Discover cards are currently not available on CNBC Select and links have been redirected to our credit card marketplace where you can review offers from other issuers like American Express or Chase. You can also check out our list of best credit cards for alternative options.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
With so many credit cards on the market, it can be hard to choose the best one. There's no one-size-fits-all credit card, but options for different types of people — whether you're a foodie, road warrior, traveler, student or someone looking to build credit. A little research can help you find a card specifically designed for your lifestyle.
Below, CNBC Select rounded up the best credit cards of May 2025 that can help you build credit, save on interest and earn rewards. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards.)
Best credit cards of May 2025
- Best balance transfer credit card: Citi Simplicity® Card
- Best for 0% APR:Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
- Best credit card for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®credit:Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bestfordining:American Express® Gold Card
- Best grocery rewards card:Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best entertainment rewards credit card:Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best no annual fee credit card:Citi Double Cash® Card
- Best cash-back credit card:Chase Freedom Unlimited® (See rates and fees)
- Best for premium perks:Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Best for airport lounge access:The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best welcome bonus:Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (See rates and fees)
- Bestfortravel rewards:Chase Sapphire Reserve® (See rates and fees)
- Best for paying rent:Bilt Mastercard®
- Best gas rewards credit card:PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- Best secured credit card:Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Best no annual fee travel credit card:Discover it® Miles
- Best for building credit:Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
- Best low-interest credit card: Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card from Andrews Federal Credit Union
- Best for college students:Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best balance transfer credit card
The Citi Simplicity® Card may not earn rewards, but it can still save you money due to its amazing intro-APR offers.
- One of the longest intro-APR offers for balance transfers
- No annual fee
- No rewards
- No welcome bonus
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and for 12 months on purchases; after that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock
Balance transfer fee
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Who's this for? If you want to save on credit card interest, the Citi Simplicity® Card offers one of the longest intro-APR periods for balance transfers and purchases.
Standout benefits: When you open a new Citi Simplicity Card, you can take advantage of generous intro APR offers for balance transfers and purchases.
Best for 0% APR
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Rewards
None
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
Regular APR
17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% variable APR
Balance transfer fee
5%, min: $5
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Pros
- Best-in-class intro-APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Cell phone protection
Cons
- No rewards
- No welcome bonus
- High balance transfer fee
Who's this for? The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is great if you're seeking a highly generous intro APR for both purchases and balance transfers.
Standout rewards: With this card, you can take advantage of an intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
Best credit card for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a reasonable annual fee and earns flexible travel rewards, which makes it a great travel card for beginners or heavy travelers.
- Valuable welcome offer worth at least $750 in travel
- You can transfer miles to over 15 Capital One partners, including Emirates Skywards, Choice Privileges and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lacks ongoing travel benefits such as statement credits or lounge access
- Limited bonus spending category that only applies to certain Capital One Travel bookings
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that's equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fee
None
Who's this for? The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers loads of perks designed with travelers in mind. If you want valuable rewards and useful benefits, this card is a good fit.
Standout benefits: In addition to earning valuable Capital One miles, every four years you'll receive a credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application, up to $120. Keep in mind that if you're approved for Global Entry, you'll also receive TSA PreCheck's expedited security benefits.
Best for dining
The American Express Gold Card is great for earning valuable Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
- You can earn $400+ in dining and rideshare credits every year (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Exceptionally rewarding for eligible restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Larger annual fee
- Credits are more complicated, you earn them monthly or semi-annually
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That's up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made at restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- 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.
- See Rates & Fees
Foreign transaction fee
None
Who's this for? You should consider the American Express® Gold Card if food is a major expense for you and you enjoy traveling.
Standout benefits: You can receive an annual dining credit of up to $120 (up to $10 in statement credits a month) at participating partners, including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. (Terms apply; enrollment required). You also receive up to $120 in Uber Cash each year (up to $10 monthly) after you download the latest version of the Uber App and add your eligible American Express® Gold Card to your Uber account, which you can use for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders (benefit may only be used in the U.S). An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
3.70% APY as of 2/21/2025
Min balance to open = $0
1.00% APY as of 06/24/2024
Min balance to open = $0
Best grocery rewards card
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High cash-back earnings for U.S. supermarkets and streaming services
- Intro-APR offer for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee for the first year
- It's less rewarding after the first year because of the annual fee
- Bonus rewards for U.S. supermarkets are capped
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments with a fixed fee. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 20.24% - 29.24%.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
- 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.
