Best Credit Cards for Couples of December 2024
Updated: Nov 18, 2024
+ 2 more+ 2 more
Whether couples share finances or keep them separate, some credit cards are ideal for twosomes — those who like to travel together, just stay home or anything in between. Most popular credit cards don’t offer joint accounts anymore. (More on that below.) But couples can use a two-player strategy with their cards by making each other authorized users.
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NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Whether couples share finances or keep them separate, some credit cards are ideal for twosomes — those who like to travel together, just stay home or anything in between. Most popular credit cards don’t offer joint accounts anymore. (More on that below.) But couples can use a two-player strategy with their cards by making each other authorized users.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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Whether couples share finances or keep them separate, some credit cards are ideal for twosomes — those who like to travel together, just stay home or anything in between. Most popular credit cards don’t offer joint accounts anymore. (More on that below.) But couples can use a two-player strategy with their cards by making each other authorized users.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Whether couples share finances or keep them separate, some credit cards are ideal for twosomes — those who like to travel together, just stay home or anything in between. Most popular credit cards don’t offer joint accounts anymore. (More on that below.) But couples can use a two-player strategy with their cards by making each other authorized users.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for Couples of December 2024
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Everyday spending
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Homebodies
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Socializers
Chase Freedom Flex®: Best for Parents
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Traveling couples
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Travel companion benefits
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for Home improvement
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Best for Tackling debt
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card: Best for Renters
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Big shoppers
Show SummaryHide Summary
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Homebodies
If you’re more the stay-at-home type of couple than you are jet-setters, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express packs plenty of value with best-in-class rewards at U.S. supermarkets and on U.S. streaming subscriptions. (Make sure to set it as your default payment method for streaming services.)
Our Take
You'll earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%); 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses); and 1% cash back on all other purchases. There's a great welcome offer for new cardholders and a nice 0% intro APR period, too. Terms apply.
Unlike with most cards on this list, there's an annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. You can easily make it back, however, with regular spending in the bonus categories.
If you’re more the stay-at-home type of couple than you are jet-setters, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express packs plenty of value with best-in-class rewards at U.S. supermarkets and on U.S. streaming subscriptions. (Make sure to set it as your default payment method for streaming services.)
Everyday spending
Every couple needs a no-hassle card that gives good rewards regardless of spending category. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card pays a great rate on every purchase and adds a nice sign-up bonus and 0% intro APR period. It's a perfect “everything else” card, when you can’t get better rewards from a different card.
Product Details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, with a $0 annual fee. New cardholders get this offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. And you get a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR.
There isn't much to dislike here. But if you spend a lot in specific categories that earn 3%, 5% or more on other cards, you could be shortchanging yourself if this is the only one you use.
Every couple needs a no-hassle card that gives good rewards regardless of spending category. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card pays a great rate on every purchase and adds a nice sign-up bonus and 0% intro APR period. It's a perfect “everything else” card, when you can’t get better rewards from a different card.
Socializers
If going out is what gets you and your partner fired up, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is the perfect third wheel. It offers superb cash back rewards on dining and entertainment. And if you like to entertain at home, it's also pays well as at grocery stores and on streaming.
Product Details
- For a limited time, earn a $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You earn unlimited 3% cash back at restaurants, at grocery stores, on select streaming subscriptions and on a long list of entertainment, including movies, plays, concerts, sporting events, tourist attractions, theme parks, aquariums, zoos, dance clubs and more. Purchases through Capital One Entertainment earn 8%. Enjoy a great bonus offer and even an introductory APR promotion, for a $0 annual fee.
If you're a one-card kind of couple rather than people with a card for every occasion, you might get more value from a card that pays 1.5% or 2% cash back on every purchase.
If going out is what gets you and your partner fired up, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is the perfect third wheel. It offers superb cash back rewards on dining and entertainment. And if you like to entertain at home, it's also pays well as at grocery stores and on streaming.
Home improvement
If you’re homeowners making repairs or upgrades — or if you're renters trying to refurnish an apartment — you might as well get rewarded for your pricey improvements. The combination of benefits on the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, including its 3% cash back options, makes it ideal for home spending.
Product Details
- $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.
- Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- 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.
Our Take
You earn 3% cash back in a category you choose (from a list of six) and 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, on up to $2,500 in combined spending per quarter in these categories. Other spending earns 1%. The 3% categories include “home improvement and furnishings,” which has a broad definition that includes contractors and home services, not just store purchases. You can change your 3% category monthly. With a good bonus offer and a lengthy 0% intro APR period, this card is well-suited to financing a major project.
The rewards structure is somewhat complicated. The amount of spending eligible for the 3% rewards is capped, so on bigger projects you might earn a greater return on a card with unlimited 1.5% or 2% cash back.
If you’re homeowners making repairs or upgrades — or if you're renters trying to refurnish an apartment — you might as well get rewarded for your pricey improvements. The combination of benefits on the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, including its 3% cash back options, makes it ideal for home spending.
