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Best Credit Cards Of February 2025

Updated: Feb 7, 2025, 12:14pm
Becky Pokora
Becky Pokora
Becky PokoraCredit Card Rewards Expert
With more than 50 million redeemed miles under her belt, Becky Pokora is a rewards travel expert. She's been writing about credit cards and reward travel since 2011 with articles on Forbes Advisor, BoardingArea, The Points Guy and more. Her redemptio...
Read Full BioSee Full Bio
Written By
Becky Pokora
Becky Pokora
Becky PokoraCredit Card Rewards Expert
With more than 50 million redeemed miles under her belt, Becky Pokora is a rewards travel expert. She's been writing about credit cards and reward travel since 2011 with articles on Forbes Advisor, BoardingArea, The Points Guy and more. Her redemptio...
Read Full BioSee Full Bio
Credit Card Rewards Expert
Clint Proctor
Clint Proctor
Fact Checked by
Clint ProctorLead Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards
Clint Proctor is a lead editor with the credit cards and travel rewards team at Forbes Advisor. He has five years of experience in personal finance journalism and has contributed to a variety of leading national publishers including Business Insider...
Read Full BioSee Full Bio
Fact Checked
Clint Proctor
Clint Proctor
Fact Checked by
Clint ProctorLead Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards
Clint Proctor is a lead editor with the credit cards and travel rewards team at Forbes Advisor. He has five years of experience in personal finance journalism and has contributed to a variety of leading national publishers including Business Insider...
Read Full BioSee Full Bio
Lead Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards
& 1 other
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

No single credit card is the best option for every family, purchase or budget, but the experts on our credit cards editorial team set out to crunch the numbers to find the top cards for a variety of needs.

We gathered more than 28,000 data points across more than 400 cards, created our own editorial rating system and compiled the best credit cards of February 2025. These top 10 credit cards are among those we found to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers. Rather than selecting a single card for all customers, we used our credit card rankings to highlight the best credit card for a variety of situations.

You can read more about our methodology here.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our credit card editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Advertisers do not and cannot influence our ratings. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

  • Unbiased editorial team
  • No AI writing
  • 400+ credit cards rated
  • 65 years of industry experience

Read more
Show Summary

Best Credit Cards of 2025

Top 10 Credit Cards of 2025

Best Travel Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Click Here To Apply Now
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 5x Reward Rate

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on allRead More

Welcome Bonus

60,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a simple travel solution with valuable rewards earning and redeeming rates and a reasonable annual fee.

Why We Like It

You have access to all types of redemptions with this card like a fantastic 1:1 rate when transferring Ultimate Rewards® to travel partners. But you also have the ability to pay with points through Chase Travel℠ for 25% more value if transfers aren’t your preference.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also offers comprehensive travel protections. These alone can outweigh the cost of the annual fee and make it one of the best credit cards for travel.

What We Don’t Like

Though the card comes with up to $50 in statement credits annually toward hotel stays, you can only book through Chase Travel to use them.

Who It’s Best For

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is readymade for frequent travelers wary of an expensive annual fee. If you’re looking for even more travel perks, you may prefer a different travel rewards card.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

I​​t’s the granddaddy of travel credit cards, but it still earns its reputation as one of the best around with solid bonus categories, strong travel protections, a great set of domestic and international transfer partners and a reasonable annual fee to boot. You can’t go wrong with it as your first travel credit card.

Pros & Cons
  • Earn high rewards in several areas of spending
  • Transfer points to travel partners at a 1:1 rate
  • Practical travel and shopping protections
  • $95 annual fee
  • No intro APR offer
  • Best travel earning rates are only for bookings through the Chase Travel℠ portal
Card Details
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 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
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Cash-Back Card

Chase Freedom Flex®

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Chase Freedom Flex®
Click Here To Apply Now
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased throughRead More

Welcome Bonus

$200 bonus

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.49% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Chase Freedom Flex® offers up to 5% in cash-back earnings without rewards expiration dates or an annual fee. With an exceptional number of bonus categories, it’s one of the best cash-back cards on the market.

