March 17, 2023
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This article was last updated March 17, 2023 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is our pick for best credit card because it earns a high rate of cash back across all its spending categories. Plus, the card offers an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, as well as a $0 annual fee.
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With so many credit card choices, it’s a challenge to find the best credit card for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all credit card, but the best ones usually have low annual fees, high earning rates and strong sign-up bonuses.
Other factors like your credit history, travel preferences and spending categories can help you narrow down your choices. Whether you’re looking for a credit card to earn free flights, save on interest or build your credit, these credit cards can help you build up — or start — your credit card collection.
Sign-up bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Earning rate: Enjoy 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 1.5% on all other purchases
Why we picked this card: With bonus rewards on travel, dining and drugstores and a high flat rate on everything else, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the most rewarding cards around. It even offers an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for more than a year.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Solid cash back rate on every purchase $0 annual fee Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers | Cap on highest earning rate Foreign exchange fees Balance transfer fee |
If you want to earn a high cash back rate on every purchase you make, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® could be a great fit. Your rewards — which don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing — can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, travel or products and services. You can also use rewards to pay for all or part of purchases at participating Chase Pay merchants.
It’s also a good choice if you want to finance a large purchase or transfer a high-interest balance: It offers a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months (then an 19.49% - 28.24% Variable APR), as well as a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months (then an 19.49% - 28.24% Variable APR).
Sign-up bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Earning rate: Enjoy 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 1.5% on all other purchases
Why we picked this card: With bonus rewards on travel, dining and drugstores and a high flat rate on everything else, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the most rewarding cards around. It even offers an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for more than a year.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Solid cash back rate on every purchase $0 annual fee Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers | Cap on highest earning rate Foreign exchange fees Balance transfer fee |
If you want to earn a high cash back rate on every purchase you make, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® could be a great fit. Your rewards — which don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing — can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, travel or products and services. You can also use rewards to pay for all or part of purchases at participating Chase Pay merchants.
It’s also a good choice if you want to finance a large purchase or transfer a high-interest balance: It offers a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months (then an 19.49% - 28.24% Variable APR), as well as a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months (then an 19.49% - 28.24% Variable APR).
Cash back credit cards reward you with a cash back rebate on every purchase that you make. Some cards offer a flat cash back rate, while others give higher bonuses in certain spending categories. When choosing a cash back card, look for cards with no annual fees and higher rewards where you spend the most, like dining, gas or groceries.
Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months. Plus, earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year
Earning rate: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
Why we picked this card: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is another highly rewarding cash back card, if you don’t mind keeping up with its quarterly categories. You’ll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
High cash back rate on quarterly rotating categories Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers | 5% bonus category limited to $1,500 per quarter Must register to activate 5% bonus categories Cannot transfer rewards to hotels or airlines without a premium card |
Between its rotating categories and its ongoing rewards on restaurant dining and drugstore purchases, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a solid choice all around. You will have to remember to activate the categories each quarter, but Chase will typically send a reminder. There’s a quarterly spending cap of $1,500 on the rotating categories, but that’s $75 in cash back each quarter before your earning rate drops to 1% if you max it out.
Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months. Plus, earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year
Earning rate: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
Why we picked this card: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is another highly rewarding cash back card, if you don’t mind keeping up with its quarterly categories. You’ll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
High cash back rate on quarterly rotating categories Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers | 5% bonus category limited to $1,500 per quarter Must register to activate 5% bonus categories Cannot transfer rewards to hotels or airlines without a premium card |
Between its rotating categories and its ongoing rewards on restaurant dining and drugstore purchases, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a solid choice all around. You will have to remember to activate the categories each quarter, but Chase will typically send a reminder. There’s a quarterly spending cap of $1,500 on the rotating categories, but that’s $75 in cash back each quarter before your earning rate drops to 1% if you max it out.
Rewards credit cards give you cash back, miles or points on your purchases, including bonus rewards on select categories. When picking a rewards card, choose one that offers high rewards in the categories that you spend the most on.
Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening
Regular APR: 17.74% - 29.74% variable APR
Why we picked this card: If you make your payments on time with the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, you’ll get nearly two years of interest-free financing for your purchases and balance transfers. You’ll receive 18 months automatically and qualify for an additional three months when you pay at least your minimum monthly payment on time during the introductory period.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee 120 days to complete balance transfers Cellphone protection | Does not earn rewards Foreign transaction fees Balance transfer fee |
If you need extra time to pay off your purchases or a balance transfer, you’ll appreciate the especially long intro APR. This card is ideal if you’re making a large purchase and want to pay it off over time, or if you have high-interest credit card debt and want to eliminate interest charges. If you make all of your payments on time, you’ll receive three extra months of interest-free financing.
Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening
Regular APR: 17.74% - 29.74% variable APR
Why we picked this card: If you make your payments on time with the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, you’ll get nearly two years of interest-free financing for your purchases and balance transfers. You’ll receive 18 months automatically and qualify for an additional three months when you pay at least your minimum monthly payment on time during the introductory period.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee 120 days to complete balance transfers Cellphone protection | Does not earn rewards Foreign transaction fees Balance transfer fee |
If you need extra time to pay off your purchases or a balance transfer, you’ll appreciate the especially long intro APR. This card is ideal if you’re making a large purchase and want to pay it off over time, or if you have high-interest credit card debt and want to eliminate interest charges. If you make all of your payments on time, you’ll receive three extra months of interest-free financing.
Credit cards with 0% APR offers let you pay off your purchases or balance transfers without incurring any interest. This allows all of your payment to go toward paying down your debt. When picking a 0% APR credit card, you want one that offers a long period of no interest, no annual fee and low balance transfer fees.
Sign-up bonus: 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®.
Earning rate: 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases
Why we picked this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can take you a long way on your next dream vacation. It offers one of the most valuable and flexible sign-up bonuses currently available. The bonus is worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase’s travel portal, or possibly even more when transferred to Chase’s travel partners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Valuable sign-up bonus Variety of travel and purchase protections Foreign transaction fees: $0 | $95 Annual fee No intro APR offer |
If you’re looking to earn a lot of valuable rewards in a short amount of time, you should consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The card’s points are generally valued at 1 cent each — making the bonus at $600. But when you redeem those points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, you’ll get a 25% boost in value — making the bonus worth $750.
In addition, points can be transferred to a number of travel transfer partners (including United and Southwest Airlines) at a rate of 1:1.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does charge an annual fee of $95, but the rewards and benefits can easily cover it, especially in the first year.
Sign-up bonus: 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®.
Earning rate: 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases
Why we picked this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can take you a long way on your next dream vacation. It offers one of the most valuable and flexible sign-up bonuses currently available. The bonus is worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase’s travel portal, or possibly even more when transferred to Chase’s travel partners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Valuable sign-up bonus Variety of travel and purchase protections Foreign transaction fees: $0 | $95 Annual fee No intro APR offer |
If you’re looking to earn a lot of valuable rewards in a short amount of time, you should consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The card’s points are generally valued at 1 cent each — making the bonus at $600. But when you redeem those points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, you’ll get a 25% boost in value — making the bonus worth $750.
In addition, points can be transferred to a number of travel transfer partners (including United and Southwest Airlines) at a rate of 1:1.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does charge an annual fee of $95, but the rewards and benefits can easily cover it, especially in the first year.
Credit cards with large sign-up bonuses are an enticing incentive to sign up for a credit card, because you can earn hundreds or even thousands in rewards in your first year. Most cards require you to spend a minimum amount within a set time period to earn the bonus. You should search for a large offer that gives you enough time to meet the minimum spending requirement without spending more than you can comfortably pay off.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers , then 17.74% - 29.74% variable APR.
