At Yahoo Finance, we spend a lot of time comparing credit cards and all the ways they can save you money. We also know there is no single card that’s best for everyone’s wallet. Credit cards can serve different purposes for different people, which is why it’s important to fit any new card to your specific financial goals.
But there are some credit cards we consider exceptional for what they offer cardholders today. Each year, we determine the top credit cards across a range of categories — travel, balance transfer, secured, business, and more — to help you determine which cards may be best for your wallet. Learn more about the methodologies used to choose our winners.
These are our picks for the best credit cards available right now:
Sorted by category, these are the top credit cards we recommend today. You can read more about our card ratings and the methodologies we use at the bottom of each category page linked below.
Rewards rate
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (includes takeout and eligible delivery service)1.5% on all other purchases
As a cash-back credit card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited has some of the best flexibility you’ll find for earning and redeeming rewards. Not only can you earn up to 5% back in everyday bonus categories, but you’re guaranteed a minimum 1.5% cash back on all non-bonus purchases. When you’re ready to redeem, you can get cash back or use your rewards to book travel through Chase Travel℠.
Based on average American spending data, we put the Chase Freedom Unlimited card’s estimated annual earnings at $482.15 — a solid annual gain for a no annual fee card. As a new cardholder, you’ll get even more throughout the first year with a great welcome bonus and 0% APR offer.
Read our full list of the best cash-back credit cards
Annual fee
$95
Welcome offer
Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months – that’s equal to $750 in travel
Rewards rate
5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel2x miles on all other purchases
You won’t find a simpler way to maximize spending toward travel than with a Capital One Venture credit card. No matter where you spend, you’ll get 2x miles on every purchase. Then, you can use the miles you earn for future travel expenses: reimburse travel expenses on your card, book travel through Capital One Travel, or transfer miles to Capital One’s 15+ travel partners.
The Capital One Venture card does have an annual fee, but it also comes with a great welcome offer and some annual benefits that can help add more value beyond rewards.
Read our full list of the best travel credit cards
Rewards rate
5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries2x points on all other travel purchases1x points on all other purchases$50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is our rewards card pick for the best of both worlds between everyday and travel rewards. You’ll earn great rewards on travel expenses and on regular spending like dining, online groceries, and select streaming services. And to help make up the card’s annual fee, there are a few annual benefits (including a $50 annual credit for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel).
Once you’ve earned your rewards, you can really increase your value with redemptions. One of the best ways to redeem your Chase Sapphire Preferred points is by using them to book travel through Chase Travel. You’ll get a 25% boost, so each point is worth 1.25 cents toward hotels, airfare, rental cars, and more. You can also transfer your points to Chase’s hotel and airline partners.
Read our full list of the best rewards credit cards
Annual fee
$0
Welcome offer
Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months
Introductory Purchases APR
0% on purchases for 15 months
Ongoing Purchases APR
20.24%-29.24% Variable
Introductory Balance Transfer APR
0% on balance transfers for 15 months
Ongoing Balance Transfer APR
20.24%-29.24% Variable
You can use the Blue Cash Everyday Card from Amex to save money with no interest on new purchases and eligible balance transfers for the first 15 months after account opening. After that, there’s an 18.24%-29.24% ongoing variable APR (see rates & fees).
Even after the intro APR offer expires, you’ll still earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1%. You’ll even get 3% back with U.S. online retailers (also up to $6,000, then 1%) — this relatively uncommon credit card rewards category, may cover a significant amount of your regular spending on sites like Amazon and Target or larger one-off purchases with retailers like Wayfair or Ebay.
Read our full list of the best 0% APR credit cards
Annual fee
$0
Welcome offer
Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months (bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back)
Introductory APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months (18.24% – 28.24% variable APR after that)
The Citi Double Cash Card has one of the best 0% APR balance transfer offers available today, as well as long-term cash rewards. When you transfer your existing balance within four months, you’ll pay 0% APR for the first 18 months after account opening with a balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5). When the intro period ends, your ongoing APR will be a variable 18.24%-28.24%.
Not only can you use this no annual fee card to pay down debt, but you can continue to benefit from its cash-back rewards after your balances are paid. Earn 2% cash back on every purchase you make — with 1% cash back when you buy and another 1% as you pay. With that cash back structure, you’ll get rewarded as you pay down your balances and remain debt-free.
