List of Credit Cards and Their Benefits and Rewards

If you're looking to get the most out of your credit card, you need to know which ones are worth your while. There are countless options out there, each with its own set of benefits and rewards.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, making it an attractive option for those who can meet the spending requirement. The card also comes with a 25% points bonus when redeemed for travel.

The Capital One Venture card gives you 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, with no rotating categories or spending limits. This makes it a great choice for those who want a straightforward rewards program.

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Choosing a credit card can be a daunting task, but Bankrate is here to help. We have a diverse team of experts who keep close tabs on the credit card industry year-round to provide you with up-to-date, reliable market information.

Our experts focus on the points consumers care about most: rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience. We vet issuers based on the value they provide to consumers at these levels, ensuring you get the clearest form of information possible.

To find the right card for your lifestyle, explore Bankrate's top credit card picks. Our top cards are carefully selected based on a data-driven methodology with 3 main criteria: does the card offer rewards, does it have an annual fee, and what's the card APR%? We also provide a Finder Score out of 10 to help you quickly compare cards.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a credit card:

At Bankrate, we're committed to helping you navigate the credit card industry with confidence. Our team of experts, including credit card pros and data analysts, keeps a close eye on the industry year-round to provide you with the most up-to-date and reliable market information.

We focus on the points that matter most to consumers, such as rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience. Any issuers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide to consumers at each of these levels.

We fact-check ourselves at every step to prioritize accuracy, so you can trust the information you're reading. Our authors, reporters, and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure it's accurate, timely, and relevant.

Here are the key areas we focus on when evaluating credit cards:

At Bankrate, we understand that finding the right credit card can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Our team of experts has years of experience helping consumers navigate the credit card industry.

The credit card company itself can play a significant role in your decision-making process. Consider the following factors: customer service, approval rates, and rewards programs. For instance, some credit card companies offer better customer service than others, as reported by the J.D. Power U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction survey.

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If you already bank with a particular credit card company, you may have a better chance of approval for their credit card. This is because issuers often prefer to approve applications from existing customers who have established good financial habits.

Not all credit card companies offer rewards programs with a portfolio of travel partners. If you're interested in transferring points to a travel partner, choose a card from an issuer with a robust rewards program.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a credit card company:

Ultimately, finding the right credit card requires considering your individual needs and preferences. By doing your research and weighing your options, you can make an informed decision that works best for you.

American Express is a major credit card issuer in the US, ranking #1 in J.D. Power's 2023 Credit Card Satisfaction ranking. It offers a wide range of credit cards, including the American Express Gold Card and the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.

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Some of the top credit card issuers in the US include Bank of America, Capital One, and Chase. These companies offer a variety of credit cards with different rewards programs and benefits.

Here are some of the top credit card issuers in the US, ranked by their J.D. Power 2023 Credit Card Satisfaction ranking:

There are several major credit card issuers in the US, including American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover, Synchrony, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo. These companies offer a wide range of credit cards with different benefits and rewards.

American Express is a popular credit card issuer, known for its high-end credit cards and rewards program. It was founded in 1850 and is now the second-largest credit card issuer by purchase volume. American Express offers a variety of credit cards, including the Blue Cash Preferred Card and the American Express Gold Card.

Bank of America is another major credit card issuer, with a range of credit cards that offer cash back, travel rewards, and other benefits. The company was founded over 240 years ago and offers a variety of credit cards, including the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card and the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card.

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Capital One and Chase are also major credit card issuers, with a range of credit cards that offer cash back, travel rewards, and other benefits. Citi and Discover are also popular credit card issuers, with a range of credit cards that offer cash back, travel rewards, and other benefits.

U.S. Bank is another major credit card issuer, known for its rewards credit cards and co-branded credit cards with corporate partners. The company offers a variety of credit cards, including the U.S. Bank FlexPerks credit card and the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card.

Here are some of the top credit card issuers in the US, ranked by their J.D. Power 2023 Credit Card Satisfaction ranking:

Marriott Bonvoy is a valuable player in the points and miles world, with over 40 airline transfer partners.

You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to most airlines at a 3:1 ratio, making it one of the few hotel point currencies that can make sense to transfer to airlines.

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However, a few airlines won't provide a 5,000-mile bonus for transfers: American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, and Avianca LifeMiles.

Transferring Marriott points to an airline should rarely be your go-to, especially if you don't have a large stash of points.

The transfer process can take anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks, so plan accordingly if you're booking an award ticket using miles.

