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Best Credit Cards of May 2026

  1. Paul Soucy Author Avatar
  2. Sara Rathner Author Avatar
  3. Kenley Young Author Avatar
Written by
Paul Soucy
,
Reviewed by
Sara Rathner
,
Edited by
Kenley Young
Last updated on May 5, 2026
Fact Checked
NerdWallet is committed to editorial integrity

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

Paul Soucy Author Avatar+2
Written by
Paul Soucy
Last updated on May 5, 2026
Sara Rathner Author Avatar
Reviewed by
Sara Rathner
Kenley Young Author Avatar
Edited by
Kenley Young
Fact Checked
NerdWallet is committed to editorial integrity

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

The best credit card is one that's best aligned with your specific needs. NerdWallet's credit card experts have reviewed and rated hundreds of options for the best credit cards of 2026 — from generous rewards and giant sign-up bonuses to long 0% APR periods and credit-building help, so you can find the best fit for your needs.

  • Our pick for: All-around cash back

    Chase Freedom Unlimited® card image

    Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1.5%-5%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    $200
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
    Regular APR
    18.24%-27.74% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    5%
    Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
    3%
    Cash back on drugstore purchases.
    3%
    Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
    1.5%
    Cash back on all other purchases.
    Card details
    • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
    • Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
    • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
    • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
    • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
    • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
    • Member FDIC
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    Pros
    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    • High rewards rate
    • No minimum redemption amount
    Cons
    • Requires good/excellent credit
    Read full review

  • Our pick for: Simple travel rewards

    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card card image

    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    Annual fee
    $95
    Rewards rate
    2x-5x
    Miles
    Intro offer
    75,000
    miles
    Regular APR
    19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
    Recommended credit score
    Rewards breakdown
    5x
    Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    2x
    Miles on every purchase, every day.
    Card details
    • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
    • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
    • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
    • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
    • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
    • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
    • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
    • Top rated mobile app
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    Pros
    • High rewards rate
    • Flexible rewards redemption
    Cons
    • Has annual fee
    • Requires good/excellent credit
    Read full review

  • 2026 Best all-purpose travel rewards credit card

    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card image

    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    Annual fee
    $95
    Rewards rate
    1x-5x
    Points
    Intro offer
    75,000
    points
    Regular APR
    19.24%-27.49% Variable APR
    Recommended credit score
    Rewards breakdown
    5x
    Points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
    3x
    Points on dining.
    3x
    Points on select streaming services.
    3x
    Points on online groceries.
    2x
    Points on all other travel purchases.
    1x
    Point on all other purchases.
    Card details
    • Earn 75,000 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
    • Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
    • 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
    • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
    • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
    • Member FDIC
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    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

  • 2026 Best all-purpose cash back credit card

    Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card card image

    Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    2%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    $200
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
    Regular APR
    18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    2%
    Unlimited Cash rewards on purchases.
    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. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
    • $0 annual fee.
    • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
    • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
    • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    Pros
    • High rewards rate
    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    Cons
    • No bonus categories
    Read full review

  • Our pick for: Longest Intro APR period for transfers and purchases

    Wells Fargo Reflect® Card card image

    Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    N/A
    Intro offer
    N/A
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
    Regular APR
    17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR
    Card details
    • Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
    • 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
    • $0 annual fee.
    • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
    • Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    Pros
    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    Cons
    • No rewards
    Read full review

  • Our pick for: Luxury travel perks

    American Express Platinum Card® card image

    American Express Platinum Card®

    Annual fee
    $895
    Rewards rate
    1x-5x
    Points
    Intro offer
    As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
    APR
    See Pay Over Time APR
    Recommended credit
    Rewards breakdown
    5x
    Membership Rewards® Points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
    5x
    Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings.
    1x
    Membership Rewards® Points on other purchases.
    Card details
    • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
    • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
    • With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
    • $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
    • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
    • $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
    • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
    • $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
    • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
    • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
    • $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
    • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
    • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
    • $895 annual fee.
    • Terms Apply.
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    Pros
    • Bonus categories
    • Transfer partners
    • Luxury perks
    • Lounge membership
    • Automatic elite status
    Cons
    • Has annual fee
    • Complicated rewards
    • Requires good/excellent credit
    Read full review

  • 2026 Best balance transfer credit card

    Citi Simplicity® Card card image

    Citi Simplicity® Card

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    N/A
    Intro offer
    N/A
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR on purchases for 18 months
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
    Regular APR
    17.49%-28.24% Variable APR
    Card details
    • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 18 months from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
    • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
    • No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
    • $0 liability on unauthorized charges.
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    Pros
    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    Cons
    • No rewards
    • No new cardholder bonus offer
    • Requires good/excellent credit
    Read full review

  • 2026 Best credit card for dining

    Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card card image

    Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1%-8%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    $200
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro on purchases for 12 months
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro on balance transfers for 12 months; balance transfer fee applies
    Regular APR
    18.49%-28.49% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    8%
    Cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
    5%
    Cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    3%
    Cash back on dining.
    3%
    Cash back on entertainment.
    3%
    Cash back on popular streaming services.
    3%
    Cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
    1%
    Cash back on all other purchases.
    Card details
    • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
    • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
    • 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, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 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 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
    • Top rated mobile app
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    Pros
    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    • Bonus categories
    • No foreign transaction fees
    Cons
    • Requires good/excellent credit
    Read full review

