Show
 Rewards rate
Regular APR 17.99%, 22.99%, or 27.99% Variable APR Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Rewards rate
Regular APR 14.99% - 25.99% Variable Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Rewards rate
Intro offer Earn an Additional 1.5% Cash Back Regular APR 17.99% - 26.74% Variable Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Best Rewards Credit Cards
Rewards rate
Regular APR 17.99% - 27.99% (Variable) Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Rewards rate
Regular APR 18.99% - 25.99% Variable Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Best Balance Transfer Cards
Balance transfer intro APR 18 months 0% intro APR for up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers Regular APR 15.99% - 27.99% Variable APR Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Balance transfer intro APR 21 months 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers Regular APR 15.99% - 26.74% (Variable) Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Best No Annual Fee Cards
Rewards rate
Regular APR 17.99% - 27.99% (Variable) Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Rewards rate
Regular APR 17.99%, 22.99%, or 27.99% Variable APR Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Best Travel Cards
Rewards rate
Regular APR 18.99% - 26.99% (Variable) Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Rewards rate
Regular APR 19.99% - 26.99% (Variable)
Best 0% Intro APR Cards
Purchase intro APR 21 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases Regular APR 14.99% - 24.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Purchase intro APR 12 months 0% on purchases for 12 months Annual fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. Regular APR 16.99%-27.99% Variable Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Best Business Credit Cards
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Regular APR 16.24% - 22.24% Variable Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Best Card for Excellent Credit
Rewards rate
Regular APR 16.99% - 26.99% (Variable) Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Best Card for Good Credit
Rewards rate
Regular APR 18.99% - 26.99% (Variable) Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Best Card for Fair Credit
Regular APR 28.49% (Variable)
Best Card for No Credit History
Rewards rate
Regular APR 25.99% Variable
Best Student Card
Rewards rate
Regular APR 15.99% - 24.99% Variable
Best Card for Poor Credit
Regular APR 28.49% (Variable) 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.
How we choose Bankrate's best credit cardsBankrate currently has expert reviews for more than 200 credit cards, which are rated using a 5-star scoring system. The most important factors we use to determine which cards appear on this page include: APRsAffordable interest rates are essential to great credit card offers. If you ever need to carry over part of your balance from one month to another, which we advise against if at all possible, a lower APR should reduce the amount of interest you're charged. Rewards programsTop programs for earning cash back, points or miles offer generous rewards rates and flexible redemption options. Some reward programs also include discounts and online shopping portals. Introductory 0% APR offersA zero-percent APR offer — essentially a temporary reprieve from interest — could make it much less expensive to pay off a big purchase or a balance transfer. The best offers last anywhere from 12 months to 21 months before the regular APR applies. FeesA low ownership cost is another key element of the best credit cards. The total burden of fees should be low. If a card does charge an annual fee, it should also offer rewards and benefits that can help offset that cost. User-focused valueBenefits geared toward providing cardholders ongoing value like annual credits, auto-pay options, credit-building tools, fraud protection, insurance and more help make a credit card worth keeping in your wallet. Compare Bankrate’s best credit cards of 2022
A closer look at Bankrate’s best credit card offersWells Fargo Active Cash Card: Best for 2% cash rewards
Learn more:
Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Citi Double Cash Discover it Cash Back: Best for category variety
Learn more: Is the Discover it Cash Back worth it? Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best for everyday purchases
Learn more:
Why expert Jacqueline DeMarco loves the Chase Freedom Unlimited card. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment
Learn more: Is the Capital One SavorOne Worth it? Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best starter travel card
Learn more: Why expert Jordan Bishop loves the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Wells Fargo Reflect Card: Best for long intro APR
Learn more: Wells Fargo Reflect benefits guide Citi Diamond Preferred Card: Best for balance transfers with excellent credit
*Intro APR extension for three months, for a total of up to 21 months, with on-time minimum payments during the intro period. Learn more: Why expert Andy Shuman loves the Citi Diamond Preferred card. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best starter rewards card
Learn more:
Why expert Nicole Dieker loves the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards. Wells Fargo Autograph Card: Best for gas and transit
Learn More: Is the Wells Fargo Autograph worth it? Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flexible redemption options
Learn more: Why expert Jacqueline DeMarco loves the Capital One Venture Rewards Card. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for no-frills benefits
Learn
more: Why expert Ana Staples loves the Capital One Venture X. BankAmericard Credit Card: Best for balance transfers with low ongoing interest
Learn more: Why expert Margaret Wack loves the BankAmericard. Blue Cash Preferred from American Express: Best for long-term value
Learn more: Why expert Ted Rossman loves the Blue Cash Preferred Capital One Spark Cash Plus: Best flat-rate business card
Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Capital One Spark Cash Plus card. Ink Business Cash Credit Card: Best business sign-up bonus
Learn more:
Ink Business Cash Benefits Guide Citi Custom Cash Card: Best second credit card
Learn more: Why your Citi
Custom Cash card could be great for travel Citi Premier Card: Best for travel rewards on everyday purchases
Learn more: Who should get the Citi Premier Card? Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Best for upgrading
Learn more:
Who should get the Capital One Platinum Card? Discover it Secured Credit Card: Best for credit-building with cash back
Learn
more: Discover it Secured Credit Card benefits guide Discover it Student Cash Back: Best for cash back with no credit history
Learn more:
Is the Discover It Student Cash Back card worth it? Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best credit limit policy
Learn more: Is the Capital One Platinum Secured worth it? How do credit cards work?A credit card, usually a plastic or metal card, is a financial product similar to a personal line of credit that lets you make purchases now, but pay for them later. When you’re approved for a credit card, you get a credit limit that determines the maximum dollar amount you can charge to your card. As you make purchases, your available credit decreases. When you pay your bill, your available credit increases. With a credit card, you can carry a balance from month to month, meaning you can make a partial or minimum payment rather than paying your balance in full. The downside to carrying a balance is facing potential interest charges determined by your credit card’s APR, or annual percentage rate. Your credit card’s APR is effectively the cost of borrowing money. Remember, credit card interest is relevant only if you carry credit card debt from month to month, and it’s best to pay your balance on time and in full whenever possible. Important credit card termsYour understanding of certain credit card terms is essential when choosing a credit card. The terms and phrases listed below should be top of mind when you begin shopping:
Lightbulb Bankrate insight The impact of the Federal Reserve’s action to hike rates will continue to impact credit card holders, and you should be prepared to see your variable card rates rise until inflation slows. As any increase can be unwelcome for borrowers with revolving debt, it’s important to look for opportunities to get out of the cycle, like finding a zero-interest balance transfer credit card. How does credit card interest work?Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into what makes many applicants reluctant to get a credit card: credit card interest. The main type of interest charge that can come with credit cards is typically referred to as your purchase APR. Because you’re technically borrowing money each time you make a purchase with your card, your lender will charge you interest (your purchase APR) if you haven’t paid off your statement balance in full by the card’s payment due date. The interest you owe on your current balance compounds daily, which is why it’s so important to pay off your balance in full and on time. Don’t be confused by the “minimum payment” you may see on your billing statement — that tells you how much you’ll need to pay to avoid a late payment fee, but it won’t help you avoid interest. The only way to avoid interest is to pay off your statement balance each billing cycle. The APR you’ll be charged is usually variable, which means it can change based on a few factors. It’s determined based on the possible APR range in your card’s terms (15.99 percent to 26.99 percent, for example), your credit score (which determines the rate you’re assigned on approval), and the prime rate set by the Federal Reserve. Credit card interest works by essentially charging a daily interest rate (your purchase APR divided by 365) to your unpaid balance and multiplying the result by each day of the billing cycle. For example, if you miss your payment due date for a 30-day billing cycle and revolve a $1,000 balance at 17.99 percent APR (approximately 0.00049 percent per day), you’ll owe about $14.70 in interest. Fortunately, you can easily calculate what you’d owe based on your current payment plan with Bankrate’s Credit Card Payoff Calculator and what you should pay each month with our Credit Card Minimum Payment Calculator. How do credit card rewards work?Although they may seem intimidating at first glance, most credit card rewards programs are relatively simple. Credit cards typically earn one of three types of rewards on each purchase: cash back, travel miles or points. Cash back is the simplest form of rewards: You earn cash back as a percentage of your purchase’s dollar amount. For example, if your card earns 3 percent cash back in a certain spending category, spending $100 in that category would net you $3 in cash back. You can typically redeem cash back as a statement credit (a credit to your account that lowers the amount you owe), deposit to your bank account or gift card. Credit card points and miles largely work the same way, except when it comes to your redemption options. If a card earns 3X points or miles on a certain purchase, spending $100 would net you 300 points or miles. However, the value of your rewards will vary based on how you use them. Miles are generally best used to book travel (typically airfare) while points may offer more flexibility to redeem for different types of travel and cash back (Citi’s ThankYou Points and Chase’s Ultimate Rewards points, for instance). Many issuers and cards earn their own type of points or miles with their respective restrictions, redemption options and rewards values. Be sure to carefully read how to redeem your points or miles so that you can maximize your rewards’ value since all redemption options aren’t created equal. For instance, American Express Membership Rewards points and other issuers’ rewards may lose value if you use them for anything other than airfare. Utilizing the right transfer travel partner through your issuer is a common way to stretch more value from your rewards, but this option might not be available if