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Whether you're looking to consolidate credit card debt with a balance transfer, planning a trip using points and miles, or prefer keeping it simple by earning cash back, it's an excellent time to open one of the best credit cards. Many of the most rewarding credit cards on the market are currently offering limited-time elevated welcome bonuses or long intro 0% APR offers that can help you save money on interest.
It's impossible to name one single best credit card, given the wide range of benefits, rewards, and annual fees available. But if you're looking to find the best credit card for you, breaking it down by category is a good way to approach your search.
This guide highlights the best credit card option for several different types of users. If you want a to-the-point recommendation for maximizing your spending and enjoying benefits like an intro APR period, this guide will help you find a quick answer.
Compare the Best Credit Cards
Best cash-back card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
4.3/5
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is definitely worth considering if you want to earn a strong rate of cash rewards on purchases without rotating categories or earning caps and with no annual fee. It's got a solid welcome bonus and intro APR offer, which puts it high on our list of the best zero-interest credit cards.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening
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Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening
Editor's Rating
4.3/5
4.3 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Good welcome bonus for a $0 annual fee card
Straightforward 2% cash rewards on purchases with no categories to track
Strong benefits including cell phone protection, Visa Signature perks, and an intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
Cons
If you've opened a Wells Fargo card in the past six months, you may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo credit card
Foreign transaction fees
Highlights
More Information
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
$0 annual fee
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
1.5% cash back in addition to regular earning on everything you buy up to $20,000 spent in the first year (worth up to $300 cash back)
1.5% cash back in addition to regular earning on everything you buy up to $20,000 spent in the first year (worth up to $300 cash back)
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
1.5% cash back in addition to regular earning on everything you buy up to $20,000 spent in the first year (worth up to $300 cash back)
1.5% cash back in addition to regular earning on everything you buy up to $20,000 spent in the first year (worth up to $300 cash back)
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice for credit card beginners and experts alike. With no annual fee and a high earnings rate, it's worth considering as an everyday card — and it's even better when you pair it with an annual-fee Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
1.5% cash back in addition to regular earning on everything you buy up to $20,000 spent in the first year (worth up to $300 cash back)
1.5% cash back in addition to regular earning on everything you buy up to $20,000 spent in the first year (worth up to $300 cash back)
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Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.49% - 29.24% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
Editor's Rating
4.35/5
4.35 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Solid flat cash-back rate
You can combine cash-back rewards with Ultimate Rewards points if you have an eligible card
No annual fee
Cons
Some other cards offer a higher rate of cash back on certain types of purchases
Highlights
More Information
INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% 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!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® 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.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
If you're looking for the best Wells Fargo credit card for balance transfers, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is a great choice. And it offers an extra-long interest-free period on new purchases, too.
Details
Rewards
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days
Editor's Rating
3.5/5
3.5 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Extra-long intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
No annual fee
Cell phone protection
Cons
No rewards
Foreign transaction fees
Highlights
More Information
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.
$0 Annual Fee
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (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.
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$95
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$95
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
If you're new to travel rewards credit cards or just don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and offers strong travel and purchase coverage, including primary car rental insurance.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. Earn 3x points on select streaming services. Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on other travel. Earn 1x point per dollar on everything else.
Annual Fee
$95
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
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Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
N/A
Editor's Rating
4.4/5
4.4 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
High intro bonus offer starts you off with lots of points
Strong travel coverage
Cons
Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Highlights
More Information
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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, 2024.
50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening
50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 3x Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 3x Miles at hotels when purchase made directly with the hotel. Earn 2x Miles on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 2x Miles on groceries at U.S supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other purchases.
50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening
50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 3x Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 3x Miles at hotels when purchase made directly with the hotel. Earn 2x Miles on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 2x Miles on groceries at U.S supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other purchases.
Delta's mid-tier card is a good choice for frequent flyers who can take advantage of money-saving benefits like a free checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights, an annual companion certificate, and a statement credit for the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee. However, if you're unlikely to maximize these perks or you don't fly Delta that often, a travel credit card with a lower annual fee is a better choice.