Here are some of the transfer times for popular airlines:

Keep in mind that some airlines have no data on transfer times, so be sure to check the specific airline's policy before transferring your points.

Smaller credit card issuers offer credit cards with potentially better loan terms and rates. They can also provide better credit card offers to their customers.

Credit unions, which are financial institutions owned by their members, are an example of smaller credit card issuers. They often offer better loan terms and rates to their customers.

Some smaller banks with a regional footprint also offer credit cards, although their benefits and rewards vary widely.

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Synchrony is a credit card issuer with a long history that dates back to 1932 when General Electric started offering credit to families who wanted to finance their new appliances.

Synchrony has expanded over the years to offer co-branded credit card products alongside major retailers like Lowe’s, Ashley HomeStore, JCPenney, and Sam’s Club.

One of the key advantages of Synchrony's cards is that they let you finance purchases with major retailers, allowing you to pay off your purchases over time.

Synchrony Bank also offers other financial products such as money market accounts, Certificates of Deposit (CDs), and savings accounts.

Synchrony's co-branded store credit cards can also help you earn rewards on your purchases, making them a potentially attractive option for those who want to earn rewards while financing their purchases.

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U.S. Bank has a long history dating back to 1863 when Abraham Lincoln provided its predecessor, First National Bank, a license to operate. Today, U.S. Bank has branches all over the country.

The bank offers a wide range of financial products and services to individuals, businesses, and major corporations. U.S. Bank's credit cards are particularly notable for their rewards and benefits.

U.S. Bank credit cards may not be as popular as those from issuers like American Express and Chase, but they still offer exceptional rewards and benefits. The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card, for example, boasts one of the longest intro APR offers on the market today.

U.S. Bank is the country's 5th biggest bank in terms of total assets and the 4th biggest by number of branches. The bank is also the 7th largest credit card issuer based on purchase volume.

U.S. Bank rewards cards are known for their high-value cash back and travel rewards. The company offers a number of co-branded credit cards with corporate partners like Kroger, Club Carlson, Ace, and Harley-Davidson.

Here are some key statistics about U.S. Bank's credit cards:

U.S. Bank has a relatively high average user rating of 3.9/5. The bank also offers a range of benefits, including rental car insurance (78% - 88.5%), foreign transaction fee (0% - 3%), and purchase protection (70%-91%).

Some smaller credit card issuers have made a conscious effort to support small businesses.

These issuers have extended certain CARD Act protections to their small business credit card offers.

One notable example is that they've adopted a 60-day wait period before raising interest rates on existing balances.

This means small business owners have more predictability and control over their debt costs.

Unfortunately, many small business owners still don't have the same level of protection as consumer cardholders.

They're subject to arbitrary interest rate increases, which can be damaging to their business finances.

This lack of protection can cause small business owners to be uncertain about allocating capital and making financial decisions.

Congress's exclusion of business-branded credit cards from the Credit CARD Act of 2009 has contributed to this issue.

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Bilt is a credit card issuer that offers a unique rewards program that allows users to earn points on their rent payments. You can earn points on your rent payments with Bilt, and they can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs.

To transfer your Bilt points, you can choose from a list of airline and hotel partners, including United Airlines, World of Hyatt, and Alaska Airlines. The transfer ratio is 1:1, meaning you get one airline mile or hotel point for every Bilt point transferred.

Some of the airline partners include Aer Lingus Avios, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles. All of these transfers are also 1:1, making it a great way to maximize your rewards.

Here's a list of some of the airline and hotel partners you can transfer your Bilt points to:

Bilt's rewards program is definitely worth considering if you're looking for a way to earn points on your rent payments and transfer them to your favorite loyalty programs.

There are four major credit card networks: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. These networks play a crucial role in facilitating credit card transactions worldwide.

Each network has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted card networks globally, while American Express and Discover also issue credit cards directly to consumers.

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The four major credit card networks handle the worldwide processing of credit card transactions, acting as a gateway between consumers, merchants, and credit card companies. They also set the terms for those transactions, including interchange fees and fraud liability.

Here's a breakdown of the four major credit card networks:

Understanding which credit card network your card is on is essential, as it determines where you can use your card and what benefits you're eligible for.

If you're looking for top-notch credit cards with excellent customer service, consider the major credit card issuers listed below.

Chase and American Express are two major credit card issuers known for their great customer service. You can expect prompt and helpful responses from their customer support teams.

Here are some of the most popular credit cards that have received high praise for their customer service and rewards programs:

Here are our top picks for credit cards, based on their benefits, fees, and rewards. We've got a list of the most popular cards to consider.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a top contender, offering cash back on various categories and a 0% intro APR. The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is another popular choice, with cash back on groceries and gas.