  • 2026 Best premium travel credit card

    Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card card image

    Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

    Annual fee
    $395
    Rewards rate
    2x-10x
    Miles
    Intro offer
    75,000
    miles
    Regular APR
    19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
    Recommended credit score
    Rewards breakdown
    10x
    Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    5x
    Miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
    2x
    Miles on all other purchases.
    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 access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
    • 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®
    • Top rated mobile app
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    Pros
    • High rewards rate
    • New cardholder bonus offer
    • Lounge membership
    • Anniversary perk
    • Flexible rewards redemption
    Cons
    • High annual fee
    • Requires excellent credit
    Read full review

  • 2026 Best credit card for groceries

    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express card image

    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

    Annual fee
    $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
    Rewards rate
    1%-6%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    As High as $300 cash back. Find Out Your Offer.
    Recommended credit
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening
    APR
    19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    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.
    Card details
    • Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
    • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
    • Enjoy 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 19.49%-28.49%.
    • Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
    • Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
    • Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
    • Terms Apply.
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    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
  • Record bonus offer
    Why this card stands out

    For a limited time, new cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can earn a bonus of 150,000 points by meeting the card's initial spending requirement. That's the biggest pile of bonus points the card has offered in its nearly 10 years on the market. The bonus is worth $1,500 or more when redeemed for travel

    Our pick for: Bonus rewards + high-end perks

    Chase Sapphire Reserve® card image

    Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    Annual fee
    $795
    Rewards rate
    1x-8x
    Points
    Intro offer
    150,000
    points
    Regular APR
    19.49%-27.99% Variable APR
    Recommended credit score
    Rewards breakdown
    8x
    Points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠.
    4x
    Points on flights and hotels booked direct.
    3x
    Points on dining worldwide.
    1x
    Points on all other purchases.
    Card details
    • Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
    • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
    • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
    • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
    • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
    • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
    • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $288 annually
    • Member FDIC
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    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

  • Our pick for: Long intro APR period + side perks

    U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card card image

    U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    4%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    N/A
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR on purchases for 21 billing cycles
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 billing cycles
    Regular APR
    16.99%-27.99% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    4%
    Cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Travel Center.
    Card details
    • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.99% - 27.99%.
    • 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Travel Center when you use your card.
    • Get a $20 annual statement credit for 11 consecutive months of purchases.
    • No annual fee.
    • Cell Phone Protection: Your eligible cell phone can be reimbursed up to $600 in the event it is stolen or damaged when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card.
    • Terms and conditions apply.
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    Pros
    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    • Rewards
    • Cell phone insurance
    Cons
    • Requires good/excellent credit
    • No bonus offer
    Read full review

  • Our pick for: Long intro period + quarterly categories

    Discover it® Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer card image

    Discover it® Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer

    Apply Nowon Discover's website
    on Discover's website
    Rates & Fees
    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1%-5%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    Cashback Match™
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
    Regular APR
    17.49%-26.49% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    5%
    Cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
    1%
    Cash back on all other purchases.
    Card details
    • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. 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. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
    • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
    • Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
    • Terms and conditions apply.
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    Pros
    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    • Bonus categories
    • Cash rewards
    Cons
    • Complicated rewards
    • Spending caps on bonus rewards
    • Lower acceptance abroad
    Read full review

  • Our pick for: Going out & staying in

    Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card card image

    Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1%-8%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    $50
    Regular APR
    18.49%-28.49% Variable APR
    Recommended credit score
    Rewards breakdown
    8%
    Cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal.
    5%
    Cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    3%
    Cash back on dining.
    3%
    Cash back on entertainment.
    3%
    Cash back on popular streaming services.
    3%
    Cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
    1%
    Cash back on all other purchases.
    Card details
    • 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
    • Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
    • 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
    • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 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
    • Top rated mobile app
    • View Rates & Fees
    NerdWallet's take
    Pros
    • No annual fee
    • Bonus categories
    • No rewards caps
    • Reports to the three major credit bureaus
    Cons
    • High APR
    Read full review

Compare the Best Credit Card Offers of May 2026

Credit card
Rating
Annual feeRewards rateIntro offerLearn more
Chase Freedom Unlimited® ImageChase Freedom Unlimited®
5.0/5
Best for All-around cash back

$0

1.5%-5%

Cashback
$200
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ImageCapital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4.7/5
Best for Simple travel rewards

$95

2x-5x

Miles
75,000
miles
2026 Best all-purpose travel rewards credit card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ImageChase Sapphire Preferred® Card
4.7/5
Best for Bonus travel rewards

$95

1x-5x

Points
75,000
points
2026 Best all-purpose cash back credit card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card ImageWells Fargo Active Cash® Card
5.0/5
Best for 2% cash back

$0

2%

Cashback
$200
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card ImageWells Fargo Reflect® Card
4.5/5
Best for Longest Intro APR period for transfers and purchases

$0

N/A

N/A
American Express Platinum Card® ImageAmerican Express Platinum Card®
5.0/5
Best for Luxury travel perks

