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Best Credit Cards of June 2023

Review Updated
Lyle Daly
By: Lyle Daly

Our Credit Cards Expert

Nathan Alderman
Check IconFact Checked Nathan Alderman
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

Our experts searched through offers, crunched numbers, and came up with a list of their top credit card recommendations. Below, we've listed the best credit cards of 2023 that we would (and often do!) recommend to our closest friends and family.

  • Decide which type of card you want. It's less about the cards themselves, and more about you. What do you need out of this card? What are the must-haves -- and the not-under-any-circumstances?

    This will narrow down your credit card offers considerably, so it makes sense to do this first.

  • Figure out the features that are most important to you. This will depend on the type of card you're choosing. Let's say you need a balance transfer card. The features to look at would be the length of each card's balance transfer offer and its balance transfer fees.

    Check for any annual fees on the cards you're comparing. If you're stuck between two credit cards that work for you, one of them may have a cheaper annual fee.

    Use secondary features as your tiebreaker. These are the features that aren't quite as important but still have value. Secondary features could include sign-up bonuses or a FICO® Score for free.

    Read the fine print. All credit cards display common card features in a standardized format. Keep an eye out for the following fees and compare them to other cards: balance transfer, cash advance, late payment, and foreign transaction.

Discover it® Cash Back
Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Great for: Bonus category cash back

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular APR

16.74% - 27.74% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 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.

1% - 5% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. 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! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.

Cashback Match

  • Includes a robust rewards program and rich sign-up bonus offer that has unlimited upside. Somehow this card also packs in a great intro APR offer for no annual fee. Read Full Review

    • Rotating bonus categories
    • Sign-up bonus offer
    • Great intro APR offer
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • No fixed bonus categories
    • 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! 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 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.
    • 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.
    • Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
    • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 16.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
    • No annual fee.
    • Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner

Great for: Unlimited cash back

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular APR

19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR

Rewards

2% cash rewards

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months

$200 cash rewards offer

  • A standout cash back card with one of the highest unlimited rewards rates we've come across. The inclusion of a hefty welcome offer and versatile 0% intro APR offer are the cherries on top. Read Full Review

    • Unlimited 2% cash rewards
    • Long 0% intro APR offer
    • Generous cash rewards welcome bonus
    • No annual fee
    • No bonus categories
    • Foreign transaction fees
    • 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, then a 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR; 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
    • Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
    • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
    • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions

Great for: Long 0% intro APR offer

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular APR

17.99% - 29.99% variable APR

Rewards

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer

N/A

  • A clear leader with a 0% intro APR offer that is among the longest we've come across. Read Full Review

    • Long 0% Intro APR offer
    • No annual fee
    • Cell phone protection
    • Balance transfer fee
    • 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.99% to 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.
    • $0 Annual Fee
    • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
    • Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
    • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner

Great for: U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas

Apply Now for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 12 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 12 months

Regular APR

18.99%-29.99% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 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.

1% - 6% cash back

Annual Fee

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

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$250

  • 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. Read Full Review

    • Big welcome offer
    • U.S. supermarkets rewards
    • U.S. gas stations rewards
    • Streaming subscription rewards
    • Annual fee
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • 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.

Great for: 0% intro APR balance transfer offer

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 12 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 21 months

Regular APR

17.99% - 28.74% (Variable)

Rewards

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

  • A hard-to-beat 0% intro APR credit card that's a fit for cardholders wanting to pay off debt faster with balance transfer strategies and/or finance the cost of a purchase and temporarily avoid costly interest charges. Read Full Review

    • Great intro APR
    • No annual fee
    • Free credit score monitoring
    • No rewards
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • 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 17.99% - 28.74%, 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.

Great for: Unlimited cash back

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months

Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months

Regular APR

19.74% - 28.49% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases

1.5% - 5% cash back

Annual Fee Circle with letter I in it. N/A

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. 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.

Up to $300 cash back

  • This card includes a lineup of features that makes it a great option for one-card-wallet simplicity. The unlimited cash back makes it easy to earn rewards. The sign-up bonus and long 0% intro APR offer are the cherries on top. Read Full Review

    • Innovative sign-up bonus
    • Travel rewards
    • Robust rewards program
    • Great intro APR
    • No annual fee
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • 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 Ultimate Rewards®, 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 Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 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 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 Unlimited® 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.