Why We Like It

It’s rare to find 5% rewards on a credit card without an annual fee, but the addition of a few 3% categories makes it even more rewarding. Plus, when paired with select Ultimate Rewards® cards, you’ll have access to additional redemption choices beyond cash back.

Cardholders can take advantage of up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year of cellphone protection (a $50 deductible applies). They also get access to additional cash rewards on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025).

What We Don’t Like

Elevated earning rates require activation and cap out at $1,500 in spending each quarter. For earning without spending limits, consider the other best cash-back credit cards.

This card does charge a foreign transaction fee, so it’s not a good choice if you plan to travel abroad.

Who It’s Best For

The Chase Freedom Flex® offers a lot of value to customers who can maximize the 5% cash back categories and who are willing to track the card’s bonus categories.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

Kudos to Chase for always keeping the rotating categories relevant on the Freedom Flex. From Amazon to PayPal and Starbucks to Walmart, you’re almost guaranteed to find at least one quarter every year (or even several) where the 5 bonus points roll in with almost no effort. Just don’t forget to activate the categories every quarter.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee
  • Rotating quarterly categories earn 5% rewards when activated, up to a combined quarterly $1,500 maximum
  • Travel rewards rate rivals some of the best premium travel cards
  • Generous rewards rate in several other categories
  • Travel bookings must be made through Chase Travel℠ to earn 5% cash back
  • Quarterly rewards access requires activation every quarter
Card Details
  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 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 unlimited 1% cash back 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!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49%-28.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Intro APR Credit Card

Citi Custom Cash® Card *

Citi Custom Cash® Card
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle. 4%Read More

Welcome Bonus

Earn $200 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good

Our Expert Take

The Citi Custom Cash® Card* extends an intro APR to both purchases and balance transfers for over a year. Once that offer’s over, it continues to earn strong cash-back rewards in whichever eligible category you spend the most each billing cycle without an annual fee.

Why We Like It

We’re impressed any time a card offers 5% cash back on a spending category. This one dishes your rewards automatically without enrollments or activations. New cardholders can also earn a welcome bonus in addition to receiving an intro APR offer: 0% introductory APR for 15 months from date of account opening on purchases and from date of first transfer for balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% to 28.24%, based on creditworthiness. There is also a balance transfer fee of 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.

If you’ve always wanted a credit card that adapts to your lifestyle instead of you having to adapt to it, you’ve found what you’re looking for with the Citi Custom Cash.

– Julian Kheel, Credit Card Expert

What We Don’t Like

There’s a low spending limit of only $500 per billing cycle on your elevated earning category. Other introductory 0% APR credit cards offer different rewards structures that might fit your spending habits better.

Who It’s Best For

This is a smart choice for anyone with unpredictable expenses since the 5% rewards category changes with your spending patterns each billing period.

Pros & Cons
  • No registration required to earn bonus rewards
  • Cash-back categories are unique categories that other cards may not offer bonus rewards for
  • Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • No annual fee
  • High balance transfer fee
  • High foreign transaction fee
  • Some everyday rewards categories are neglected
Card Details
  • Earn $200 cash back after spending $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
  • Lengthy introductory APR offer
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases up to the first $500 spent in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, 1% thereafter
  • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee
Earn $200 cash back after spending $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.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Card

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Wells Fargo's Website
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Click Here To Apply Now
Rates & Fees 
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Wells Fargo's Website

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Compared to other cards, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card (rates & fees) has an exceptionally long balance transfer period. Cardholders get a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. A 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% variable APR applies thereafter. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro APR and a balance transfer fee of 5%, min $5 applies.

Why We Like It

The card has no annual fee and an outstanding balance transfer offer. Additionally, it comes with up to $600 in cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible) and access to My Wells Fargo Deals as well as pay-per-use roadside dispatch services.

