Credit Card Reviews by NerdWallet’s Experts
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NerdWallet’s credit cards experts have reviewed nearly all of the major cards on the market, as well as noteworthy products from smaller issuers. Follow the links below for reviews of more than 230 credit cards in all categories.
ABOUT OUR RATINGS: NerdWallet rates credit cards on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. See what goes into our ratings. |
CASH BACK CREDIT CARDS
Cash-back cards provide fast savings and easy-to-redeem rewards. Some pay a flat rate on all purchases, while others shell out higher rewards in certain categories, such as gas, groceries, restaurants, or online shopping.
Most popular cash back card reviews
Apple Card. It's not the game-changer it was often hyped as, but it does offer some intriguing features. Here's how to know if it's right for you.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card. Cardholders get 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 3% in a category of their choice.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. You'll earn 6% back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 a year in spending, plus 6% back on select U.S. streaming services and 3% back at U.S. gas stations and eligible transit. (Terms apply.) The catch? A sizable annual fee.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. You get bonus rewards of 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spending per year, 3% back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in spending per year, and 3% back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in spending per year. All other purchases earn 1% back. (Terms apply.)
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. A pioneer in offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, this card also gets credit for letting you redeem your cash in any amount — no minimum.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. Food and entertainment rewards are the centerpiece of this card, which pays an unlimited 3% cash back at restaurants and grocery stores, but also on streaming and more. No annual fee.
Chase Freedom Flex®. It's the best of two worlds: 5% rotating categories, plus fixed bonus categories like dining and some travel.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Start with a lucrative bonus, add 3% back on restaurants, 1.5% back outside of bonus categories and flexible redemption options, and you have a winner.
Citi Custom Cash® Card. The card earns 5% cash back (up to a spending cap) in your top spending category each billing cycle. Everything else earns an unlimited 1% back.
Citi Double Cash® Card. The combined 2% rewards rate — 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay it off — is among the best on any cash-back card, especially for an annual fee of $0.
Discover it® Cash Back. This card offers a high rewards rate in rotating categories, an intro APR offer and an unusual bonus that could become a windfall.
PayPal Cashback Mastercard®. The card's high rewards rate on all purchases made through PayPal is among the best you'll find and a great choice if you don't mind associating with that payment service.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. For fee-averse foodies, this card's huge rewards rate on dining makes it essentially best in class.
Venmo Credit Card. The card offers 3% and 2% bonus categories that can change automatically each month depending on where you spend the most.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. The card features unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, a sign-up bonus and a 0% intro APR promotion. Taken together, that's a value proposition that's difficult if not impossible to find on other cards in its class.
Other cash back card reviews
TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS
Travel credit cards fall into two broad categories. "Co-branded" travel cards carry the name of an airline, hotel, cruise operator or other travel provider. The rewards you earn are generally redeemable only with that provider. "General-purpose" travel cards offer more flexible rewards that you can redeem for a wide array of travel, without being locked into a particular airline or hotel brand.
General-purpose travel card reviews
Most popular
American Express® Green Card. This card earns bonus rewards on travel and restaurants worldwide, and points can be transferred to other loyalty programs. It also comes with potentially valuable travel credits.
American Express® Gold Card. This card features rich benefits for foodies, including high ongoing rewards at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets and an annual dining credit, among other perks.
The Platinum Card® from American Express. For a steep price, the original premium card gives you bonus points on certain flights and hotel stays, hundreds of dollars a year in credit for travel and shopping, and a suite of perks for high-end lifestyles.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card. Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all spending. Redeem points for credit on your statement against any travel or restaurant purchase.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card. You get 2X points on travel and dining and 1.5X points on everything else, and points are worth the same no matter how you redeem them — for cash back, travel or something else.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on everything. Redeem miles (at 1 cent apiece) for credit on your statement against any travel purchase, with none of the restrictions of airline cards.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Earn 2 miles per dollar spent, plus extra rewards on travel bookings through the issuer, and receive a slew of travel-related perks, including airport lounge access.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. You get bonus points for spending on travel, dining and some everyday purchases. Points are worth more when used to book through Chase.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®. The card earns bonus points for travel and dining-related spending, which can be redeemed for more value through Chase. It piles on the perks, too, but they come at a price.
