The Best Credit Cards Of 2023

The Best Credit Cards Of 2023 Guide

The best credit cards can vary depending on your personal financial goals, spending habits, and credit profile. Here are some popular credit cards that offer excellent benefits and rewards:

  1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is ideal for travel enthusiasts. It offers generous rewards on travel and dining purchases, a valuable sign-up bonus, and flexible redemption options through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
  2. American Express Platinum Card®: Aimed at frequent travelers, this card provides luxurious benefits like airport lounge access, travel credits, elite hotel status, and a wide range of rewards. However, it comes with a high annual fee.
  3. Citi Double Cash Card: This card is popular for its simplicity and cashback rewards. It offers 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay your bill) with no annual fee.
  4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Suitable for travel and everyday spending, it offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, a valuable sign-up bonus, and flexible redemption options.
  5. Discover it® Cash Back: Known for its rotating bonus categories, this card provides 5% cash back on different categories each quarter. It also has no annual fee and offers a unique feature called Cashback Match, where Discover matches all the cash back earned in the first year.
  6. Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card allows you to choose your own 3% cash back category, including options like gas, online shopping, dining, travel, and more. It also offers a sign-up bonus and has no annual fee.
  7. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: Designed for frequent Amazon shoppers, this card provides 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases, along with various cashback rates on other categories.

Remember, the best credit card for you depends on your specific needs, spending patterns, and creditworthiness. It’s always a good idea to compare the features, rewards, fees, and terms of different credit cards before making a decision.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards

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If you’re looking for the best credit cards with no annual fee, here are some popular options:

  1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®: This card offers a flat cash-back rate on all purchases, making it a simple and versatile option. It provides 1.5% cash back on every purchase, and you can redeem the cashback for statement credits, gift cards, or travel.
  2. Discover it® Cash Back: As mentioned earlier, this card has no annual fee and offers rotating bonus categories that earn 5% cash back. Additionally, it provides 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  3. Citi® Double Cash Card: This card is known for its straightforward cash-back rewards structure. It offers 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you make a purchase and an additional 1% when you pay your bill.
  4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card provides a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a simple and easy-to-use option. It also offers a sign-up bonus and no foreign transaction fees.
  5. Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card: With this card, you can choose your own 3% cash back category from a list that includes options like gas, online shopping, dining, travel, and more. It also offers 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, as well as 1% on all other purchases.
  6. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card: Wells Fargo Credit Card offers a wide range of rewards with no annual fee. It provides 3X points on dining, gas stations, rideshares, transit, flights, hotels, and popular streaming services.

Remember to consider your spending habits and personal preferences when choosing a credit card. While no annual fee cards can be attractive, make sure to review the rewards, benefits, and terms to find the best fit for your needs.

Best Cashback Credit Cards

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When it comes to cashback credit cards, here are some of the best options available:

  1. Citi® Double Cash Card: This card offers one of the highest cash-back rates available. You earn 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 1% cash back when you pay your bill, effectively providing 2% cash back on all your spending.
  2. Chase Freedom Flex℠: This card offers a rotating quarterly bonus category where you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases. It also provides 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  3. Discover it® Cash Back: This card features rotating quarterly bonus categories where you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases. It also provides 1% cash back on all other purchases. Additionally, Discover offers Cashback Match, where they match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
  4. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Designed for foodies and entertainment enthusiasts, this card offers 3% cash back on dining, 2% cash back at grocery stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. It also has no annual fee.
  5. American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card: This card is great for those who spend a significant amount on groceries and streaming services. It offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. It also provides 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. However, it comes with an annual fee.
  6. Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card allows you to choose your own 3% cash back category from a list of options like gas, online shopping, dining, travel, and more. It also offers 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Remember to consider your spending habits and the categories in which you spend the most to choose a cashback credit card that aligns with your needs and preferences.

Best Travel Credit Cards

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When it comes to travel credit cards, here are some of the best options available:

  1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is popular among travelers and offers valuable travel rewards and benefits. It provides 2X points on travel and dining purchases, flexible redemption options through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and a valuable sign-up bonus. It also offers benefits like trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary car rental insurance.
  2. American Express Platinum Card®: Aimed at frequent travelers, this card offers a wide range of luxury travel benefits. It provides airport lounge access (including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass), annual travel credits, elite hotel status, and access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program. It also earns Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to airline and hotel partners.
  3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card is designed for travel enthusiasts and offers flexible rewards. It provides unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, and the miles can be redeemed for travel expenses. It also offers a valuable sign-up bonus and has no foreign transaction fees.
  4. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: If you frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, this card can be a great option. It offers generous rewards and benefits specifically tailored to Southwest, such as Rapid Rewards points, anniversary bonus points, and tier qualifying points towards A-List status.
  5. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: If you prefer flying with Delta Air Lines, this card can be advantageous. It offers perks like priority boarding, a free checked bag, and the ability to earn Delta SkyMiles on your purchases. It also provides access to Delta Sky Club lounges at a discounted rate.
  6. Citi Premier® Card: This card is suitable for those who want flexible travel rewards. It offers 3X points on travel, including gas stations, and 2X points on dining and entertainment. Points can be transferred to airline partners or redeemed for travel through the ThankYou travel portal.