The Citi Double Cash Card is a great option for those who want to earn cash back on all purchases, with no rotating categories or spending limits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is ideal for travel enthusiasts, with a 60,000-point bonus and 2x points on travel and dining.

If you're looking for a card with no annual fee, the Citi Double Cash Card is a great choice, offering 2% cash back on all purchases. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Card is a great option for those who want to earn points on hotels, flights, and travel, with a 60,000-point bonus and unlimited 5x points on hotels.

Here are some of the top credit card issuers and networks to consider:

Explore Bankrate's top credit card picks to find the right card for your lifestyle.

Citi ThankYou points can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners, offering flexibility and value for travelers.

You can transfer Citi points to any Citi ThankYou account holder, including family members, friends, or even strangers, but be aware that those points transferred between accounts expire within 90 days.

Some of the airline transfer partners include Aeromexico, Air France/KLM, Avianca LifeMiles, and Turkish Airlines, all with a 1:1 transfer ratio and instant transfer time.

Here's a list of Citi's airline transfer partners:

Citi also has hotel transfer partners, including Accor, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham Rewards, but their transfer ratios and times vary.

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Credit card networks like Visa Signature and Mastercard World can offer additional benefits to eligible cards, such as travel protections and concierge services.

Cards with Visa Signature or Mastercard World status may come with perks like travel insurance, trip cancellations, and delayed flight coverage. However, the credit card issuer has the final say in which perks a particular card receives.

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Some credit cards, like the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express card, offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points on purchases made at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. You can earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at these hotels.

You can also earn points on other purchases, such as dining, transportation, and shipping, with cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the American Express Platinum Card. These cards offer welcome bonuses and rewards programs that can help you earn points quickly.

The Citi Strata Premier card offers 75,000 Citi ThankYou points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of card membership. You can also earn points with the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph Card, which debuted in 2022.

Credit card networks can have an impact on your card's perks and features, but the credit card issuer has the final say in which benefits a particular card receives.

Eligible cards may receive additional benefits through the Visa Signature, Mastercard World or World Elite status, which can include travel protections or concierge services.

Cards granted this status by the network may come with an assortment of useful perks, but it's essential to check with your credit card issuer to see which benefits your card actually offers.

The four major card networks are Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, but two of them, American Express and Discover, also issue credit cards, making it a bit more complicated to figure out which benefits apply to you.

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Earning free night awards can be a game-changer for travelers, and some credit cards make it easier than others.

To earn a free night award, you'll need to meet certain spending requirements, such as using your new card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership.

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express card offers a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, redeemable for free nights at participating hotels.

You can earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, making it easier to reach those free night awards.

Certain hotels may have resort fees, so be sure to check before booking your free night award.

Earning free night awards is just one of the many benefits of using a credit card with a rewards program.

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You can earn Membership Rewards points by getting an American Express credit card, and one of the best options is the Amex Platinum Card, which offers a welcome bonus of at least 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in six months.

The Amex Platinum Card also offers 4x points on dining, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. up to $50,000 annually, and 1x points on U.S. supermarkets up to $25,000 in spending each year.

You can also earn a whopping 75,000-point welcome bonus using CardMatch, or a 175,000-point bonus via CardMatch or personal referral links.

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One of the newer rewards programs is Bilt Rewards, which allows qualified U.S. renters to earn rewards by paying their rent through the Bilt Rewards app.

With Bilt Rewards, you can earn points on your rent payment no matter where you live, and there's no annual fee.

To earn points with Bilt Rewards, you'll earn 1x point for every dollar you spend on rent payments with no transaction fees, and 2x points on travel when you book directly with an airline, hotel, car rental, or cruise line.

You'll also earn 3x points per dollar spent on dining plus 1x points per dollar spent on other purchases, and Bilt members will earn a minimum of 250 Bilt Points per month by paying their rent through the Bilt Rewards app.

To earn points with Bilt Rewards, you must use your card at least five times each statement period, and simply paying your rent through the Bilt app will get you 250 points each month, no matter how much monthly rent costs.

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The Capital One Venture Card is a fan-favorite among travelers, and for good reason. It's one of the best travel credit cards for beginners, offering 2x points on every purchase.

The card has a $95 annual fee, but it's worth it for the benefits you get. You'll still get a credit that covers the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can save you a lot of time and hassle when traveling.