Tackling debt
Getting out of debt might not be the most romantic project you’ll tackle as a couple, but it could be among the most important. To get a break from punishing interest charges, you could transfer balances to the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and enjoy a super-long 0% intro APR period, as long as you pay on time.
Product Details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
- $0 Annual Fee.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. 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.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You get a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR.
This card has no rewards and its ongoing APR can be fairly high, so there's limited value beyond the intro APR period.
Getting out of debt might not be the most romantic project you’ll tackle as a couple, but it could be among the most important. To get a break from punishing interest charges, you could transfer balances to the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and enjoy a super-long 0% intro APR period, as long as you pay on time.
Big shoppers
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is tailor-made for couples who spend a lot at specific merchants that don't fit into (or are specifically excluded from) the highest-paying categories on other cards. You earn 6% cash back on up to $1,500 a quarter in combined spending at two retailers you choose from a list. Options include Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot and more.
Product Details
- 6% Cash Back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose.
- Earn a $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
- 3% Cash Back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter on your choice of one everyday category like gas stations & EV charging stations (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs), bills and home utilities.
- 1.5% Cash Back on all other eligible purchases.
- 6% Cash Back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
In addition to 6% back on up to $1,500 a quarter in combined spending at your two chosen retailers, you earn 3% on up to $1,500 per quarter spent in an "everyday" category like gas, wholesale clubs or bills and utilities. All other purchases earn 1.5% — a major edge over other cards that pay only 1% on non-bonus-category spending. There's a solid bonus offer, too.
The card charges an annual fee, although $31 a week in spending at your chosen retailers will return enough cash back to offset it. The rewards structure requires a bit of work, since it's on you to lock in your 6% and 3% options each quarter.
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is tailor-made for couples who spend a lot at specific merchants that don't fit into (or are specifically excluded from) the highest-paying categories on other cards. You earn 6% cash back on up to $1,500 a quarter in combined spending at two retailers you choose from a list. Options include Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot and more.
Renters
The no-annual-fee Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter.
Product Details
- $0 Annual Fee
- Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Earns 3x points on dining
- Earn 2x points on travel
- Earn 1x points on other purchases
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
- Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
- Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
- Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
This card earns 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent (up to 100,000 points annually). That might not seem like a jaw-dropping rate, but consider that in most cases, you either can't use a credit card for rent at all, or you can't do so without paying an extra transaction fee that more than wipes out the value of your rewards. The card also earns 3X points at restaurants, 2X on travel, 5X on Lyft (when you link your accounts) and 1X elsewhere. Those rewards rates, except for rent, are doubled for purchases on the first day of every month ("rent day"). Among redemption options: credit toward rent or a home down payment, and travel, including options to transfer them to airline and hotel partners.
You must use the card at least five times during a statement period to earn most rewards (you will still earn 250 points on rent). There's no sign-up bonus. If the manager of your property requires that you pay rent by check rather than through an online portal, you can still earn rewards, but Bilt needs to send a check on your behalf.
The no-annual-fee Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter.
Traveling couples
If you’re a couple defined by your wanderlust or are newlyweds who have a honeymoon to plan, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will be your jam. Good rewards and flexible points make it a relative bargain.
Product Details
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. 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, 2027.
- Member FDIC
Our Take
You earn 5 points per $1 spent on all travel booked through Chase; 3 points per dollar on dining, on select streaming services, and on online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on travel not purchased through Chase; and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. Points are worth 1.25 cents apiece when you use them to book travel via Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline or hotel partners, including United, Southwest and Marriott. The bonus offer is outstanding, too.
There's a $95 annual fee. That's on par with other cards in its class, but some consumers draw the line at paying an annual fee on a credit card.
If you’re a couple defined by your wanderlust or are newlyweds who have a honeymoon to plan, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will be your jam. Good rewards and flexible points make it a relative bargain.
Travel companion benefits
Being a couple means you often have a travel companion, and it helps to have a travel card with perks that apply to more than just the primary cardholder. Three of the most coveted airline-related perks are free checked bags, a companion fare and airport lounge access. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has all three.
Product Details
- Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when you fly Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
- Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
- Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You earn 3 miles per dollar spent with Delta Air Lines and 1 mile per dollar on other spending. But the true value of this card lies in the perks. Among them: Access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges; an annual companion certificate upon renewal that's good even in first class; first checked bag free for up to nine people on a reservation; reimbursement for an application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry; and more. Terms apply. Plus, a great welcome offer.
All those perks don't come cheap. The annual fee is $650. That's still less than the cost of a stand-alone Delta lounge membership, however.
Being a couple means you often have a travel companion, and it helps to have a travel card with perks that apply to more than just the primary cardholder. Three of the most coveted airline-related perks are free checked bags, a companion fare and airport lounge access. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has all three.
Parents
The bonus structure on the Chase Freedom Flex® requires a little work, but the card has a slew of useful categories that can help parents rack up points quickly when they’re spending enough to keep a household running. Tag team with your partner to use this card for its bonus categories.