Balance transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
Why we picked this card: The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card gives you a major incentive to pay down your balance. If you make your payments on time, you’ll be rewarded with one of the longest intro APR periods on balance transfers currently available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers Cellphone insurance $0 annual fee | Balance transfer fee No rewards program |
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is an excellent option if you have a large amount of high interest credit card debt that you’ll need close to two years to pay off. In addition to a long intro APR on balance transfers, the card offers a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases. After that, a regular 17.74% - 29.74% variable APR applies.
There is a balance transfer fee of 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5 — however, this is an average fee for a balance transfer credit card.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers , then 17.74% - 29.74% variable APR.
Balance transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
Why we picked this card: The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card gives you a major incentive to pay down your balance. If you make your payments on time, you’ll be rewarded with one of the longest intro APR periods on balance transfers currently available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers Cellphone insurance $0 annual fee | Balance transfer fee No rewards program |
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is an excellent option if you have a large amount of high interest credit card debt that you’ll need close to two years to pay off. In addition to a long intro APR on balance transfers, the card offers a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases. After that, a regular 17.74% - 29.74% variable APR applies.
There is a balance transfer fee of 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5 — however, this is an average fee for a balance transfer credit card.
Balance transfer credit cards give you low-interest financing when you transfer a balance from another credit card. When picking a balance transfer card, look for one with low balance transfer fees and a long introductory APR.
Balance transfer intro APR: N/A
Balance transfer fee: $0 at this Transfer APR
Why we picked this card: If you have fair/limited credit, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card reports your credit usage to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) and automatically begins reviewing your account at six months to see if you qualify for a higher credit limit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Opportunity to qualify for a higher credit line Foreign transaction fees: None | No rewards rate No sign-up bonus High APR |
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a solid choice if you have fair/limited credit and you want to to get a credit card to improve your credit. In addition to reporting your card usage to the major credit bureaus and considering your account for a higher credit line starting at six months, the card offers free and unlimited access to your credit score, as well as tools to help monitor your credit.
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee, and no foreign transaction fee.
Balance transfer intro APR: N/A
Balance transfer fee: $0 at this Transfer APR
Why we picked this card: If you have fair/limited credit, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card reports your credit usage to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) and automatically begins reviewing your account at six months to see if you qualify for a higher credit limit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Opportunity to qualify for a higher credit line Foreign transaction fees: None | No rewards rate No sign-up bonus High APR |
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a solid choice if you have fair/limited credit and you want to to get a credit card to improve your credit. In addition to reporting your card usage to the major credit bureaus and considering your account for a higher credit line starting at six months, the card offers free and unlimited access to your credit score, as well as tools to help monitor your credit.
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee, and no foreign transaction fee.
Credit cards for fair credit help you build your credit score by reporting your positive behavior to the credit bureaus. The best cards for fair credit report to all three credit bureaus, have low fees and automatically review your account to reward responsible use.
Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Why we picked this card: Along with offering cash back on every purchase, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can help you improve your credit with responsible card usage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Cash back on every purchase $0 annual fee Opportunity to graduate to a non-secured card Intro APR on balance transfers | Security deposit required High APR No intro APR on purchases |
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a great option if you need to build or rebuild your credit. You’ll need to put down a security deposit of $200, but you won’t have to pay an annual fee — plus you’ll earn solid rewards, including bonus cash back on gas and restaurant purchases. Even better: Discover will match all the cash back at the end of your first year for new cardholders.
Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Why we picked this card: Along with offering cash back on every purchase, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can help you improve your credit with responsible card usage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Cash back on every purchase $0 annual fee Opportunity to graduate to a non-secured card Intro APR on balance transfers | Security deposit required High APR No intro APR on purchases |
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a great option if you need to build or rebuild your credit. You’ll need to put down a security deposit of $200, but you won’t have to pay an annual fee — plus you’ll earn solid rewards, including bonus cash back on gas and restaurant purchases. Even better: Discover will match all the cash back at the end of your first year for new cardholders.
The best credit cards for bad credit charge no or minimal fees and help you build your credit history by reporting to all three credit bureaus. Some even let you earn rewards and allow you to convert to an unsecured card when used responsibly.