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
Who's this for? The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express can help you save on groceries because it earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
Standout benefits: This card has valuable statement credit benefits you can take advantage of. You can receive up to $84 in Disney bundle credit ($7 back a month after spending at least $9.99, enrollment required. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.).
Best entertainment rewards credit card
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding options for earning cash back in categories such as entertainment and dining without paying an annual fee.
- One of the most rewarding cash-back cards for entertainment and streaming services
- No annual fee
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
- High APR
- Requires a good to excellent credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn a one-time $200 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; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
Balance transfer fee
3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
Who's this for? Sports fans, movie buffs and adventure seekers all have a reason to like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, thanks to its generous cash-back rates for things like entertainment and dining.
Standout benefits: With the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card, you'll earn an unlimited 3% cash back on entertainment, dining and eligible streaming services. So this card has you covered when you're out with friends or relaxing at home with the family.
Best no annual fee credit card
The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the best no-annual-fee cash-back cards thanks to its straightforward rewards structure.
- Long intro-APR for balance transfers
- High flat-rate cash-back rewards structure
- No annual fee
- Has a foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR doesn't apply to purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- 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. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Balance transfer fee
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Who's this for? The Citi Double Cash® Card is a great option if you want to start saving on purchases right away because it has no annual fee and earns a flat 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you make a purchase and an additional 1% when you pay your credit card bill).
Standout benefits: This card is also a good choice for debt consolidation because you'll receive a valuable intro APR offer for balance transfers.
Best cash-back credit card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no-annual-fee card that earns generous cash-back on everyday purchases and a lucrative welcome bonus.
- Valuable welcome bonus and high rewards rates
- Long intro APR for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Has a foreign transaction fee
- Few rewarding ongoing benefits
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Limited Time Intro Offer: Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 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 1.5% 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!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is ideal if you want a robust cash-back card with no annual fee.
Standout benefits: When you open the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you receive an intro APR for purchases and balance transfers, which can help you save on interest payments.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
$0
With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
$0
Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
Best for premium perks
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card with a myriad of benefits and a lower annual fee than other high-end cards with similar features.
- Annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- 10,000 bonus miles after every card anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounge locations
- Long list of valuable travel and shopping protections, including return protection, rental car coverage and trip delay reimbursement (Benefit(s) only available to accounts approved for the Visa Infinite card. Terms apply.)
- Limited bonus spending categories compared to other premium credit cards
- High annual fee
- High credit score requirement (excellent credit)
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more. You can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fees
$0
Who's this for? The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is worth looking into if you want a premium travel card but don't want to pay an ultra-high annual fee. It has a lower annual fee than other high-end cards with similar features and simple benefits that can easily offset its cost.
Standout benefits: With the Capital One Venture X card, you'll receive up to $300 in credits each year for bookings you make through Capital One Travel. You'll also get a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth at least $100 for travel), making it easy to recoup the $395 annual fee.
Best for airport lounge access
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass™ Select lounges (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- With American Express Global Lounge Collection® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 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.
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Who's this for? The Platinum Card® from American Express is for those who want a luxury card. It provides access to more airport lounges than comparable cards and has many other benefits.
Standout benefits: With the Amex Platinum Card, you'll have unlimited visits to these airport lounges when you enroll in Priority Pass:
- American Express Centurion lounges
- Delta Sky Club lounges (limited to 10 visits per year starting Feb. 1, 2025)
- Escape Lounges
- Priority Pass™ Select lounges
- Plaza Premium lounges
- Lufthansa lounges
Best welcome bonus
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Long list of travel and shopping protections
- $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit
- Has an annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 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
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Who's this for? If you want to get a lot of value right off the bat, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The welcome bonus gets you 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Standout benefits: The Sapphire Preferred has strong earning categories for those who spend on travel and dining. It earns 5X on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2X points on all other travel purchases and 1X points on all other purchases.
Best for travel rewards
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations
- Up to $300 in annual travel credit
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Top-tier travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase TravelSM. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority PassTM Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is geared toward foodies and frequent travelers looking for luxurious perks. If you want airport lounge access, top-tier travel insurance and a robust rewards program, this card may be for you.
