CREDIT CARDSCREDIT CARDSEXCELLENT CREDIT CARDS OF 2023
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8 Excellent Credit Cards of 2023

NerdWallet's Excellent Credit Cards of 2023

Excellent for: Cash-Back Pairing with Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

NerdWallet rating
5.0
Chase Freedom Unlimited® card image
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Current Intro Offer

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Rewards Rate
6.5%

Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel.

4.5%

Cash back on drugstore purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.

4.5%

Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.

3%

Cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% 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!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
  • High rewards rate
  • No minimum redemption amount
Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit
Read full review
Excellent for: Dining and Groceries + No Annual Fee
NerdWallet rating
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card card image
NerdWallet rating
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on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Rates & Fees
Current Intro Offer

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Rewards Rate
10%

Cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats.

8%

Cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.

5%

Cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

3%

Cash back on dining.

3%

Cash back on entertainment.

3%

Cash back on popular streaming services.

3%

Cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).

1%

Cash back on all other purchases.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
  • View Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
  • Bonus categories
  • No foreign transaction fees
Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit
Read full review
Excellent for: Airline Miles and a Large Bonus
NerdWallet rating
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card image
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Current Intro Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Rewards Rate
5X

Points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

3X

Points on dining.

3X

Points on select streaming services.

3X

Points on online groceries.

2X

Points on all other travel purchases.

1X

Point on all other purchases.

Annual fee

$95

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Annual fee

$95

Recommended Credit
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Pros
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • Bonus categories
  • Primary rental car coverage
  • Flexible rewards redemption
  • Transfer partners
Cons
  • Has annual fee
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Complicated rewards
Read full review
Excellent for: Cash Back — High Flat Rate + Incentives
NerdWallet rating
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card card image
NerdWallet rating
Current Intro Offer

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Rewards Rate
2%

Unlimited Cash Back on purchases.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • View Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
Pros
  • High rewards rate
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
Cons
  • No bonus categories
Read full review
Excellent for: Bonus Categories and First Year Cashback Match
NerdWallet rating
Discover it® Cash Back card image
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Discover's website,
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Current Intro Offer

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.

Rewards Rate
5%

Cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.

1%

Cash back on all other purchases.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • 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 a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Discover's website,
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
  • Bonus categories
  • Cash rewards
Cons
  • Complicated rewards
  • Spending caps on bonus rewards
  • Lower acceptance abroad
Read full review
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card card image
NerdWallet rating
Current Intro Offer

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.

Rewards Rate
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.

2X

Miles on every purchase, every day.

Annual fee

$95

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

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.

Annual fee

$95

Recommended 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
  • 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
  • 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®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • View Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Pros
  • High rewards rate
  • Flexible rewards redemption
Cons
  • Has annual fee
  • Requires good/excellent credit
Read full review
Excellent for: Long 0% Interest Periods for Balance Transfers
NerdWallet rating
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card card image
NerdWallet rating
Current Intro Offer

None

Rewards Rate

No Rewards

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

None

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
  • 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
  • There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
  • With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
  • No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.
  • View Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
  • Intro balance transfer fee
Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • No rewards
Read full review
Excellent for: Cost-Effective Balance Transfer
NerdWallet rating
BankAmericard® credit card card image
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 322-7707
Current Intro Offer

None

Rewards Rate

No Rewards

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
Current Intro Offer

None

Annual fee

$0

Recommended Credit
  • 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 16.24% - 26.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • No annual fee.
  • No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
  • Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 322-7707
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
Cons
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • No ongoing rewards
Read full review
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