CREDIT CARD
WINNERS for 2021
Want to beef up your wallet’s rewards on groceries? Looking for travel rewards when we can actually travel again? Building credit with credit? We’ve got a list of the best plastic (or tungsten) to help you reach your goals. While many of the winners are our partners, this didn't influence our decisions or opinions. Our opinions are our own.
Best-Of Awards > Credit Cards
Best Flat-Rate Cash-Back Credit Card
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Balance Transfers
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- No 0% APR for purchases
- $25 minimum redemption
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Balance Transfers
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- No 0% APR for purchases
- $25 minimum redemption
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfer Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Balance Transfers
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- No 0% APR for purchases
- $25 minimum redemption
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Balance Transfers
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- No 0% APR for purchases
- $25 minimum redemption
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfer Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Balance Transfers
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- No 0% APR for purchases
- $25 minimum redemption
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Balance Transfers
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- No 0% APR for purchases
- $25 minimum redemption
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfer Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
Why this Card made the list
With a two-part rewards system that delivers one of the best cash-back rates on the market, it's a reliable and valuable option for everyday spending.
Read our methodologyBest Credit Card for Groceries
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards Rate
1%-6%
Cashback
Intro offer
$150
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Leading cash-back rewards at U.S. supermarkets
- Rich bonus offer for new cardholders
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has annual fee — but if you spend more than $31 per week at U.S. supermarkets, the rewards offset the fee
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- $25 minimum redemption
Pros
- Leading cash-back rewards at U.S. supermarkets
- Rich bonus offer for new cardholders
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has annual fee — but if you spend more than $31 per week at U.S. supermarkets, the rewards offset the fee
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- $25 minimum redemption
- Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back.
- Plus, earn $150 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- 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.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards Rate
1%-6%
Cashback
Intro offer
$150
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Leading cash-back rewards at U.S. supermarkets
- Rich bonus offer for new cardholders
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has annual fee — but if you spend more than $31 per week at U.S. supermarkets, the rewards offset the fee
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- $25 minimum redemption
Pros
- Leading cash-back rewards at U.S. supermarkets
- Rich bonus offer for new cardholders
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has annual fee — but if you spend more than $31 per week at U.S. supermarkets, the rewards offset the fee
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- $25 minimum redemption
- Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back.
- Plus, earn $150 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- 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.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards Rate
1%-6%
Cashback
Intro offer
$150
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Leading cash-back rewards at U.S. supermarkets
- Rich bonus offer for new cardholders
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has annual fee — but if you spend more than $31 per week at U.S. supermarkets, the rewards offset the fee
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- $25 minimum redemption
Pros
- Leading cash-back rewards at U.S. supermarkets
- Rich bonus offer for new cardholders
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has annual fee — but if you spend more than $31 per week at U.S. supermarkets, the rewards offset the fee
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- $25 minimum redemption
- Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back.
- Plus, earn $150 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- 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.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
Why this Card made the list
An industry-leading rewards rate at U.S. supermarkets makes it well worth the annual fee. Generous rewards in other categories just add to the appeal.
Read our methodologyBest Bonus Rewards Cash-Back Credit Card
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- 5% rewards on rotating categories
- Access to Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® site to earn more cash back
Cons
- If you value simplicity, a flat-rate cash-back card may be better
- A foreign transaction fee
Pros
- No annual fee
- 5% rewards on rotating categories
- Access to Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® site to earn more cash back
Cons
- If you value simplicity, a flat-rate cash-back card may be better
- A foreign transaction fee
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- 5% rewards on rotating categories
- Access to Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® site to earn more cash back
Cons
- If you value simplicity, a flat-rate cash-back card may be better
- A foreign transaction fee
Pros
- No annual fee
- 5% rewards on rotating categories
- Access to Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® site to earn more cash back
Cons
- If you value simplicity, a flat-rate cash-back card may be better
- A foreign transaction fee
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- 5% rewards on rotating categories
- Access to Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® site to earn more cash back
Cons
- If you value simplicity, a flat-rate cash-back card may be better
- A foreign transaction fee
Pros
- No annual fee
- 5% rewards on rotating categories
- Access to Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® site to earn more cash back
Cons
- If you value simplicity, a flat-rate cash-back card may be better
- A foreign transaction fee
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Why this Card made the list
You'll get extra cash back in rotating 5% categories and fixed categories like dining and some travel, plus a great bonus offer, for no annual fee.