Standout benefits: The points you earn with this card offer a combination of value and simplicity. With this card, all points are worth 50% more (1.5 cents each) when redeemed toward travel via Chase Travel℠. Alternatively, you can transfer your points to over a dozen airline and hotel transfer partners.
Best for paying rent
Bilt Mastercard®
Rewards
Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year, 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel, and 1x points on other purchases. Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points.
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
None
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
See Terms
Balance transfer fee
Up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5.
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates/fees and rewards/benefits; terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Solid rewards on broad spending categories
- Ability to pay your rent with no transaction fees
- Transfer points to leading frequent traveler programs at a 1:1 rate, including United and World of Hyatt®
Cons
- No welcome offer
Who's this for? You will love the Bilt Mastercard® if you rent your home as it is the only card that lets you earn transferrable travel rewards on rent payments with no transaction fees.
Standout benefits: The points you earn with the Bilt Mastercard have lots of uses and can be extremely valuable. Perhaps the best way to redeem Bilt points is by transferring to one of its travel partners, which include programs such as World of Hyatt, Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus and Alaska Mileage Plan.
Best gas rewards credit card
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Rewards
5X points on gas purchases at the pump and electrical vehicle charging stations, 3X points on purchases at the supermarket (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV, radio, cable, streaming services
Welcome bonus
15,000 points when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 60 days after account opening.*
Regular APR
17.99% variable on purchases; 17.99% non-variable on balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
3%
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Good/Excellent
Terms apply.
Pros
- High 5X points on gas at the pump and 3X on supermarket purchases
- No bonus category activations
- Good special financing offer on balance transfers
Cons
- 3% balance transfer fee
*0% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 60 days after account opening. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be a non-variable rate of 17.99%. 3% balance transfer fee per transaction. Subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
Who's this for? The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card is great if you drive a lot and want to supercharge the rewards you earn at the pump.
Standout benefits: You'll pay no annual fee to keep this card. This makes its 5X points on gas at the pump and EV charging stations more valuable since you won't have to offset a yearly fee.
Best secured credit card
Information about Discover cards has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication.
Who's this for? The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a great option if you're looking for a secured credit card as it can not only help you build credit but also earn rewards.
Standout benefits: You'll earn a competitive 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Best no annual fee travel credit card
Information about Discover cards has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication.
Who's this for? If you want to earn rewards you can use for your next vacation, you will appreciate the Discover it® Miles card's generous rewards program and $0 annual fee.
Standout benefits: With the Discover it® Miles you'll earn an unlimited 1.5X miles on all purchases. The welcome offer is also hard to beat because Discover will match all the miles you earn the first year (for new card members in their first year only).
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
From 2.00% to 4.00% APY
Discover Bank is a Member FDIC.
1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. See website for details by clicking "Learn More".
Best for building credit
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Rewards
1% cash back on eligible purchases right away and up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments; 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
28.99% - 30.99%variable
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Fair, Good, No Credit
Terms apply.
Pros
- No credit history required (if you do have a credit history, that does factor into the credit decision)
- No fees
- Generous cash-back rewards of up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments
Cons
- No special financing offers
- No welcome bonus
Who's this for? The Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit Card, is ideal if you're trying to improve your credit because it's easier to get approved. Instead of approving you based entirely on credit history, your bank statements and other data, such as your debt-to-income ratio, can factor into your eligibility.
Standout benefits: The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card has no annual fee, no late payment fee, no returned payment fee and no foreign transaction fees. And it stands out for consumers trying to build credit because there's no security deposit required.
Best low-interest credit card
Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card from Andrews Federal Credit Union
Rewards
3X points on gas and grocery purchases and 1.5X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 10,000 points when you spend $1,500 within the first 90 days
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A for purchases and balance transfers
Regular APR
13.99% to 18.00% variable on purchases and balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
2.00%, $10 minimum
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Good
Terms apply.
Pros
- Low variable APR
- No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
Cons
- Credit union membership required, though it’s free
- No special financing on purchases or balance transfers
Who's this for? The Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card from Andrews Federal Credit Union stands out for offering low interest rates, rewards, no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee. This makes it a great alternative to cards with high APRs.