What We Don’t Like

Like most balance transfers, this one has a high balance transfer fee attached, so that cost will be added to the balance you transfer. Remember that you only have a few months from account opening to make the transfer before a higher balance transfer APR kicks in.

Who It’s Best For

Because the introductory APR offer also extends to new purchases, it’s an easy option for anyone who wants a single payment to cover both balance transfers and ongoing charges. If you don’t need a balance transfer period quite as long, you might want to look at the other best balance transfer credit cards: Some come with rewards and perks that offset a shorter intro APR period.

Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert

The Wells Fargo Reflect includes decent auto and theft protection, but the most compelling card benefit is the generous intro balance transfer offer upon account opening.

Pros & Cons
  • Generous introductory APR period for purchases and qualifying balance transfers
  • $0 annual fee
  • Cellphone insurance when you pay your wireless bill with the card
  • No rewards program or welcome bonus
  • There’s a balance transfer fee of 5%, min: $5
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
Card Details
  • Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It’s an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best First Credit Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website
Citi Double Cash® Card
Click Here To Apply Now
Rates & Fees 
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website

Up to 2% Reward Rate

Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you payRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn $200 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good, Fair

Our Expert Take

Customers with fair credit may be eligible for the Citi Double Cash® Card, making it a good card to get back in the game or to enter it for the first time. But the card’s also good enough to hold onto long after you’ve improved your credit since it offers generous flat-rate cash rewards without an annual fee.

Why We Like It

The Double Cash allows cardholders to earn 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they’re paid off, and earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25, giving you an extra incentive to pay your credit card bill in full. Those are strong rewards—and you’re not penalized for having less-than-perfect credit. You can also combine your earnings with other Citi cards, which can open up additional redemption options through Citi ThankYou® Points.

And if you’re working toward paying off existing debt from past charges, you’ll also appreciate its introductory APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, the standard variable APR will be 18.24% to 28.24%, based on creditworthiness. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies to transfers completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, the fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

What We Don’t Like

Outside of the rewards, the card is extremely basic: You won’t find many specialty benefits, perks or anything beyond standard protections. Also, the generous intro APR is only valid for balance transfers and not new purchases. Other beginner credit cards to build credit may offer a different combination of rewards and features.

Who It’s Best For

The simple flat-rate rewards and more relaxed approval requirements can make the Citi Double Cash® Card an excellent introduction to credit cards for first-timers as well as customers looking to try again.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

Not everyone wants to chase bonus categories or shuffle cards in their wallet, which makes the Citi Double Cash the perfect “set it and forget it” credit card. It’s one of the only cards around that not only earns 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they’re paid off, and earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25, but also offers a path to using that cash back in the form of more valuable travel points down the road when you’re ready to take the next step.

Pros & Cons
  • Earn up to 2% cash back—1% when the purchase is made and 1% when payment is made on the account
  • Unlimited cash back
  • No annual fee
  • Introductory APR period for balance transfers
  • Great opportunity to pair with other Citi credit cards
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Lack of benefits seen in other no annual fee cards
  • No introductory APR on purchases
Card Details
  • 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).
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.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Student Credit Card

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Apply Now Apply Now
On Discover's Website
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Click Here To Apply Now
Rates & Fees 
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Discover's Website

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations,Read More

Welcome Bonus

Cashback Match™

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR

Credit Score

Fair/New to Credit

Our Expert Take

With the Discover it® Student Cash Back students can earn excellent cash back on rotating categories and access a fantastic first-year welcome offer with no annual fee.

Why We Like It

It’s a beginner card with advanced benefits that could please long-time credit card users. In fact, there’s a nearly identical card available without the student label—proof there’s lasting value long after graduation.

What We Don’t Like

To get the best rewards, cardholders need to activate the rotating quarterly bonus categories and watch for the $1,500 quarterly spending limit.

Discover is not as widely accepted outside the U.S. as Mastercard, Visa or even American Express, so keep that in mind if you plan to use this card overseas. You’ll find other student credit cards with broader acceptance if that’s important to you.