Capital One is known for its everyday banking products, personal loans, and auto loans, but its credit cards are where it truly shines. The Venture Rewards Card is one of the top travel rewards cards on the market, and its Quicksilver Card is one of the best everyday cash rewards cards.

Here are some key features of the Capital One Venture Card:

The Venture Card is a great option for those who want to earn travel miles without breaking the bank. With its affordable annual fee and generous rewards program, it's a card that's hard to pass up.

You can earn Citi ThankYou points from various credit cards, including the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, which offers 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

The Citi Double Cash Card earns 2% cash back or 2x points on every dollar you spend, making it a great option for everyday purchases.

The Citi Custom Cash Card earns 5x points on purchases made in your top eligible spending categories each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent.

Citi has a mixed bag of transfer partners, with some gems like Turkish Airlines, but fewer lucrative options compared to other travel programs.

Here's a look at some of Citi's airline transfer partners:

You can transfer Citi points to any Citi ThankYou account holder, but be aware that those points transferred between accounts expire within 90 days.

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To build points, consider earning them through credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which offers a bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the same welcome bonus offer of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. You can also earn points by pairing these cards with the Chase Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited cards, which have no annual fee.

Citi ThankYou points can be earned through the Citi Strata Premier Card, offering 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. You can also earn points with the Citi Custom Cash card, which earns 5x points on purchases in your top eligible spending categories each billing cycle.

Bilt Rewards points can be earned by paying rent through the Bilt Rewards app, earning 250 points per month, regardless of rent costs. You can also earn points by using your Bilt card at least five times each statement period.

American Express Membership Rewards points can be earned through cards like the Amex Platinum Card, offering a welcome bonus of at least 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in six months. You can also earn points with the Capital One Venture Card, which earns 2x points on every purchase and offers a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

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To compare and evaluate credit cards, consider the following key features. Strong introductory offers, such as introductory 0% APRs, bonus points, or waived annual fees, can give you more value when you first get a new card, as long as you meet the offer requirements.

Think about the type of rewards program available and how often you'll use the card. Some credit cards are linked to existing reward schemes, while others have their own rewards programs.

Valuable rewards programs can be a major draw, but make sure you'll be able to get value from the features and benefits offered. Some credit cards offer travel and medical insurance, airport lounge access, concierge services, and more.

Carefully compare and understand the rates and fees, including interest rates and annual fees. This will help you work out the overall cost of each credit card.

Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating credit cards:

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and find the best credit card for your needs.

If you're considering getting a major credit card, it's essential to know that these cards are issued by the big four credit card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. This means that most U.S. merchants accept all major credit cards.

To determine if a card is a major credit card, look for the logo of its network on the front or back of the card. If it doesn't have a logo, it's likely a store card that can only be used at a specific retailer.

If you're planning to travel abroad frequently, Visa and Mastercard are the safest bets, as they are accepted virtually everywhere in the world. However, if you're going to use your card in India or China, you may want to consider cards from networks like RuPay or UnionPay.

Here's a list of the 15 largest credit card companies that account for more than 75% of all outstanding balances:

So, you're wondering what's considered a major credit card? Well, it's actually pretty straightforward: major credit cards are any cards that belong to one of the big four credit card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. These networks are the ones you'll usually see logos for on the front of your card.

You can usually spot a major credit card by looking for the logo of its network on the front of the card. Sometimes it's on the back, but if it's not there at all, it's likely a store card that can only be used at a specific retailer.

The 15 largest credit card companies account for more than 75% of all outstanding balances, so a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card from one of those companies, like Chase or Capital One, is likely a major credit card.

Here's a quick rundown of what you need to know about major credit cards:

Having multiple rewards credit cards can be beneficial, but it's essential to avoid raising red flags with banks. Taking out multiple cards in a short period might look risky.

Chase has a 5/24 rule, which means you'll be automatically rejected for certain cards if you've taken out five cards from any issuer in the last 24 months. This is a hard limit.

Some issuers, like American Express, have their own limits on how many cards you can hold at once or take out in a given time period. American Express has a four-credit-cards-per-customer cap.

You can easily have a credit card tally into the teens if you use cards responsibly and space out applications by at least a few months. This won't necessarily harm your credit score.

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Almost every rewards card will offer more than enough value to offset the annual fee. Travel cards in particular often come with sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed for international flights.

The $695 Platinum Card from American Express comes packed with benefits, including up to $200 in annual Uber savings and a $200 airline fee credit. Those credits alone add up to more than the annual fee.

If you don't travel frequently, you might not be able to put the credits to use, making the card not worth the fee.

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