BestMoney scores
are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with
our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria.
This score is updated whenever card offers change.
BestMoney scores
are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with
our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria.
This score is updated whenever card offers change.
0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers & 12 months on Purchases
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a
solid option if you’re looking to pay down existing debt or finance a large purchase over
time. With one of the longest 0% intro APR periods on the market, it’s built for people
focused on managing balances.
BestMoney scores
are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with
our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria.
This score is updated whenever card offers change.
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is
designed for consumers seeking an extended introductory APR period, allowing users to
manage larger purchases or balances without immediate interest charges. This card is ideal
for those who may carry a balance.
BestMoney scores
are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with
our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria.
This score is updated whenever card offers change.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Bonus
$200 cash rewards bonus offer
Rewards Rate
1%-6%
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Regular APR
17.49%-27.49% Variable
Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Rewards
Breakdown
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons
6%
Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of
your choice.
3%
Earn 3% cash back after the first year from account
opening in your choice category.
2%
Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the
choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. After the 3% first-year
bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the
quarterly maximum.
1%
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Our Best for Travel and Everyday
Rewards
4.4
BestMoneyscore
BestMoney scores
are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with
our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria.
This score is updated whenever card offers change.
BestMoney scores
are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with
our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria.
This score is updated whenever card offers change.
Earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and
attractions booked with Citi Travel.
2%
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back
when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back,
pay at least the minimum due on time.
BestMoney scores
are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with
our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria.
This score is updated whenever card offers change.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
provides a straightforward cash rewards experience with unlimited 2% cash rewards on
purchases. It’s great for people who prefer simplicity and consistent rewards.
BestMoney scores
are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with
our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria.
This score is updated whenever card offers change.
BestMoney scores
are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with
our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria.
This score is updated whenever card offers change.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked
through the Bank of America Travel Center.
1.5X
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday
purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't
expire as long as your account remains open.
4.2
BestMoneyscore
BestMoney scores
are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with
our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria.
This score is updated whenever card offers change.
BestMoney scores
are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with
our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria.
This score is updated whenever card offers change.
Chase Freedom Rise® is a no-annual-fee
starter card for building credit, with simple 1.5% cash back on every purchase and a $25
statement credit when you enroll in auto-pay early. It’s designed to reward good habits.
Chase may review your eligibility for a higher limit in as few as 6 months and may
consider upgrading to Freedom Unlimited® after your first year.
Before picking from the best credit cards, consider the perks and features you
value most. The right fit depends on your credit score, financial goals, and spending habits. Start by
asking what problem you want your next card to solve: lowering interest, earning rewards, building
credit, or protecting big purchases.
If you're wondering, "what is the best credit card to have right now?", this
guide compares top cards based on rewards, benefits, features, and fees—helping you apply only when the
numbers make sense.
Credit Cards at a Glance
Many of the best cards on the market are cash back credit cards offering
generous spending rewards without charging an annual fee. Some top credit cards also come with an
intro APR offer for purchases, balance transfers, or both. While some rewards cards offer the same
earning rate on all purchases, others offer enhanced rewards in bonus spending categories like
dining out, groceries, or gas. Make sure to compare card costs, rewards programs, and ancillary
benefits before you pick a credit card.
What Are The Different Types of Credit Cards?
Understanding card types helps you choose what aligns with your goals. The best credit card
to apply for usually matches your current credit score and actual spending behavior.
Cash Back
These cards offer cash back rewards for spending, which you can often redeem
for a check in the mail, statement credits, gift cards, and other flexible options. When finding the
best cash back credit card, most experts recommend looking for options with no annual fee and the
most optimal rewards rate for your spending.
These credit cards earn flexible points for travel, airline miles, or hotel
points. Many of the best travel credit cards on the market come from programs like American Express
Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and the Citi ThankYou program.
The best balance transfer credit cards may or may not offer rewards, but they
all offer 0% APR on balance transfers for a limited time. Balance transfer fees usually apply, but
people can save considerable sums on interest if they use these cards to get out of debt fast.
There are also credit cards that offer 0% APR on purchases for a limited time
(and potentially balance transfers), and many offer rewards for spending. Most credit cards with 0%
APR offers for purchases come with $0 annual fees.
Which Features Should I Look For in a Good Credit Card?
The most important features of good credit cards depend on the type of card you're
after. However, most top credit card offers come with at least some of the following:
Rewards Program
Cash back, travel, or flexible points. Estimate first-year value (rewards +
bonus - annual fee).
Reasonable Fees
Plenty of top cards have no annual fee. If paying a fee, make sure you use 70%+
of its perks.
Builds Credit
Look for cards reporting to all three bureaus. Secured cards can help if rebuilding.
Cardholder Benefits
From extended warranties to travel protections and virtual cards, perks vary widely.
How to Pick the Best Credit Card for You
The path to the right credit card looks different for everyone, mostly because we all have
different goals. These steps can help you compare cards to find the perfect fit.