$895

1x-5x

Points
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
2026 Best balance transfer credit card
Citi Simplicity® Card ImageCiti Simplicity® Card
4.5/5
Best for Balance transfers + no late fees

$0

N/A

N/A
2026 Best credit card for dining
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card ImageCapital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
5.0/5
Best for Food and entertainment

$0

1%-8%

Cashback
$200
2026 Best premium travel credit card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ImageCapital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
4.9/5
Best for Travel portal benefits

$395

2x-10x

Miles
75,000
miles
2026 Best credit card for groceries
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express ImageBlue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
5.0/5
Best for Families & households

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

1%-6%

Cashback
As High as $300 cash back. Find Out Your Offer.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® ImageChase Sapphire Reserve®
4.7/5
Best for Bonus rewards + high-end perks

$795

1x-8x

Points
150,000
points
U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card ImageU.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card
4.6/5
Best for Long intro APR period + side perks

$0

4%

Cashback
N/A
Discover it® Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer ImageDiscover it® Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer
4.9/5
Best for Long intro period + quarterly categories

$0

1%-5%

Cashback
Cashback Match™
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card ImageCapital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
5.0/5
Best for Going out & staying in

$0

1%-8%

Cashback
$50
See all of our credit card reviews.

More about our picks

BACK TO TOP

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back

There's a reason the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has been the NerdWallet Best-Of Award winner as the best card for simple cash back every year from 2022 to 2026 (in other words, every year it's been eligible). The uncapped 2% cash back on every purchase is as good as it gets for a $0-annual-fee card with no membership requirements. Add to that the excellent sign-up bonus, an intro APR period and cell phone insurance, and there just isn't much to complain about. As is always the case with any flat-rate card, the simplicity comes with an opportunity cost: Other cards can earn higher rewards in specific categories. And if you need a long time to pay down a major purchase, other cash back cards offer a longer 0% intro APR period. But those are relatively minor quibbles. Read our review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.

» For higher rewards in everyday categories: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Our pick for: Families & households

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out for its high rewards rates across a range of common household spending categories. NerdWallet has dubbed it the "ultimate family card" for that very reason. The rates it pays at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions are among the richest of any card on the market, and you also get strong cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit. If you spend a lot of money in these categories — whether you have a family or not — the card merits serious consideration. Note the key phrase there: "a lot of money." Unlike most cash back cards, this one charges an annual fee, so it's not for those who intend to use it for a few purchases here and there. But if you do have big grocery, commuting or streaming bills, you can break even quickly and start racking up serious cash back. Terms apply. Read our review of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.

» For an alternative with no annual fee (terms apply): Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Going out & staying in

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a perfect fit for many modern families’ spending habits, earning 3% cash back at grocery stores, at restaurants and on popular streaming services and entertainment. It's the rare card with high rewards for both going out (dining and entertainment) and staying in (groceries and streaming). That versatility makes it a solid top-of-wallet card and gives busy young professionals or harried parents one less thing to juggle. The card also pairs well with Capital One's Venture-branded travel cards, as you can transfer your rewards and combine them with Venture miles for greater flexibility in redemption. This is the rare card without a glaring drawback — it has a bonus offer and an introductory APR period, too — but it's worth noting that there are cards with higher rewards on groceries and cards with higher rewards at restaurants. If the bulk of your food spending is at one or the other, rather than both, you might be able to generate more cash back with a different card (see rates and fees). Read our review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.

» For higher grocery and dining rewards (but at a cost): American Express® Gold Card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Our pick for: All-around cash back

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® isn't all things to all people, but it is a lot of things to a lot of people, which is why it's so popular — and why it appears on so many of NerdWallet's roundups for the best credit cards in a particular category. It's the rare card that pays uncapped bonus cash back in common spending categories and earns more than 1% cash back on all other spending. (Usually you get one or the other.) It's a good fit for someone looking for one card they can use everywhere. Flexible rewards also make it a good pairing with one of Chase's Sapphire-branded travel cards, and the lengthy 0% introductory APR period gives you a decent option for managing debt. There aren't a lot of drawbacks, but if you don't spend much in the card's bonus categories (restaurants, drugstores, travel booked through Chase), you'd be better off with a flat-rate 2% cash back card. Read our review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited®.

» For a simpler rewards structure: Citi Double Cash® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Simple travel rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is hard to beat if you just want a simple, flexible travel card. For a comparatively modest annual fee (see rates and fees), you get a strong rewards rate on all purchases: 2 miles per dollar, rising to 5 miles per dollar for certain bookings through Capital One's travel portal. You also get perks like a credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. But it's the straightforward redemption process that has made this card so popular — and which has been the cornerstone of this card's marketing for more than a decade. Miles can be redeemed for 1 cent apiece for credit on your statement against travel purchases, allowing you to book travel however you want and then redeem your miles to pay for it, without the restrictions of airline or hotel loyalty programs. (Other issuers have copied this model, but give Capital One credit for popularizing it.) You can also use miles to book travel directly for travel through Capital One (also at 1 cent per mile) or transfer them to one of the issuer's partners. Be advised, however, that the only domestic airline among those partners is JetBlue, as the biggest U.S. airlines have been locked up by other card issuers. And if you want to use your miles for credit against non-travel expenses (as cash back, essentially), they're worth only half as much. Read our review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