Who It’s Best For

The Discover it® Student Cash Back is best for college students who are motivated and disciplined enough to track its quarterly bonus categories.

Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert

An engaging and fun student credit card, the Discover it® Student Cash Back combines useful benefits for cardholders to learn about building credit history while earning extra cash back each quarter on select categories.

Pros & Cons
  • 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories after activation, up to the quarterly maximum
  • First-year Cashback Match™
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR on purchases for 6 months
  • No credit score is required to apply
  • Flexible redemption options with no minimum redemption amount
  • 5% bonus cash-back rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending on select categories
  • Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
  • Low 1% base reward rate
  • Discover cards are not as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard
  • No additional benefits like travel protection, extended warranty or purchase protection
Card Details
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% – 26.24% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Card for Gas & Groceries

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Click Here To Apply Now
Rates & Fees 
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com, 3 points per dollar atRead More

Welcome Bonus

75,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good

Our Expert Take

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card makes our top 10 credit card list because it offers above-average earning rates on common household spending categories, including supermarkets, gasoline and EV charging stations. It also offers flexible redemption options including points transfers to 15-plus travel partners.

Why We Like It

The bonus categories cover such a wide breadth of charges that this could easily be a one-card solution for some households. There’s also an annual $100 credit for a single hotel stay of $500 or more (not including taxes and fees) booked through CitiTravel.com.

The Citi Strata Premier provides solid travel protections including trip delay protection, common carrier trip cancellation and interruption protection, lost or damaged luggage and MasterRental coverage (car rental insurance).

Paying to fill up at the pump is never fun, but at least you’ll earn something back for it with the Citi Strata Premier. It’s one of the few cards around that earns significant bonus points on both gas stations and supermarkets, 365 days a year. And it’s also the only card on the market that can access Citi’s full roster of valuable airline and hotel transfer partners.

– Julian Kheel, Credit Card Expert

What We Don’t Like

Though the card includes basic travel protections and a once-annual hotel discount, it doesn’t offer premium perks.

Who It’s Best For

If you spend a lot of money on flights, hotels, dining, groceries or gas, you can earn a ton of points and then redeem them for outsized rewards via the Citi ThankYou® program. But if you’re specifically looking for the best grocery credit cards or best credit cards for gas, you’ll find options with even higher rewards—but not in the same breadth of categories.

Pros & Cons
  • High rewards rates for many popular categories
  • Ability to transfer points to hotel and airline loyalty programs
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Some built-in travel protections
  • The $100 hotel benefit is difficult to redeem
  • The highest earning rates are on Citi Travel bookings
  • $95 annual fee
Card Details
  • For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
  • Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Store Credit Card

Prime Visa

Apply Now Apply Now
On Amazon's Website
Prime Visa
Click Here To Apply Now
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Amazon's Website

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible PrimeRead More

Welcome Bonus

Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.49% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Since Amazon.com is such a ubiquitous part of everyday life in many households, the Prime Visa barely even feels like it should be labeled as the best store credit card rather than a catch-all solution. With this card, you’ll earn competitive rates on Amazon purchases that are unmatched by other cards.

Why We Like It

Cardholders can choose between earning generous rewards or paying over time without interest on select Amazon purchases. You can redeem your rewards on Amazon.com as soon as the next day or at Chase.com for cash back, travel or gift cards.

What We Don’t Like

The rewards rate on everyday purchases outside Amazon is not particularly lucrative. If you’re looking to earn rewards for shopping with other retailers, you’ll find other top store card choices with fantastic branded perks, rewards and discounts.

Who It’s Best For

Only Amazon Prime members are eligible for this card. The Prime Visa is best for Prime members who shop with Amazon frequently as the other bonus categories are limited.