Read our methodologyBest Bonus Rewards Travel Credit Card
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual Fee
$250
Rewards Rate
1x-4x
Points
Intro offer
60,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate in certain categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer partners
- Annual dining credit
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
- No lounge membership
Pros
- High rewards rate in certain categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer partners
- Annual dining credit
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
- No lounge membership
- Rose Gold is back. You can now choose between Gold or Rose Gold.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery, plus, earn 4X points for Uber Eats purchases too.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- $120 Uber Cash: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
Annual Fee
$250
Rewards Rate
1x-4x
Points
Intro offer
60,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate in certain categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer partners
- Annual dining credit
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
- No lounge membership
Pros
- High rewards rate in certain categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer partners
- Annual dining credit
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
- No lounge membership
- Rose Gold is back. You can now choose between Gold or Rose Gold.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery, plus, earn 4X points for Uber Eats purchases too.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- $120 Uber Cash: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
Annual Fee
$250
Rewards Rate
1x-4x
Points
Intro offer
60,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate in certain categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer partners
- Annual dining credit
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
- No lounge membership
Pros
- High rewards rate in certain categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer partners
- Annual dining credit
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
- No lounge membership
- Rose Gold is back. You can now choose between Gold or Rose Gold.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery, plus, earn 4X points for Uber Eats purchases too.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- $120 Uber Cash: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
Why this Card made the list
It richly rewards eligible dining, flights and even grocery shopping. Points are highly flexible for travelers, and it’s loaded with useful perks and credits.
Read our methodologyBest Flat-Rate Travel Credit Card
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
2x
Points
Intro offer
100,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate
- Flexible rewards redemption
- No foreign transaction fee
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Redemption value for cash is half of value for travel
- Requires good/excellent credit
Pros
- High rewards rate
- Flexible rewards redemption
- No foreign transaction fee
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Redemption value for cash is half of value for travel
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
- Redeem on travel—including flights, vacation rentals, car rentals and more. Plus transfer your miles to over 15+ travel loyalty programs
- No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
2x
Points
Intro offer
100,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate
- Flexible rewards redemption
- No foreign transaction fee
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Redemption value for cash is half of value for travel
- Requires good/excellent credit
Pros
- High rewards rate
- Flexible rewards redemption
- No foreign transaction fee
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Redemption value for cash is half of value for travel
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
- Redeem on travel—including flights, vacation rentals, car rentals and more. Plus transfer your miles to over 15+ travel loyalty programs
- No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
2x
Points
Intro offer
100,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate
- Flexible rewards redemption
- No foreign transaction fee
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Redemption value for cash is half of value for travel
- Requires good/excellent credit
Pros
- High rewards rate
- Flexible rewards redemption
- No foreign transaction fee
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Redemption value for cash is half of value for travel
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
- Redeem on travel—including flights, vacation rentals, car rentals and more. Plus transfer your miles to over 15+ travel loyalty programs
- No foreign transaction fees
Why this Card made the list
This card earns a high rewards rate on every purchase, and those rewards are flexible and easy to use: Redeem them for virtually any kind of travel expense.
Read our methodologyBest 0% Intro APR and Balance Transfer Credit Card
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Annual Fee
$0*
Rewards Rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- Cell phone insurance
Cons
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
Pros
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- Cell phone insurance
Cons
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.49% - 24.49%.
- Great offer from U.S. Bank, a 2021 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2021.
- No Annual Fee*
- Flexibility to choose a payment due date that fits your schedule.
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S.Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
Annual Fee
$0*
Rewards Rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- Cell phone insurance
Cons
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
Pros
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- Cell phone insurance
Cons
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.49% - 24.49%.
- Great offer from U.S. Bank, a 2021 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2021.
- No Annual Fee*
- Flexibility to choose a payment due date that fits your schedule.
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S.Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
Annual Fee
$0*
Rewards Rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- Cell phone insurance
Cons
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
Pros
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- Cell phone insurance
Cons
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.49% - 24.49%.
- Great offer from U.S. Bank, a 2021 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2021.
- No Annual Fee*
- Flexibility to choose a payment due date that fits your schedule.
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S.Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
Why this Card made the list
This card features a lengthy interest-free promo period, making it ideal for financing a big purchase or paying off debt. It also offers cell phone insurance.
Read our methodologyBest Credit Card for College Students
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No FICO history required.
- Bonus cash back categories
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Higher rewards available elsewhere
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
Pros
- No FICO history required.
- Bonus cash back categories
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Higher rewards available elsewhere
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Good Grades Rewards: $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.
