Best Credit Cards for 2023
Pick a card, any card.
Money Done Right does not accept sponsorships to promote particular products or services. However, we may receive a commission if you purchase or sign up through links on this page. Here's more information about how we make money.
Best Credit Cards for Travel
-
The Platinum Card® from American Express- Basics: The American Express Platinum Card gives you five Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on airfare purchased directly from the airline as well as on airfare and hotels booked through Amex Travel and one point per dollar spent on other categories. Terms Apply. By our math (see below), each point is worth 1 cent each when you redeem for travel through Amex Travel, making your return 5% on the specified travel spending described previously and 1% on other categories. Where this card really shines, though, is in its perks.
- Our Math: Through Amex Travel, you can use 100,000 points to cover $1,000 worth of travel. This comes out to a value of 1 cent per point. Because you earn five points per dollar spent on the travel categories specified above, your return on spend is essentially 5% for these purchases.
- Bottom Line: If you're both a frequent flyer and a frequent diner who will also put all of this card's generous perks to work, this is a phenomenal premium travel card.
-
Welcome Offer
100,000 points with $6,000 spend within first six months from opening account. Since 100,000 points is worth approximately $1,000 when they are redeemed for travel through Amex Travel, this results in a 16.67% return on spend from the bonus alone. Terms Apply.
-
Annual Fee
$695. Yes, this is tied with the Chase Sapphire Reserve for the highest annual fee among cards on this list, but you will get more than $695 of value if you use all the perks annually. Terms Apply.
-
Perks
• Up to $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) or The Hotel Collection bookings Program with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card(R). This benefit requires a minimum two-night stay.
• Up to $240 in Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 each month when you pay for eligible purchases - Enrollment required.
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash a year plus enjoy an Uber VIP Status
• Up to $300 in Equinox Credits: Get $25 back each month on eligible Equinox memberships - Enrollment required
• Up to $200 in Airline Fee Credit per year
• Up to $100 credit once every four years for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA Pre✓ once every four and a half years
• Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit per year - Enrollment required
• Exclusive access to American Express Global Lounge Collection with more than 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries
• Priority Pass, Delta, and Centurion lounge access
• No foreign transaction fee (See Rates and Fees)
• Terms Apply
-
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Simplicity- Basics: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card gives you two miles per dollar spent on the card. By our math (see below), each point is worth 1 cent each when you redeem for travel through Capital One, making your return 2%. There is a welcome offer of 75,000 miles with $4,000 spend within the first three months from opening the account, this is equal to $750 in travel.
- Our Math: The easiest ways to redeem Capital One Miles are to either receive a statement credit for travel purchases made on the card within the last 90 days or to book travel through Capital One travel. With both of those options, 100 Capital One miles is worth $1 of travel, making the miles worth 1 cent each. Note that transferring your miles to one of Capital One's airline partners could increase (as well as decrease) the value of your miles.
- Bottom Line: This card is a great credit card for those who value simplicity when it comes to rewards, but at the end of the day you're getting 2% rewards with a $95 annual fee. The Citi Double Cash, on the other hand, can earn you 2% cash back without an annual fee. That said, the Double Cash comes with a 3% foreign transaction fee. The Venture Rewards does not have a foreign transaction fee, so if you spend more than $3,166.67 ($95/3%) abroad per year, you would come out ahead with the Venture Rewards, assuming you value simplicity and just want one go-to card for everything.
-
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles with $4,000 spend within first three months from opening account. This is equal to $750 in travel.
-
Annual Fee
$95
-
Perks
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ every four years
• No foreign transaction fee
-
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Best for Semi-Frequent Travelers- Basics: The Chase Sapphire Preferred gives you five Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel, three points on dining, two points on all other travel purchases and one point per dollar spent on all other categories.
- Our Math: If you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you gain 80,000 points worth $1,000 after spending $4,000 within the first three months. This comes out to a value of 5 cents per point. A return of 25% after spending that amount.
- Bottom Line: This card provides a higher rewards rate than other cards at its annual fee level and is great for those who travel once or twice a year. If you travel more frequently than that, a more premium card such as the American Express Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve may be a better option.