Expert Commentary
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Credit Cards Writer
Ben Luthi is a freelance personal finance and travel writer. He started earning credit card rewards in 2013 and leveraged his passion into a writing career. He's contributed to dozens of other publications and companies in the financial and travel spaces.
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Credit Cards Writer
Ben Luthi is a freelance personal finance and travel writer. He started earning credit card rewards in 2013 and leveraged his passion into a writing career. He's contributed to dozens of other publications and companies in the financial and travel spaces.
Credit Cards Writer

The card is a no-brainer for Amazon Prime members. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another card that offers such a great rewards rate on so many different types of purchases.

Pros & Cons
  • 5% cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
  • No spending required for the welcome bonus
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Travel and shopping protections
  • Prime Big Deal Day benefits
  • Requires an Amazon Prime membership
  • No introductory APR
  • Low cash back for purchases outside of bonus categories
Card Details
  • Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
  • Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
  • Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
  • Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
  • Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
  • No annual credit card fee
  • No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
  • Member FDIC
Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Airline Credit Card

Aeroplan® Credit Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Click Here To Apply Now
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 3x Reward Rate

Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services, andRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 70,000 points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Aeroplan® Credit Card may seem an odd choice for U.S.-based flyers, but it doesn’t just benefit Air Canada flyers—its Aeroplan points can be used to book United and other Star Alliance award flights. And its earning categories are among the best-in-class for daily spending.

Why We Like It

The Aeroplan® Credit Card comes with the Air Canada benefits you expect from an airline card like a free first checked bag. Plus it bestows a lot of extras like status boosts and even discounts on select awards.

The card comes with a comprehensive set of travel insurances, auto rental coverage and purchase protection. In addition to having the opportunity to earn the welcome bonus, new cardmembers receive automatic 25K elite status for the remainder of the calendar year plus the following year.

What We Don’t Like

Except for transactions with Air Canada, there are no extra rewards for travel purchases.

Who It’s Best For

You’ll need to be somewhat savvy with miles and points to get the best value when redeeming Aeroplan points. Other airline credit cards might fit your travel style more organically.

Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert

Chase and Aeroplan’s co-branded credit card will serve as an excellent companion for Air Canada and Star Alliance frequent flyers, as you earn valuable Aeroplan points on a set of airline partners like United and Lufthansa. Maximize your Aeroplan points and redeem for future flights and hotel stays through an extensive partner network. Enjoy additional points-earning opportunities in key everyday purchase categories.

Pros & Cons
  • Excellent rewards earning
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Travel benefits including perks for Air Canada flyers
  • $95 annual fee
  • Domestic flyers may find the redemption options limiting
Card Details
  • Earn up to 70,000 bonus points
  • Earn 60K bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Earn 10K bonus points after your annual fee renewal payment posts and is paid in full
  • $95 Annual Fee
  • Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  • Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  • Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month – up to 1,500 points per month.
  • Member FDIC
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus points after your annual fee renewal payment posts and is paid in full
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Credit Card for Bad Credit

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rates & Fees 
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

29.74% (Variable)

Credit Score

Limited, Bad

Our Expert Take

Even if a secured card isn’t your top choice, you might be swayed by the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. It offers excellent cash-back rewards on every purchase with no annual fee (rates & fees) and may be available to applicants with less-than-perfect credit history.

Why We Like It

Limited credit applicants sometimes get the short end of the stick when it comes to card benefits, but not so here. The card offers a rewards and fee structure incredibly similar to unsecured cards but with the ability to build your credit from where you currently stand.

The Quicksilver Secured tries to set you up for success by offering the potential to earn back your security deposit as a statement credit after you show a track record of responsible use. Also, automatically be considered for an increase to your credit line in as little as six months with no additional deposit needed.

What We Don’t Like

Like all secured cards, you’ll need to provide a refundable security deposit after approval before you can begin using your card. The minimum deposit is $200. Not all of the best credit cards for bad credit require a deposit, so you do have options if you need them.

Who It’s Best For

This Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for people who want to build their credit and earn cash back along the way.