Great for: Travel sign up bonus

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. N/A

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

21.24% - 28.24% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.

1x - 5x points

Annual Fee Circle with letter I in it. N/A

$95

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. 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®.

60,000 bonus points

  • With a big sign-up bonus, the sky’s the limit for this top-rated travel rewards card. Plus, the premium points program for travel and dining make it a no brainer for travel enthusiasts everywhere. Read Full Review

    • Big sign-up bonus
    • Travel rewards
    • Dining rewards
    • Flexible travel points
    • Consumer and travel protections
    • Has an annual fee
    • 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, and 2x on all other travel 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
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner

Great for: Unlimited points in certain categories

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR on purchases, 12 months from account opening

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases

1X - 3X points

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

20,000 bonus points

  • This card immediately moves to the top of our rankings for no annual fee rewards cards thanks to its excellent welcome bonus, earn unlimited 3x points on a variety of categories, and cell phone protection. Read Full Review

    • Strong welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee card
    • Earn Unlimited 3x points on useful categories
    • Cell phone protection
    • Other cards offer larger bonuses, though they usually come with annual fees
    • The 1x points baseline rewards rate on other purchases, though normal for this type of card, can be beat
    • Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value
    • Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases
    • $0 annual fee
    • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter
    • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
    • Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
    • Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
    • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.

Great for: Balance transfers

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 6 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months

Regular APR

16.74% - 27.74% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

1% - 5% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Cashback Match

  • Get the best of both balance transfer and cash back worlds with this card. Not only do you get a great intro APR on balance transfers, but you also get a rich cash back program. Read Full Review

    • Great intro APR offer
    • Sign-up bonus offer
    • Robust cash back program
    • No annual fee
    • FICO® Score for free
    • No fixed bonus categories
    • 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! 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 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.
    • 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.
    • Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
    • No annual fee.
    • Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. N/A

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months

Regular APR

18.99% - 28.99% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 2% cash back: 1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay

Up to 2% cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer

N/A

  • Earn up to 2% cash back on purchases - 1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay the minimum each month. Add that to no annual fee and an 18 month 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers and this card is a winner. Read Full Review

    • Industry-leading cash back
    • 0% intro APR balance transfer offer
    • No annual fee
    • Free credit score monitoring
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • No 0% intro APR on purchases
    • 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).
Award Icon 2023 Award Winner

Great for: Premium travel rewards

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Excellent (740-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

21.74% - 28.74% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, plus unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases

2x - 10x miles

Annual Fee

$395

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

  • This is a strong premium level travel card with a big sign-up bonus, robust rewards program, and rich travel credits. Read Full Review

    • Big travel rewards bonus
    • High rewards rate
    • Travel credits
    • Airport lounge access
    • Easy-to-use miles
    • Annual fee
    • Small selection of travel partners
    • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
    • Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
    • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
    • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
    • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
    • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
    • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
    • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
    • Elevate your stay at luxury hotels and resorts from the Premier Collection with a $100 experience credit, daily breakfast for 2 and complimentary WiFi on every booking, plus other premium benefits like room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout when available

Great for: Dining rewards with no annual fee

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4.50 stars
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Credit Score:
Good/Excellent (670-850) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases billing cycles, and after that 19.99% - 28.99% (Variable)

Purchases: 0%, 12 billing cycles on purchases

Balance Transfers: 0%, 12 billing cycles

Regular APR

19.99% - 28.99% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 4x points on dining, 2x points on groceries, gas, and streaming services, 1x points on other purchases

1x - 4x points

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening

20,000 points

  • A rare, great pick that offers lucrative rewards (up to 4x points), a big bonus, and a competitive 0% intro APR offer, all somehow with no annual fee.

    • Big sign-up bonus
    • Dining rewards
    • No annual fee
    • 0% intro APR offer
    • Streaming credit
    • Balance transfer fee
    • 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.
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5.00 stars
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= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
New/Rebuilding Under(579) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR

Purchases: n/a

Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months

Regular APR

27.74% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 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

1% - 2% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Cashback Match

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

    • Cash back rewards
    • Great sign-up bonus offer
    • No annual fee
    • Can graduate to an unsecured card
    • Minimum deposit amount
    • No credit score required to apply.
    • No Annual Fee.
    • Use your tax refund to fund your security deposit and start building your credit history. 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.
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4.50 stars
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= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Score:
Fair/New to Credit Under(669) Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.74% - 27.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular APR

17.74% - 27.74% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on other purchases.