Standout benefits: This card offers a variable APR of 14.74% to 18.00% on purchases, balance transfers and cash advances. If you carry a balance, and can't qualify for a 0%-APR offer, you can benefit from the low interest this card offers. Keep in mind, balance transfers incur a fee of $10.00 or 2.00% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
Best for college students
Information about Discover cards has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication.
Who's this for? College students will love the Discover it® Student Cash Back because you can earn lots of cashback.
Standout benefits: With a new Discover it Student Cash Back card, you'll receive an introductory APR for purchases — perfect for financing dorm room essentials or textbooks. After you graduate, your Discover it Student Cash Back card becomes a regular credit card.
More on our best credit cards of January 2025
Citi Simplicity® Card
Rewards
None
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Citi Simplicity® Card doesn't have late fees (though we always recommend you pay your balance on time and in full) or a penalty APR.
Check out CNBC Select's best balance transfer credit cards.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Rewards
None
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers cell phone insurance when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with this card. This coverage has a $25 deductible and covers up to $600 per claim, with a maximum of two claims per year.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
- 5X miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year – that's equal to $1,000 in travel.
Annual fee
$95
Notable perks
In addition to The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card's Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit, you'll have several other perks at your fingertips. This card has no foreign transaction fees and comes with a bunch of additional perks, such as travel accident insurance, rental car coverage and extended warranty protection.
You'll also have access to special events through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment. If you rent cars frequently, you'll appreciate the Hertz Five Star® status you'll get just for having this card.
The Capital One miles you earn have several uses, and the simplest redemption option is often to use miles to offset travel purchases. When you take advantage of this redemption option, you'll get a value of one cent per point. You can also transfer Capital One miles to a long list of hotel and airline loyalty programs, including Wyndham Rewards, Emirates Skywards, Avianca LifeMiles and Virgin Red.
Check out CNBC Select's best credit cards for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
American Express® Gold Card
Rewards
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year
- 4X points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X points for the rest of the year
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 2X points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- 1X point on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$325 (see rates and fees)
Notable perks
The American Express Gold Card's annual fee (see rates and fees) is largely offset by its benefits. You'll receive up to $120 in dining credits each year (up to $10 in statement credits monthly) when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required) and up to $120 in Uber Cash each year (up to $10 monthly) when you add your Card to your Uber account (may only be used in the U.S.; enrollment required). If you max out those two benefits, it's not hard for the card's other perks to make the Amex Gold's annual fee worth it.
One of the best aspects of this card is the American Express Membership Rewards points you can earn. The value of Membership Rewards points varies depending on how you redeem them. You can use them in various ways, from paying with points at checkout on sites like Amazon to redeeming for gift cards or a statement credit to booking travel.
However, these options tend to yield less value than utilizing Amex's transfer partners. You can transfer Membership Rewards points to a long list of airline or hotel partners, including Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Emirates Skywards, Marriott Bonvoy, Choice Privileges and more.
Check out CNBC Select's best credit cards for restaurants and dining out.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Rewards
- 6% back on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%)
- 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% back on transit
- 3% back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of account opening.
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees)
Notable perks
It's not hard to justify the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express' annual fee because of the statement credit offers. You can also receive up to $84 in Disney bundle credit (spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7, enrollment required).
This card has *rental car coverage, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and return protection.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Check out CNBC Select's best credit cards for grocery shopping.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
- 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases
- 3% back on dining
- 3% back on entertainment
- 3% back on eligible streaming services
- 3% back at grocery stores
- 1% back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card members can benefit from access to exclusive events and experiences through Capital One Entertainment and Capital One Dining.
It also has no foreign transaction fees.
Citi Double Cash® Card
Rewards
- 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.
- Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Citi Double Cash® Card earns cash back in the form of ThankYou® Points. This gives you additional redemption options, including point transfers to a limited number of Citi travel partners.
Check out CNBC Select's best no-annual-fee credit cards.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Rewards
- 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3% back at drugstores
- 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
- 1.5% on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus
Limited Time Intro Offer: Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers access to rental car collision damage insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.
Check out CNBC Select's best cash-back credit cards.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
- 10X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
- 5X miles per dollar on flights booked via Capital One Travel
- 2X miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee
$395
Notable perks
Capital One miles can be transferred to airline and hotel partners, such as Accor Live Limitless, Air Canada Aeroplan, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest and more. You can also redeem rewards toward travel through Capital One Travel, cash-back, gift cards, experiences and more.