Pros & Cons
  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back reward on all eligible purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Reports to all three credit bureaus
  • Ability to graduate to an unsecured card with good payment behavior
  • No bonus categories other than Capital One Travel bookings
  • $200 minimum opening deposit
Card Details
  • No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you’re approved in seconds
  • Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
  • Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
  • 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
  • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Summary of the Best Credit Cards of 2025

Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Freedom Flex®
Chase Freedom Flex®
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi Custom Cash® Card *
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Rates & Fees
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
Rates & Fees
Citi Double Cash® Card
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Rates & Fees
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Rates & Fees
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Prime Visa
Prime Visa
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rates & Fees
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best Travel Card
Excellent, Good
$95
60,000 bonus points
Chase Freedom Flex®
Chase Freedom Flex®
Best Cash-Back Card
Excellent, Good
$0
$200 bonus
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi Custom Cash® Card *
Best Intro APR Credit Card
Excellent, Good
$0
Earn $200 cash back
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Rates & Fees
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Best Balance Transfer Credit Card
Excellent, Good
$0
N/A
Citi Double Cash® Card
Rates & Fees
Citi Double Cash® Card
Best First Credit Card
Excellent, Good, Fair
$0
Earn $200 cash back
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Rates & Fees
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best Student Credit Card
Fair/New to Credit
$0
Cashback Match™
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Rates & Fees
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Best Card for Gas & Groceries
Excellent, Good
$95
75,000 bonus points
Prime Visa
Prime Visa
Best Store Credit Card
Good, Excellent
$0
Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Best Airline Credit Card
Good, Excellent
$95
Earn up to 70,000 points
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rates & Fees
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best Credit Card for Bad Credit
Limited, Bad
$0
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Earn $200 cash back after spending $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.
N/A
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.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus points after your annual fee renewal payment posts and is paid in full
N/A

Best Credit Cards Methodology

As part of our card rating process, Forbes Advisor evaluates over 400 credit cards within their respective categories, including cash-back credit cards, travel cards, flexible rewards cards, business credit cards, student cards and cards with 0% APR offers.

For each card, we gathered information that potential cardholders would use in their decision-making process, including:

  • Annual fees
  • Reward earning rates and values
  • Welcome bonuses
  • Interest rates and/or promotions
  • Card benefits, credits and perks
  • Consumer protections

Cards are weighed against others in their category according to which card characteristics are most important within that category. These scores allowed us to rank them based on their terms and features and select the top 10 credit cards of 2025 for this list.

Please note: Cards on this list may not be shown in order of their star rating. The star rating is determined solely by the editorial team.

See More of Our Best Credit Card Lists

Complete Guide to Credit Cards

Best Credit Card Offers Right Now

If you’re looking for a new credit card, you may want to know which ones have the highest-value welcome bonuses right now. This week, these cards have the highest credit card offers by category.

Keep in mind that annual fees and additional benefits will vary— often significantly—so weigh the pros and cons of a particular card beyond just the bonus before you apply. That can help you determine the best credit cards for your personal situation if you’re ready to add a new one to your wallet.

Card Category Card Name Annual Fee Welcome Offer
Best Overall Card Welcome Bonus
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card*
$95
3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of account opening
Best Overall Card Welcome Bonus Runner-up
Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card*
$249
60,000 miles after spending $4,500 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening plus 40,000 miles after spending $25,000 in the first year
Best Airline Card Welcome Bonus
Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card*
$249
60,000 miles after spending $4,500 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening plus 40,000 miles after spending $25,000 in the first year
Best Hotel Card Welcome Bonus
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card*
$95
3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of account opening
Best Flexible Rewards Card Welcome Bonus
The Platinum Card® from American Express
$695 (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on the card in the first 6 months of card membership
Best Cash Back Card Welcome Bonus
Discover it® Cash Back
$0
Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year as a cardmember. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards
Best Intro APR Card Welcome Bonus
Discover it® Miles
$0
Unlimited match of all the miles earned at the end of the first year
Best Balance Transfer Card Welcome Bonus
Discover it® Miles
$0
Unlimited match of all the miles earned at the end of the first year
Best Student Card Welcome Bonus
Citi Rewards+® Student Card
$0
5,000 bonus points after spending $500 in the first 3 months of account opening
Best Business Card Welcome Bonus
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
$695 (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases with the card within the first 3 months of card membership