1% - 3% cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of your account opening

$200 cash rewards

  • This student credit card has it all. You'll have a hard time finding a student card with a cash back program this lucrative to go along with a sign-up bonus. Read Full Review

    • Competitive sign-up bonus
    • Bonus cash back in a category of your choice
    • No annual fee
    • 0% intro APR offer
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • Limit on bonus cash back
    • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
    • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
    • No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
    • 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.74% - 27.74% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
    • When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. 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.

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The Picks
Card Rating Great For
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Great For:

Bonus category cash back

Award Icon 2023 Award Winner
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5.00 stars
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Great For:

Unlimited cash back

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5.00 stars
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Great For:

Long 0% intro APR offer

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Great For:

U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas

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Great For:

0% intro APR balance transfer offer

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5.00 stars
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Great For:

Unlimited cash back

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4.50 stars
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= Best
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Great For:

Travel sign up bonus

Award Icon 2023 Award Winner
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Unlimited points in certain categories

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Great For:

Balance transfers

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One-card wallet

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Great For:

Premium travel rewards

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Great For:

Dining rewards with no annual fee

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Bad credit

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Great For:

Students

Types of credit cards

Though there are many different types of credit cards, they all fall into certain categories based on their features and rewards programs. Here are the top credit cards and credit card offers right now within each category.

The cost of a card comes in three forms: the annual fee to just have the card, the fees and penalties for missed or late payments, and the interest charges. . . Some cards have forgiveness for a single late payment. Some have no annual fee. Some charge low interest. Try to find cards that have all three.

D'Arcy Becker, Ph.D., Department Chairperson and Professor of Accounting, on shoppers choosing the right card.

Travel credit cards

These cards are best suited to people who travel at least a few times per year. Many of these cards charge annual fees, so you want to make sure you're earning enough in rewards to at least make up for what you're paying to own it.

With travel cards, you can redeem your points or miles for free or discounted travel. There are also quite a few top travel credit cards that offer extra perks, such as free access to airport lounges, hotel upgrades, and travel insurance. The best airline credit cards, hotel credit cards, and general travel credit cards would all fall under this category.

The best credit cards for travel are:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 3 points per $1 on dining, 2 points to 5 points per $1 on travel
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 10 miles per $1 on Capital One Travel hotels and car rentals, 5 miles per $1 on Capital One Travel flight bookings, 2 miles per $1 on other purchases.

Compare more picks: Check out The Ascent's best travel rewards credit cards

Rewards credit cards

This category includes every credit card that earns purchase rewards. With so many to choose from, you'll find a diverse mix of the best credit cards for rewards that earn cash back, travel points, and store rewards.

Compare more picks: Check out The Ascent's best rewards credit cards

Cash back credit cards

Cash back cards are best for those who want a versatile card you can use for everyday spending. If you want a card with bonus categories, look for one that aligns well with your spending habits.

With the best cash back credit card, you earn rewards that can be redeemed as cash. Depending on the card, you may be able to redeem your cash back as a statement credit towards your credit card balance, a deposit to a bank account, or as a check. You'll find cards that earn the same flat rate on purchases as well as cards that earn extra in bonus categories among the best cash back cards.

  • Discover it® Cash Back: 5% back in rotating quarterly bonus categories you activate up to $1,500 quarterly spending cap, 1% back on other purchases.
  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 annual spending cap and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (making it one of the best credit cards for gas) and on transit, 1% back on other eligible purchases. Terms apply.
  • Chase Freedom Unlimited®: 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and on drug store purchases, 1.5% cash back on other purchases.
  • U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible net purchases ($100 per quarter) on two categories you choose, 2% cash back on one everyday category, 1% cash back on other purchases.
  • Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Unlimited, no-hassle 2% cash rewards.
  • Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores, 1% cash back on other purchases.