On top of that, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers up to $120 in statement credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, *complimentary cell phone insurance, special perks on hotel stays booked through the Premier Collection and access to Capital One Lounges as well as the extensive network of Priority Pass and Plaza Premium airport lounges worldwide.
Every year, you'll also receive up to $300 back in statement credits for bookings made through Capital One Travel, including hotels, rental cars and flights. Plus, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary (worth at least $100 for travel).
This card has no foreign transaction fees and you can add up to four authorized users for no additional fee.
Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Rewards
- 5X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
- 5X points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Annual fee
$695 (see rates and fees)
Notable perks
The Platinum Card from American Express is best known for its travel perks,but it also offers some everyday benefits, so you don't need to be a road warrior to benefit from it.
You can enjoy over a dozen premium travel and lifestyle benefits, including:
- Up to $200 back in statement credits each year on select prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel using the Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
- Up to $200 annual airline fee credit per calendar year after incidental fees are charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card (enrollment required)
- Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year for U.S. eligible Equinox memberships (enrollment required)
- Up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit (enrollment required)
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit (enrollment required)
- Up to $155 annual Walmart+ credit (Subject to auto-renewal. Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.)
- Worldwide airport lounge access, including Delta SkyClubs and Amex Centurion Lounges
- Up to $200 in Uber Cash each year, up to $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus of up to $20 in December after adding your card to your Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Enrollment required.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost
- Automatic gold elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy (Enrollment required)
- Comprehensive travel insurance*
- Cell phone protection**
- Return protection**
- Purchase protection**
- Extended warranty coverage**
- Terms apply
* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
**Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
The American Express Membership Rewards points you earn with this card can be redeemed to offset purchases, get gift cards and directly book travel through Amex Travel. However, the highest value option is typically to transfer points to one of Amex's many travel partners, including Avianca LifeMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan, Delta SkyMiles and many more.
Check out CNBC Select's best luxury and premium credit cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rewards
- 5X points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points per dollar on dining
- 3X points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
- 3X points per dollar on select streaming services
- 2X points per dollar on all other travel purchases
- 1X points per dollar on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee
$95
Notable perks
The Chase Ultimate Rewards® points you earn with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card have a lot of uses and a high potential value. You can typically redeem points for things like cash back and gift cards at a rate of one cent per point. When you use Ultimate Rewards points to pay for travel you book through Chase Travel℠, the value increases by 25% to 1.25 cents per point.
Chase also partners with a range of useful hotel and airline loyalty programs. You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to programs such as United Airlines MileagePlus, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, Air Canada Aeroplan, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and more. This allows you to book luxury hotels and international flights at a dramatically increased value per point.
The Sapphire Preferred is a strong option if you want a card with many insurance benefits. It has primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage, trip delay reimbursement, travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside dispatch, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
Every year, you're able to earn a hotel credit of up to $50 for reservations you make through Chase Travel℠. On top of that, you'll also receive a 10% points boost for every card anniversary based on your purchases for the previous year. If you spent $10,000 in purchases on your card, you'd receive 1,000 bonus points.
If you love treating yourself to takeout or delivery, you'll want to take advantage of this card's 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.
Check out CNBC Select's best welcome bonuses currently available.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Rewards
- 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through the Chase Travel℠ site
- 10X points on Chase Dining purchases
- 5X points on flights purchased through the Chase Travel℠ site
- 3X points on travel
- 3X points on dining
- 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee
$550
Notable perks
If you're looking to understand the full value of this card, one of the easiest things to overlook is the massive number of protections you'll get with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, including:
- Return protection
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty protection
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Lost luggage insurance
- Rental car coverage
- Roadside assistance
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Travel accident insurance
- Emergency evacuation and transportation
- Emergency medical and dental
- Travel and emergency assistance services
The Sapphire Reserve also provides you with a $300 travel credit every year, just make eligible travel purchases and you'll automatically be reimbursed. You can also receive an application fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry once every four years. These perks are on top of unlimited access to Priority Pass airport lounges.