Methodology for Evaluating the Best Credit Card Welcome Offers

The best credit card deals for the week of January 20, 2025 were chosen based on the value of the welcome bonus, taking into account Forbes Advisor’s points and miles valuations for airline and hotel programs. Conduct informed research before deciding which cards will help you achieve your financial goals.

All information about Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor

Types of Credit Cards in 2025

Although all credit cards can be used to make purchases, there are several different types of credit cards, each designed for a different goal.

Rewards Credit Cards

0% APR Credit Cards

Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Low-Interest Credit Cards

Student Credit Cards

Credit Cards To Build Credit

Business Credit Cards

What Credit Card Should I Get?

Different types of credit card users will benefit most from different types of credit cards. Here are tips to help you decide what’s the best credit card for you.

Value Shoppers

Value shoppers will likely benefit most from cash-back cards that provide rewards on everyday purchases. These cardholders will want to minimize annual fees and aren’t concerned about travel rewards or high-end perks. Check out the best cards for shopping and best cards for groceries to learn more.

Travelers

The best travel credit card of 2025 will vary based on the kind of traveler you are. If you like to play “license plate ABC,” check out our best cards for road trips. If you prefer your travels at 35,000 feet, check out the best airline credit cards of 2025. Travel rewards cards often have top credit card offers.

First-Time Applicants

When you’re just starting out, it can feel like a Catch-22. You need good credit to get a credit card, but you need a credit card to build credit. Fortunately, there are some cards out there that are good for both those starting out and those needing to get back on track. Check out our best first credit cards.

Students

College students have a plethora of credit card options because the banks understand the value of a lifetime customer. Many of these cards act as little siblings to their rewards card counterparts, giving students a chance to earn rewards without needing as much of a credit history. Check out the best credit cards for students.

Business Owners

Whether it’s a roadside stand or a shop on Etsy, small businesses have unique credit needs. Business credit cards offer benefits tailored to commerce and offer a way to keep personal and business expenses separate. If you are just starting out, one of our best cards for new businesses may do the trick.

Brand Loyalists

If you only stay at Hyatt hotels or only shop at Pottery Barn, it may make sense for you to pick up a co-branded credit card for that store, airline or hotel chain. Cardholders may also be loyal to a specific card issuer in order to continue working with a financial institution they prefer or have other accounts with.

If you are loyal to one of the best credit card companies, you can limit your card search accordingly:

How To Choose a Credit Card

Since there are hundreds of cards available, putting some effort into choosing a credit card is essential for finding the right one for your needs. Start by defining your financial goals, whether that’s earning rewards, rebuilding credit or lowering your APR. Then you’ll want to check your credit score and use that to guide which card options may be available to you. From there, consider your tolerance for annual fees, what perks you might be seeking and how any rewards fit with your spending habits and see which cards overlap.

Once you’ve chosen a card, there are several easy steps to apply for a card and be approved.

How to apply for a credit card infographic

Ask an expert

What’s your favorite credit card and why?

Robin Frankel

Robin Frankel

Credit Cards Writer

Toni Perkins-Southam

Toni Perkins-Southam

Credit Cards Lead Editor

Becky Pokora

Becky Pokora

Credit Cards Writer

 

We are a household that uses Amazon on the regular so my Prime Visa gets a good workout. I love that I earn 5% back on all my spending and the two-day shipping is key for the many last-minute projects my kids suddenly remember to tell me about.

Robin Frankel

Robin Frankel

Credit Cards Writer

 

I love the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for so many reasons, but a handful of benefits set it above my other cards. For one, the 3X points for online groceries is a staple in my life. As a busy mom of four, online grocery shopping has saved my life and earning bonus Ultimate Rewards on it is just the icing on the cake.