Sign-up bonus: No bonus
Earning rate: Non-rewards Card
Why we picked this card: In addition to providing the opportunity for credit line increases, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee and access to Capital One benefits.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Unlimited access to your credit score Foreign transaction fees: None | No security deposit required No rewards program High APR |
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is ideal if you want to improve your credit with the help of an unsecured card. The card is designed for individuals with fair/limited credit, which Capital One describes as those who have either defaulted on a loan in the past five years or have had a credit card or other credit for less than three years.
While the Capital One Platinum Credit Card doesn’t earn rewards, after demonstrating responsible usage, you may be able to request a product change to a Capital One credit card that does.
Sign-up bonus: No bonus
Earning rate: Non-rewards Card
Why we picked this card: In addition to providing the opportunity for credit line increases, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee and access to Capital One benefits.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Unlimited access to your credit score Foreign transaction fees: None | No security deposit required No rewards program High APR |
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is ideal if you want to improve your credit with the help of an unsecured card. The card is designed for individuals with fair/limited credit, which Capital One describes as those who have either defaulted on a loan in the past five years or have had a credit card or other credit for less than three years.
While the Capital One Platinum Credit Card doesn’t earn rewards, after demonstrating responsible usage, you may be able to request a product change to a Capital One credit card that does.
Credit cards that build credit report your payment history and card usage to all three major credit bureaus. They also provide tools to help you track your progress and learn how to effectively manage your credit cards. When building your credit history, look for cards that have no annual fee and do not require a security deposit.
Sign-up bonus: None
Earning rate: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Why we picked this card: The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer is one of the most rewarding cards you’ll find for a $0 annual fee. It offers a solid cash back rate on every purchase as well as a lengthy intro APR on balance transfers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Simple cash back rewards Intro APR on balance transfers | No intro APR on purchases Balance transfer fee |
If you want to earn a lot of cash back on every purchase without paying an annual fee, you should consider the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer. Because the card offers a flat cash back rate, you won’t have to keep track of spending caps or bonus earning categories.
It’s also a great option if you’re trying to pay down a balance on another card. It offers a long intro APR of 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers; after the intro period, a 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) APR applies.
Sign-up bonus: None
Earning rate: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Why we picked this card: The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer is one of the most rewarding cards you’ll find for a $0 annual fee. It offers a solid cash back rate on every purchase as well as a lengthy intro APR on balance transfers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Simple cash back rewards Intro APR on balance transfers | No intro APR on purchases Balance transfer fee |
If you want to earn a lot of cash back on every purchase without paying an annual fee, you should consider the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer. Because the card offers a flat cash back rate, you won’t have to keep track of spending caps or bonus earning categories.
It’s also a great option if you’re trying to pay down a balance on another card. It offers a long intro APR of 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers; after the intro period, a 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) APR applies.
No-annual-fee cards tend to offer scaled-down benefits and rewards compared to similar cards with annual fees, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find great cards in this category. Banks are adding valuable perks and rewards to attract budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to pay an annual fee. Look for cards that offer rewards and benefits that match your lifestyle and how you spend.
Sign-up bonus: 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.
Earning rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically
Why we picked this card: If you’re a student starting on your credit journey, look no farther than the Discover it® Student Cash Back, one of the most rewarding cash back cards for students. You can build credit and earn unlimited cash back without paying an annual fee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quarterly cash back categories earn a high rate of cash back Unlimited cash back match after the first year No credit score is required to apply | Bonus cash back is limited to $1,500 each quarter Must manually activate bonus categories |
If you’re a college student with fair/limited credit, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is an excellent card to help you establish a credit history and build a great credit score. Building credit now can help you later in life — such as helping you get the best rates on financial products like auto loans and mortgages.
Sign-up bonus: 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.
