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

Citi® Double Cash Card

on Citibank's application

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Intro balance transfer fee

Cons

  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • No bonus categories
  • No bonus offer
  • 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 Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • 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 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).
Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Intro balance transfer fee

Cons

  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • No bonus categories
  • No bonus offer
  • 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 Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • 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 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).

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 methodology

Best Credit Card for Groceries

American Express Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card

on American Express' website

Annual fee

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

Rewards rate

1%-6%

Cashback

Intro offer

$250

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • High rewards rate
  • Bonus categories
  • Intro APR period
  • Cash rewards

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Spending caps on bonus rewards
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.99% to 29.99%
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.
Annual fee

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

Rewards rate

1%-6%

Cashback

Intro offer

$250

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • High rewards rate
  • Bonus categories
  • Intro APR period
  • Cash rewards

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Spending caps on bonus rewards
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.99% to 29.99%
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.

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 methodology

Best Bonus Rewards Cash-Back Credit Card

Chase Freedom Flex

on Chase's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • Bonus categories
  • Cash rewards
  • Intro APR period

Cons

  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Complicated rewards
  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
  • No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • Bonus categories
  • Cash rewards
  • Intro APR period

Cons

  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Complicated rewards
  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
  • No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

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 methodology

Best Bonus Rewards Travel Credit Card

American Express® Gold Card

on American Express' website

Annual fee

$250

Rewards rate

1x-4x

Points

Intro offer

60,000

Points

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • Bonus categories
  • Transfer partners
  • Flexible rewards redemption

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Complicated rewards
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: 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: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • 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

  • Bonus categories
  • Transfer partners
  • Flexible rewards redemption

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Complicated rewards
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: 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: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • 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 methodology

Best Flat-Rate Travel Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

Annual fee

$95

Rewards rate

2x-5x

Miles

Intro offer

75,000

Miles

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • High rewards rate
  • Flexible rewards redemption

Cons

  • High annual fee
  • Rewards have limited flexibility
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • 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
  • 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 $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Annual fee

$95

Rewards rate

2x-5x

Miles

Intro offer

75,000

Miles

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • High rewards rate
  • Flexible rewards redemption

Cons

  • High annual fee
  • Rewards have limited flexibility
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • 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
  • 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 $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

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 methodology

Best 0% Intro APR and Balance Transfer Credit Card

US Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card

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
  • Cell phone insurance

Cons

  • No rewards
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • No bonus offer
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.49% - 29.49%.
  • 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.
  • Choose a payment due date that fits your schedule
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

N/A

Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
  • Cell phone insurance

Cons

  • No rewards
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • No bonus offer
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.49% - 29.49%.
  • 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.
  • Choose a payment due date that fits your schedule
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms and conditions 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 methodology

Best Credit Card for College Students

Discover it® Student chrome

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
  • Intro APR period
  • Qualify with average credit
  • Bonus categories

Cons

  • Complicated rewards
  • 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.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.99% - 26.99% applies.
  • Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer

Cashback Match

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
  • Qualify with average credit
  • Bonus categories

Cons

  • Complicated rewards
  • 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.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.99% - 26.99% applies.
  • Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.

Why this Card made the list

Earn bonus rewards on gas and at restaurants — no category tracking required — plus a unique cash-back match at the end of your first year.

Read our methodology

Best Credit Card for Dining Out or Ordering In

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

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
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • Bonus categories
  • Intro APR period

Cons

  • Complicated rewards
  • Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
  • 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
  • 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
  • 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
  • 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 19.99% - 28.99%.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Points never expire
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1x-4x

Points

Intro offer

20,000

Points

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • Bonus categories
  • Intro APR period

Cons

  • Complicated rewards
  • Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
  • 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
  • 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
  • 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
  • 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 19.99% - 28.99%.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Points never expire
  • Terms and conditions apply.

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 methodology

Best Credit Card for Building Credit

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

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
  • Qualify with limited/bad credit
  • Earns rewards
  • New cardholder bonus offer

Cons

  • Requires minimum deposit
  • High APR
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history
  • Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
  • Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
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
  • Qualify with limited/bad credit
  • Earns rewards
  • New cardholder bonus offer

Cons

  • Requires minimum deposit
  • High APR
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history
  • Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
  • Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.

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 methodology

Best Airline Credit Card

American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card

on American Express' 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
  • Early boarding
  • Rewards don't expire

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • $100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel.
  • Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
  • Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
  • Terms Apply.
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
  • Early boarding
  • Rewards don't expire

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • $100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel.
  • Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
  • Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
  • Terms Apply.

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 methodology

Best Hotel Credit Card

World Of Hyatt Credit Card

on Chase's website

Annual fee

$95

Rewards rate

1x-9x

Points

Intro offer

30,000

Points

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • Automatic free night annually
  • Bonus categories
  • Luxury perks

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Complicated rewards
  • Limited redemptions
  • Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent
  • Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
  • Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
  • Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
  • Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
  • Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
  • Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
Annual fee

$95

Rewards rate

1x-9x

Points

Intro offer

30,000

Points

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • Automatic free night annually
  • Bonus categories
  • Luxury perks

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Complicated rewards
  • Limited redemptions
  • Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent
  • Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
  • Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
  • Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
  • Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
  • Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
  • Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships

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.

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Information 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
  • 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
  • $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
  • 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
  • $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.

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Information about the Capital One Spark Cash for Business may be out of date. This product is not available on NerdWallet.

Best Small-Business Cash-Back Credit Card

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 fees

Cons

  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • 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 fees

Cons

  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • 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.

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Best Credit Card for Staying at Home

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$150

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Flexible rewards redemption
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • New cardholder bonus offer

Cons

  • Must be a member/customer
  • No 0% intro APR
  • Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.
  • 5% back at Amazon.com, Whole Foods, and physical Amazon stores with an eligible Prime membership.
  • 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
  • 1% back on all other purchases.
  • No annual credit card fee.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$150

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Flexible rewards redemption
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • New cardholder bonus offer

Cons

  • Must be a member/customer
  • No 0% intro APR
  • Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.
  • 5% back at Amazon.com, Whole Foods, and physical Amazon stores with an eligible Prime membership.
  • 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
  • 1% back on all other purchases.
  • No annual credit card fee.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

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.

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