- Earn rewards while building your credit history that can help you after graduation. And, get your free Credit Scorecard that includes your FICO® Credit Score and important details that help make up your score.
- No annual fee. No late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late.
- Refer-a-Friend: Once you become a Discover it® Student cardmember, you can earn a statement credit each time you refer a friend and they’re approved. Over half a million students got Discover Cards from their friends' recommendations.
- Freeze It® on/off switch for your account that prevents new purchases, cash advances & balance transfers in seconds.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 12.99% - 21.99% applies.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No FICO history required.
- Bonus cash back categories
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Higher rewards available elsewhere
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
Pros
- No FICO history required.
- Bonus cash back categories
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Higher rewards available elsewhere
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Good Grades Rewards: $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.
- Earn rewards while building your credit history that can help you after graduation. And, get your free Credit Scorecard that includes your FICO® Credit Score and important details that help make up your score.
- No annual fee. No late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late.
- Refer-a-Friend: Once you become a Discover it® Student cardmember, you can earn a statement credit each time you refer a friend and they’re approved. Over half a million students got Discover Cards from their friends' recommendations.
- Freeze It® on/off switch for your account that prevents new purchases, cash advances & balance transfers in seconds.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 12.99% - 21.99% applies.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No FICO history required.
- Bonus cash back categories
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Higher rewards available elsewhere
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
Pros
- No FICO history required.
- Bonus cash back categories
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Higher rewards available elsewhere
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Good Grades Rewards: $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.
- Earn rewards while building your credit history that can help you after graduation. And, get your free Credit Scorecard that includes your FICO® Credit Score and important details that help make up your score.
- No annual fee. No late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late.
- Refer-a-Friend: Once you become a Discover it® Student cardmember, you can earn a statement credit each time you refer a friend and they’re approved. Over half a million students got Discover Cards from their friends' recommendations.
- Freeze It® on/off switch for your account that prevents new purchases, cash advances & balance transfers in seconds.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 12.99% - 21.99% applies.
Why this Card made the list
Earn bonus rewards on gas and at restaurants — no category tracking required — plus a bonus for good grades and a cash-back match at the end of your first year.
Read our methodologyBest Credit Card for Dining Out or Ordering In
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Annual Fee
$0*
Rewards Rate
1x-4x
Points
Intro offer
20,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- No bonus rewards on entertainment
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- No bonus rewards on entertainment
- 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
- Earn 4X points on takeout, food delivery and dining
- Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations and on streaming services
- $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix and Spotify
- No annual fee*
- 1X point per $1 on all other eligible purchases
- Low Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Points never expire
Annual Fee
$0*
Rewards Rate
1x-4x
Points
Intro offer
20,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- No bonus rewards on entertainment
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- No bonus rewards on entertainment
- 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
- Earn 4X points on takeout, food delivery and dining
- Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations and on streaming services
- $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix and Spotify
- No annual fee*
- 1X point per $1 on all other eligible purchases
- Low Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Points never expire
Annual Fee
$0*
Rewards Rate
1x-4x
Points
Intro offer
20,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- No bonus rewards on entertainment
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- No bonus rewards on entertainment
- 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
- Earn 4X points on takeout, food delivery and dining
- Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations and on streaming services
- $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix and Spotify
- No annual fee*
- 1X point per $1 on all other eligible purchases
- Low Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Points never expire
Why this Card made the list
This card offers what few others can: 4X dining rewards, including takeout and delivery, for no annual fee. It’s also decent for groceries, gas and streaming.
Read our methodologyBest Credit Card for Building Credit
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus
- Offers rewards and a sign-up bonus
- Chance to upgrade to unsecured account after 8 months
Cons
- Requires minimum deposit of $200
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus
- Offers rewards and a sign-up bonus
- Chance to upgrade to unsecured account after 8 months
Cons
- Requires minimum deposit of $200
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
- No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
- Using your secured credit card helps build a credit history with the three major credit bureaus. Generally, prepaid and debit cards can’t do that.
- Establish your credit line with your tax return by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200 after being approved. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 8 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 is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- Get 100% U.S. based customer service & get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus
- Offers rewards and a sign-up bonus
- Chance to upgrade to unsecured account after 8 months
Cons
- Requires minimum deposit of $200
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus
- Offers rewards and a sign-up bonus
- Chance to upgrade to unsecured account after 8 months
Cons
- Requires minimum deposit of $200
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
- No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
- Using your secured credit card helps build a credit history with the three major credit bureaus. Generally, prepaid and debit cards can’t do that.