Earning rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically
Why we picked this card: If you’re a student starting on your credit journey, look no farther than the Discover it® Student Cash Back, one of the most rewarding cash back cards for students. You can build credit and earn unlimited cash back without paying an annual fee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quarterly cash back categories earn a high rate of cash back Unlimited cash back match after the first year No credit score is required to apply | Bonus cash back is limited to $1,500 each quarter Must manually activate bonus categories |
If you’re a college student with fair/limited credit, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is an excellent card to help you establish a credit history and build a great credit score. Building credit now can help you later in life — such as helping you get the best rates on financial products like auto loans and mortgages.
Student credit cards extend credit to students who don’t necessarily have a full-time income. Banks lend to these borrowers because the average student earns a higher wage after graduating college. When choosing a student credit card, search for cards that earn rewards, help you build credit and have low fees.
Sign-up bonus: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earning rate: Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Why we picked this card: The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers a great cash back rate on common business purchases. It lets you earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Plus, it offers a generous welcome bonus and free employee cards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Generous welcome bonus Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more Builds business credit | Cannot transfer points to hotels or airlines without another Chase card Bonus categories have spending limits Foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars |
If you’re a business owner who spends heavily on categories such as office supply stores, internet, cable and phone services, gas and restaurants, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a winner. You’ll earn an exceptionally high rate of 5% cash back on your first $25,000 purchases in these categories each year (that’s up to $1,250 in cash back in the 5% category alone). Plus, if you know your business is going to have to make a big purchase in the near future, you can take advantage of this card’s sign-up bonus and intro APR period to make life a little bit easier.
Sign-up bonus: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earning rate: Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Why we picked this card: The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers a great cash back rate on common business purchases. It lets you earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Plus, it offers a generous welcome bonus and free employee cards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Generous welcome bonus Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more Builds business credit | Cannot transfer points to hotels or airlines without another Chase card Bonus categories have spending limits Foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars |
If you’re a business owner who spends heavily on categories such as office supply stores, internet, cable and phone services, gas and restaurants, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a winner. You’ll earn an exceptionally high rate of 5% cash back on your first $25,000 purchases in these categories each year (that’s up to $1,250 in cash back in the 5% category alone). Plus, if you know your business is going to have to make a big purchase in the near future, you can take advantage of this card’s sign-up bonus and intro APR period to make life a little bit easier.
Business credit cards allow you to separate your personal and business purchases, which makes it easier to track expenses and build credit for your business. Many business credit cards also earn rewards, include valuable benefits and offer free employee cards. Choose a business card with benefits that you’ll use and bonus categories that match where your business spends the most.
Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically
Why we picked this card: If you’re just starting on your credit journey, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can carry you a long way toward a solid credit score. For a $0 annual fee, it offers a cash back on every purchase and the opportunity to graduate to an unsecured card.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Cash back rewards Automatic account reviews starting at seven months Intro APR on balance transfers | Security deposit required High APR No intro APR on purchases |
If you have poor/limited credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can serve as a great starter card to help establish your credit profile.
You’ll have to pay a $200 deposit to establish your credit line, but you don’t have to worry about an annual fee or ongoing maintenance fees. And after you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded.
Plus, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card doesn’t charge a fee the first time you pay late; after that, the late fee will be up to $41. That said, when trying to establish or build credit, it’s important to pay your bill on time every month.
Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically
Why we picked this card: If you’re just starting on your credit journey, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can carry you a long way toward a solid credit score. For a $0 annual fee, it offers a cash back on every purchase and the opportunity to graduate to an unsecured card.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee Cash back rewards Automatic account reviews starting at seven months Intro APR on balance transfers | Security deposit required High APR No intro APR on purchases |
If you have poor/limited credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can serve as a great starter card to help establish your credit profile.
You’ll have to pay a $200 deposit to establish your credit line, but you don’t have to worry about an annual fee or ongoing maintenance fees. And after you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded.
Plus, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card doesn’t charge a fee the first time you pay late; after that, the late fee will be up to $41. That said, when trying to establish or build credit, it’s important to pay your bill on time every month.