» For even more benefits with similar flexibility: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Bonus travel rewards

While premium travel credit cards race toward annual fees of $1,000, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains an outstanding choice if you’re looking for solid, flexible benefits at a reasonable cost. Although it lacks some of the perks you’d enjoy with higher-end cards — airport lounge access, for example, or credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry — you still get a lot for the money. So much value, in fact, that it has been the NerdWallet Best-Of Award winner for best all-purpose travel card from 2023 to 2026. There’s a generous sign-up bonus, plus elevated rewards for travel (especially travel booked through Chase), dining, streaming services and online grocery purchases. The card also offers an annual credit toward hotels booked through Chase, as well as an anniversary point bonus and primary rental car coverage. Points are potentially worth more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The partner list is especially strong and includes big brands like United, Southwest, JetBlue, Marriott, Hyatt and IHG. But note that all those redemption options can make this a more complicated card to manage. Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

» For simpler rewards for a similar price: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

American Express Platinum Card®

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks

The American Express Platinum Card® isn't for everyone. The annual fee is among the highest on any card, and a significant chunk of the card's value lies in an array of travel, lifestyle, entertainment and shopping credits that might appeal to hardcore maximizers but can just look like work to those who are more laid-back. But "not for everyone" doesn't mean "not for anyone." Frequent travelers who enjoy VIP treatment and don't mind putting in some effort can easily make back the $895 annual fee. You can travel in style with extensive lounge access, a yearly airline credit that covers things like checked bag fees and upgraded seats, and credits toward prepaid bookings at select hotels. Plus, the card's statement credits for CLEAR+ and either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can smooth your way through airport security. On top of its extensive travel benefits, cardholders also get benefits with Resy restaurants, Uber, Equinox, Lululemon, the Oura Ring and more. Note, though, that while the perks are extensive, the rewards are more limited. Some travel earns 5 points per dollar spent, everything else only earns 1 point per dollar. Enrollment required for many benefits; terms apply. Read our review of the American Express Platinum Card®.

» For higher spending rewards and a lower annual fee: American Express® Gold Card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + high-end perks

For its high annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® packs a lot of potential value — a big sign-up bonus, elevated rewards on travel and dining purchases, and travel perks such as airport lounge access and a credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Points are potentially worth more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel programs, with a strong roster of partners that includes big domestic airlines and hotel credits. The flexible annual travel credit will easily take a big bite out of the annual fee, but chipping away at the rest of the cost involves a laundry list of credits toward purchases with specific merchants. If these were purchases you were going to make anyway, then they elevate the card's utility and value. If not, you may find it difficult to get enough out of the card to justify the big fee. Ultimately, frequent travelers who can use at least some of the credits stand to get the most out of this card. If you don't travel all that much, it will be hard to justify the fee. Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

» For a high-end experience with greater simplicity: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel portal benefits

Despite its seemingly high $395 annual fee, it's easy to get a lot of value out of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). That's why it beat out an array of flashier, pricier cards to be the best premium travel credit card in the 2025 and 2026 NerdWallet Best-Of Awards. Between a $300 annual credit toward travel booked through Capital One and an anniversary bonus worth at least $100, you can more than offset the card’s cost without a lot of work — and without needing the coupon-style credits that so many of its competitors are loaded up with. And that’s before you factor in other travel perks and the card’s sign-up bonus. You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on purchases and 5-10 miles per dollar on certain travel bookings through Capital One. You have the same flexible redemption options that made the original Venture card so popular: a statement credit to cover recent travel purchases, booking travel through Capital One, or transferring miles to one of Capital One’s airline or hotel partners. All that said, this card does have its drawbacks and blind spots. Much of its value is tied to using the issuer's travel portal; if you prefer to book direct, you'll have to compromise or leave money on the table. Capital One doesn't have a major U.S. airline partner, so JetBlue is your only domestic option. And the comparative lack of "coupon" credits cuts both ways: Sure, you won't be stuck with benefits you won't use, but a lot of people do get value out of at least some of them. Read our review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

» For more U.S. airline partners: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Our pick for: Longest Intro APR period for transfers and purchases

The value proposition on the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is about as simple as it gets: an introductory APR period of almost two years for both purchases and balance transfers, which is one of the lengthiest breaks from interest offered by any major card issuer. The promotional rate for transfers is good for 120 days from the time you open the account; that's a longer window than on some competing cards, which might offer only 60 days. On the other hand, the balance transfer fee on this card is on the high end of the typical range. Like most cards in its class, it doesn't offer many compelling reasons to keep using it once the intro APR period ends. There are no rewards, no significant perks beyond cell phone insurance, and no bonus offer. If you don't actually need 21 months to eliminate your debt, a cash back card with a shorter 0% promotion might be a better alternative. But if your aim is as much 0% as you can get, it's a good choice. Read our review of the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card.

» For a lower intro balance transfer fee: Citi Simplicity® Card.