-
Sign-Up Bonus
80,000 points with $4,000 spend within first three months from opening account. Since 80,000 points is worth approximately $1,000 when they are redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, this results in an 25% return on spend from the bonus alone.
-
Annual Fee
$95
-
Perks
• Doordash delivery fees with a DashPass subscription
• No foreign transaction fee
• Flexible points redemption
• No foreign transaction fees
• A generous sign-up bonus
• Low annual fee
• $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit
-
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for Foodies- Basics: The Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you five Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on air travel and ten points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards(R) immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Three points on all other travel and dining, and one point per dollar spent on all other categories. By our math (see below), each point is worth 1.5 cents each when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, making your return 4.5% on travel and dining spending and 1.5% on other categories.
- Our Math: If you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can use 60,000 points to cover $900 worth of travel. This comes out to a value of 1.5 cents per point. Because you earn three points per dollar spent on travel and dining worldwide, your return on spend is essentially 4.5% for these purchases since 1.5% x 3 = 4.5%.
- Bottom Line: If you're both a frequent flyer and a frequent diner who will also put all of this card's generous perks to work, this could be the card for you.
-
Sign-Up Bonus
60,000 points with $4,000 spend within first three months from opening account. Since 60,000 points is worth approximately $900 when they are redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, this results in an 22.5% return on spend from the bonus alone.
-
Annual Fee
$550. This sounds steep, but keep in mind the perks whose value will easily exceed the annual fee if you use them all.
-
Perks
• $300 travel credit
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ every four years
• Priority Pass lounge access
• One year of complimentary Lyft Pink
• Complimentary DashPass from DoorDash
-
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Best Airline Card- Basics: The Gold Delta SkyMiles gives you two miles per dollar spent directly with Delta, at restaurants worldwide, and at U.S. supermarkets, plus one mile per dollar spent on everything else. By our math (see below), each point is worth an average of 1.5 cents each when you redeem for travel, making your return on spend 3% on Delta spending, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets and 1.5% on everything else. There is a welcome offer of 65,000 bonus miles with $2,000 spend within first six months from opening account. Terms Apply.
- Our Math: The value you will extract per Delta SkyMile depends on where and how you fly. For example, you could extract as much as two cents per mile by redeeming them for an international trip in Delta's Main Cabin class but as little as one cent per mile by redeeming them for a domestic first class flight. We simply took the average of these and derived a value of 1.5 cents per mile.
- Bottom Line: If you're a frequent Delta flyer, then this card is a no-brainer. The perks alone outweigh the annual fee. But if you don't fly Delta very often, it's probably best to opt for a more universal travel card.
-
Welcome Offer
Offer ends on 11/9/2022 -- 65,000 bonus miles with $2,000 spend within first six months from opening account. Terms Apply.
-
Annual Fee
$99, waived for the first year. Terms Apply.
-
Perks
• First checked bag free (Delta flights only)
• Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding (Delta flights only)
• Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases
• $100 Delta Flight Credit when you spend $10,000 on the Card in a calendar year
• No foreign transaction fee (See Rates and Fees)
• Terms Apply
-
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless(R) Credit Card: Best Hotel Card- Basics: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card gives you seventeen points per dollar spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and two points per dollar spent on everything else. By our math (see below), each point is worth an average of 0.7 cents each when you redeem for hotel stays, making your return on spend 4.2% at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1.4% on everything else. Earn 1 Free Night Award(each night valued at up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Our Math: The value you will extract per Marriott Bonvoy point depends on how you use them. Most will use their points on hotel stays, so that's what we used to come up with our valuation. We averaged the at over 50 hotels around the world and came up with an average value per point on hotel stays of 0.7 cents per points.
- Bottom Line: If you like Marriott Bonvoy hotels and stay at them frequently, this can be a great card to use during your stays, with the whopping 4.2% return at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. That said, there are better cards on this list for everyday spending.
-
Welcome Offer
Limited Time Offer -- Earn 100,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.
-
Annual Fee
$95
-
Perks
• Free night award (valued up to 35,000 points) given every anniversary of opening your account
• Automatic Silver Status
• Upgrade to Gold Status with $35,000 annual spend on card
• 15 Elite Night Credits per year
• No Foreign Transaction Fees
Best Credit Cards for Cash Back
-
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best Bonus Cash Back Card- Basics: The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers 3% Cash Back on your first $6,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per year, then 1% and 3% cash back at gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. It gives you 1% Cash Back on other eligible purchases, including spending at grocery stores beyond the first $6,000 per year.