Compare credit cards: Check out The Ascent's best cash back credit cards

Balance transfer credit cards

These credit cards are best suited for those who are trying to pay off credit card debt. Ideally, you can find one with an introductory APR that's long enough to enable you to pay off your full balance. But you should note that you can't transfer a balance to a new card with the same issuer. And any balance transfer card will charge you a one-time fee for making the transfer.

Many of the best balance transfer credit cards have a 0% intro APR on balance transfers and intro periods can last for well over a year. If you want to refinance credit card debt and save money on interest, a balance transfer card is ideal.

  • U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: 18-billing-cycle 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases.
  • Discover it® Balance Transfer: 18-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers. The go-to variable rate applies after the 0% intro APR expires.
  • Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: 0% intro APR for both purchases and balance transfers.
  • Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: A leading 0% intro APR for both purchases and balance transfers.

Compare more picks: Check out The Ascent's best balance transfer credit cards

Best credit cards for beginners

The best credit card to have for beginners accept applicants with no credit history, don't charge unnecessary fees, and have educational features to help you improve your credit, such as free credit score monitoring. For those who are enrolled at college or university, student credit cards are a great first step into the world of credit.

Compare more picks: Check out The Ascent's best credit cards for building credit

...The key is to not overspend, pay off the balance each month to avoid interest and fees, and choose a card that offers the best benefits for your lifestyle. By being a convenience user, you [can] reap the benefits of credit cards.

William Hippler, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Finance, on credit card misconceptions.

High limit credit cards

Some credit cards tend to offer higher credit limits than most. These high limit credit cards let you spend more, and they can also help you protect your credit by making it easier to keep your credit utilization ratio low. You typically need excellent credit to qualify.

Compare more picks: Check out The Ascent's best high limit credit cards

0% intro APR credit cards

Cards in this category have a 0% intro APR that applies to purchases. They're a smart choice if you need to buy something expensive, but you can't afford to pay in full upfront. The most popular 0% intro APR credit cards also often have those intro deals for a year or longer.

Compare more picks: Check out The Ascent's best 0% intro APR credit cards

Secured credit cards

These cards can be a good starting point for those trying to establish a credit history for the first time or rebuild their credit score if they've managed credit poorly in the past. Annual fees are more common with these cards and rewards are rare, so they're generally not a good fit for those who wouldn't have any trouble applying for credit cards that fall into the categories listed above.

You need to pay a security deposit to open a secured credit card, which is typically used for rebuilding or building credit. The security deposit is often (but not always) equal to your starting credit limit. Even with the best credit cards for bad credit, high-quality secured credit cards usually graduate to unsecured cards. This means you get your deposit back if you make enough on-time payments.

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: A lucrative rewards program plus Discover matches all the cash back earned in the first year.

Compare more picks: Check out The Ascent's best secured credit cards

Looking to rebuild credit?: Check out The Ascent's best credit cards for bad credit

Student credit cards

If you're in college, you can get started on building your credit with the best student credit card. Even though college students are the primary audience for these credit cards, there are some excellent perks to be found with them. Some cards include free credit score tracking and money back for good grades.

Older adults looking to build a credit history should check out secured credit cards.

  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students: A rare student credit card pick with a long 0% intro APR, big sign-up bonus, and rich rewards program.

Compare more picks: Check out The Ascent's best student credit cards

Business credit cards

Business credit cards are designed with business owners in mind. This type of credit card offers higher credit limits than consumer credit cards to accommodate business spending. Many of them also have bonus categories to fit typical business spending habits. For example, a business card may offer bonus rewards on advertising, shipping, or office supply store purchases.

In addition, a business card can help you build your business credit score. Just like your own credit score is a rating of your personal creditworthiness, businesses have credit scores that rate their creditworthiness. By using a business credit card and paying on time, you can raise your business credit score. That can help you qualify for business financing in the future.

Your business doesn't need to be a separate entity to qualify for a business credit card. It's possible to open a business credit card with a sole proprietorship. No matter what type of business you have, it's smart to compare credit card offers.

Compare more picks: Check out The Ascent's best business credit cards

Want cashback on business purchases? Check out The Ascent's Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express review.