Details
Rewards
Earn 3x Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 3x Miles at hotels when purchase made directly with the hotel. Earn 2x Miles on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 2x Miles on groceries at U.S supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$250
Intro offer
50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening
50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening
Show more
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Editor's Rating
4.3/5
4.3 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Earns bonus miles at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets
Annual companion certificate can help you recoup most, if not all, of the annual fee
You get a free checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights
Cons
High annual fee
Highlights
More Information
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Get access to Delta Sky Club® at a rate of $50 per person per visit for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Best hotel card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
4.8/5
Annual Fee
$450
Intro offer
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Many of the best credit cards come with high annual fees that certainly aren't for everyone, and that's definitely the case with the $450-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card . This is Hilton's most expensive (and rewarding) card, and it's geared toward loyal Hilton travelers who can make the most of its many generous benefits.
Details
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$450
Intro offer
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
15.74% to 24.74% variable APR on purchases
Editor's Rating
4.8/5
4.8 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Complimentary top-tier Hilton elite status
Get a weekend night reward each year after you renew your card
High welcome bonus
Valuable annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases
Cons
High annual fee
Highlights
More Information
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Business Insider.
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the card within your first 3 months of card membership
14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your card at U.S. restaurants
3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your card
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.05/5
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.05/5
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great pick for students who spend a lot on food and going out, because it earns 3% cash back on dining, groceries (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), streaming, and entertainment.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
$50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
Show more
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair, Limited
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Editor's Rating
4.05/5
4.05 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Good welcome bonus with an easy spending requirement
Strong 3% cash back earning in popular everyday spending categories for students like dining, entertainment, eligible streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
Cons
Only available to college students
Highlights
More Information
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases
Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
Build your credit with responsible card use
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is worth considering if you're new to credit or are working on rebuilding your score, since it's unlikely you'll be approved for any of the best credit cards on the market. It's unique because it earns strong rewards when most other secured credit cards do not.
Details
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
New/Rebuilding
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
28.24% Variable
Editor's Rating
3.6/5
3.6 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Offers cash-back rewards, which isn't a given for secured credit cards
Discover matches cash back after your first account year
Cons
Other secured cards let you start with lower minimum security deposits
You must fund the security deposit from a bank account
Highlights
More Information
No credit score required to apply.
No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history
Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
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. It's free, activate with the mobile app.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
Click through to Discover's website to see terms and conditions.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
3.88/5
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
3.88/5
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice if you're new to credit cards and working on building your credit history and score. It's a rare secured credit card that offers decent rewards, but you'll have to put down a deposit after you're approved to secure your credit line.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
Limited, No History
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
30.49% Variable
Editor's Rating
3.88/5
3.88 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limits
You can get approved for this card with limited credit
Ability to increase credit line and potential to improve credit score with responsible use
Cons
No welcome bonus
Because it’s a secured credit card, you’ll have to put down a security deposit for your initial credit line
High APR if you carry a balance
Highlights
More Information
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
Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
The best credit card is hard to choose, because there are so many options for so many different types of users. A credit card that earns travel rewards could be the best option for one person, but if you're looking to earn cash back, you'll be better served by another pick.
For most people, a no-annual-fee cash rewards card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card or Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a good choice if you have to pick just one card.
What is the best credit card company?
The best credit card company for you comes down to what kind of rewards you want to earn, what benefits you value, and what annual fee you are willing to pay.
For example, if you value high-end travel benefits like airport lounge access and statement credits, an American Express card could be the right choice. But if you just want to earn cash back, a card from Capital One, Citi, Chase, Discover, or Wells Fargo could be the best choice, depending on what bonus rewards categories you want. Learn more about the different US credit card companies.
What are the most popular credit cards?
The most popular credit cards are Chase credit cards according to search data, compared to cards from other issuers such as Citi and Amex. Among Chase cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve are particularly well-known thanks to high-profile advertising campaigns. Some store credit cards are also very popular with consumers, including the Best Buy Credit Card and the Home Depot Credit Card.
How do I find the best credit card?
Find the best credit card by determining your goals for opening a card in the first place. Are you looking to boost your credit? In that case, a secured card or a no annual fee cash-back card could make sense. For earn credit card rewards, you'll want to narrow down the type of rewards that work for you. There's cash back, flexible travel rewards like Chase and Amex points, or airline miles and hotel points tied to a specific loyalty program.