- Example: The average American household spends $4,300 on groceries per year; $2,000 on gas per year; and $1,900 on clothing per year. Assuming that this household purchases all of these items at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and qualifying U.S. department stores, respectively, and uses the Blue Cash Everyday to do so, it will receive $207 cash back on these purchases alone.
- Bottom Line: This is a phenomenal card that provides significant rewards on everyday spending categories. That said, if you have outsized spending at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, be sure to check out the Blue Cash Preferred since it offers higher cash back rates on those categories.
-
Welcome Offer
Earn $200 in statement credits with $2,000 spend within the first six months from opening the account. Terms Apply.
- Annual Fee
-
Credit Score
Good - Excellent
-
Blue Cash Preferred(R) Card from American Express: Best for Large Families- Basics: The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 6% cash back on your first $6,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per year, 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back on transit purchases (including Uber, Lyft, parking, tolls, and train fares), and 3% cash back on all your purchases at U.S. gas stations. It gives you 1% cash back on all other purchases, including spending at grocery stores beyond the first $6,000 per year. It has a $95 annual fee.
- Example: Let's say that you annually spend $6,000 at U.S. supermarkets, $250 on streaming subscriptions such as Netflix and Spotify, and $2,000 at U.S. gas stations. If you use the Blue Cash Preferred for all of these purchases, you will receive $435 cash back annually. Netted against the card's $95 annual fee, you'll end up with $340 back in your pocket.
- Bottom Line: If you have a large household with a lot of hungry mouths to feed, this card with its whopping 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets could be a great fit for you. And with its 3% unlimited cash back at U.S. gas stations, this card is also a top choice for commuters. However, if your grocery spending isn't anywhere close to $500 monthly and you don't buy a lot of gas, the Blue Cash Everyday might be a better choice.
-
Welcome Offer
$350 with $3,000 spend within first 6 months from opening account .
- Annual Fee
-
Credit Score
Good - Excellent
-
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Less-Than-Perfect Credit- Basics: This card gives those with less-than-perfect credit the opportunity to earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases with a low $39 annual fee.
- Example: If you spend $6,000 annually on this card, you will earn $90 cash back. Netted with the annual fee of $39, you will end up with $51 back in your pocket. Make sure you are able to put at least $2,600 on this card annually or you will earn less cash back than the annual fee.
- Bottom Line: While this card's benefits are nothing to write home about, and it does come with a (small) annual fee, it is the best cash back card out there for those who are building their credit.
-
Welcome Offer
None at this time
-
Annual Fee
$39
-
Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
-
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Socialites- Basics: This card offers 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% cash back at grocery stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. It has a $95 annual fee that is waived for the first year.
- Example: Let's say you spend $400 a month on dining, $300 a month on entertainment, and $300 a month on groceries. If you use this card for all of these purchases, you will receive $408 cash back annually on these purchases alone. Netted against the card's $95 annual fee, you'll end up with $313 back in your pocket. Keep in mind that the annual fee is waived for the first year.
- Bottom Line: If you hit the town more often than most, this card could be the one for you. On the other hand, if you're on a budget — but still treat yourself every now and then — the no-annual-fee Capital One SavorOne might be a better choice.
-
Welcome Offer
$300 with $3,000 spend within first three months from opening account
-
Annual Fee
$95, waived for the first year
-
Credit Score
Good - Excellent
-
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Dining and Entertainment- Basics: This card offers 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% cash back at grocery stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Example: The average American household spends $6,600 on dining and entertainment and $4,300 on groceries. If your spending mimics these amounts and you use this card for all of these purchases, you will receive $284 cash back annually on these purchases alone.
- Bottom Line: This card is the best no-annual-fee cash back card on the market right now for dining and entertainment. Keep in mind that this card's sister card, the Capital One Savor, comes with an annual fee but offers a higher cash back percentage on dining and entertainment.