- Establish your credit line with your tax return by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200 after being approved. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 8 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 is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- Get 100% U.S. based customer service & get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus
- Offers rewards and a sign-up bonus
- Chance to upgrade to unsecured account after 8 months
Cons
- Requires minimum deposit of $200
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus
- Offers rewards and a sign-up bonus
- Chance to upgrade to unsecured account after 8 months
Cons
- Requires minimum deposit of $200
- Discover cards not widely accepted outside the U.S.
- No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
- Using your secured credit card helps build a credit history with the three major credit bureaus. Generally, prepaid and debit cards can’t do that.
- Establish your credit line with your tax return by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200 after being approved. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 8 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 is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- Get 100% U.S. based customer service & get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
Why this Card made the list
This card offers ideal features for its category, like no annual fee and automatic reviews for a potential upgrade to an unsecured card. It even earns rewards.
Read our methodologyBest Airline Credit Card
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
Miles
Intro offer
40,000
Miles
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Free checked bag
- Priority boarding
- Miles don't expire
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Best for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers only
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
Pros
- Free checked bag
- Priority boarding
- Miles don't expire
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Best for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers only
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
- Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $50 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at US restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Earn now. Travel when you're ready. After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year, you will receive a $100 Delta Flight Credit to inspire your next travel.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
- Terms Apply.
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
Miles
Intro offer
40,000
Miles
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Free checked bag
- Priority boarding
- Miles don't expire
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Best for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers only
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
Pros
- Free checked bag
- Priority boarding
- Miles don't expire
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Best for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers only
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
- Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $50 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at US restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Earn now. Travel when you're ready. After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year, you will receive a $100 Delta Flight Credit to inspire your next travel.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
- Terms Apply.
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
Miles
Intro offer
40,000
Miles
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Free checked bag
- Priority boarding
- Miles don't expire
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Best for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers only
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
Pros
- Free checked bag
- Priority boarding
- Miles don't expire
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Best for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers only
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
- Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $50 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at US restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Earn now. Travel when you're ready. After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year, you will receive a $100 Delta Flight Credit to inspire your next travel.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
- Terms Apply.
Why this Card made the list
Bonus rewards at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets help you rack up miles faster, while a generous checked-bag benefit and other perks make travel easier.
Read our methodologyBest Hotel Credit Card
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
1x-9x
Points
Intro offer
30,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee
- High-value rewards
- Free night every anniversary year
- Automatic elite status
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Hyatt has a smaller footprint than other brands
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee
- High-value rewards
- Free night every anniversary year
- Automatic elite status
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Hyatt has a smaller footprint than other brands
- 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
- Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
- 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 everytime 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 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
1x-9x
Points
Intro offer
30,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee
- High-value rewards
- Free night every anniversary year
- Automatic elite status
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Hyatt has a smaller footprint than other brands
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee
- High-value rewards
- Free night every anniversary year
- Automatic elite status
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Hyatt has a smaller footprint than other brands
- 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
- Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
- 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 everytime 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 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
1x-9x
Points
Intro offer
30,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee
- High-value rewards
- Free night every anniversary year
- Automatic elite status
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Hyatt has a smaller footprint than other brands
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee
- High-value rewards
- Free night every anniversary year
- Automatic elite status
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Hyatt has a smaller footprint than other brands
- 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
- Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
- 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 everytime 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 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
Why this Card made the list
The card earns solid rewards and is packed with perks, including a free night every year and a chance to earn a second one, on top of a valuable sign-up bonus.
Read our methodologyInformation about the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card may be out of date. This product is not available on NerdWallet.
Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Card
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1x-3x
Points
Intro offer
20,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- No foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and qualifying Balance Transfers
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- Requires good/excellent credit
Pros
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- No foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and qualifying Balance Transfers
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value
- $0 annual fee and no foreign currency conversion fee
- Earn 3X points on eating out and ordering in
- Earn 3X points on popular streaming services
- Earn 3X points on gas stations, rideshares and transit
- Earn 3X points on travel including flights, hotels, homestays and car rentals
- Earn 1X points on other purchases
- Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1x-3x
Points
Intro offer
20,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- No foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and qualifying Balance Transfers
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- Requires good/excellent credit
Pros
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- No foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and qualifying Balance Transfers
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value
- $0 annual fee and no foreign currency conversion fee
- Earn 3X points on eating out and ordering in
- Earn 3X points on popular streaming services
- Earn 3X points on gas stations, rideshares and transit
- Earn 3X points on travel including flights, hotels, homestays and car rentals
- Earn 1X points on other purchases
- Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1x-3x
Points
Intro offer
20,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- No foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and qualifying Balance Transfers
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- Requires good/excellent credit
Pros
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- No foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and qualifying Balance Transfers
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value
- $0 annual fee and no foreign currency conversion fee
- Earn 3X points on eating out and ordering in
- Earn 3X points on popular streaming services
- Earn 3X points on gas stations, rideshares and transit
- Earn 3X points on travel including flights, hotels, homestays and car rentals
- Earn 1X points on other purchases
- Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Why this Card made the list
Enjoy excellent bonus rewards across a wide swath of everyday spending categories, in addition to a healthy welcome offer — all at no cost of card ownership.