Best Credit Card Reviews
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Why the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is worth it: Between a flat 2% cash rewards rate on purchases and a generous welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is an excellent choice if you prefer the simplicity of earning and redeeming cash back.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card tops our list for its straightforward rewards structure and compelling intro bonus offer. Cardholders earn 2% cash rewards on purchases with no caps and no complicated categories to juggle. That's why it tops our list of the best cash-back credit cards (and the best Wells Fargo credit cards).
It comes with a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening, and you can redeem Wells Fargo Rewards for statement credits, gift cards, travel, and more. For new cardholders, there's a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening (followed by a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR), which can be helpful if you have big expenses you want to pay off over several months.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card also offers a decent range of benefits, including cell phone protection, travel emergency assistance services, roadside dispatch, and Visa Signature Concierge access. Keep in mind this card adds foreign transaction fees, so if you're traveling internationally, it's best to use a different card.
What the experts love: High rewards rate across all purchases, good welcome offer, no annual fee
What the experts don't love: Foreign transaction fees
Why the Chase Freedom Unlimited is worth it:Along with a generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns up to 5x rewards in popular categories with no annual fee. It's a top pick in our list of the best no annual fee credit cards, and it's especially attractive for those with another Chase card.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a long 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, after which there's a 20.49% - 29.24% Variable APR.
Not only does this card help you pay down credit card debt with a generous introductory APR period, but it also offers solid ongoing rewards. You'll earn 5% cash back (5x points) on travel purchases made through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel portal, 5% back on Lyft rides through March 2025, 3% back (3x points) on drugstores and dining, and 1.5% back (1.5x points) on everything else with no cap.
Why the Wells Fargo Reflect card is worth it: If you're looking for an ultra-long 0% APR offer for both purchases and qualifying balance transfers, you won't do much better than the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card.
You might wonder why a card that doesn't earn rewards appears on our list of top credit cards — and if that's your priority, you can probably give the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card a skip. Where the card does excel, however, is with its intro APR offer. New cardholders receive a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days (then 18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% variable). Balance transfers must occur within 120 days of account opening to qualify for the intro 0% APR rate and come with a fee of 5% for each balance transfer (minimum of $5).
There are a few other cards that come with a balance transfer offer of the same length, but a shorter duration (or none at all) for purchases. That's why you'll find this card at the top of our guide to the best balance transfer credit cards. And while many similar cards are skimpy on benefits, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card does come with cell phone protection against damage and theft. That can be a good reason to keep using the card after the intro period ends — especially since it's unusual to see no-annual-fee cards with that benefit.
What the experts love: Extra long 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, no annual fee
What the experts don't love: No welcome bonus offer or rewards, and few benefits aside from cell phone protection
Why the Citi Double Cash card is worth it: The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of only a few cards that effectively earns 2% back (1 point per dollar when you buy, and 1 point per dollar when you pay) on every purchase — with no annual fee and a solid intro APR offer to boot.
The Citi® Double Cash Card offers one of the longest introductory APR periods, landing it at the top of our list for thebest 0% APR credit cards. But it's also a great option for earning cash back. In fact, it's one of our top picks for the best cash-back credit cards thanks to its straightforward earning structure — you effectively get 1% cash back when you make a purchase, and 1% back when you pay your bill.
The Double Cash card earns Citi ThankYou points instead of cash back directly. But you can still redeem your points for cash back (as well as travel, gift cards, and more) and get the same rate of return.
This card also ranks highly on our list of the best balance transfer credit cards. As a new cardholder, you get a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months (which must be completed in the first four months from account opening). After that, there's a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR. Here's our guide explaining if balance transfers are worth it with the pros and cons of balance transfers.
If you also have a premium Citi card like the Citi Premier® Card or the Citi Prestige® Card
(no longer open to new applicants), you can combine your rewards from the Citi® Double Cash Card with one of those accounts for the opportunity to transfer them to all of Citi's airline and hotel partners.
What the experts love: Generous and straightforward earning on all purchases, rewards awarded as Citi ThankYou points
What the experts don't love: Foreign transaction fees, doesn't always offer a welcome bonus
Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is worth it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best travel credit cards for beginners and experts alike, with a moderate annual fee, substantial bonus, and great redemption options.
