Credit Card Reviews by NerdWallet’s Experts

NerdWallet's experts break down the most popular credit cards on the market — and turn up a few gems you may never have heard of but that deliver outsize value.

NerdWallet’s credit cards team has 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 250 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.

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Cash back credit card reviews

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.

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» SEE OUR FAVORITES: Best cash back credit cards


Travel credit card reviews

Travel credit cards fall into two broad categories. "General-purpose" travel cards offer flexible rewards that you can redeem for a wide array of travel, without being locked into a particular airline or hotel brand. "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. Below are reviews of popular general-purpose cards, followed by reviews of co-branded cards from airlines, hotel chains and other major travel industry players.

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» SEE OUR FAVORITES: Best travel credit cards


Airline credit card reviews

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» SEE OUR FAVORITES: Best airline credit cards


Hotel credit card reviews

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» SEE OUR FAVORITES: Best hotel credit cards


★ REVIEWS OF CREDIT CARDS FROM OTHER TRAVEL BRANDS

Airlines and hotels aren't the only big names in travel that offer branded credit cards. Cruise lines, travel agencies and others in the industry have partnered with banks to make rewards cards available to loyal customers.


Balance transfer and 0% APR credit card reviews

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. The cards listed below are those for whom a long 0% intro APR period is the primary selling point. Keep in mind that a number of cash back cards also offer a 0% period, though that period will usually be shorter than what you'll find with a "dedicated" 0% card.

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Credit-builder credit card reviews

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.

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College student credit card reviews

Several issuers have credit cards designed specifically for students. Some are available to those with no credit history. However, simply being a college student isn't enough by itself to qualify you for one of these cards. You'll need to have income, and there may be other requirements. Students who are unable to qualify for a student card may have better luck with a secured card or other credit-builder card.

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Business credit card reviews

Credit card issuers have an array of cards designed for small business operators and entrepreneurs. Many of the major categories of consumer cards — cash back, travel, airline, hotel and so on — have business card equivalents. Plus, there are a number of cards that offer special financing options for small businesses. Scroll through the reviews below to see what's available.

» SEE OUR FAVORITES: Best small business credit cards