your card is designed for a specific hotel or airline brand. It’s also important to be aware of your rewards’ fine print when it comes to whether they can expire or be pooled with other cards from the same issuer. Luckily, cash back, points and miles from general-purpose cards usually won’t expire for the life of your account. However, co-branded cards’ rewards are more likely to expire if you haven’t used your card for 12 to 24 months. Many issuers also allow you to pool rewards across cards that earn the same type of rewards. This can lead to credit card pairing strategies that increase your rewards’ value. For instance, you can pool rewards across Chase’s Ultimate Rewards cards (including its no-annual-fee rewards cards) and redeem for Chase travel at a higher point value with a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Pros and cons of credit cardsCredit cards can be a great way to manage your money and make sure you pay your bills on time — but the problem is that they’re also very easy to use. Because of this, you should be aware of some of the benefits and drawbacks of owning a credit card. Pros
Cons
Why use a credit card?A credit card can be safer and more rewarding than a debit card or cash if you manage it wisely. Along with building credit and earning rewards, you can use a credit card to:
Different types of credit cardsCredit card issuers offer different types of credit cards to meet a variety of consumer needs. For example, some cardholders don’t see the appeal of a premium travel card or won’t use the card enough to justify its annual fee, while others may primarily use their card while traveling abroad. The former type of cardholder would likely benefit from a no-annual-fee card, while the latter would benefit from a no-foreign-transaction-fee card. But there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all credit card, and the sheer number of options can make it difficult to choose a credit card that’s best for your unique situation. That’s why it’s good to consider which card best matches your spending habits. Here are the major credit card types and the ideal cardholder they’re suited for: Still unsure which credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool, which offers personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score and spending habits. Credit card companies: Credit card issuers and credit card networksWhen you’re searching for the perfect credit card, the laundry list of credit card companies can be intimidating to sort through. When every credit card network and issuer has its own advantages and disadvantages, it’s important to understand the differences between each brand. Credit card issuersCredit card companies can be distinguished as either “credit card issuers” or “credit card networks.” Credit card issuers — such as Chase and Capital One — are the companies that give you your line of credit, accept credit card bill payments and determine card features like reward programs, sign-up bonuses and annual fees. When you apply for a credit card, you’re applying to the credit card issuer. Credit card networkMeanwhile, credit card networks — such as Visa and Mastercard — facilitate transactions between merchants and issuers. In other words, your credit card network determines where your card is accepted as payment. Card networks may also provide their own perks separate from the issuer’s perks. For example, Visa and Mastercard offer different classes of perks, ranging from staples like purchase protection to extras like discounted food delivery service subscriptions. Issuers can use different card networks, so you may see a Chase or Capital One credit card also branded as a Mastercard or Visa credit card (Discover and American Express use their own card networks). Private label credit cardsAlternatively, some credit cards may not be branded with a network at all. These are known as “private label” cards and include many store-branded credit cards and gas station credit cards. Since they aren’t part of a credit card network, these cards can only be used with a specific retailer, gas station or other merchant. How to choose a credit cardChoosing the best credit card all comes down to which card is going to provide you with the most value. That answer will change based on your financial situation, spending habits and more. Think about these questions when a credit card offer catches your eye: What’s your credit score?The better your credit score, the better your chance of qualifying for a credit card with excellent perks and terms. You can review your credit report by requesting a free copy from AnnualCreditReport.com and check your credit scores for free through your issuer or a credit bureau. If your credit score isn’t where you’d like it to be, work on improving your credit. Do you plan to carry a balance?It’s best to pay your balance in full each month so you avoid paying interest, but a low-interest credit card may be wise if you expect to carry a balance from time to time. Low-interest cards tout APRs that are lower than the average credit card interest rate, which is currently around 18 percent. Are you looking to pay off debt or a large purchase?If so, you’ll probably want to consider a 0 percent introductory APR credit card, which can help you avoid interest on purchases and/or balance transfers, typically for 12 to 21 months. However, cards with long intro APR periods often lack rewards and long-term value. Depending on how much time you need to pay off your balance, a no-annual-fee rewards card with a shorter intro APR may be a better choice long term. What are your spending habits?If your spending is concentrated in a certain area, look for a card that earns rewards at a high rate in that category. For example, if you spend a lot on groceries, look for a credit card that offers bonus points or cash back at grocery stores. Alternatively, consider a card that offers miles if you travel frequently. If you don’t spend a lot in one particular category, consider a card that earns rewards at a flat rate on all purchases. Can you earn a sign-up bonus?Many credit cards carry