
Credit cards can be a game-changer for your finances, offering rewards, cashback, and purchase protection.
For those with excellent credit, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a top pick, offering 60,000 bonus points and 2X points on travel and dining purchases.
If you have good credit, the Citi Double Cash Card is a great option, providing 2% cashback on all purchases with no rotating categories or spending limits.
For those with fair credit, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good choice, offering unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases with no rotating categories.
For another approach, see: The Points Guy Chase Sapphire Preferred
Best Credit Cards US
The Petal 1 Visa Credit Card is a great option for those looking for a cash back credit card with no annual fee and no security deposit required. It offers 2-10% cash back at select local and national merchants.
One of the standout features of this card is the cash back rewards, which can range from 2% to 10% depending on the merchant. This is a significant perk for those who regularly shop at participating stores.
Here are some key details about the Petal 1 Visa Credit Card:
- No annual fee
- No security deposit required
- 2-10% cash back at select local and national merchants
Petal 2
The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card is a great option for those looking for a fee-free card with cash back rewards. It offers 1% - 10% cash back on purchases.
One of the standout features of this card is that it has no annual fee, and no fees of any kind. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to avoid unnecessary charges.
You can earn up to 1.5% cash back on unlimited everyday purchases, with a tiered system that rewards on-time payments. For example, you'll earn 1% right away, increasing to 1.25% after 6 months of on-time payments, and 1.5% after another 6 months.
Here are the details on the cash back rewards:
The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card also offers a high cash back limit, up to $812.
$750
If you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, you can earn a $750 bonus cash back with the Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card.
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card also offers unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase, making it a great option for businesses that want a flat-rate approach.
To earn $750 once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months from account opening, consider the Capital One Spark Cash card, which gives you 2% cash back on every purchase.
You can also earn $750 after you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months from account opening with the Capital One Spark Cash card, which offers a great cash back rate for businesses.
The Capital One Spark Cash card offers 2% cash back on every purchase, making it a great option for businesses that want a simple and straightforward rewards program.
Suggestion: Us Bank Credit Card Offers like Chase Offers
WalletHub's Research
WalletHub's research team has compared credit card rates to help you make informed decisions. They've got the numbers to back it up.
According to WalletHub, average credit card interest rates are constantly changing, so it's essential to stay up-to-date. This week's rates are a good starting point.
WalletHub's methodology is transparent, and they provide a clear explanation of how they gathered their data. You can find more information on their website.
Their research is based on sources that are credible and reliable. You can trust the information they provide.
WalletHub's team of experts has done the legwork for you, comparing credit card rates to help you find the best one for your needs.
Credit Card Eligibility
To be eligible for a credit card, you typically need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number. Some credit cards have a minimum income requirement, which can range from $15,000 to $100,000 or more.
Your credit score also plays a significant role in determining your credit card eligibility. A good credit score can help you qualify for better credit cards with more favorable terms. For example, a credit score of 700 or higher can give you access to premium rewards credit cards.
However, some credit cards are designed for people with poor or no credit, and these cards often come with higher fees and interest rates.
Under 5/24
If you're looking to apply for a new credit card, but have recently applied for others, you might be wondering about the 5/24 rule. For credit cards under 5/24, you can earn 3X points for every dollar spent on grocery stores, which can add up quickly if you do a lot of shopping.
Some credit cards under 5/24 offer bonus miles on all purchases, making them a great option if you want to rack up rewards.
Earning 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases can still be beneficial, even if it's not as lucrative as the bonus rewards.
The terms of these credit cards can vary, but they're often a good option for people who want to start building their rewards portfolio without getting too close to the 5/24 limit.
A fresh viewpoint: Bank of Montreal Us Dollar Credit Card
Above 5/24
If you're above 5/24, you're in a great position to apply for credit cards. This means you've had no more than five credit inquiries in the past 24 months, which is a crucial factor in credit card eligibility.
Having fewer credit inquiries can significantly improve your chances of getting approved for a credit card. In fact, a 5/24 credit card application is often considered a golden ticket to approval.
You can apply for multiple credit cards at once, but be aware that having too many applications in a short period can raise red flags with credit bureaus.
The 5/24 rule is a guideline used by many credit card issuers to determine eligibility, but it's not a hard and fast rule. Some issuers may have different requirements or consider other factors when evaluating applications.
Credit Card Offers
Credit card offers can be a decisive factor when comparing similar credit cards. Typically, a bonus offer is a promotional incentive to get you to apply for the card and use it regularly, such as cash, points, or airline miles.
To compare similar credit cards, consider the value of the bonus and the required spending. The value of the bonus is how much it's worth in dollars, taking into account the value of the rewards currency. Meeting the minimum required spending can also be a consideration, both in terms of the amount of spending and the timeframe you have to do it.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when evaluating credit card offers:
- Value of bonus: Compare the value of the bonus in dollars, considering the rewards currency.
- Required spending: Consider whether meeting the minimum required spending is doable, both in terms of amount and timeframe.
Up to 100,000
If you're looking for a credit card with a generous sign-up bonus, you're in luck. The Aeroplan Credit Card, for example, offers up to 100,000 points after meeting certain spending requirements.