Citi Simplicity® Card

Our pick for: Balance transfers + no late fees

We crowned the Citi Simplicity® Card as the best balance transfer credit card in the NerdWallet Best-Of Awards for both 2025 and 2026 because of the length of its intro APR period, its low introductory balance transfer fee and its forgiveness features. The structure of the introductory APR offer has since changed, however. It used to be 21 months for balance transfers and 12 months for purchases; now it's 18 months for each. That makes it slightly worse for transfers but significantly better for purchases, and in the end it remains a strong card overall. What hasn't changed is the low intro fee and the fact that the card doesn’t charge late fees or assess a penalty APR for late payments. Of course, you’ll want to strive for consistent on-time payments for the sake of your credit score, but life happens, and it’s nice to know this card won’t kick you when you're down. But because it doesn’t earn rewards or offer perks, its utility will likely run out after you’ve used it to pay down debt. Read our review of the Citi Simplicity® Card.

» For a long 0% period on purchases, plus rewards: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Discover it® Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer

Our pick for: Long intro period + quarterly categories

The Discover it® Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer is the rare card with a long introductory APR period for balance transfers and a robust rewards program, meaning it continues to hold value after that intro period ends. It's really just a variation on Discover's flagship cash back card. It has the same rewards as the regular card, the same bonus offer, really the same everything — except for the APR offer. There are a couple of things to be aware of, though. The rewards require some work, as you have to track and activate quarterly bonus categories, and there's a spending cap on the highest rewards rate. And the intro APR period for purchases is considerably shorter than the one for transfers. When intro APR periods are mismatched like that, it can mean you have no grace period on purchases when you are still carrying a transferred balance. So the smart move may be to wait until you've paid off any transfers before putting purchases on it. Read our review of the Discover it® Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer.

» For the same rewards but a different intro APR offer: Discover it® Cash Back

U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card

Our pick for: Longest intro APR period + side perks

While primarily a card for paying down debt, the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card adds a few perks that might push it ahead of its rivals. In addition to its lengthy 0% intro APR period for purchases and balance transfers, the card offers cell phone insurance, an annual statement credit after making a purchase in 11 consecutive months, and 4% back on certain travel booked through U.S. Bank’s Rewards Center. Sure, none of those perks are groundbreaking, but other cards in its class have almost nothing to offer beyond their 0% period. (Tip: Put a subscription on the card, set the card to autopay and that annual credit becomes automatic.) If all you're looking for is the longest possible break from interest, then you've read as far as you need to. But if you aren't going to need more than a year or so to pay down your debt, consider a card with a shorter intro APR period plus rewards that give it greater lasting value (or even a sign-up bonus for immediate value). Read our review of the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card.

» For a long break from interest and low balance transfer fee: Citi Simplicity® Card.

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Nightlife for students

The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a strong choice for students in college or other post-secondary education. Features that make it a great starter card include a $0 annual fee (see rates and fees), payments being reported to all three major credit bureaus, and automatic reviews for a higher credit line in as little as six months. The spending rewards, up to 3% cash back in categories that include restaurants and grocery stores, are the same as on the regular Savor cards for people with good to excellent credit. (They might not be a good fit for everyone, though.) As with Capital One's other student card, accessibility is something of a question mark. Some competing cards for those building credit are very clear that people with no credit history are welcome to apply; others don't run a credit check. Read our review of the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card.

» For simpler rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

A beginner's guide to credit cards

BACK TO TOP

The idea behind credit cards is simple: When you use a credit card, you are borrowing money to pay for something. Later on, you must repay what your borrowed. If you take time to pay it back (rather than pay it in full when your credit card statement comes), you'll be charged interest. The whole credit cards industry rests on this basic premise.

How credit cards work

A basic credit card transaction works like this:

1. You use your card.

You use your card at the cash register by running it through a card reader (or, if you're online, you enter your card information on the checkout page).

2. The purchase is authorized.

The card reader contacts your credit card company to make sure the card is valid for the purchase amount. Assuming everything is OK, the transaction is authorized.

3. The merchant gets paid.

The bank that issued your credit card sends money for the purchase to the merchant where the transaction took place.

4. You pay.

The transaction shows up on your credit card statement, and you repay the bank for the purchase.

» MORE: What is a credit card?

How credit card rewards work

Many of the best credit cards of 2026 give you rewards for your spending. Rewards programs come in two basic flavors (cash back and points/miles), with two basic structures (flat rate and bonus rewards).

Cash back image

Cash back

You can use cash back to directly reduce your balance. In some cases, you can have your cash back deposited in a bank account or sent to you as a check.

Points or miles image

Points or miles

Points and miles can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise or other things. You may also have the option of redeeming points for credit on your statement, just like cash back.

Flat rate image

Flat rate

You get the same rewards rate on all spending done with the card, regardless of what you spend money on. You might get 2 points per dollar on all purchases, or 1.5% cash back on everything.

Bonus rewards image

Bonus rewards

You earn a base rate on all spending (typically 1 point per dollar or 1% cash back) and then higher rates in certain categories — 5% cash back at gas stations, for example, or 3 points per dollar spent on travel.

Many credit card users carry multiple cards with bonus rewards in different categories, plus a flat-rate card for purchases that fall outside those categories.