Having this card also increases the value of your points by 50% when you redeem for travel through the Chase Travel℠ site. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruise reservations when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. This is a good way to boost the value of your Chase points, which are typically worth one cent each for things like gift cards and cash back.
You'll also have full access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners. This includes 1:1 transfers to United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and more.
The value doesn't stop there. You can enroll to receive 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.
Check out CNBC Select's best rewards credit cards and best travel credit cards.
Bilt Mastercard®
Rewards
Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points at the following rates:
- Up to 1X points per dollar on rent payments without the transaction fee (up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
- 3X points per dollar on dining
- 2X points per dollar on travel
- 1X point per dollar on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0 See rates and fees
Notable perks
The Bilt Mastercard comes with cell phone protection*, purchase security*, trip delay reimbursement*, trip cancellation and interruption protection* and rental car collision coverage*. You can also earn $5 in Lyft credit each month (after taking three rides that month; available through Sept. 30, 2025) and there are no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees).
*Please review the Bilt Mastercard® Guide to Benefits for details.
Bilt Rewards points are extremely flexible. They can be redeemed for travel by transferring them to airline and hotel partners or booking through the Bilt Travel Portal at a fixed rate of 1.25 cents per point. Other redemption options include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Rewards
- 5X points on gas purchases at the pump and electrical vehicle charging stations
- 3X points on supermarket purchases (including most Target and Walmart locations)
- 3X points at restaurants
- 3X points on TV, radio, cable and streaming services
- 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 15,000 points when you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card and comes with cell phone protection, travel accident coverage, no foreign transaction fees and access to Visa Signature Concierge services.
PenFed is a credit union, so membership is required to open the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card. Anyone can join by completing a few extra steps: You need to apply, open a savings account with a $5 deposit and maintain a $5 account balance.
Check out CNBC Select's best credit cards for gas.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Rewards
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Discover it Secured Credit Card requires a minimum $200 security deposit, which is fairly standard for secured credit cards. It stands out from the crowd because it gives users a clear path to upgrading to an unsecured card (and getting their deposit back). Starting seven months from account opening, Discover will automatically review your credit card account to see if they can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit. This takes the guesswork out of wondering when you'll qualify for an unsecured credit card.
Check out CNBC Select's best secured credit cards.
Discover it® Miles
Rewards
- 1.5X miles per dollar on every purchase
Welcome bonus
Discover will match the miles you've earned at the end of your first year.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
With the Discover it® Miles, you can easily redeem miles as a statement credit for travel, restaurant or gas station purchases, as well as a deposit to your bank account.
Check out CNBC Select's best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Rewards
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases (up to 1.5% cash back after you make 12 on-time monthly payments)
- 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card is ideal to get your credit back on track because you can earn cash back without fees. You'll pay no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no late payment fee and no returned payment fee.
Check out CNBC Select's best credit cards for building credit and best credit cards for average and fair credit.
Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card from Andrews Federal Credit Union
Rewards
- 3X points on gas paid at the pump
- 3X points on groceries
- 1.5X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 10,000 points after spending at least $1,500 within the first 90 days.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
If you carry a balance, you can benefit from the low interest the Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card from Andrews Federal Credit Union offers compared to other cards. It also has extended warranty coverage, travel and emergency assistance services, rental car collision damage waiver and travel accident insurance.
To open this card, you need to join Andrews Federal Credit Union, but anyone can join. If you don't meet the qualification requirements, you can opt to join the American Consumer Council (ACC).
Check out CNBC Select's best low-interest credit cards.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Rewards
- 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating quarterly categories, then 1% back (activation required)
- 1% back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Discover will match the cash back you earn in the first year of card membership.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a well-rounded card that's available to you if you're enrolled in a two- or four-year college. You must be over 18 and a U.S. citizen to apply. It also has no foreign transaction fees, making it useful when studying abroad.
Check out CNBC Select's best credit cards for college students.
How credit cards work
Credit cards are financial products that are similar to unsecured loans (except for secured credit cards). You're approved based on your credit history, income and other factors. Once approved, you can make purchases with your new credit card.
As long as you pay off your full credit card balance by your statement due date, you won't pay interest. However, with credit cards, you are only required to make a minimum payment each month to avoid late payment fees or penalty APRs (charge cards work differently and typically must be paid off each month).