Discover it® Miles. You get 1.5 miles per dollar spent on everything. Miles can be redeemed for travel or converted to cash back at the same penny-per-mile rate. Annual fee: $0.
Other general-purpose travel card reviews
Airline credit card reviews
If you fly regularly on a particular airline, carrying its branded credit card can earn you miles and unlock loyalty perks — not least of which is a free checked bag for you and possibly others traveling with you. Major airlines typically offer a suite of cards — the higher the fee you're willing to pay, the more perks you'll enjoy.
Hotel credit card reviews
With a branded credit card from your preferred hotel group, you can earn points toward your next stay with every dollar you spend. The better cards can give you free nights every year, room upgrades, loyalty status and other perks.
Credit cards for other travel brands
Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard. It earns decent rewards for Amtrak regulars, but its biggest selling point may be its lucrative perks — including a companion coupon — that can deliver big savings.
Carnival Cruises World Mastercard. The card is generous with sign-up incentives, but far less so with ongoing rewards. A general travel card will be more flexible and less complex.
Expedia credit cards. If you're not loyal to one airline or hotel chain, an Expedia credit card may fit you. But point values are low, so casual Expedia users have better options.
Norwegian Cruise Line Credit Card. The card offers reasonable rewards, but a general-purpose cash-back or travel card might be better if you don’t cruise frequently with Norwegian.
Priceline VIP Rewards™ Visa® Card. If you already use Priceline.com to get deals, the Priceline credit card could stretch your dollar even more.
Princess Cruises Rewards Visa® Card. Frequent cruisers may find some benefit, but the card's redemption rules are complex and its rewards rates are bested by other travel credit cards.
Royal Caribbean Visa Signature. Those who spend big with the cruise line brand may get some value out of the card. But a general travel card will prove more flexible and rewarding for most.
OTHER REWARDS CREDIT CARDS
These rewards cards might not fit neatly into either the "cash back" or "travel" category. Some offer versatile points. Some advertise "cash back" but require you to deposit it in a specific account to get the best rate. Some are designed to benefit charity. And some issuers are getting into the cryptocurrency game.
Most popular
Citi Rewards+® Card. This unique card may be a fit for low spenders who make a lot of small purchases. But other cards will offer more long-term value, flexibility and simplicity.
Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card. The card advertises 2% cash back, but to get that rate, you must deposit rewards into an eligible Fidelity account. Not really a cash-back card, then, but it still might be a great fit.
SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card. With this card, you'll earn an unlimited 2% back on most purchases, no matter how you redeem your rewards.
Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card. The card offers high ongoing rewards and generous benefits for a modest annual fee, but you must be eligible to join the credit union to get it.
Navy Federal Credit Union® More Rewards American Express® Credit Card. The $0-annual-fee card also offers an unusually big sign-up bonus. But you must join the credit union to get it, and if you travel abroad, the card may not be ideal.
NFL Extra Points Credit Card. Superfans may get some kicks out of this card's perks and rewards, but casual fans seeking an option for everyday purchases will probably want to punt.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card. The card offers one of the highest rewards rates in the category, but speed bumps include membership eligibility, uneven point value and limited redemption options.
Others
BALANCE TRANSFER AND 0% CREDIT CARDS
Save big on interest charges by moving debt to a card with a 0% introductory APR or by putting major purchases on a 0% card.
Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card. The card’s value lies in its introductory APR period and a transfer fee that's slightly lower than usual.
BankAmericard® credit card. You won't get ongoing rewards or perks, but it's a great option for paying down debt or financing a large purchase.
CareCredit Card. This specialty card for health care expenses offers deferred interest rather than a true 0% period (learn the difference here). You can get time to pay off a medical bill, but it could end up costing you a lot.
Chase Slate Edge℠. The card features a good, long 0% intro APR period, and cardholders also have the opportunity to lower their ongoing interest rate and increase their credit limits.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card. It can help make a dent in your debt, but because the card doesn't earn rewards, it may not earn a long-term place in your wallet.
Citi Simplicity® Card. The card's defining features include a lengthy 0% intro APR period on balance transfers, plus a forgiving nature when it comes to late payments.
HSBC Gold Mastercard® credit card. You'll get a lengthy 0% intro APR period and a forgiving policy on late payments, but you won't get any rewards.
Navy Federal Credit Union® Platinum Credit Card. It's a no-frills card that's decent for balance transfers. But you must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member to get it, and it earns no rewards.