Read our methodologyBest Small-Business Cash-Back Credit Card
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards Rate
2%
Cashback
Intro offer
$500
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Has annual fee
- High APR
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Has annual fee
- High APR
- Earn a one-time $500 cash bonus once you spend $4,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions
- Purchase above your credit limit with no hassle and no over-limit fees
- $0 annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
- $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
- No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards Rate
2%
Cashback
Intro offer
$500
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Has annual fee
- High APR
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Has annual fee
- High APR
- Earn a one-time $500 cash bonus once you spend $4,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions
- Purchase above your credit limit with no hassle and no over-limit fees
- $0 annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
- $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
- No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards Rate
2%
Cashback
Intro offer
$500
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Has annual fee
- High APR
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Has annual fee
- High APR
- Earn a one-time $500 cash bonus once you spend $4,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions
- Purchase above your credit limit with no hassle and no over-limit fees
- $0 annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
- $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
- No foreign transaction fees
Why this Card made the list
Earn 2% cash back on all purchases with no spending caps or bonus categories to track — ideal for business owners seeking simplicity. There’s a plum bonus, too.
Read our methodologyBest Credit Card for Staying at Home
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$70
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate on Amazon purchases
- No minimum redemption amount
Cons
- No annual fee, but requires paid Amazon Prime membership
Pros
- High rewards rate on Amazon purchases
- No minimum redemption amount
Cons
- No annual fee, but requires paid Amazon Prime membership
- 5% Back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership*
- 2% Back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
- 1% Back on all other purchases
- No annual credit card fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- The information related to the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature credit card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$70
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate on Amazon purchases
- No minimum redemption amount
Cons
- No annual fee, but requires paid Amazon Prime membership
Pros
- High rewards rate on Amazon purchases
- No minimum redemption amount
Cons
- No annual fee, but requires paid Amazon Prime membership
- 5% Back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership*
- 2% Back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
- 1% Back on all other purchases
- No annual credit card fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- The information related to the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature credit card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$70
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- High rewards rate on Amazon purchases
- No minimum redemption amount
Cons
- No annual fee, but requires paid Amazon Prime membership
Pros
- High rewards rate on Amazon purchases
- No minimum redemption amount
Cons
- No annual fee, but requires paid Amazon Prime membership
- 5% Back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership*
- 2% Back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
- 1% Back on all other purchases
- No annual credit card fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- The information related to the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature credit card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card
Why this Card made the list
A must-have for Prime members who depend on delivery, it pays 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods, plus bonus rewards at restaurants, drugstores and gas stations.
Read our methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
NerdWallet's award winners are chosen through a rigorous evaluation process involving more than four dozen of our writers and editors. NerdWallet's ratings formulas for credit cards, for example, consider the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features. For mortgages, our evaluation includes loan types, loan products, online capabilities, online rate information, customer service and complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. For more info, see our methodologies.
Our team of Nerdy experts is composed of writers and editors — based all across the country — who have years of experience reviewing and writing about personal finance products for consumers.
Writers and editors use comprehensive scoring formulas that assess each financial product’s key features, weighting them according to their importance to consumers.
Nope. Editorial team members are solely responsible for creating all product reviews and ratings, and these assessments reflect their opinions alone. Only products that meet the editorial team’s standards appear in our Best-Of Awards lists, meaning no company can “buy” an award.
NerdWallet’s awards are given annually to the best of the best. Our other lists of top financial products throughout the year may be longer than the list of award winners, offer additional consumer choices and get updated as products change, products are discontinued and new products emerge. This year's winners were chosen in mid-November 2020 (except for Taxes, which are chosen in January 2021).
Our 2020 Best-Of Award winners are still live. If you’d like to see who won last year, feel free to take a look and compare with this year’s winners.
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