Remember to consider factors such as the airline or hotel loyalty programs you prefer, annual fees, and the specific travel benefits that align with your needs and preferences when choosing a travel credit card.

Best Rewards Credit Cards

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When it comes to rewards credit cards, here are some of the best options available:

  1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Chase card offers a generous rewards program with 2X points on travel and dining purchases. It also provides valuable redemption options through Chase Ultimate Rewards, including transfers to airline and hotel partners.
  2. American Express® Gold Card: American Express card is designed for food and travel enthusiasts. It offers 4X points at restaurants worldwide and 4X points on up to $25,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets. Additionally, it provides 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines and valuable benefits like dining credits and hotel perks.
  3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Capital One card provides a simple and flexible rewards program. It offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, and the miles can be redeemed for travel expenses. It also offers a valuable sign-up bonus and has no foreign transaction fees.
  4. Discover it® Cash Back: Discover card is known for its rotating bonus categories that offer 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases. It also provides 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover also offers Cashback Match, where they match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
  5. Citi® Double Cash Card: Citi cash card offers a straightforward cash-back program. It provides 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you make a purchase and an additional 1% when you pay your bill.
  6. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Bank of America credit card offers a versatile rewards program with 2X points on travel and dining and 1.5X points on all other purchases. It also provides valuable benefits like a $100 airline incidental statement credit and up to $100 airport security statement credit.

Remember to consider your spending habits, preferred redemption options, and the types of rewards that align with your interests when choosing a rewards credit card. It’s also important to review any applicable fees and terms associated with the card.

Best Low-Interest Credit CardsBest Credit Cards | Cashback Credit Cards | Travel Credit Cards | Rewards Credit Cards | Secured Credit Cards

When it comes to low-interest credit cards, here are some of the best options available:

  1. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: Citi card is known for its long introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers and purchases. It offers an extended period to pay off your balances without accruing interest charges.
  2. Discover it® Balance Transfer: Discover card is designed for balance transfers with an extended 0% APR period. It offers a promotional APR on balance transfers, allowing you to consolidate and pay off your existing debt over time without accruing interest.
  3. Wells Fargo Platinum Card: Wells Fargo credit card provides an introductory 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers, allowing you to save on interest charges. It also offers additional benefits like cell phone protection and access to your FICO® Credit Score.
  4. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: This card features a lengthy introductory 0% APR period on both balance transfers and purchases. It offers a competitive interest rate once the promotional period ends, making it suitable for ongoing low-interest needs.
  5. Capital One QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card: While not specifically a low-interest card, it offers a competitive variable interest rate and may be accessible for those with average credit. It also provides cashback rewards on purchases.

Remember, low-interest credit cards are especially beneficial if you plan to carry a balance or make large purchases over time. However, it’s important to consider other factors like annual fees, credit limits, and additional card benefits when choosing a credit card that aligns with your financial needs.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

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When it comes to balance transfer credit cards, here are some of the best options available:

  1. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: This card is renowned for its balance transfer offer. It provides an extended 0% APR period on balance transfers, allowing you to transfer existing high-interest balances and pay them off over time without incurring interest charges. It also offers a 0% APR period on purchases.
  2. Discover it® Balance Transfer: This card is specifically designed for balance transfers. It offers an introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers, allowing you to consolidate your existing debt and save on interest charges. It also provides cash-back rewards on purchases.
  3. Chase Slate®: This card is often recommended for balance transfers due to its attractive features. It offers an introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers for a specified period, with no balance transfer fees during the first 60 days. It also provides free access to your FICO® Credit Score.
  4. Wells Fargo Platinum Card: This card provides an introductory 0% APR period on both purchases and balance transfers. It offers an extended period to pay off your balances without accruing interest charges. Additionally, it offers benefits like cell phone protection and access to your FICO® Credit Score.
  5. BankAmericard® Credit Card: This card offers a competitive introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers. It allows you to transfer high-interest balances and save on interest charges. It also has no annual fee.

