winners for NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards for 2025.
Thankfully, no matter the economic picture, credit cards continue to offer valuable perks and rewards that can help you meet your 2025 goals, whether you’re planning on finally taking that big trip or just aiming to defray everyday household expenses.
Here are our top credit card offers for 2025.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
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.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
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.
Show SummaryHide Summary
NerdWallet's Credit Card Award Winners of 2025
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Simple cash back
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Bonus cash back and for dining
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Groceries and for streaming
Citi Simplicity® Card: Best for Balance transfer
Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for Building credit
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for 0% APR for purchases and for online shopping
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Best for Small business
Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card: Best for Entertainment
Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for College students
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for All-purpose travel rewards
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for Premium travel card
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card: Best for No-annual-fee travel card
The New United℠ Explorer Card: Best for Airline card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Best for Hotel card
Credit Card Award Winners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wells Fargo Active Cash® CardApply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Simple cash back | $0 | 2% | $200 | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardApply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Bonus cash back and for dining | $0 | 1%-8% | $200 | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 Citi Simplicity® CardApply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Balance transfer | $0 | N/A | N/A | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
 Discover it® Secured Credit CardApply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Building credit | $0 | 1%-2% | Cashback Match™ | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
 Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for 0% APR for purchases and for online shopping | $0 | 1%-3% | $200 | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Ink Business Unlimited® Credit CardApply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Small business | $0 | 1.5% | $750 | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Discover it® Student ChromeApply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for College students | $0 | 1%-2% | Cashback Match™ | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
 Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardApply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for All-purpose travel rewards | $95 | 1x-5x | 100,000 points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardApply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Premium travel card | $395 | 2x-10x | 75,000 miles | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 Wells Fargo Autograph® CardApply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for No-annual-fee travel card | $0 | 1x-3x | 20,000 points | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 The New United℠ Explorer CardApply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Airline card | $0 intro for the first year, then $150 | 1x-2x | 80,000 miles | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardApply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Hotel card | $95 | 2x-17x | 3 Free Night Awards + 50,000 Points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Best for Groceries and for streaming | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 1%-6% | $250 | |
 Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card | Best for Entertainment | $0 | 1%-4% | $100 |
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.
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
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Apply Now to take advantage of this 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. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% 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
NerdWallet's take
High rewards rate
No annual fee
Intro APR period
No bonus categories
Our pick for: Bonus cash back and for dining
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
No annual fee
Intro APR period
Bonus categories
No foreign transaction fees
Requires good/excellent credit
Our pick for: Balance transfer
Card details
- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is an 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
NerdWallet's take
No annual fee
Intro APR period
No rewards
No new cardholder bonus offer
Requires good/excellent credit
Our pick for: Building credit
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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.
- 30 points or more—that’s how much you could increase your FICO Credit Score on average after just six months of responsible use.
- 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. Activate by mobile app for free.
- 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
NerdWallet's take
No annual fee
Reports to the three major credit bureaus
Qualify with limited/bad credit
Earns rewards
New cardholder bonus offer
Requires minimum deposit
High APR
Our pick for: 0% APR for purchases and for online shopping
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 20.24% to 29.24% variable APR.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
- 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
NerdWallet's take
No annual fee
High rewards rate
Intro APR period
Bonus categories
Requires good/excellent credit
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Our pick for: Small business
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
High rewards rate
Intro APR period
No reward caps
New cardholder bonus offer
No bonus categories
Our pick for: College students
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- 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. Activate by mobile app for free.
- 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 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
No annual fee
Intro APR period
Qualify with average credit
Bonus categories
Complicated rewards
Our pick for: All-purpose travel rewards
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 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
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Primary rental car coverage
Flexible rewards redemption
Transfer partners
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Complicated rewards
Our pick for: Premium travel card
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
High rewards rate
New cardholder bonus offer
Lounge membership
Anniversary perk
Flexible rewards redemption
High annual fee
Requires excellent credit
Our pick for: No-annual-fee travel card
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
No annual fee
Bonus categories
No reward caps
Cell phone insurance
New cardholder bonus offer
No free checked bags
No free anniversary night
No luxury perks
Requires good/excellent credit
Our pick for: Airline card
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
- 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
- Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your United℠ Explorer Card within a calendar year
- Over $400 in partner credits each year
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
Bonus categories
Luxury perks
New cardholder bonus offer
Free checked bag
Has annual fee
Rewards have limited flexibility
Our pick for: Hotel card
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) plus 50,000 bonus points after qualifying purchases.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
Anniversary perk
High rewards rate
Automatic elite status
Has annual fee
Rewards have limited flexibility
Our pick for: Groceries and for streaming
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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 with a fixed fee. 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% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 20.24% - 29.24%.
- 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.
- 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.
NerdWallet's take
High rewards rate
Bonus categories
Intro APR period
Cash rewards
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Our pick for: Entertainment
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn a $100 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Wells Fargo will donate $50 to Capital Link when you qualify for the $100 cash rewards bonus.
- $0 annual fee.
- Earn unlimited 4% cash rewards on self-care, select sports, recreation, entertainment and impact purchases including public transportation, and EV charging.
- Earn 1% cash rewards on other purchases.
- The information related to the Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
NerdWallet's take
No annual fee
Bonus categories
New cardholder bonus
Requires good/excellent credit
TO RECAP OUR EDITORIAL SELECTIONS
TOP CREDIT CARD OFFERS FOR 2025 | 2025's BEST CARDS FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS |
|---|---|
Best card for simple cash back Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Best small-business card Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card |
Best card for bonus cash back Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | 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 Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card |
Best premium travel card Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Best card for entertainment Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card |
Best travel card with no annual fee Wells Fargo Autograph® Card | Best card for gas Citi Custom Cash® Card |
Best balance transfer card Citi Simplicity® Card | Best card for streaming Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express |
Best 0% APR card for purchases Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Best card for online shopping Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express |
Best airline card The New United℠ Explorer Card | |
Best hotel card Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | |
Best card for college students Discover it® Student Chrome | |
Best card for building credit Discover it® Secured Credit Card |
PAST YEARS
2024 award winners
Top 11 credit card offers of 2024
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 premium travel card
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card: Best no-annual-fee travel card
Citi Simplicity® Card: Best balance transfer card
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: Best 0% APR card for purchases
The New United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline card
World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best hotel card
Discover it® Student Chrome: Best card for college students
Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best card for building credit
2024's best credit cards for specific needs
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best small-business cash-back card
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best card for groceries
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: Best card for dining
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best card for entertainment
Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best card for gas
2023 award winners
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
2022 award winners
Top 9 credit card 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
2021 award winners
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
2020 award winners
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
The New 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
2019 award winners
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)
2018 award winners
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
2017 award winners
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
2016 award winners
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 Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, see this page.
The information related to the Citi Custom Cash® Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
Last updated on May 2, 2025
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
Caitlin Mims
Editor & Content StrategistAbout the reviewer
Paul Soucy
Director of ContentAbout the editor