a sign-up bonus for new cardholders. The typical sign-up bonus offers cash back, points or miles after you spend a certain amount of money within a specified timeframe, usually within your first three months as a cardholder. Still unsure which credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool, which offers personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score and spending habits. How to get a credit card in 4 stepsOnce you’ve decided which credit card is best suited for your needs, it’s finally time to apply for your new card. You’ll have the best approval odds if you pursue a card that welcomes applicants with your credit score or if you’ve received a prequalified card offer. Although it’s straightforward on paper, here’s a bit more information to guide you through how to apply for a credit card and get approved: 1. Know your credit scoreBefore you start filling out applications, find out your current credit score. Knowing your credit score will give you a better idea of:
You can check your credit score through any of the major credit bureaus, the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) or possibly through your bank. Based on the FICO scoring model, a good-to-excellent credit score will fall in the range of 670 to 850 (or 661 to 850 on the VantageScore model). If you find that your credit score isn’t where you’d like it to be, you can work to increase your credit score and improve your chances for qualification. 2. Look for personalized or prequalified offersWith a prequalified credit card offer, you can get an idea of your approval odds without submitting an application that will trigger a hard credit inquiry. Hard credit inquiries temporarily decrease your credit score and stay on your report for two years. Prequalification processes usually involve a soft credit check, so they could help you avoid minor, short-term dings to your credit score as you shop for the right card. One way to find and compare offers is by using tools like CardMatch™. CardMatch only requires a soft credit pull and lists cards that match your credit profile. Based on your information, you may also receive special offers and prequalified matches. However, it’s important to be aware that a prequalified match is still not a guarantee of approval. 3. Fill out your applicationYou can apply for a card online via the issuer’s website, in person at an issuer branch, over the phone or by mail. Before you begin filling out the application, you’ll need to have the following information on hand:
The issuer may also ask follow-up questions about your employment, housing situation or any additional assets and income. 4. Wait for a response from the credit card issuerYour application can take as little as one minute to process, but you won’t always know whether your application was approved immediately. Getting a decision can take a few days or weeks, but issuers are required to inform you whether your application was approved or denied within 30 days of your application. If you’ve been approved, you’ll typically get your card in the mail within 10 business days. Some issuers also provide a virtual credit card number upon approval that you can use before your physical card arrives. How to make the most of your credit cardYour credit card can be a major help or a hindrance to your financial health, depending on how you use it. Getting the most out of your card will require a bit of strategy and planning. To make the most of your credit card, follow a few guidelines:
Avoiding credit card pitfallsThere are plenty of advantages to using a credit card. You can improve your credit score with proper use over time, earn lucrative rewards and protect yourself from fraud. There are also important drawbacks to be aware of when obtaining a credit card. Some potential pitfalls to avoid include:
Latest credit card news updatesThe credit card landscape has been changing in recent months, driven by factors such as interest rate hikes. Some current credit card trends to be aware of include:
Learn more about types of credit cardsIf you’re looking for more information on how credit cards can help you reach your financial goals, check out some of our top resource articles:
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate. Frequently Asked Questionsabout the author
Former Senior Editor Barry Bridges has been writing about credit cards, personal loans, mortgages and other personal finance products since 2017. Before joining Bankrate, he was an award-winning newspaper journalist in his native North Carolina. about the editor
Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. * See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. Is it worth getting a rewards credit card?Yes, credit card rewards are worth it if you pay your credit card bill in full every month. By doing that, you won't be charged credit card interest on your purchases. The great thing about rewards is they allow you to get value back on every eligible purchase, just because you're paying by credit card.
Which credit card is best for reward points?List of Best Rewards Credit Cards in India 2022. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card.. American Express SmartEarn Credit Card.. Citi Rewards Credit Card.. IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card.. RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Card.. HSBC Smart Value Credit Card.. What is it called when credit card companies charge stores a 2 3 fee for every purchase made with credit cards?It's called an interchange fee. (There is an exception to this, see below.) Interchange fees are set by each network.
Are miles worth it credit card?Generally speaking, points and miles tend to be worth more when redeemed for travel versus cash, gift cards, or shopping. Some co-branded airline and hotel loyalty cards offer a better redemption value than some general travel rewards cards, but they may also limit how you can use your rewards.
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Credit cards that offer flashy rewards like airline miles often
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