When considering balance transfer credit cards, it’s important to review the terms and conditions, such as the duration of the promotional period, any balance transfer fees, and the ongoing interest rate after the promotional period ends.

Additionally, keep in mind that eligibility for these cards often depends on your creditworthiness.

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Best credit cards for building credit

Building credit is an important step in establishing a strong financial foundation. Here are some of the best credit cards for building credit:

  1. Secured Credit Cards: Secured credit cards are a great option for building credit, especially if you have a limited or poor credit history. These cards require a security deposit, which serves as collateral and determines your credit limit. They typically report your payment history to credit bureaus, helping you build a positive credit history over time. Some popular secured credit card options include the Discover it® Secured Credit Card and the Capital One Secured Mastercard.
  2. Student Credit Cards: Student credit cards are designed for college students who are new to credit. These cards often have lower credit limits and more lenient approval criteria. They offer an opportunity to start building credit responsibly. Some popular student credit cards include the Discover it® Student Cash Back and the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®.
  3. Credit Builder Loans: While not credit cards, credit builder loans can help you establish or improve your credit history. These loans work by depositing a loan amount into a locked savings account, and you make fixed monthly payments toward that loan. Once you’ve repaid the loan, you receive the funds, and your positive payment history is reported to the credit bureaus.
  4. Starter Credit Cards: Starter credit cards are designed for individuals with limited credit history. These cards typically have lower credit limits and may offer rewards or cash-back options. Some popular starter credit card options include the Capital One Platinum Credit Card and the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card.
  5. Credit Union Credit Cards: Credit unions often offer credit cards with favorable terms for individuals looking to build credit. These cards may have lower interest rates, lower fees, and more personalized customer service. Consider checking with local credit unions to explore their credit card options.

Remember, when using any credit card to build credit, it’s crucial to make on-time payments and keep your credit utilization low. Over time, responsible credit card usage can help you establish a solid credit history and improve your credit score.

Best-secured credit cards

When it comes to secured credit cards, here are some of the best options available:

  1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card: This card is often recommended for its strong features and benefits. It offers cash back rewards on purchases, with 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover also provides a feature called Cashback Match, where they match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
  2. Capital One Secured Mastercard: This card is a popular choice for building credit. It has no annual fee and offers a minimum required security deposit that can be lower than some other secured cards. Capital One also provides access to a higher credit limit after making your first five monthly payments on time.
  3. Citi® Secured Mastercard®: This secured card from Citi is a solid option for building or rebuilding credit. It has no annual fee and reports your payment history to the credit bureaus, helping you establish or improve your credit. Citi may also review your account periodically and may offer to upgrade you to an unsecured card if you meet their criteria.
  4. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: This card is known for its straightforward application process and lack of a credit check requirement. It’s a good option for those with limited or poor credit history. OpenSky reports to all three major credit bureaus, which can help you build credit over time.
  5. Green Dot Platinum Visa® Secured Credit Card: This secured card is designed to help you build or rebuild credit. It offers a low annual fee, and the security deposit determines your credit limit. Green Dot also provides access to online tools and resources to track your progress and manage your credit.

Remember, with secured credit cards, it’s important to make on-time payments and keep your credit utilization low to build a positive credit history. Additionally, always review the terms and conditions, including any fees associated with the card, to make an informed decision.

Best student credit cards

When it comes to student credit cards, here are some of the best options available:

  1. Discover it® Student Cash Back: This card is specifically designed for students and offers attractive rewards. It provides 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover also offers Cashback Match, where they match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
  2. Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®: This card is tailored for students and offers rewards for responsible credit use. It provides 1% cash back on all purchases, and if you make your payments on time, you can earn a higher cashback rate of 1.25% for that month. This card also has no annual fee.
  3. Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students: This card offers cash-back rewards and benefits for students. It provides 3% cash back in a category of your choice (such as gas, online shopping, dining, travel, and more), 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Bank of America also offers additional bonuses for redeeming your cash back into a Bank of America checking or savings account.
  4. Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card: This card is designed for students and offers a unique rounding feature on purchases. It rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, providing a boost to your rewards. It also offers 2X ThankYou® Points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year) and 1X ThankYou® Points on all other purchases.
  5. Deserve® Edu Mastercard for Students: This card is tailored for students who may not have a credit history yet. It offers cash-back rewards on all purchases, has no annual fee, and provides additional perks like a free year of Amazon Prime Student membership and cellphone protection.

When choosing a student credit card, consider factors such as rewards, fees, credit-building opportunities, and additional benefits that align with your needs. It’s important to use your credit card responsibly and make on-time payments to build a positive credit history.