Read our full list of the best balance transfer credit cards
Annual fee
$0
Welcome offer
Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, with no minimum spending requirement or maximum rewards cap
Introductory APR
0% intro APR on new purchases for the first 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months from date of first transfer (17.24% – 26.24% variable APR after that)
Rewards rate
5% cash back in rotating categories (grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more) up to the quarterly maximum, then 1%1% on all other purchases
As you build credit for the first time as a student, you can earn rewards and set yourself up with a strong credit history using Discover it Student Cash Back. The card has rotating bonus rewards, so you’ll earn 5% cash back in categories that change quarterly. These can range from grocery stores and streaming services to individual retailers like Walmart or Amazon. The 5% cash back applies to the first $1,500 you spend in bonus categories each quarter; after that you’ll earn 1% on all purchases.
There’s no annual fee to own the Discover it Student Cash Back card, and you’ll build credit as you use your card over time. Discover reports your payments to each of the three credit bureaus every month, so by practicing good habits like paying on time and not spending too close to your credit limit, you can establish a solid credit history and increase your score. And don’t forget to pay your balances in full each month to avoid high interest charges.
Read our full list of the best student credit cards
Rewards rate
5% unlimited cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase, everywhere
Benefits
No annual or hidden fees; see if you’re approved in secondsEarn back your $200 security deposit as a statement credit when you follow card best use practices, such as making payments on timeBe automatically considered for a higher credit in six months with no additional deposit
Secured credit cards are one of the best options for people with bad credit or no credit history to build a solid score, and they can also be rewarding. The Capital One Quicksilver Secured card offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make.
Even without rewards, this card is a great secured option for building credit. You will need to submit a security deposit of at least $200 (which acts as your credit limit) when you open your Capital One Quicksilver Secured. But with responsible use, you can qualify for both an increased credit limit with no additional deposit and to upgrade to an unsecured version of the card and get your deposit back. All the while, Capital One reports your payments to the three credit bureaus so you can build your credit history with on-time monthly payments.
Read our full list of the best secured credit cards
Annual fee
$0
Welcome offer
Earn $350 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional $400 after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
Introductory Purchases APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
Ongoing Purchases APR
17.49% – 25.49% Variable
Rewards rate
5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year2% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year1% cash back on all other purchases
The Ink Business Cash from Chase can add a ton of potential value to the purchases you make for your small business, as long as your regular expenses fall within its everyday bonus categories. Eligible purchases range from spending at office supply stores and gas stations to utility bills for internet, cable, and phone services and dining at restaurants.
You can use your Ink Business Cash card to get cash back on your expenses or, if you travel for business occasionally, you can use your rewards to book travel through Chase Travel. There are also some added benefits you can use as your business grows, like spending insights, the ability to add employee cards for no additional cost, and an automatic review for a higher credit line every six months.
Read our full list of the best business credit cards
Annual fee
$0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150
Welcome offer
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
Rewards rate
2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel1x miles on all other purchases
Benefits
Free first checked bagUp to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee creditEarn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your card in a calendar year
The New United Explorer Card is a versatile airline card option that you can use to earn miles toward future flights and get added perks when you fly. Not only will you earn significant miles on United purchases, but you’ll also earn on hotel stays and when you dine out at home or while traveling.
For travelers who prefer United Airlines, the United Explorer Card’s benefits may be its best feature. You’ll get your first checked bag free (for you and one companion on the same reservation) on each flight and two one-time passes to the United Club each year. Even if you only fly once in a calendar year, taking advantage of these two benefits could be worth up to $260 in value. You’ll also get priority boarding on United flights, 25% back on select in-flight purchases, and more.
Read our full list of the best airline credit cards
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Welcome offer
Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months
Rewards rate
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases annually, then earn 1%)6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more1% cash back on all other purchases*Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
Benefits
Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfersReceive a monthly statement credit of $7 when you spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription (valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.)Enjoy $0 intro plan fees for the first 12 months when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments
The Amex Blue Cash Preferred offers one of the highest rewards rates available on everyday purchases, providing 6% cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (on up to $6,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1%). If you were to hit that cap each year, you would earn $360 in cash back* — and that’s for purchases you’re already making.
In addition, eligible new Amex Blue Cash Preferred cardholders can earn a generous welcome bonus and take advantage of useful 0% introductory APR offers. Whether you want to pay down debt or cover a large purchase, you can get 0% intro APR on purchases or balance transfers for 12 months, then 20.24%-29.24% variable APR.
*Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
Read our full list of the best grocery credit cards
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to the Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn’t include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