Store credit cards

Many chain stores, from Macy's to Target to Lowe's, offer their own credit cards. Sometimes these credit cards are accepted everywhere, but often they're only for use in-store. Store credit cards usually come with exclusive discounts and rewards that can only be used at that store. Make sure to read the fine print when you apply for a credit card, especially with any 0% intro APR offers, as they can involve deferred interest, which is tricky and can lead to hefty surprise interest charges.

Opening one of these cards is best if you frequently shop at a particular retailer. But if you only shop there once or twice per year, it may not be worth it.

Do you need a credit card?

Although a credit card isn't a necessity, there are several ways it can help you financially. Our credit card guide could help you learn these important things:

  • Improving credit: The best credit cards can help you build or rebuild your credit. When you use your credit card and pay the bill on time, your credit score will go up. This can help you qualify for financing, such as a car loan or mortgage, at a low interest rate.
  • Earning rewards: With rewards credit cards, you can earn cash back or travel points on purchases.
  • Fraud protection: Legally, you're only liable for up to $50 in losses if your credit card is used fraudulently. But most credit card companies go even further. Many credit cards offer zero-liability policies -- meaning you aren't responsible for any fraudulent charges. You also don't need to worry about a thief draining your bank account through your credit card (which could happen if your debit card was stolen).
  • Extra perks and discounts: Credit cards can offer all kinds of benefits, such as extended warranty coverage on purchases or complimentary rental car insurance. Many of the best credit cards of 2023 have features that can be worth hundreds of dollars or more.
Expect credit card companies to come courting you hard, with new offers, points, and rewards. But proceed with caution! There may be hidden fees, higher interest rates, or other catches. It pays to read the fine print.

Bill Maurer, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Money, Technology, and Financial Inclusion on current credit card trends consumers should be aware of.

When should I have one credit card?

You should stick to one credit card if:

  • You want to keep your finances as simple as possible.
  • You've never had a credit card before, or you've been using credit cards for less than a year.
  • You've had problems with missed credit card payments or overspending.
  • You value simplicity in managing your finances and don't want to worry about tracking multiple bills.

When should I have multiple credit cards?

You should carry multiple credit cards if you want more card benefits and you're confident in your ability to manage everything. There are some big advantages to having multiple cards:

  • You can carry cards that earn more in different areas, such as one flat-rate cash back card and another with bonus categories. This is a simple way to maximize your rewards.
  • You can use features from each of your cards and get more value overall. Instead of choosing between two of the best credit card offers, you can have both.
  • You'll have more available credit, which helps you maintain a lower credit utilization ratio. This can result in a higher credit score.

How to improve your credit score

Your credit score plays a large role in which credit cards you can get. If you have a low credit score and you work on raising it, that will open up more credit card options for you.

Here's the best advice you can follow to improve your credit score.

Review your credit report

You're legally entitled to a free annual credit report from each credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to request it.

Once you have your credit reports, review them for errors that could be damaging your credit score. If you find any errors, visit the website of the credit bureau that issued the report to file a dispute.

Get a credit card

The easiest way to improve your credit is by using a credit card and paying the bill on time. If you don't have a credit card, look for the top credit cards aimed at consumers in your position.

If you don't have much credit history yet, the best credit cards for beginners would be ideal. If you're rebuilding credit from issues on your credit history, then secured credit cards are the most suitable option.

Stay below 30% of your credit limit

The amount of your credit that you use impacts your credit score. Say you have a card with a $1,000 credit limit. If the balance is $500, that would put your credit utilization ratio at 50%.

A lower credit utilization helps your credit score. As a rule of thumb, aim to stay under 30% credit utilization at all times. It's good for your credit, and as an added perk, it helps you stay out of credit card debt.

Follow good payment habits

Learn your credit card's due date and always make your payment on time or early. Each on-time payment improves your payment history, which is the biggest factor in your credit score. You may want to set automatic payments so you don't miss any.

It's also recommended that you pay off your credit card every month. While this isn't necessary for your credit score, it's a way to avoid interest charges on your credit card purchases.

Find the best credit card for your needs

Compare credit card bonuses, rewards, fees, and more using our side-by-side comparison tool.

  • Annual percentage rate (APR): The annual percentage rate is charged for carrying a balance on a credit card, expressed as an annual percentage. With credit cards, the APR is the same as the interest rate.

    Balance: The amount owed on a credit card, including all unpaid transactions and fees. The balance at the end of a statement period is called the statement balance.

