Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
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.
As in many years, there’s been a mix of the good, the bad and the ugly economic circumstances for consumers — and we considered it all as we chose the winning credit cards for NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards, 2023.
The good? Many credit card issuers are still offering sky-high bonuses for new cardholders, and some cards even added new perks. The bad (and sometimes ugly): inflation weighed on consumer’s household budgets and spending habits this year. But the good news is that the right credit cards can help you fight back against inflation by earning rich rewards, offering long 0% interest periods or including added perks that save you money.
Here are our top credit card offers for 2023, along with a few more options representing the best credit cards for specific needs.
Show summary
NerdWallet's Credit Card Award Winners 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 Premium travel card
BankAmericard® credit card: Best for Balance transfer
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Best for Airline card
World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best for Hotel card
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for College students
Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for Building credit
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best for Small business
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Groceries
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: Best for Dining
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Entertainment
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for Gas
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for 0% APR for purchases
Credit Card Award Winners From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Intro APR | Regular APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Best for All-purpose travel rewards | $95 | N/A | 21.24%-28.24% Variable APR | 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Best for Hotel card | $95 | N/A | 20.74%-27.74% Variable APR | Apply Now on Chase's website | |
| Best for College students | $0 | N/A | 19.74%-29.74% Variable APR | Apply Now on Capital One's website | |
| Best for Building credit | $0 | 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months | 27.99% Variable APR | ||
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 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 |
Simple cash back
NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
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
High rewards rate
No annual fee
Intro APR period
No bonus categories
High rewards rate
No annual fee
Intro APR period
No bonus categories
Bonus cash back
NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
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
No annual fee
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Cash rewards
Intro APR period
Requires good/excellent credit
Complicated rewards
- 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.
No annual fee
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Cash rewards
Intro APR period
Requires good/excellent credit
Complicated rewards
All-purpose travel rewards
NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.24%-28.24% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Primary rental car coverage
Flexible rewards redemption
Transfer partners
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Complicated rewards
- 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
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Primary rental car coverage
Flexible rewards redemption
Transfer partners
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Complicated rewards
Premium travel card
NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Annual fee
$550
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.74%-28.74% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
High rewards rate
Luxury perks
Premium travel protections
Transfer partners
Primary rental car coverage
High annual fee
Requires excellent credit
- 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
High rewards rate
Luxury perks
Premium travel protections
Transfer partners
Primary rental car coverage
High annual fee
Requires excellent credit
Balance transfer
NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
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
No annual fee
Intro APR period
Requires good/excellent credit
No ongoing rewards
- 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.
No annual fee
Intro APR period
Requires good/excellent credit
No ongoing rewards
Airline card
NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
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
Free checked bag
Early boarding
Rewards don't expire
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
- 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
Free checked bag
Early boarding
Rewards don't expire
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Hotel card
NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.74%-27.74% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
New cardholder bonus offer
Automatic free night annually
Bonus categories
Luxury perks
Has annual fee
Complicated rewards
Limited redemptions
- Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent
- 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
New cardholder bonus offer
Automatic free night annually
Bonus categories
Luxury perks
Has annual fee
Complicated rewards
Limited redemptions
College students
NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.74%-29.74% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
No annual fee
Bonus categories
No rewards caps
Reports to the three major credit bureaus
High APR
- 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
No annual fee
Bonus categories
No rewards caps
Reports to the three major credit bureaus
High APR
Building credit
NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months
Regular APR
27.99% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
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
- 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
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
Small business
NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
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
No annual fee
High rewards rate
Intro APR period
Cash rewards
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Requires good/excellent credit
- 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
No annual fee
High rewards rate
Intro APR period
Cash rewards
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Requires good/excellent credit
Groceries
Best credit cards for specific needs
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
High rewards rate
Bonus categories
Intro APR period
Cash rewards
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Spending caps on bonus rewards
- 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
High rewards rate
Bonus categories
Intro APR period
Cash rewards
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Dining
Best credit cards for specific needs
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
No annual fee
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Intro APR period
Complicated rewards
- 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
No annual fee
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Intro APR period
Complicated rewards
Entertainment
Best credit cards for specific needs
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
No annual fee
Intro APR period
Bonus categories
No foreign transaction fees
Requires good/excellent credit
- 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
No annual fee
Intro APR period
Bonus categories
No foreign transaction fees
Requires good/excellent credit
Gas
Best cards for specific needs
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
No annual fee
5% bonus categories
Intro APR Period
Low rate outside bonus categories
Requires good/excellent credit
- 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
No annual fee
5% bonus categories
Intro APR Period
Low rate outside bonus categories
Requires good/excellent credit
0% APR for purchases
NerdWallet Credit Card Award Winners of 2023
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
No annual fee
New cardholder bonus offer
Rotating bonus categories
Relationship rewards for customers
Intro APR period
Requires good/excellent credit
Complicated rewards
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Best rewards limited to certain customers
- $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.
No annual fee
New cardholder bonus offer
Rotating bonus categories
Relationship rewards for customers
Intro APR period
Requires good/excellent credit
Complicated rewards
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Best rewards limited to certain customers
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
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
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