-
Welcome Offer
$200 with $500 spend within first three months from opening account
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Credit Score
Good - Excellent
-
Chase Freedom Flex: Best Rotating Category Card- Basics: The Chase Freedom Flex offers 5% cash back on your first $1,500 in purchases made in quarterly-rotated categories. You also earn 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back at restaurants, and 3% back at drugstores. You earn 1% back on all other purchases, including spending on the rotating categories beyond $1,500 during the quarter.
- Example: If you spend the maximum $1,500 in each quarterly category during the year, you would earn $75 per quarter or $300 per year just from the rotating categories alone.
- Bottom Line: While a bit unpredictable since you don't know what the next quarter's until about two weeks before the quarter begins, the 5% bonus cash back rate with no annual fee sure feels too good to pass up.
-
Sign-Up Bonus
$200 with $500 spend within first three months from opening account
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Credit Score
Good - Excellent
-
Citi Double Cash: Best Basic Cash Back Card- Basics: This card essentially gives you 2% cash back on everything. You get 1% cash back when you swipe and an additional 1% when you make a payment.
- Example: Excluding housing costs (which typically can't be paid by credit card), the average American household spends $35,000 per year. If you put $35,000 annually on this card, you would earn $700 cash back.
- Bottom Line: While other cards may give you more rewards in certain categories like groceries or gas, this card has you covered when it comes to the bulk of your spending. I personally use this card whenever I make a purchase that doesn't fall into a bonus category on another card.
-
Welcome Offer
LIMITED TIME OFFER -- Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Credit Score
Good - Excellent
-
U.S. Bank Cash+: Most Versatile Cash Back Card- Basics: The U.S. Bank Cash+ lets you decide what you want to receive bonus cash back on! It gives you 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in purchases on two categories that you choose each quarter. These categories include TV/internet/streaming services, cell phone usage, home utilities, furniture stores, fast food, department stores, select clothing stores, electronics stores, sporting goods stores, movie theaters, gyms, and ground transportation. It also gives you unlimited 2% cash back each quarter at your choice of grocery stores, gas stations, or restaurants. You earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Example: Because you can choose quarterly which categories you want to receive bonus cash back on, a little planning will go a long way with the U.S. Bank Cash+. For example, maybe from July through September you will run your air conditioner all day as well as hit up the cinema to watch all the summer blockbusters, so it might make sense to select home utilities and movie theaters as your 5%-back categories for this quarter. Assuming you spend $2,000 in these two categories combined, you'll earn $100 from these categories in this quarter alone. Maximize your 5%-back rewards every quarter, and you're looking at $400 cash back just on the 5%-back categories. On top of this, let's say that you elect grocery stores as your 2% category and you spend the national household average of $4,300 on groceries during the year. This is an additional $86 cash back for a total of $486 cash back just on bonus category spending alone!
- Bottom Line: This card is best for those who don't mind putting in a little extra effort and planning in order to get as much cash back as possible.
-
Sign-Up Bonus
$150 with $500 spend within first three months from opening account
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Credit Score
Good - Excellent
Best 0% APR Credit Cards
-
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for Typical Spenders
- Basics: The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express currently offers an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.99% - 27.99%. A welcome offer of $200 with $2,000 spend in the first six months from account opening. Terms Apply. (See Rates and Fees)
- Perks: You earn 3% cash back on your first $6,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per year, then 1% thereafter and 3% cash back at gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. You also earn 1% Cash Back on other eligible purchases, including spending at U.S supermarkets beyond the first $6,000 per year. Terms Apply.
- Bottom Line: While not offering as long an introductory period as other cards, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday provides significant rewards on everyday spending categories with no annual fee. Keep in mind that the Blue Cash Everyday's sister card, the Blue Cash Preferred, offers even higher cash back rates but comes with an annual fee.
-
Welcome Offer
Earn $200 with $2,000 spend within the first six months from opening the account. Terms Apply.
- Annual Fee
-
Balance Transfer Fee
3%
-
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best Welcome Offer
- Basics: The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has a welcome offer of $350 with $3000 spend within first six months from opening the account. There is a $95 annual fee. Balance transfer fee is 3%. Terms Apply.