If you pay less than your entire balance, you'll pay interest on the charges you carry over from month to month. In addition to interest charges, credit cards can have other fees, such as annual fees, foreign transaction fees and fees for late or returned payments.
Different types of credit cards
There are different classes of credit cards designed for various types of people. Some cards are easier to qualify for and can be good options if you have poor credit or no credit. Other cards can only be used for purchases with a specific merchant.
Rewards credit cards
Rewards credit cards are some of the most popular cards. These cards earn points, miles or cash back and usually offer the best benefits and perks. Most co-branded credit cards are also rewards credit cards, including airline credit cards and hotel credit cards.
Secured credit cards
If you don't have the credit score needed to get approved for the most lucrative cards, a secured credit card is a good starting point. You typically don't need a credit score or can qualify with poor credit because secured credit cards require an upfront deposit. Your credit limit is based on the size of your security deposit. Some secured cards also offer a path to upgrade to an unsecured credit card and have your deposit refunded.
Charge cards
Charge cards are a type of credit card that doesn't have a predetermined spending limit. Instead, you must pay off the balance of a charge card in full each month. If you miss a payment, you could be stuck paying a hefty fee. Charge cards may earn rewards, just like credit cards.
Store cards
Store cards are a type of co-branded card that can only used at that specific store, such as Best Buy, Home Depot or Target. These cards can offer benefits such as discounts, extended returns or deferred interest financing. Since you cannot use these cards for everyday purchases, they typically only make sense as a supplementary cards.
How to compare credit cards
Credit cards are as varied as the people who apply for them, so the first step in finding the best credit card is, knowing what you need. You'll also want to carefully consider the costs and benefits of each card that you think is a good fit for you.
Upfront benefits
Many credit cards offer additional value to entice you to apply for the card. Common upfront perks include welcome bonuses, additional limited-time rewards, companion passes, free night certificates and intro-APR offers. The value of these perks can far exceed the cost of a card's annual fee, but it's important to understand that these are one-time perks.
Ongoing benefits
What makes a card worth keeping is its ongoing perks. The rewards you earn and the additional benefits are where you'll typically get the most value. This could be in the form of elite status, elite status credit, statement credits, travel protections, shopping protections and bonuses for hitting spending thresholds.
The key to making a credit card's ongoing benefits work for you is knowing whether you'll use the perks consistently.
Fees and APR
Having a credit card can easily become an expensive endeavor. Some of the top credit cards have annual fees, and the annual fee associated with premium credit cards can top $400. There can also be fees for balance transfers, cash advances, late payments, returned payments and transactions you make in a foreign currency. If you're not aware of these, the cost of using a credit card can quickly outpace its value.
If you don't pay off your card balance in full each month, you'll be assessed interest. Paying interest on credit card debt isn't ideal because your APR can easily exceed 20%, which makes it one of the most expensive financing options.
How to apply for a credit card
While specific restrictions can apply depending on the card and card issuers, applying for a credit card is easy. You'll often get an instant decision on whether you're approved or denied, and sometimes you can get instant access to your credit card.
To apply for a credit card, you'll usually need to be 18 years old and provide the following:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Mailing address
- Email address and/or phone number
- Annual income
- Housing costs
If you're applying for a business card, the process is similar but you'll need to provide additional information, including the business name, address, tax ID and income.
Pros and cons of credit cards
- Convenient payments: Paying with a credit card is more convenient than carrying around cash, especially when you're traveling
- Earn rewards: Many credit cards offer a return on your spending, including rewards such as cash back or travel miles or points
- Additional protections: Credit cards typically have fraud protections, so you won't be on the hook if someone steals your information, and you may also be covered by other purchase protections and travel coverages
- Easy to get into debt: With a credit card, you can spend more than you can afford to pay back, which isn't an option for debit cards or cash
- High interest rates: If you're carrying a balance on your credit card, you could be paying an exceptionally high APR compared to other types of consumer debt
- Additional fees: Most credit cards have fees that can add up, some of which are unavoidable such as annual fees
Things to consider before choosing a credit card
Having a credit card is an important piece of your financial profile, but with so many options available, it can be hard to find the best one for your needs. Here are some common questions to ask yourself to decide what the best credit card is for you.
Do you want to earn rewards?
There are hundreds of rewards credit cards out there, where you can earn cash back, points or miles on every purchase you make.