Product Details
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% 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!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99%-28.74%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® 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.
- Member FDIC
Our Take
You earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter in quarterly categories that you activate (see current categories below). you also get 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase; 3% cash back on dining, including takeout and delivery services; 3% at drugstores; and 1% on all other purchases. Topping it off is a good bonus offer and a solid introductory APR deal.
Tracking multiple bonus categories, including some that change every quarter, takes a little headspace, and activating categories can be a hassle.
The bonus structure on the Chase Freedom Flex® requires a little work, but the card has a slew of useful categories that can help parents rack up points quickly when they’re spending enough to keep a household running. Tag team with your partner to use this card for its bonus categories.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR COUPLES
Confirm details on issuer's website when applying.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our pick for: Everyday spending
Among flat-rate cash-back cards, you'll be hard-pressed to beat the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. It earns an unlimited 2% back on all purchases, which is excellent. But in addition, the card offers a rich sign-up bonus and a decent intro APR period on both purchases and balance transfers. That's an impressive, hard-to-find combination of features on a card with a $0 annual fee. Read our review.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Homebodies
If your household spends a lot on groceries, gas, transit and streaming, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is for you. The rewards it pays in those categories — particularly at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions — are among the richest of any card. There's a nice welcome offer for new cardholders and an introductory APR period, too. The generous benefits come at a cost, though: Unlike most cash-back cards, this one charges an annual fee. Terms apply. Read our review.
Honorable mention: The Prime Visa is great for couples who share an Amazon Prime account. It offers 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, plus local transit and commuting costs, including rideshare. All other purchases earn 1% back. It carries an annual fee of $0, but requires a paid Amazon Prime membership. Set it and forget it as your payment method on Amazon.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Socializers
Some credit cards reward you well for going out, others for staying in. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is the rare card that does both. It offers a terrific cash-back rate not only on dining and entertainment but also at grocery stores and on popular streaming services. Toss in a good bonus offer and intro APR period, and this card is a winner. (see rates and fees). Read our review.
Honorable mention: If your idea of socializing often involves double-dating at a dinner out, also consider the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. It offers similar rewards.
Chase Freedom Flex®
Our pick for: Parents
The Chase Freedom Flex® offers bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, at restaurants and at drugstores. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending matches the categories — and for a lot of people, it will — you can rack up hundreds of dollars a year. There's a fantastic bonus offer for new cardholders and an intro APR offer, too. Read our review.
Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex® bonus rewards categories for 2024 | |
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Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31) |
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Q2 (April 1-June 30) |
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Q3 (July 1-Sept. 30) |
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Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31) |
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*Includes bookings made directly with the hotel and prepaid bookings through Chase's travel portal. | |
Honorable mention: If you really want to optimize, one partner can also get the Discover it® Cash Back. It also earns 5% back on up to $1,500 in spending on rotating quarterly categories (activation required; 1% back on all other purchases). Bonus categories historically have included restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and more. With the two cards together, you’ll have more 5% categories each quarter.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our pick for: Traveling couples
For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review.
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Big shoppers
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is tailor-made for consumers who spend a lot of money at retailers that don't fit into (or are specifically excluded from) the bonus categories offered by other credit cards. The card also offers a higher-than-usual rate on spending outside its bonus categories. The downside: There's an annual fee. Read our review.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Our pick for: Travel companion benefits
Every airline has a premium card that gets you into its airport lounges, but the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card also gets you into American Express's Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, and it comes with an annual companion certificate that's good even in first class. Read our review.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Our pick for: Home improvement
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives you a little more control over your credit card rewards by letting you choose which category earns the highest cash-back rate, from a list that includes gas stations, restaurants, travel, home improvement and more. You also get bonus rewards at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, plus a great new-cardholder bonus offer. Read our review.
Honorable mention: The Citi Custom Cash® Card can earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your highest spending category for the billing cycle — and "home-improvement stores" is an eligible category. The $500 monthly cap makes this card better for lower-cost, and perhaps more frequent, home-improvement projects.
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
Our pick for: Renters
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. Read our review.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Our pick for: Tackling debt
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has one of the longest intro APR periods on the market — approaching almost two years. You'll be hard-pressed to find a longer interest-free promotion, and it applies to both purchases and balance transfers. Read our review.
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What about joint credit card accounts?
Joint credit card accounts aren’t offered widely anymore. Issuers prefer to approve credit cards for individuals, largely based on their personal credit history (although, sometimes partially based on joint income.)
So now, the common strategy to optimize credit cards is for each partner to get complementary cards as primary users, then add the other as an authorized user. That way, each person can use the best card for earning points or taking advantage of perks. It works best when both partners have excellent credit. And to optimize, it works best when both partners agree to use the right card for certain purchases. Learn more about the two-player strategy.
A notable exception is the Apple Card, which allows "co-owners" who equally share the responsibility of paying bills.
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NerdWallet's Gregory Karp contributed to this article.
Last updated on November 18, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
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