1. Know your credit score
Top rewards cards need 700+. Fair credit (580–669) offers are more basic.
2. Pick a card type
Match your goals: rewards, interest savings, or credit building.
3. Consider annual fees
Weigh rewards and benefits against the cost. Do a 1-year value estimate.
4. Compare rewards programs
Understand redemption options. Some restrict to statement credits; others offer more
flexibility.
5. Decide on perks
Make a “must-have” list (e.g. no foreign fees, cell insurance) to avoid distractions.
6. Narrow your options
Focus on cards that match your score, needs, and spending style. Apply for one at a time.
How to Apply for a Credit Card
Once you find the credit card you want, applying is a breeze. These tips can help you get to
the finish line.
Find your card online (directly from the issuer or a trusted source).
Fill out the application (name, income, SSN, housing, employment).
Review and submit.
Await decision—often instant. If delayed, expect results within 30 days.
Use pre-qualification tools to avoid unnecessary inquiries. Once approved, set up autopay and
alerts.
How to Leverage Credit Cards - Our Expert Tips and Tricks
Assess your spending
Use one card for base rewards, another for bonus categories.
Don't neglect your credit
Keep utilization under 30%. Pay in full if possible.
Look for bonus offers
Sign-up bonuses can yield major value—if spend goals fit your budget.
Consider these expert tips and tricks to help you get the most out of different card types.
Assess Your Spending
“
Figure out how much you spend monthly and where you spend it. Chances are
the majority of your spending is at a small handful of stores or in a small number of categories like
grocery store or dining.
— Aaron Hurd, Travel rewards expert, Cards and Points
"Look for options that can offer you more total cash back in those categories,”
Hurd adds. “Remember that you could hold both a 2% cash back credit card and a card that earns
rewards in useful bonus categories like groceries, gas, or dining.”
Don't Neglect Your Credit
"Never buy more than you can afford just because you have extra credit
available," says travel rewards expert Kheel. "If you want to build a good credit
score, you'll also want to avoid spending more than about 30% of your available credit at any
given time. When you start using more than that on a regular basis, your credit utilization ratio
increases, which can cause your overall credit score and credit health to go down."
Look for Bonus Offers
"Chasing after sign-up bonuses (SUBs) beats out any category on a credit card. Most
SUBs can earn 10%-plus back on your spend compared to half that in normal credit card
spending," says travel rewards expert Matthew Dong of Wuhoo Group.
While the best credit card sign-up bonuses vary by card type, you can expect to earn $200 to
$1,000 or more if you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account
opening. However, ensure this minimum spend won't put you over budget.
Credit Card Alternatives
Not sure you want a credit card? Consider these alternatives.
Buy now, pay later (BNPL): Short-term financing; watch fees.
Debit cards: No credit building; tied to your account.
Prepaid cards: Useful for budgeting, not for credit growth.
Personal loans: Predictable terms; good for larger
amounts.
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Credit Cards
While all rankings for the "best credit cards" are subjective, we conducted
considerable research to create this guide. Beyond considering credit card offers in various categories,
we compared cards based on factors consumers care about. These include credit card rewards programs,
rates and fees, features and benefits, account security, user experience, and customer service.
We also surveyed consumers and credit card experts to get their opinions on the best credit
cards for achieving different goals. Finally, we assessed consumer sentiment on credit card usage and
preferences across user platforms like myFICO.com, Reddit, and Quora.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is the Best Credit Card?
The best credit card depends on a range of factors that vary from person to person. Where one
person might benefit more from a 0% APR credit card or balance transfer credit card, another could be
better suited to a cash back or travel credit card.
What Is the Best Credit Card Company?
Some credit card issuers receive better rankings for their customer service and satisfaction
each year. As an example, American Express earned the top ranking for credit card satisfaction in J.D.
Power's 2024 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study, followed by Discover, Capital One, and Chase.
What's the Best Credit Card to Build Credit?
The best credit card to build credit is often a secured credit card that requires a cash
deposit as collateral. These cards let users secure their line of credit with a security deposit, and
the issuers report payments and balances to the credit bureaus to build credit over time. Users can also
get their deposit back when they close or upgrade their account in good standing.
How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?
The right number of credit cards varies from person to person. Some individuals are better
off having a single card to keep track of each month, whereas others can successfully pair cards to earn
more rewards or enjoy more benefits without ending up in debt.
What Credit Card Is the Most Elite?
There are several genuinely elite credit cards on the market, although these cards are
primarily geared to big spenders, and some are offered on an invite-only basis.
Disclosures
Editorial disclosure:
The credit card offers and information presented on
this page are current as of the published date. However, credit card terms, including APRs, fees, and
promotional offers, are subject to change without notice. Some offers listed may no longer be
available or may have expired. Please refer to the issuer's website for the most up-to-date terms
and conditions. Opinions expressed are the publications’ alone and not issued or approved by any
partner.