If you want to earn travel rewards, you'll find that Chase Ultimate Rewards points are the most user-friendly of the various bank currencies, which are also referred to as transferable points because you can transfer them over to various airline and hotel partners. In the case of Chase points, you can transfer them to partners like British Airways, Hyatt, United Airlines, and Southwest, or you can book travel directly through Chase. If you choose the latter, your points are worth 1.25 cents apiece — a 25% bonus.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card starts you off with a welcome bonus offer of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Those points are worth $750 in travel booked through Chase, or potentially up to $1,080 if you decide to redeem with the program's transfer partners per Insider's valuations.
You'll earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (2x points on all other travel purchases), 5x points on Lyft rides through March 2025, 3x points on dining, 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), 3x points on select streaming services, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Beyond the rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers some valuable travel insurance, including primary car rental insurance, trip delay insurance, and baggage delay insurance.
Why the Delta Platinum card is worth it: If you fly Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is hard to beat for value. (If you're not a Delta flyer, see our best airline credit cards guide for other top options). This card earns a spot in this guide thanks to benefits that go beyond the standard features like free checked bags and priority boarding — though it offers those, too.
The card has an annual fee of $250, but for Delta flyers it can be worth it thanks to its annual Delta companion certificate benefit. This essentially lets you buy one domestic flight ticket and get one free for Delta flights in the continental US when you pay with this card. You'll only pay taxes and fees on your companion's ticket. Depending how you use it, this perk can more than cancel out the annual fee.
Other top features include TakeOff 15, which gets you 15% off Delta award flights, and an application fee credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
What the experts love: Delta companion certificate, good intro bonus and ongoing earning rates, free checked bag on Delta
Cons: Annual fee isn't worth it if you don't fly Delta often and can't take advantage of the companion certificate
Why the Hilton Honors Aspire card is worth it: You might be wondering why our pick for best hotel credit card has an annual fee of $450. While that's a steep price to pay up front, if you're a frequent Hilton guest you can get back that much value and more by taking advantage of this card's generous perks.
Not only does the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offer a solid welcome bonus of 150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening — which can get you a range of free hotel nights depending on where you choose to redeem — but it also comes with an annual Hilton resort credit of $250. You can use this toward purchases at Hilton resorts, such as room service, spa treatments, or activities. So provided you book at least one Hilton stay per year where you can use this credit, you're already recouping $250 in value.
Plus, the card offers up to $250 in airline incidental fee credits each calendar year. You'll pick an airline, then you can get reimbursed for baggage fees, seat selection, in-flight purchases, and more when you pay with the card.
The full list of benefits is too lengthy to list here, but other standouts that can get you significant value include an annual free night award (redeemable at almost any Hilton worldwide) and top-tier Hilton Diamond elite status, which gets you bonus points on Hilton stays, free breakfast, space-available room upgrades, and more.
If you're not interested in staying at Hilton locations, see our guide to the best hotel credit cards for other options, including those tied to other hotel chains and cards with rewards that can be redeemed at a wider range of properties.
What the experts love: Strong welcome bonus, high earning rates on spending, valuable annual credits and free night certificate
What the experts don't love: High annual fee, Hilton-specific benefits mean it's not the best pick if you prefer other hotels
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why the Capital One SavorOne Student card is worth it: Earning 3% cash back in student-friendly categories with the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card can add up quickly, and because it's geared to students, it can be easier to qualify with limited credit history.
Though there are many options on the market, this is our top pick for the best student credit card. Of the student cards that actually earn rewards, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is most aligned with typical college student spending habits. You'll earn 3% cash back on dining (including restaurants, bars, cafes, and lounges), at grocery stores (except superstores like Walmart and Target), entertainment (such as movies, professional sporting events, and amusement parks), and popular streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+).
On top of that, it also earns 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats (through November 14, 2024), 5% cash back on car rentals and hotels booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. All other purchases earn 1% back.
You might expect a student credit card to be a little thin in the benefits department, but that's not the case here. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card cardholders receive price protection***, extended warranty***, car rental insurance***, roadside dispatch***, and travel accident insurance***. And because the card doesn't add foreign transaction fees, it's a great choice to use if you're studying abroad for a semester or taking a backpacking trip overseas during summer break.