The Aeroplan Credit Card offers a 75,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional 25,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months. That's a total of up to 100,000 points.
Some credit cards offer more flexible spending requirements, such as the Chase United Quest Card, which requires only $3,000 in spending within the first 3 months to earn 70,000 miles.
Other cards, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, offer a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, equal to $750 in travel.
If you're looking for a credit card with a lower spending requirement, consider the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit, which offers a $300+ initial credit limit with a $75 annual fee.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Us Bank Secured Credit Card Requirements
Here's a comparison of some credit cards with high sign-up bonuses:
Keep in mind that these offers are subject to change and may have additional requirements or restrictions. Always read the fine print before applying for a credit card.
Petal 1
The Petal 1 Visa Credit Card is a great option for those looking for a no-fee credit card with cash back rewards. It has a 2-10% cash back rate at select local and national merchants, which can add up to some nice savings over time.
One thing to note is that there is no annual fee or security deposit required to get this card. This makes it a very accessible option for those who may not have a lot of credit history or a high credit score.
The cash back rewards on the Petal 1 Visa Credit Card can be a nice perk, but it's worth keeping in mind that the rewards rate varies. You can earn 2-10% cash back at select merchants, which is a decent rate compared to some other credit cards.
Here are some key features of the Petal 1 Visa Credit Card:
Credit Card Features
Some credit cards offer 0% introductory APRs, which can be a great way to save money on interest. For example, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers 0% for 21 months on balance transfers and 0% for 12 months on purchases.
The balance transfer fee can be a significant cost, though. With the Citi Diamond Preferred Card, it's either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
If you're looking for a card with no annual fee, there are plenty of options available. However, keep in mind that cards with no annual fee often have fewer rewards and benefits.
Worth a look: Us Bank Credit Card No Foreign Transaction Fee
Simplicity
The Citi Simplicity Card is a great option for those looking for simplicity in their credit card. It offers 0% for 21 months on balance transfers from the date of the first transfer. This is a significant advantage over the average balance transfer card, which only offers 0% APR for 13 months.
The regular APR is 18.24% - 28.99% (V), depending on your creditworthiness. There's also a balance transfer fee of 3% intro fee ($5 min) for each transfer in the first 4 months, and 5% ($5 min) for each transfer after that.
One of the standout features of the Citi Simplicity Card is its $0 annual fee. This means you won't have to worry about an extra charge on top of your regular APR.
Here are the key features of the Citi Simplicity Card at a glance:
- 0% for 21 months on balance transfers from the date of the first transfer
- 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening
- $0 annual fee
- Regular APR: 18.24% - 28.99% (V)
- Balance transfer fee: 3% intro fee ($5 min) for each transfer in the first 4 months, 5% ($5 min) for each transfer after that
The Citi Simplicity Card is a great option for those with good credit or better who want to reduce the cost of existing debt.
Cash Back
Cash Back is a popular feature among credit card users, and for good reason. With the right card, you can earn rewards on your purchases, which can be redeemed for cash, travel, or other rewards.
Some credit cards offer a flat rate of cash back on all purchases, like the Citi Double Cash Card, which earns 2% on every purchase. This means you'll earn 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Expand your knowledge: Best Credit Cards to Earn Miles
Other cards offer cash back rewards on specific categories, such as groceries, gas stations, or restaurants. The Discover it Student Cash Back card, for example, earns 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
If you're looking to earn a sign-up bonus, some cards offer a one-time cash back reward after meeting a minimum spending requirement. The Citi Double Cash Card, for instance, offers $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
Here's a breakdown of some popular cash back credit cards:
Overall, cash back rewards can be a great way to earn money back on your purchases, and with the right card, you can maximize your rewards and save money in the long run.
Diamond Preferred
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is a top choice for those looking for a 0% APR credit card offer. It offers 0% for 21 months on balance transfers and 0% for 12 months on purchases.
The average balance transfer card offers a 0% APR for just 13 months, making the Citi Diamond Preferred Card stand out. This card also has a $0 annual fee, which can save you money in the long run.
There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. This fee can add up quickly, so it's essential to factor it into your decision.
The regular APR of 17.24% - 27.99% (V) is higher than the introductory APR, so be sure to pay off your balance before the promotional period ends. This APR range is based on your creditworthiness when you apply.
You can transfer your balance within 4 months of account opening, but be aware that balance transfers must be completed during this time frame. This can be a convenient option for those with existing credit card debt.
Consider reading: Chase Sapphire No Annual Fee
$400 and 40,000
You can earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within a specific timeframe from account opening.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers this bonus, and it's one of three personal Southwest credit cards offered by Chase. You can only get one of the three at a time, and are only eligible for the bonus if you haven't had another Southwest personal card bonus in the last 24 months.
The offer for this bonus ends at 8 AM CST on 1/7/2025.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card also offers a similar bonus, but with a slightly different spending requirement - $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
You can earn $400 and 40,000 points with this card, making it a great option for those who frequently use Southwest airlines.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a similar bonus, but with a different spending requirement - $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Good First Credit Cards for Young Adults
Annual Fee
An annual fee can be a significant consideration when choosing a credit card. It's essentially a trade-off for the rewards and perks offered by the card.