- Perks: You earn 6% cash back on your first $6,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per year, 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back on transit purchases (including Uber, Lyft, parking, tolls, and train fares), and 3% cash back on your purchases at U.S. gas stations. As is typical, you earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases, including spending at U.S supermarkets beyond the first $6,000 per year. Terms Apply.
- Bottom Line: Yes, the 12-month introductory period is as short as any other offer on this list, but the 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets is best in class.
-
Welcome Offer
$350 with $3,000 spend within first six months from opening account. Terms Apply.
-
Annual Fee
$95 Terms Apply. (See Rates and Fees)
-
Balance Transfer Fee
3%
-
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Dining and Entertainment
- Basics: This card currently offers an introductory APR of 0% on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the
first 15 months and a welcome offer of $200 with $500 spend within first three months from opening the account. There is no annual fee, and the balance transfer fee is 3%. - Perks: You earn 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% cash back at grocery stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Bottom Line: If you're a foodie, this just might be the card for you because the 3% cash back on dining and entertainment is the highest of any balance transfer card right now.
-
Welcome Offer
$200 with $500 spend within first three months from opening account
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Balance Transfer Fee
3%
- Basics: This card currently offers an introductory APR of 0% on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the
-
Chase Freedom: Best for Rotating Category Rewards- Basics: The Chase Freedom currently offers an introductory APR of 0% on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months and a welcome offer of $150 with $500 spend within first three months from opening the account. There is no annual fee, and the balance transfer fee is 3%.
- Perks: You earn 5% cash back on your first $1,500 in purchases made in quarterly-rotated categories and 1% cash back on all other purchases, including spending on the rotating categories beyond $1,500 during the quarter. Examples of bonus 5% categories are grocery stores, gas stations, Uber, Lyft, restaurants, PayPal, Amazon, Target and more.
- Bottom Line: The introductory APR period is a middle-of-the-road 15 months, but earning 5% bonus cash back with no annual fee sure feels pretty good. Of course, you don't know a quarter's bonus categories until about two weeks before the quarter begins, so the Chase Freedom can be a bit unpredictable.
-
Welcome Offer
$150 with $500 spend within first three months from opening account
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Balance Transfer Fee
3%
-
Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best if You Have a Premium Chase Card- Basics: The Chase Freedom Unlimited currently offers an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for 15 months and a welcome offer of $200 with $500 spend within the first three months from opening the account. There is no annual fee, and the balance transfer fee is 3%.
- Perks: Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drug stores, and 1.5% on all other purchases. You earn an unlimited 1.5 points back on all purchases. This translates to 1.5% cash back if you redeem for a statement credit or direct deposit. However, if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you are able to redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards at 1.5 cents per point, making the rewards percentage on the Chase Freedom Unlimited essentially 2.25% on all purchases if you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This is an extremely high unlimited reward percentage on all purchases.
- Bottom Line: The introductory APR period is nothing to write home about, but if you're big on travel and already have a premium Chase travel card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is definitely worth a look.
-
Welcome Offer
$200 bonus with $500 spend within first three months from opening account
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Balance Transfer Fee
3%
-
Citi Double Cash: Best for All-Around Rewards
- Basics: The Citi Double Cash currently offers an introductory APR of 0% on balance transfers for 18 months. There is no annual fee, and the balance transfer fee is 3%.
- Perks: This card essentially gives you 2% cash back on everything. You get 1% cash back when you swipe and an additional 1% when you make a payment. Citi recently allowed cardholders to convert their rewards balance into Citi ThankYou Points, which could increase your rewards percentage depending on which travel partners you transfer those points to.
- Bottom Line: While other cards may give you more rewards in certain categories like groceries or gas, this card has you covered when it comes to the bulk of your spending, and it also comes with a higher-than-average 18-month introductory 0% APR period.
-
Welcome Offer
LIMITED TIME OFFER -- Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Balance Transfer Fee
3%
-
Citi Simplicity Card: Longest 0% APR Period- Basics: The Citi Simplicity Card currently offers an introductory APR of 0% on balance transfers for 18 months and on purchases for 18 months. What's the catch? Balance transfers are subject to either a 5% or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. All balance transfers must be made within the first four months of account opening. There is no annual fee.
- Perks: This card doesn't give you rewards like the other cards on this list, but it doesn't charge late fees. And in certain situations, this may make more sense than getting a card that offers cash back or travel points.