Credit cards for beginners usually offer a simple or flat rewards rate, no annual fee and an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus. Many people start out with a simple cash back card, a student card or a secured card. When you’re looking for a beginner credit card, keep in mind it doesn’t have to offer a stellar earning rate — if you use it properly and build your credit, you could later qualify for a better credit card.
Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earning rate: 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. Terms apply.
Why we picked this card: You’re unlikely to find a more rewarding cash back card for U.S. supermarket purchases than the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. You can earn $360 cash back on U.S. supermarkets alone with the elevated earning rate. Cash back is redeemable for statement credits. This and the card’s welcome offer make the annual fee worth it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Generous cash back rewards at U.S. supermarkets Long intro APR period on purchases | Capped elevated rewards rate Foreign transaction fees |
To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is best if you spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets and in other categories like gas and transit. This card offers generous cash back rewards — however, your rewards at a higher cash back rate are capped. That makes this card best for certain spending categories, but you may benefit from having a credit card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card to earn higher rewards when you’ve reached the limit for the Blue Cash Preferred from American Express’s elevated categories.
To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.
Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earning rate: 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. Terms apply.
Why we picked this card: You’re unlikely to find a more rewarding cash back card for U.S. supermarket purchases than the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. You can earn $360 cash back on U.S. supermarkets alone with the elevated earning rate. Cash back is redeemable for statement credits. This and the card’s welcome offer make the annual fee worth it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Generous cash back rewards at U.S. supermarkets Long intro APR period on purchases | Capped elevated rewards rate Foreign transaction fees |
To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is best if you spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets and in other categories like gas and transit. This card offers generous cash back rewards — however, your rewards at a higher cash back rate are capped. That makes this card best for certain spending categories, but you may benefit from having a credit card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card to earn higher rewards when you’ve reached the limit for the Blue Cash Preferred from American Express’s elevated categories.
To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.
Grocery credit cards can help you earn rewards on groceries — and sometimes other everyday purchases, too. Both cash back and travel credit cards may offer high rewards rates on groceries — so decide what kind of grocery credit card is a better fit for you. Make sure the card you’re interested in doesn’t exclude your grocery store(s) of choice.
Sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Earning rate: 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
Why we picked this card: When it comes to dining rewards, it’s hard to beat the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. Unlike many other cards with elevated rewards categories, this card earns unlimited higher rewards for a $0 annual fee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Elevated earning rates on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores No spending cap for high earning rates $0 annual fee | Good credit required Balance transfer fee |
This card is best if you spend a lot on dining and entertainment and want to earn cash back. It may also be a good option for a balance transfer card that you can keep after you pay off your balance — it has a solid APR of 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months. A 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR applies after that.
If you spend a lot on dining and would rather earn travel points instead of cash back, then the American Express® Gold Card may be a better fit for you.
Sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Earning rate: 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
Why we picked this card: When it comes to dining rewards, it’s hard to beat the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. Unlike many other cards with elevated rewards categories, this card earns unlimited higher rewards for a $0 annual fee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Elevated earning rates on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores No spending cap for high earning rates $0 annual fee | Good credit required Balance transfer fee |
This card is best if you spend a lot on dining and entertainment and want to earn cash back. It may also be a good option for a balance transfer card that you can keep after you pay off your balance — it has a solid APR of 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months. A 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR applies after that.
If you spend a lot on dining and would rather earn travel points instead of cash back, then the American Express® Gold Card may be a better fit for you.
Dining credit cards are a great way for foodies to earn rewards on their restaurant, takeout or delivery purchases. There are many types of cards that offer high rewards rates on dining and restaurants — so decide whether you prefer cash back or travel rewards before you find a dining credit card.
Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Earning rate: Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Why we picked this card: If you’re looking to earn as much as you can at the pump with a dedicated gas card, you’ll be pressed to find a more rewarding option than the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card It earns 5% back on up to $500 in your highest earning category each month.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
High rate of cash back on your highest earning category each month (including gas) Large sign-up bonus No annual fee | Bonus capped at $500 each month Only earns 1% cash back on other purchases |