    Balance transfer: Moving a balance from one credit card to another. This is usually done when the new card offers a lower APR. Not every credit card offers balance transfers, and many of the cards with this feature charge a balance transfer fee.

    Cash advance: Withdrawing cash from a credit card, most often through cash advance checks, using the card at an ATM, or by wiring money with the card. Cash advances usually have a higher APR and start accruing interest immediately, so it's a poor way to use a credit card.

    Credit card: A credit card is a revolving line of credit issued by a bank and connected to a revolving line of credit. The cardholder can use their credit card for purchases and possibly other types of transactions, although this depends on the card.

    Credit limit: The credit card's spending limit. This can vary based on the type of transaction. On credit cards that offer cash advances, there is typically a lower credit limit for cash advances than for purchases. A transaction that would exceed a card's credit limit will be declined unless the cardholder has opted to allow over-the-limit transactions (and any potential fees that come with them).

    Credit score: A credit score is a rating of a consumer's creditworthiness. The score indicates how likely it is that they will make bill payments on time and repay what they borrow. Credit scores are calculated based on the consumer's financial history.

    Interest: A fee charged for borrowing money. The APR determines how much interest a credit card company can charge on balances. Use our interest rate calculator to get a sense of how much interest adds to your monthly bill.

    Minimum payment: The minimum amount a cardholder can pay by the due date to remain current on their credit card bill and avoid a late fee.

FAQs

  • The best credit card for many people is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. It will get you a 2% cash rewards rate on purchases, making it one of the most lucrative and flexible credit cards. The $0 annual fee and lengthy 0% intro APR offer are also a big draw.

    While this is an easy pick to recommend for many people, it's important to know that the market is packed with plenty of the best credit cards of 2023 (included on this shortlist and not). The best credit card to have will depend on your unique situation.

  • A credit card allows you to pay for purchases by borrowing money. The maximum amount you can borrow at one time is called your credit limit. The money you've already borrowed is your balance, and the amount you have left to borrow is your available credit.

    At the end of each billing cycle, the card issuer will send you a statement listing the transactions you made. It will list your total balance, as well as the minimum payment due during that billing cycle. You must pay at least the minimum amount by the due date to avoid a late fee -- although it's a good idea to pay more than the minimum if you can afford it.

    Credit cards are most often used for purchases, but many of them can also be used for other types of transactions, such as cash advances and balance transfers.

  • The right number of credit cards for most people is one. That's particularly important for cardholders using credit cards for rewards, since the juice may not always be worth the squeeze when carrying multiple cards and using each to optimize rewards for each spending category.

  • Whether your credit card helps or hurts you all depends on how you use it. To ensure that your credit card provides value and doesn't get you in debt, here are a few key guidelines:

    • Use your credit card regularly
    • Only charge what you can afford
    • Pay on time and in full
    • Take advantage of your card's perks
  • Credit card interest is the fee a card issuer can charge when you borrow money with your credit card. The amount of interest charged depends on the card's annual percentage rate (APR). Many credit cards have different APRs for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. Most credit cards have a variable APR. A variable APR is an interest rate that can change over time.

    The type of transaction also determines when your card issuer starts charging you interest. For example, cash advances almost always start racking up interest immediately. Purchases are different. Just about any top-rated credit card will only charge interest for purchases that aren't paid off by the payment due date. Savvy consumers take advantage of this, pay in full, and never have to deal with credit card interest.

    1. Choose a credit card and click "Apply Now": You'll find this link on the credit card page.
    2. Fill out the required information: Card applications ask for your personal information, including your name, mailing address, date of birth, and Social Security number. They also ask for financial information, including your income. Some companies might ask about your net worth.
    3. Submit the application: You may receive an instant decision of either a credit card pre-approval or a denial (hopefully approval). The card issuer could also put your application under review, meaning it needs more time to decide.

Meet our academic credit card experts

D'Arcy Becker

D'Arcy Becker

Department Chairperson and Professor of Accounting at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Bill Maurer, Ph.D.

Bill Maurer, Ph.D.

Director, Institute for Money, Technology, and Financial Inclusion at the University of California, Irvine

William Hippler, Ph.D.

William Hippler, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Finance at the University of La Verne

Our Credit Cards Experts