SunTrust Prime Rewards Credit Card. The introductory APR isn't 0%, but it's really, really low (the prime rate) and it lasts a really, really long time. Plus, you can earn rewards and a bonus.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card. The card offers a generous introductory interest-free window. But if you want rewards, bonuses and other spoils, look elsewhere.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card. The card offers an extra-long introductory 0% intro APR period for balance transfers and purchases.
STORE AND RETAILER BRAND CREDIT CARDS
Some store- and retailer-branded cards give you big rewards or deep discounts at the places you shop the most. Some let you turn all of your spending — everywhere — into rewards you can use in the store. Some let you do both.
Most popular retailer brand credit cards
Prime Visa. Earning 5% back at both Amazon (which basically sells everything) and Whole Foods makes this perhaps the ultimate store card, but you can't get it without an Amazon Prime membership.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. Costco members can turn their everyday spending on gas, travel and dining out into rich rewards at the wholesale club, but you won't get big discounts at the store itself.
Disney credit cards. The cards offer some fan perks, but a general-purpose cash-back or travel card will likely be a better choice in terms of financing a Disney vacation.
The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card. There's special financing on big purchases. But it's not a true 0% offer, and you won't earn any ongoing rewards.
MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card. You get an automatic 5% discount on almost everything in the store. There's no annual fee.
Sam's Club® Mastercard®. It offers rich rewards on gas and dining, and Sam's Club "Plus" members can also earn a high rate on shopping with the wholesale club. But the card is less appealing for basic Sam's Club members.
Starbucks® Rewards Visa® Card. For hardcore coffee lovers only: You get a high effective rewards rate and multiple freebies, but there's an annual fee.
Target Circle™ Credit Card. For Target devotees, this card hits the bull's-eye. You won't earn traditional rewards, but you'll get upfront savings. Just make sure you pay in full each month.
Verizon Visa® Card. Get 4% back at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants; 4% back on Verizon purchases (excluding your monthly bill); and 1% back elsewhere. Use your rewards to pay your bill or buy a new phone — or even toward travel or gift cards.
Other retailer brand credit cards
CREDIT BUILDER CREDIT CARDS
Those looking to build or rebuild their credit with a credit card have an increasing number of options. Secured credit cards require a cash deposit and are easier for people with low scores to get approved for. Other cards don't require a deposit but may charge high fees and interest. Some cards use alternative risk-assessment models that make approval easier for people with no credit history.
Secured credit card reviews
Armed Forces Bank Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card. This card offers an adjustable credit limit and a potential upgrade path. But it also requires a relatively high deposit.
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. Unlike with most cards that require a cash security deposit, applicants may be able to qualify for a credit limit larger than their deposit.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. The card comes with a $0 annual fee, offers a path to upgrade to a regular card and earns rewards.
Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card. It makes responsible credit card management foolproof because you can't overspend and can automate payments.
Citi® Secured Mastercard®. This card is designed for those with no credit or limited credit, rather than folks with bad credit. There's no annual fee, but you must put down a deposit.
GO2bank Secured. You can apply for the card without a credit check, and the required security deposit is relatively low. But it lacks a way to move up to a better card.
DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card. A low interest rate and lack of fees are great upsides for people with bad credit, but you’ll need to jump through a few hoops to take advantage of this secured card.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card. It's nice to find a secured credit card with a $0 annual fee. Even better is one that offers a path to upgrade to a regular card. This one does both — and it gives you rewards, too.
First Progress secured credit cards. They can be options for those looking to build credit, but you'll have to pay an annual fee (which goes up as the APR goes down) and deal with less-than-robust customer service.
Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card. The no-annual-fee card earns rewards, offers an upgrade path and even features some perks, which is a lot from a secured product — if you can swing the membership and security deposit requirements.
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. You can qualify for this secured card with no credit check and no bank account. However, there's an annual fee.
PCB Secured Visa®. It's a relatively affordable and flexible card for its class, but there are restrictions on eligibility, and it doesn't come with an upgrade path.
Unsecured credit builder card reviews
AvantCard Credit Card. This card's issuing bank will consider factors aside from credit scores to determine eligibility, but other alternative cards and even some secured cards could be a better fit.
Blaze Mastercard. The Blaze Mastercard offers a chance to work on your credit score without having to pay excessive fees.