The value of an annual fee should easily outweigh the fee itself. For example, a card with a $95 fee might deliver far more rewards than a $0 alternative.
A $0 annual fee can be a welcome option for those who don't want to worry about it. However, don't expect top-of-the-line rewards or benefits.
Some credit cards, like the Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred, come with a higher annual fee of $48. This may be worth it if you're rebuilding your damaged credit and the card offers benefits that would otherwise be unavailable.
The Discover it Student Chrome card is an exception, with a $0 annual fee. This can be a great option for students looking to avoid interest charges for a limited time.
Broaden your view: Benefits of Discover It Card
Purchases
If you're looking to finance a large purchase, you'll want a credit card with a 0% introductory APR on purchases. The Citi Simplicity Card offers 0% for 12 months on purchases, while the Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers 0% for 12 months on purchases as well.
Some credit cards have a 0% introductory APR period that's longer than others. The Citi Simplicity Card has a 0% introductory APR period of 21 months on balance transfers, but only 12 months on purchases. This is longer than the average balance transfer card, which typically offers 0% APR for just 13 months.
You should also consider the ongoing APR, which is the regular interest rate on a card when there isn't a promotional rate in effect. The Citi Double Cash Card has a regular APR of 29.74% (Variable), making it a higher option.
Here are some credit cards with 0% introductory APR periods on purchases:
Keep in mind that these introductory APR periods are only available for new purchases, and the regular APR will apply after the promotional period ends.
Credit Card Comparison
Comparing credit cards is a great way to find the one that's right for you. You can't have a "best credit card for everybody" because everyone's needs are different.
The key is to identify the features that matter most to you and know what a good offer looks like. Our online credit card comparison tool lets you evaluate cards side by side, so you can compare travel cards against each other or put a cash-back card up against a 0% interest card.
You can compare two credit cards or build a three-card comparison to make a decision easier. This tool is super helpful because it lets you focus on the features that are important to you.
To get started, consider what type of credit card you need. Do you want a cash-back card with no annual fee? Or a travel rewards card with an annual fee but plenty of perks? Knowing what you're looking for will help you narrow down your options.
Here's a quick rundown of some of the best credit card rates compared:
Remember, the best credit card for you is one that fits your lifestyle and needs. By comparing credit cards and understanding the features that matter most, you can find the perfect card for you.
Credit Card Types
Credit cards come in three main types: rewards cards, balance transfer cards, and credit-building cards. Each type has its own unique features and benefits.
Rewards cards earn you points or cash back on your purchases, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other rewards. If you don't travel much, a rewards card might not be the best choice for you.
Balance transfer cards save you money on interest by allowing you to transfer high-interest debt to a lower-interest card. This can be a game-changer if you're struggling to pay off debt.
Credit-building cards help you build or rebuild your credit by reporting your payment history to the credit bureaus. These cards often come with higher interest rates and fees, but they can be a good option if you're starting from scratch.
Here are the three types of credit cards in a nutshell:
Secured
Secured credit cards are a type of credit card that's perfect for people with bad credit or those who are new to credit. They require a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit.
You don't need a credit score to apply for some secured credit cards, like the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, but it may be used if available. Others, like the Discover it Secured Credit Card, also don't require a credit score to apply.
The security deposit for secured credit cards can be refundable, like with the Discover it Secured Credit Card, which offers a $200 refundable deposit. However, some cards, like the Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card, have a minimum security deposit of $200.
Secured credit cards can help you build or rebuild your credit, making them a great option for those who want to improve their credit score. Consider the Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card, which has a regular APR of 9.99% and can be a good choice for rebuilding damaged credit.
Here are some key features of secured credit cards:
Business
The Business Credit Card is a great option for small business owners who want to manage their finances effectively.
Some business credit cards offer an introductory APR of 0% for a certain number of billing cycles, like the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card which offers 0% for 18 billing cycles.
This type of card can help you save money on interest charges during the introductory period.
However, be aware that some business credit cards charge a balance transfer fee, such as the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card which charges a 3% fee (min $5).
If you're a small business owner with a good credit score, you might be able to qualify for a business credit card with a low introductory APR.
For example, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card requires a credit score of 700+ to be considered.
It's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the card, including the regular APR, before applying.
The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card's regular APR isn't the lowest, so make sure you understand the implications of this.
For your interest: Visa Announces Major Changes to Credit Debit Cards in U.s
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 credit card to have?
The #1 credit card to have is the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, offering 2% cash rewards with no annual fee. It's a top choice for those seeking maximum rewards with minimal costs.
Which credit card is best for overall?
For overall benefits, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum card, both offering premium travel perks and rewards.
Which banks has the best credit card?
The best credit card depends on your specific needs, with top options including Chase for rewards, Capital One for dining, and American Express for food and travel. Consider your spending habits and goals to find the best fit for you.
What are the 4 major credit cards?
The four major credit card networks are Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. These networks process transactions for millions of cardholders worldwide.
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