NerdWallet Best-Of Awards 2026

Your shortcut to the best credit cards for you

Our Nerds researched more than 250 credit cards, narrowing down to just one winner per category.

NerdWallet Best-Of Awards 2026
NerdWallet Best-Of Awards 2026

Your shortcut to the best credit cards for you

Our Nerds researched 280 credit cards, narrowing down to just one winner per category.

Credit Cards Nerd
Credit Cards Nerd

Find a top credit card — fast

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BEST ALL-PURPOSE TRAVEL REWARDS CARD 2026

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

4.7

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$95

Rewards rate

1x-5x

Points

Intro offer

75,000

Points

Regular APR

19.49%-27.74% Variable APR

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

Even though this card lost its 1.25-cent redemption rate on certain travel, its rich rewards, multiple transfer partners and primary rental car insurance still make it nearly a must-have for travelers.

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BEST PREMIUM TRAVEL CARD 2026

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

4.9

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on Capital One's website

Annual fee

$395

Rewards rate

2x-10x

Miles

Intro offer

75,000

Miles

Regular APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable APR

Recommended credit score

720-850 (Excellent)

Get your free credit score

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

This card’s $395 annual fee is easily offset with a yearly travel credit, anniversary bonus and lounge access. Plus, with 2X miles on most purchases, you’ll easily earn rewards no matter how you spend your money.

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BEST TRAVEL CARD WITH NO ANNUAL FEE 2026

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Credit Card

Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on Wells Fargo's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1x-3x

Points

Intro offer

20,000

Points

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases

Regular APR

18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

This card’s hefty rewards and useful transfer partners give it outsized value for no annual fee. Plus, its lack of foreign transaction fees means it's ideal for international travel.

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BEST HOTEL CREDIT CARD 2026

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$95

Rewards rate

2x-17x

Points

Intro offer

5 Free Night Awards

Regular APR

19.49%-27.99% Variable APR

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

This card’s bonus categories, free night award and sign-up bonus more than make up for its $95 annual fee. Plus, Marriott’s massive footprint makes it easy to redeem rewards no matter where you’re headed.

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BEST AIRLINE CREDIT CARD 2026

United℠ Explorer Card

Chase United Airlines Mileage Plus Credit Card

United℠ Explorer Card

4.9

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$0 intro for the first year, then $150

Rewards rate

1x-2x

Miles

Intro offer

60,000

Miles

Regular APR

19.99%-28.49% Variable APR

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

This card got an overhaul in 2025, including a higher annual fee. Still, its slew of statement credits, free checked bags and lounge day passes make it a great pick for United flyers.

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BEST ALL-PURPOSE CASH BACK CREDIT CARD 2026

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on Wells Fargo's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

2%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases

Balance transfer APR

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

APR

18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

You’ll get 2% cash back on all purchases and a rich sign-up bonus with a single card. That’s market-leading and makes this card a smart one for everyday spending.

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BEST CREDIT CARD FOR GROCERIES 2026

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
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

Good - Excellent

Get your free credit score

Recommended credit score

Good - Excellent

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening

Balance transfer APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable APR

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

An industry-leading rewards rate at U.S. supermarkets makes it worth the annual fee. Generous rewards in other categories just add to the appeal. Terms apply.

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BEST CREDIT CARD FOR GAS 2026

Citi Custom Cash® Card

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Citi Custom Cash® Card

4.7

NerdWallet rating 

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months

Balance transfer APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

APR

18.24%-28.24% Variable APR

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

It's a versatile card, but use it just for gas and you’ll earn an impressive 5% back per billing cycle, up to $500 spent — for no annual fee.

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BEST CREDIT CARD FOR DINING 2026

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One® SavorSM Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on Capital One's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-8%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro on purchases for 12 months

Balance transfer APR

0% intro on balance transfers for 12 months; balance transfer fee applies

APR

18.49%-28.49% Variable APR

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

Several cards earn 3% back at restaurants, but this one also offers that rate at grocery stores, as well as on entertainment and eligible streaming services. Its lack of an annual fee or foreign transaction fee makes it hard to beat.

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BEST CREDIT CARD FOR ENTERTAINMENT 2026

Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card

Wells Fargo Attune℠

Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card

4.2

NerdWallet rating 

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-4%

Cashback

Intro offer

$100

Regular APR

18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

This card earns a massive 4% back on a wide variety of entertainment expenses, like concerts and sporting events, plus public transportation, secondhand shops and some self-care purchases.

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BEST CREDIT CARD FOR ONLINE SHOPPING 2026

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

4.9

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on American Express' website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-3%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended credit score

Good - Excellent

Get your free credit score

Recommended credit score

Good - Excellent

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening

Balance transfer APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable APR

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

This card earns an impressive 3% back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 in spending per year), making it a great choice for digital shopping. It also features U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations as bonus categories. Terms apply.

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BEST CREDIT CARD FOR STREAMING 2026

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
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

Good - Excellent

Get your free credit score

Recommended credit score

Good - Excellent

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening

Balance transfer APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable APR

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

This card earns a whopping 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. Plus, the yearly statement credit on the Disney Bundle offsets its $95 annual fee and then some. Terms apply.

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BEST 0% APR CREDIT CARD FOR PURCHASES 2026

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

4.9

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on American Express' website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-3%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended credit score

Good - Excellent

Get your free credit score

Recommended credit score

Good - Excellent

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening

Balance transfer APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable APR

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

With its high cash-back rates on U.S. online retail purchases, this card can help you finance big-ticket items. Plus, you can use your card immediately after approval, making it useful in emergencies. Terms apply.

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BEST BALANCE TRANSFER CREDIT CARD 2026

Citi Simplicity® Card

Citibank Simplicity Credit Card

Citi Simplicity® Card

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on Citibank's application

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

N/A

Intro offer

N/A

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months

Balance transfer APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months

APR

17.49%-28.24% Variable APR

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

This card’s long 0% intro APR on balance transfers (up to 21 months), low transfer fee and lack of late fees make it a standout choice.

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BEST CREDIT CARD FOR BUILDING CREDIT 2026

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer

Cashback Match™

Regular APR

26.49% Variable APR

Recommended credit score

300-629 (Poor)

Get your free credit score

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

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.

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BEST CREDIT CARD FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS 2026

Discover it® Student Chrome

Discover it® Student chrome

Discover it® Student Chrome

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer

Cashback Match™

Recommended credit score

630-689 (Average)

Get your free credit score

Recommended credit score

630-689 (Average)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months

Balance transfer APR

10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months

APR

16.49%-25.49% Variable APR

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

This card earns solid rewards on gas and restaurants and even comes with a bonus offer for new cardholders. Better yet: You can get approved with no credit history.

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BEST SMALL BUSINESS CREDIT CARD 2026

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1.5%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$750

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good - Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months

Regular APR

16.99%-24.99% Variable APR

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

Straightforward rewards (1.5% back on all purchases), a long intro APR period, no annual fee and a generous welcome offer make this card an easy choice for any business. The cherry on top: Cash back is earned as Chase Ultimate Rewards®, which makes the benefit more flexible, and potentially more valuable, than rewards from other top-rated business cards.

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