Capital One Platinum Credit Card. A straightforward card for folks on the way up: It charges no annual fee and offers the opportunity to boost your credit limit with responsible behavior.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. People with fair credit can earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase. That's the same rewards rate that the issuer offers to those with excellent credit, although this card has a fee.
Horizon Gold. What seems like an easy way to build credit is actually a store card with high fees you can use at only one place.
Indigo Platinum Mastercard. An option "for those with less than perfect credit,” as the card’s website states — but it may not be an ideal one.
Opportun Visa Credit Card. The card stands out as an option for credit beginners that doesn't require a Social Security number or bank account.
Petal® 1 Visa® Credit Card. Issued by WebBank, this card can offer a path to credit — and even rewards — for people with a less-than-ideal cash flow or credit history. The issuer can look beyond just credit scores to determine eligibility.
Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card. Petal's issuing bank may opt not to rely solely on credit scores to determine eligibility, and the card promises "no fees of any kind," making it an excellent starter product.
Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®. This is a costly credit card with flimsy benefits, even for those with bad credit. Plenty of better options exist.
Surge Mastercard. The Surge card offers some qualities that may appeal to those seeking a second chance at building credit, but its fees far outweigh its benefits.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®. Make charges to your card or borrow against your credit line. Either way, you can pay off the balance in equal monthly installments at a fixed rate. It earns rewards, but it lacks certain other incentives.
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®. Earn 3% cash back on home, auto and health purchases. Plus, a carried balance or loan against your credit limit becomes a fixed-rate loan with equal monthly payments.
Grow Credit Mastercard. This card can help you build credit with qualifying subscriptions or bill payments. It doesn't charge fees or interest. Plus, it skips the credit check.
COLLEGE STUDENT CREDIT CARDS
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. This student card works like the regular version of Capital One's popular 1.5% cash-back card, although without a sign-up bonus or 0% intro APR period.
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. This student card works like the regular version of Capital One's popular dining and entertainment card, although without a sign-up bonus or 0% intro APR period.
Chase Freedom® Student credit card. It earns 1% cash back on purchases. And with responsible use, you may also qualify for "Good Standing" rewards, a potential credit limit increase and, perhaps eventually, access to a higher-tier Chase card.
Discover it® Student Cash Back. This no-annual-fee card offers the same rewards and new-cardholder bonus as Discover's regular cash-back cards.
Discover it® Student Chrome. This student card earns 2% cash back on up to $1,000 per quarter in combined spending on gas and at restaurants, plus 1% on everything else.
SMALL BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS
Most popular small business card reviews
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card. Choose between a top rewards rate on Amazon-related purchases or a temporary interest-free window on them. But you must be an Amazon Prime or Business Prime member to get the card.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card. The card offers an easy-to-understand flat rate on everything you buy, and it even does the redemption work for you.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. Earn double points on purchases up to an annual cap, snag a generous intro APR offer and gain some credit limit flexibility.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. You earn 5X points on eligible travel spending, and you'll enjoy a sweet suite of perks that will ease and enhance your business trips. The catch? A jumbo annual fee.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card. This card earns 3% cash back on the category of your choice from a list of options and 2% cash back on dining, up to a combined annual spending cap.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus. Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, no preset spending limit and an opportunity to earn a superb bonus. The annual fee is pretty pricey, though.
Capital One Spark Miles for Business. Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on most everything, with no limits on how much you can earn and no blackout dates or restrictions on when or how you travel.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. Earn 5% cash back on office supplies and telecom services and 2% at restaurants and gas stations, up to a limit. This card also dangles a big sign-up bonus.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Collect 3 points per dollar spent on travel and other common spending categories and 1 point per dollar everywhere else; the sign-up bonus is one of the biggest you'll find anywhere.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. This card earns a flat 1.5% back on everything, with no categories to keep track of and an unusually generous sign-up bonus for its class.
Other small business card reviews
DEFUNCT OR UNAVAILABLE CREDIT CARDS
It's just the nature of the business: Credit cards come and go. The cards in this section have either been pulled off the market permanently, or they have stopped accepting new applications. Interested in what they used to offer? Take a look. Where applicable, we've identified a successor card.
All information about the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is no longer available through NerdWallet. All information about The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express is no longer available through NerdWallet.
The information related to the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card (no longer available) has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
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