» MORE: Cash back vs. travel — how to choose credit card rewards

Different types of credit cards

BACK TO TOP

Credit card companies in 2026 offer different kinds of cards to meet different consumer needs. Some people put a lot of money on their cards every month and then pay them off immediately; those people benefit from a card that returns a portion of their spending in the form of rewards. Others tend to carry a balance from month to month; they're better served with a card that offers a low ongoing interest rate. Still others are working to improve their credit; issuers have cards designed for those people, too.

Rewards credit cards

These cards "pay you back" for a portion of your spending by giving you cash, points or miles. See our roundup of the best rewards credit cards of 2026 for a range of options for different types of users. Or look into specific types of rewards cards:

Interest-saving credit cards

These cards offer an introductory 0% APR period or a low ongoing interest rate. That can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest on a major purchase or on debt transferred from high-interest cards. Types of interest-saving cards include:

Credit-building credit cards

The credit cards with the richest rewards, plushest perks, lowest interest rates and longest 0% periods are available only to those with good to excellent credit. If you're still building your credit (or rebuilding it after a misstep), you'll want to hold off on applying for these cards until your score improves. However, banks have designed cards specifically for people working to improve their credit:

These cards "pay you back" for a portion of your spending by giving you cash, points or miles. See our roundup of the best rewards credit cards of 2026 for a range of options for different types of users. Or look into specific types of rewards cards:

These cards offer an introductory 0% APR period or a low ongoing interest rate. That can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest on a major purchase or on debt transferred from high-interest cards. Types of interest-saving cards include:

The credit cards with the richest rewards, plushest perks, lowest interest rates and longest 0% periods are available only to those with good to excellent credit. If you're still building your credit (or rebuilding it after a misstep), you'll want to hold off on applying for these cards until your score improves. However, banks have designed cards specifically for people working to improve their credit:

Choosing the best credit card for you in 2026

BACK TO TOP

If you're a beginner to credit cards, see our step-by-step guide to choosing a credit card. It starts by helping you figure out what cards you can qualify for, then walks you through deciding what kind of card best fits your needs. The process in short:

  • 1.
    Check your credit

    The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for the best credit cards of 2026. NerdWallet offers free access to credit scores.

    Check your credit image

Comparing credit card features

Every credit card delivers value in its own way, through its own unique combination of features. And there are trade-offs involved. If you want rewards, for example, you'll probably have to accept a higher interest rate. If you want high-value perks, you'll likely pay an annual fee. If you want a low interest rate and no fees, you shouldn't expect much else from the card. In other words, you're unlikely to find a single card that offers a high rewards rate, a long 0% period, a rock-bottom ongoing interest rate, generous perks and no annual fee.

Here are the main points of comparison when looking at credit cards.

Annual fee

Some people are dead-set against paying a fee just for the privilege of carrying a credit card. But paying an annual fee is worth it in certain circumstances. With any annual fee, the math comes down to whether the value you get from the card exceeds the dollar amount you pay. Still determined not to pay? See our best credit cards with no annual fee of 2026.

Other fees

Depending on what you plan to do with the card, you'll want to take these other fees into account:

Introductory interest rate

Credit card companies drum up business by offering people with good credit a low introductory interest rate.

Ongoing interest rate

The ongoing rate is what you pay after any introductory rate expires. Some cards charge a single rate for all cardholders; others allow for a range of rates depending on your creditworthiness. In general, the better your credit, the more likely you are to qualify for a low rate. That said, if you pay your balance in full every month, your interest rate doesn't actually matter because you're never charged interest.

Rewards

Cash-back cards refund a certain percentage of the purchase price. Other cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar spent. Every card sets its own rewards structure, so apples-to-apples comparisons can be difficult. But when comparing rewards programs, think in terms of:

  • Earn rate. What do you get for every dollar spent?

  • Redemption value. How much do you get for your rewards when it comes time to use them?

  • Redemption options. How much flexibility do you have in using your rewards?

Sign-up bonus

The sign-up bonus or welcome offer is a sum of cash (say, $150 or $200) or a batch of points or miles (say, 40,000 points or 50,000 miles) that you can earn by spending a certain amount of money in your first few months with a card. The purpose is to get you in the habit of using the card. The bonuses on many travel cards are often big enough to cover the card's annual fee for the first few years. See our best credit card sign-up bonuses of 2026.

Perks

Unlike rewards, which are what you receive for using a credit card, perks are benefits you get just for carrying a card. With some cards, particularly travel credit cards, it may be the perks that provide the bulk of the value. Premium credit cards, which have annual fees of $450 and up, tend to offer the cushiest perks. Airline credit cards and hotel credit cards can easily pay for their annual fee with their perks. A full list of potential perks would be too long to include here, but common examples include:

  • Airline/airport benefits. Lounge access. Free checked bags. Priority boarding. Elite status.

  • Hotel benefits. Free nights. Automatic room upgrades. Early check-in/late check-out. Free amenities. Elite status.

  • Statement credits. Automatic credit for such things as travel expenses, purchases from selected merchants or the application fee for trusted traveler programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

  • Rental car coverage. Supplemental coverage on top of your own auto insurance policy, or even primary coverage in place of your own policy. Learn about credit card rental coverage and see our best cards for rental car coverage.