And if you want to earn rewards, what specific categories are most important to you?
Rewards credit cards come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to maximize rewards in specific categories, check out cards offering bonus rewards on gas, groceries, restaurants, entertainment, travel and more. Or keep it simple and opt for a flat-rate cash-back card.
Are you looking to get out of debt?
If you're carrying a balance on a high-interest credit card, consider transferring it to a balance transfer credit card offering no interest for up to 21 months. There are even cards with no balance transfer fees.
Do you want to build credit?
Experts agree the sooner you build credit, the better. Credit cards are a great way to do that. Check out secured cards for credit newbies or other cards for building or rebuilding credit.
Do you travel abroad?
A credit card with no foreign transaction fees is essential to save you the typical 3% fee per purchase made outside the U.S. Also, it can be a good idea to consider cards that waive Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.
Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.
What credit score do I need to get the best cards?
When you apply for a credit card, the bank or lender will review your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus. It will also typically check your FICO credit score, the top credit cards usually require a very good or excellent credit score.
This is how FICO credit scores are classified according to myFICO:
- Poor/bad credit: Less than 580
- Fair credit: 580-669
- Good credit: 670-739
- Very good credit: 740-799
- Exceptional/excellent credit: 800 or higher
Building and maintaining a healthy credit score helps your personal finances in all sorts of ways outside of increasing your chances of getting approved for a great sign-up bonus. Your FICO score is calculated based on the following factors and each is weighted differently:
- Payment history: 35%
- Total debt: 30%
- Length of credit history: 15%
- New credit: 10%
- Credit mix: 10%
FAQs
How many credit cards should I have?
Many people have multiple credit cards, and there are benefits to this. It can help increase your credit score by giving you more available credit and therefore a better credit utilization ratio.
You can also earn more rewards by optimizing which card you use for certain spending categories. For instance, you may make all your dining purchases with a card that earns bonus rewards in that category, but another card with a bonus multiplier for grocery purchases.
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how many credit cards you need. Make sure to evaluate your spending habits and research what card would be best for you.
How old do I have to be to get a credit card?
The minimum age to open a credit card on your own is 18. However, it is possible to get a credit card as a minor by being added as an authorized user on someone else's account.
What is the easiest credit card to get?
Secured credit cards are generally the easiest credit cards to be approved for. They are similar to traditional cards (they extend credit, can incur interest charges and in some cases can even earn rewards) but require you to put down a security deposit to access a line of credit. The amount you deposit usually becomes your credit limit.
Which type of card is most accepted?
There are four major credit card issuers: American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa.
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit card networks globally. That said, American Express and Discover still have 99% acceptance rates among U.S. merchants who take credit cards and are increasing their international footprints.
What is a credit card's billing cycle?
When it comes to credit cards, most billing cycles are one month or 28 to 31 days. After your billing cycle ends, you typically have what is known as a grace period where you can pay off your full balance without incurring any interest charges. However, if you pay off your card balance before the billing cycle ends, it will help to keep your credit utilization down, which boosts your credit score.
Keep in mind that the grace period may not apply to all charges. Balance transfers and cash advances are usually charged interest starting on the transaction date.
Do I need a business credit card?
Having a separate credit card for your small business or side hustle is important so you can keep your personal and business activities separate. Business credit cards come in all shapes and sizes, there are business cards that offer cash-back rewards, travel rewards and everything in between.
The right business credit card for you should offer bonus rewards that align with your business spending. To keep it simple, you can start your business credit card search at the bank where you currently have your business bank accounts. If you bank with Wells Fargo, Bank of America or Chase, it may be easiest to have all your accounts with one institution.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards.
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Our methodology
To determine to the top cards, CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards issued through FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions that are widely available in the U.S.
We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cash back).
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
For the cards that offered a rewards program, we considered consumer spending data forecasts from location intelligence firm Esri to determine where U.S. consumers are spending the most money, like on dining and travel. We used this to help determine what bonus categories are most useful for consumers. Since the value of a point or mile varies based on what they can be redeemed for, we also considered things like transferability and the ability to redeem for cash-back.
Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
Read more
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Discover it® Student Cash Back, click here.
For rates and fees of the Discover it® Miles, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
Petal 2 Visa Credit Card issued by WebBank.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