- Bottom Line: If your concern is getting the maximum introductory APR period on balance transfers, or if you're late with a payment every once in a while, the Citi Simplicity Card might be the card for you. However, the extended introductory APR period must be weighed against the 5% balance transfer fee, keeping in mind that the other cards on this list only charge a 3% fee.
-
Welcome Offer
None at this time
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Balance Transfer Fee
3% or 5%, whichever is greater
Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
-
Capital One Secured Mastercard®: Best Overall- Basics: The Capital One Secured Mastercard gives you an initial $200 credit line when you make your required $49, $99, or $200 refundable minimum security deposit. In as little as 6 months, you are automatically considered for a higher credit line.
- Pros: The initial minimum security deposits aren't huge, and you're automatically considered for more credit after only six months. Also, Capital One reports to all three credit bureaus.
- Cons: The card is secured, which means that you have to put up an initial security deposit.
-
Type of Card
Secured
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Credit Score
Bad, Limited
-
OpenSky Secured Visa: Best with No Credit Check- Basics: The OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card gives you an initial credit line equal to the security deposit you make on the card.
- Pros: There is no credit check to apply. Also, OpenSky reports to all three credit bureaus, so responsibly using this card is an important step toward increasing your credit score.
- Cons: The card is secured, which means that you have to put up an initial security deposit. And unlike the Capital One Secured Mastercard, which can potentially give you a $200 credit line with only a $49 deposit, the OpenSky Secured Visa will only give you a credit limit equal to your deposit.
-
Type of Card
Secured
-
Annual Fee
$35
-
Credit Score
Any (No Credit Check)
-
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Cash Back
- Basics: This card gives those with less-than-perfect credit the opportunity to earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases with a low $39 annual fee.
- Pros: Unlike other cards on this list, this one gives you rewards in the form of 1.5% cash back. So if you spend $6,000 annually on this card, you will earn $90 cash back. Netted with the annual fee of $39, you will end up with $51 back in your pocket. Make sure you are able to put at least $2,600 on this card annually or you will earn less cash back than the annual fee.
- Cons: It may be more difficult to be approved for this card than for the Capital One Secured Mastercard or the OpenSky Secured Visa. Also, unlike the other cards on this list, this card has an annual fee.
-
Type of Card
Unsecured
-
Annual Fee
$39
-
Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
-
Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Best Unsecured with No Annual Fee- Basics: The Capital One Platinum Card allows those with limited credit to access a credit line without putting up a security deposit and without paying an annual fee.
- Pros: You are considered automatically for a higher credit line — again, without putting up a deposit — in as little as 6 months. Also, Capital One reports to all three credit bureaus, so responsibly using this card is an important step toward increasing your credit score. Check out quickly and securely with the contactless card, just hover the card on a contactless reader.
- Cons: It may be more difficult to be approved for this card than for the Capital One Secured Mastercard or the OpenSky Secured Visa. However, unlike the other cards on this list, the OpenSky Secured Visa card has an annual fee.
-
Type of Card
Unsecured
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
-
Upgrade Card: Best Unsecured with No Annual Fee- Basics: The Upgrade Card is unique in that it is more personal loan than traditional credit card, offering lines from $500 to $20,000.
- Pros: Because the Upgrade Card is essentially a personal loan, you have fixed terms and rates for a more predictable payback plan.
- Cons: You can't make online payments, and it may be more difficult to be approved for the Upgrade Card than for the Capital One Secured Mastercard or the OpenSky Secured Visa.
-
Type of Card
Personal Loan
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Credit Score
Fair
Best Business Credit Cards
-
American Express Blue Business Cash™: Best for Basic Cash Back- Basics: The Amex Blue Business Cash Card gives you 2% cash back on up to $50,000 of spend on the card per year and 1% cash back thereafter. There is no annual fee. Plus, you can earn a $250 in statement credit if you make a purchase of $3,000 within the first three months from account opening. Terms Apply.
- Example: If you spend $50,000 on the card annually, you will earn $1,000 cash back.
- Bottom Line: This is a straightforward 2% cash back rewards card with no annual fee. If you're looking for a business card with solid and straightforward rewards, the Amex Blue Business Cash is the card for you.