  • Cell phone insurance. Coverage in case of loss or damage. You usually have to pay for your service with your card to qualify. See our best cards for cell phone insurance.

  • Credit tracking and security. Free credit score. Credit monitoring services. Ability to "lock" your card.

Credit-building help

When you're looking to build or restore credit, several features are more important for you than for people who already have good credit.

  • Reporting to credit bureaus. If you're using your card responsibly, you want your credit score to reflect that. Make sure that your card reports payment activity to all three credit bureaus, the companies that assemble credit reports.

  • Deposit requirements. If you're getting a secured credit card, you'll need money for a security deposit. Minimum deposits are usually in the $200 to $300 range.

  • Upgrade opportunities. As your credit improves, it's nice to be able to upgrade your account to a better card.

  • Incentives for responsible behavior. Some cards might boost your rewards rate if you pay on time, or give you access to a higher credit line.

Some people are dead-set against paying a fee just for the privilege of carrying a credit card. But paying an annual fee is worth it in certain circumstances. With any annual fee, the math comes down to whether the value you get from the card exceeds the dollar amount you pay. Still determined not to pay? See our best credit cards with no annual fee of 2026.

Other fees

Depending on what you plan to do with the card, you'll want to take these other fees into account:

Credit card companies drum up business by offering people with good credit a low introductory interest rate.

The ongoing rate is what you pay after any introductory rate expires. Some cards charge a single rate for all cardholders; others allow for a range of rates depending on your creditworthiness. In general, the better your credit, the more likely you are to qualify for a low rate. That said, if you pay your balance in full every month, your interest rate doesn't actually matter because you're never charged interest.

Cash-back cards refund a certain percentage of the purchase price. Other cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar spent. Every card sets its own rewards structure, so apples-to-apples comparisons can be difficult. But when comparing rewards programs, think in terms of:

  • Earn rate. What do you get for every dollar spent?

  • Redemption value. How much do you get for your rewards when it comes time to use them?

  • Redemption options. How much flexibility do you have in using your rewards?

The sign-up bonus or welcome offer is a sum of cash (say, $150 or $200) or a batch of points or miles (say, 40,000 points or 50,000 miles) that you can earn by spending a certain amount of money in your first few months with a card. The purpose is to get you in the habit of using the card. The bonuses on many travel cards are often big enough to cover the card's annual fee for the first few years. See our best credit card sign-up bonuses of 2026.

Unlike rewards, which are what you receive for using a credit card, perks are benefits you get just for carrying a card. With some cards, particularly travel credit cards, it may be the perks that provide the bulk of the value. Premium credit cards, which have annual fees of $450 and up, tend to offer the cushiest perks. Airline credit cards and hotel credit cards can easily pay for their annual fee with their perks. A full list of potential perks would be too long to include here, but common examples include:

  • Airline/airport benefits. Lounge access. Free checked bags. Priority boarding. Elite status.

  • Hotel benefits. Free nights. Automatic room upgrades. Early check-in/late check-out. Free amenities. Elite status.

  • Statement credits. Automatic credit for such things as travel expenses, purchases from selected merchants or the application fee for trusted traveler programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

  • Rental car coverage. Supplemental coverage on top of your own auto insurance policy, or even primary coverage in place of your own policy. Learn about credit card rental coverage and see our best cards for rental car coverage.

  • Cell phone insurance. Coverage in case of loss or damage. You usually have to pay for your service with your card to qualify. See our best cards for cell phone insurance.

  • Credit tracking and security. Free credit score. Credit monitoring services. Ability to "lock" your card.

When you're looking to build or restore credit, several features are more important for you than for people who already have good credit.

  • Reporting to credit bureaus. If you're using your card responsibly, you want your credit score to reflect that. Make sure that your card reports payment activity to all three credit bureaus, the companies that assemble credit reports.

  • Deposit requirements. If you're getting a secured credit card, you'll need money for a security deposit. Minimum deposits are usually in the $200 to $300 range.

  • Upgrade opportunities. As your credit improves, it's nice to be able to upgrade your account to a better card.

  • Incentives for responsible behavior. Some cards might boost your rewards rate if you pay on time, or give you access to a higher credit line.

How many credit cards should you have?

Just as there is no single best credit card for everyone, there is no perfect number of credit cards to have. It depends on your needs and how much effort you want to put into managing your credit cards.

  • There's no limit to how many cards you can have. Each lender evaluates your credit on its own term, but there's no hard limit where you have "too many cards."

  • You don't need to have multiple cards to maintain good credit score. Credit scoring formulas tend to reward you for having different types of accounts — credit cards, mortgages, loans, etc. — but it's not necessary to have multiple accounts of each type. One credit card, responsibly managed, is enough.

Advantages of carrying multiple cards

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Maximizing rewards

One card may pay you a higher rewards rate on groceries. Another may reward you handsomely at restaurants, or on gas purchases, or for spending on travel. Having multiple cards allows you to maximize your total rewards.

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Flexibility

Some cards are more widely accepted than others. It’s good to have a backup in situations where one card isn’t accepted. Additionally, if a card is lost, stolen or compromised, you'll have another option while you wait for a replacement.