And speaking of Ultimate Rewards, give me all of them. Thanks to these incredibly flexible points, I’ve been able to show my family the world.

Toni Perkins-Southam

Toni Perkins-Southam

Credit Cards Lead Editor

 

Lately, I’ve been relying on my Citi Strata Premier℠ Card. Nearly every purchase I make earns triple points, which boosts my morale to see my rewards balance grow so quickly. I love transferring my rewards to travel partners—the Choice Hotels option in particular has helped me plan trips at exceptionally great values with no cash out of pocket.

Becky Pokora

Becky Pokora

Credit Cards Writer

How Does Credit Card Interest Work?

Most credit cards calculate interest using the average daily balance method:

  • Average daily balance method. Your credit card balance is multiplied by the card’s specified daily interest rate each day, then each day’s interest amount is added together for a monthly charge.

If the math trips you up, you can use our credit card interest calculator to do the work for you.

Infographic explaining how credit card interest works

How To Get the Most From Your Credit Card

Credit cards provide everything from consumer protections to valuable benefits and substantial earnings potential. Using your credit card correctly will help you save on fees and keep your credit in good standing. You can also apply strategies to maximize credit card rewards and look for card perks that match your lifestyle to enhance the value you get from a credit card.

The biggest mistake most people make when it comes to getting the most from their credit card is keeping the same card in their wallet for years on end. The credit card marketplace is incredibly dynamic, and the card that was right for you a decade ago probably isn’t the best choice for you today. That’s why I recommend checking at least every few years to see if there’s a better credit card available than the one you currently have.

– Julian Kheel, Credit Card Expert

Top Credit Card Companies

If you don’t already have a preference for a specific credit card company, you may be interested in how the top credit card companies rank nationwide. J.D. Power conducts an annual survey to determine customer satisfaction across major card issuers. In 2024, American Express came out on top:

J.D. Power 2024 Credit Card Satisfaction Study
Based on a 1,000-point scale

Card Issuer Customer Satisfaction Index
American Express
 634
Discover
 629
Capital One
 620
Chase
 619
Bank of America
 616
Citi
 611
Wells Fargo
 598
U.S. Bank
 595
TD Bank
 586
Fifth Third
 574

To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.

Best Credit Cards FAQs

What is the easiest credit card to get?

Secured credit cards are typically the easiest to be approved for and are designed for people who have none to bad credit. For anyone with average or better credit, you may be approved for traditional, unsecured credit cards as well. Typically, cards with no or low rewards have less stringent application requirements. You may want to check for pre-approved offers personalized for you to improve your odds.

Which credit card is best for me?

The best credit card for you requires you to consider and evaluate your own financial needs. Start by honestly assessing your credit score and history so you understand which types of cards you may be approved for. Then, within those cards, look at annual fees, reward rates and other benefits to determine which ones best fit your lifestyle.

How many credit cards should I have?

Some people may do fine with a single, well-chosen credit card as long as the rewards, benefits and fees are ideal for your spending habits. Other customers may carry two or more credit cards to earn rewards in multiple categories, take advantage of complementary benefits or access additional lines of credit or promotional rates. When choosing how many credit cards to have, it’s always best to limit yourself to the number of cards you can carefully manage and pay on time.

Next Up In Credit Cards

*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Citi Custom Cash® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Becky Pokora
Becky Pokora
Credit Card Rewards Expert

With more than 50 million redeemed miles under her belt, Becky Pokora is a rewards travel expert. She's been writing about credit cards and reward travel since 2011 with articles on Forbes Advisor, BoardingArea, The Points Guy and more. Her redemptions have helped her travel to more than 50 countries and all seven continents.

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Additional Information
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*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Citi Custom Cash® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Advisor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Advisor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Here is a list of our partners who offer products that we have affiliate links for.
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