The Ascent's 2024 Credit Card Awards

This card is a fantastic option for those looking for truly elite cash back potential or for a lengthy intro period of 0% interest (or both!). The fact that you get all of this for no annual fee makes this card a no-brainer for many consumers and one of the few cards our top experts use personally. After the intro period, the go-to rate of 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR applies.

This card makes it easy to maximize your credit card rewards and checks all the boxes including no annual fee, high cash back rates across several categories, a 0% intro APR, and a big sign-up bonus.

We think this travel card exceeds competitors in value and flexibility and gets rid of the complexity seen in most travel cards. With a huge bonus valued at 75,000 Miles, high rewards rate on all purchases (not just travel related), and flexible redemption, it's a great option for beginner and expert rewards travelers alike.

This card makes it possible for you to take a nearly 2 year break from paying credit card interest. It offers one of the longest 0% intro APR periods we've seen on purchases and balance transfers -- a full 21 months from account opening. (After the intro period, the go-to rate of 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR applies.) And on top of that, you'll pay no annual fee. It's a no-brainer if your focus is on paying debt down or financing a large purchase.

This card offers 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers, which is one of the longest interest-free periods available today. And you'll pay a 3% ($5 min) for first 4 months, then 5% ($5 min.) balance transfer fee, which is lower than the fee offered on some other well-known balance transfer cards.

This card is for travelers looking to save on Hilton stays and comes with a ton of great perks including airport lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, and a sizable welcome bonus.

This card is a great place to start when building your credit history. It offers perks only found in the best secured cards including cash back, no annual fee, and Discover's innovative sign-up bonus.

This is one of the most feature-packed student credit cards we've seen. Along with Discovers award-winning cash back program, you'll pay no annual or foreign transaction fees and it has a 0%, 6 months intro APR on purchases. (After the intro period, the go-to 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR applies.)

This rewards card is great for gas, but it's also a well-rounded rewards card you can use outside of the pump, too. Earn unlimited 3X points at restaurants, gas stations, and travel (among other things) and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

The U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations rewards are clear standouts, in addition to a big welcome offer and a nice 0% intro APR offer.

This card offers lucrative rewards at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and on travel and comes with a valuable welcome offer.

For regular Southwest customers who want to save on Southwest purchases, this card packs a powerful punch including offering multiple ways to earn reward points.

An easy choice for high-spend businesses looking to carry one card. The welcome offer is among the biggest you'll find, and the flat 2% cash back rate outpaces much of the competition.

Perfect for folks looking for a flexible program that allows multiple earning and redeeming options, this program has a robust list of transfer partners including major airlines and hotel chains. Also, you can earn substantial sign-up bonuses with Chase credit cards.