-
Welcome Offer
Earn a $250 in statement credit if you make a purchase of $3,000 on your Card within the first three months. Terms Apply.
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Intro APR
0% introductory APR for 12 months - Full offer terms: for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.25% - 24.24%. (See Rates and Fees)
-
Ink Business Cash: Best Bonus Cash Back- Basics: The Ink Business Cash Card gives you 5% cash back on your first $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services per year. You also earn 2% cash back on your first $25,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants per year. You earn 1% cash back on all other purchases, including on purchases in the bonus categories beyond the first $25,000 of annual spend.
- Example: If you max out the bonus categories every year, you will earn $1,750 cash back during the year.
- Bottom Line: If you have significant spending at office supply stores or on internet, cable, and phone services, this card is a must. It's like getting a 5% discount with every purchase!
-
Welcome Offer
$750 with $7,500 spend within first three months from opening account
-
Annual Fee
$0
-
Intro APR
0% introductory APR for 12 months
-
Ink Business Preferred: Best for Business Travel- Basics: The Ink Business Preferred Card gives you three Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on the first $150,000 of travel and select business categories spent per calendar year. You earn one point per dollar spent on all other purchases. By our math (see below), each point is worth 1.25 cents each when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, making your return 3.75% on the first $150,000 in spend on travel and select business categories per year and 1.25% on other categories.
- Example: If you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can use 60,000 points to cover $750 worth of travel. This comes out to a value of 1.25 cents per point. Because you earn three points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 of travel and select business categories, your return on spend is essentially 3.75% for these purchases since 1.25% x 3 = 3.75%.
- Bottom Line: The Ink Business Preferred is the card to have if you travel a lot for business.
-
Welcome Offer
100,000 bonus points with $15,000 spend within first three months from opening account. Since 100,000 points is worth approximately $1,250 when they are redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, this results in a 8.33% return on spend from the bonus alone.
-
Annual Fee
$95
-
Intro APR
No introductory APR offer
-
CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard: Best Airline Card- Basics: The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard gives you two AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases as well as at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and gas stations.
- Example: The value you will extract per AAdvantage mile depends on where and how you fly. For example, you could extract as much as two cents per mile by redeeming them for Business/First AAnytime but as little as one cent per mile by redeeming them for Economy AAnytime. We simply took the average of these and derived a value of 1.5 cents per mile.
- Bottom Line: If you're a frequent American Airlines flyer, then the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select is a great choice. But if you rarely fly American, then you'd probably be better served by a more versatile card.
-
Welcome Offer
65,000 bonus miles with $4,000 spend within first four months from opening account. Since 65,000 points are worth approximately $1,050 when they are redeemed for flights, this results in a 26.25% return on spend from the bonus alone.
-
Annual Fee
$99, waived for 12 months
-
Intro APR
No introductory APR offer
-
Marriott Bonvoy Business(R) American Express(R) Card- Basics: The Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card gives you six points per dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy(R) program. You also earn four points per dollar spent at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping. You earn two points per dollar spent on eligible purchases. By our math (see below), each point is worth an average of 0.7 cents each when you redeem for hotel stays, making your return on spend 4.2% on Marriott Bonvoy spending; 2.8% on gas stations, wireless telephone services, and shipping; and 1.4% on everything else. There is a welcome offer of 75,000 points with $3,000 spend within first three months from opening account. Terms Apply.
- Example: The value you will extract per Marriott Bonvoy point depends on how you use them. Most will use their points on hotel stays, so that's what we used to come up with our valuation. We averaged the at over 50 hotels around the world and came up with an average value per point on hotel stays of 0.7 cents per points.
- Bottom Line: If you like Marriott Bonvoy hotels and stay at them frequently, this can be a great card to use during your stays, with the whopping 4.2% return at Marriott Bonvoy properties. The 2.8% on gas stations, wireless telephone services, and shipping is also nothing to sneeze at. Terms Apply.
-
Welcome Offer
• 100,000 points with $4,000 spend within first three months from opening account. Offer expires on 11/2/2022
• Terms Apply -
Annual Fee
$125.
-
Intro APR
• 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy(R) program.
• No introductory APR offer (See Rates and Fees)
• Terms Apply