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More available credit

A key factor in your credit score is your credit utilization, or how much of your available credit you're using. Ideally, you’ll want to keep utilization below 30%. If you have a $500 balance on a card with a $1,000 limit, your utilization is 50%. If you have $500 in balances spread across three cards with limits of $1,000 each, your utilization about is 17%.

Risks of carrying multiple cards

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Losing track of spending

The more cards you have, the harder it is to remember how much you’ve spent on which card.

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Missing a payment

Multiple due dates increase the risk of missing a payment, which can trigger a late fee or (if it's late enough) even damage your credit.

Methodology

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NerdWallet's Credit Cards content team selected the best credit cards of 2026 in each category based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. This page includes selections across multiple categories, and a single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in more than one category. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards. Factors in our evaluations include:

For cash back cards

Cash-back earning rates, rewards structures (such as flat-rate or tiered categories), annual fees, redemption options (including minimum redemption amounts), promotional APR periods for purchases, bonus offers for new cardholders, and noteworthy features such as loyalty bonuses or the ability to choose one's own rewards categories.

For travel rewards cards

Annual fees, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR periods, bonus offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits and airport lounge access.

For balance transfer and 0% APR cards

Annual fees, balance transfer fees, the length of each card's 0% introductory APR period, ongoing APRs, credit-profile requirements, cardholders' access to credit scores, and other noteworthy features such as rewards or perks that give the card ongoing value beyond the promotional APR period.

For college student cards

Annual fees, rewards programs (both earning rates and redemption options), promotional and ongoing APRs, bonus offers for new cardholders, incentives for responsible behavior, free credit scores and other credit education, availability to applicants with thin or no credit history, and other noteworthy features such as a path to upgrade to a different product later on.

For credit-building cards

(Including bad credit or fair credit.) Annual and other fees, deposit requirements for secured cards (both the minimum and maximum allowed), interest rates, upgrade options, the availability of free credit scores and other credit education and tools, reporting to credit bureaus, and other noteworthy features such as a rewards program or the ability to qualify without a credit check

For business cards

Annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as special financing arrangements, free cards for employees or tools for managing business expenses.

Cash-back earning rates, rewards structures (such as flat-rate or tiered categories), annual fees, redemption options (including minimum redemption amounts), promotional APR periods for purchases, bonus offers for new cardholders, and noteworthy features such as loyalty bonuses or the ability to choose one's own rewards categories.

Annual fees, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR periods, bonus offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits and airport lounge access.

Annual fees, balance transfer fees, the length of each card's 0% introductory APR period, ongoing APRs, credit-profile requirements, cardholders' access to credit scores, and other noteworthy features such as rewards or perks that give the card ongoing value beyond the promotional APR period.

Annual fees, rewards programs (both earning rates and redemption options), promotional and ongoing APRs, bonus offers for new cardholders, incentives for responsible behavior, free credit scores and other credit education, availability to applicants with thin or no credit history, and other noteworthy features such as a path to upgrade to a different product later on.

(Including bad credit or fair credit.) Annual and other fees, deposit requirements for secured cards (both the minimum and maximum allowed), interest rates, upgrade options, the availability of free credit scores and other credit education and tools, reporting to credit bureaus, and other noteworthy features such as a rewards program or the ability to qualify without a credit check

Annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as special financing arrangements, free cards for employees or tools for managing business expenses.

Frequently asked questions

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What's the best credit card?

No single credit card is the best for everyone. It all depends on how you use credit and how strong your credit is.

A rewards credit card gives you a little something back with each purchase you make — usually cash back or travel points or airline miles. These cards are best for people who can pay their credit card bill in full each month. If you carry a balance from one month to the next, the interest you pay will eat up the value of your rewards.

A zero-percent credit card is ideal if you're looking to finance a big purchase or pay down high-interest debt by way of a balance transfer. If you tend to carry a balance month to month, look for a card with low ongoing interest rate.

A credit-building card is designed for people who are just starting out with credit or are trying to bounce back from damaged credit. Rewards cards and zero-percent cards are available mostly to people with good to excellent credit; for those who aren't there yet, there are credit-building cards. There are options for bad credit, for fair or average credit and for people with no credit history.

What's the easiest credit card to get?

Secured credit cards require you to provide a cash security deposit to open an account. Because that deposit protects the card company from risk, secured cards are much easier to qualify for than other cards. You're not guaranteed approval for a secured card, but the bar is much lower than for regular cards. Store credit cards are also generally easier to qualify for than bank cards.

What's the best credit card company?

Just as there is no single best card for everyone, consumers have widely different opinions about the best (and worst) credit card issuers. One person could get the runaround from customer service rep and rate a bank zero stars as a result, while another has nothing but positive experiences and gives it five stars across the board. Still, some trends emerge in customer satisfaction surveys.

J.D. Power conducts an annual study of satisfaction among major national and regional credit card issuers. It regularly rates Discover and American Express at the top among mass-market issuers. In the most recent study, USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union had the highest ratings of all, but keep in mind that only people affiliated with the military are eligible for USAA or Navy Federal products.

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