What the experts love:Excellent categories for students, good benefits, no annual or foreign transaction fees
What the experts don't love: There's not always a welcome bonus offer
Why the Discover It Secured credit card is worth it: The point of secured cards is to help you build credit, so don't expect lots of features and extras. That said, some of the best secured credit cards, like the Discover it Secured Card, do earn rewards. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to upgrade to a non-secured card after showing a history of responsible use.
If you have a very limited credit history or are looking to repair bad credit, many of the cards on this list won't be available to you. Most of the top rewards cards require credit scores in the 600s or higher — if that's not where your credit is, you may need to consider a secured card to help repair your credit.
Secured credit cards are easy to get approved for because they require a cash deposit upfront, which minimizes the issuer's risk. Your credit limit is equal to the cash deposit you put down.
If a secured card seems like the right option for you, the Discover it Secured Card is an especially good option, because it's the rare secured card to offer rewards. You'll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of the first year.
With this card, automatic reviews start at seven months to see if Discover can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
What the experts love: Ease of approval, rare opportunity to earn cash-back rewards on a secured card
What the experts don't love: No traditional welcome bonus offer, other cash-back cards earn higher rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards card is worth it: The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is another secured credit card that stands out for offering rewards. You'll earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases (and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel), with no limit and no annual fee.
Secured cards are some of the best credit cards for bad credit, since they're easier to get. These cards require a cash deposit up front, which lowers the risk for a card issuer. After using this card for a while and making on-time monthly payments, you may see your credit score increase.
What the experts love: Earns rewards (a rarity for secured cards), no foreign transaction fees, responsible use can raise your credit score
What the experts don't love: No welcome bonus, high APR if you carry a balance
We evaluated dozens of credit cards to narrow down the best picks in various categories. Some of these cards didn't make our list for one reason or another — for example, only appealing to a very specific group of consumers, or charging an exceptionally high annual fee.
We've listed some of our favorite runners-up here, and why they didn't make our final list:
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card — It earns a respectable 1.5% cash back on most purchases and doesn't charge an annual fee, but the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card lost out to cards like the Chase Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which have the potential to earn even more cash back. Find out if the card is a fit for you in our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card review.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card — This card comes with an extra-long intro APR on balance transfers, but it's not as generous for purchases (0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months (transfers must be completed within four months of account opening) and on purchases for 12 months, then a 18.24% - 28.99% Variable). It got edged out by the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card (which also comes with more benefits). However, if you're looking for a Citi balance transfer card, it's a solid pick. Check out our Citi Diamond Preferred credit card review to learn more.
Discover it® Student Cash Back — This card earns 5% cash back in popular rotating bonus categories when you activate, on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter (then 1% back), as well as 1% back everywhere else with no limits (from July 1 to September 30, 2023, you can earn 5% cash back at Gas Stations and Digital Wallets on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%). That's a good deal, but you'll have to remember to activate the bonus and keep track of new categories every three months. You can get the full rundown in our Discover it Student Cash Back card review.
Prime Visa
— Amazon Prime members can earn 5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods with this card, plus 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and on local transit and commuting. But if you're not a Prime member or don't make a lot of Amazon purchases, you'll probably do better overall with a different card. Here's our Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card review for more details.
Credit Card News This Week
Citi announced a big refresh on the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
, which takes effect July 23, 2023. Changes to the Citi AAdvantage Executive card include a big limited-time welcome bonus offer, new statement credits and earning, a new fee for authorized users, and an increased annual fee for the primary cardholder.
Credit cards can be powerful tools for improving your credit score and earning rewards — if you use them responsibly. It's important to only spend what you can afford to pay off each month so you don't end up in debt and start amassing steep interest fees.
Provided you're in a position to pay off your credit card statements and spend within your means, there are several reasons opening a credit card could be a good idea. For one, credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards or cash — if an unauthorized purchase is made with your card, you won't be on the hook.
Using a credit card responsibly can also help you build and repair your credit, since your on-time payments will be reported to the credit bureaus. Finally, a credit card can help you maximize every dollar you spend, by earning you cash back, points, or miles.
Focus on your priorities, and be realistic about what cards you're able to get approved for. Many of the best credit cards require credit scores in the high 600s at a bare minimum, so if your credit score isn't there yet, you'll want to look at options for bad to fair credit scores so you can focus on building your credit back up.
Beyond that, decide what annual fee you're comfortable paying. Some people avoid paying credit card annual fees completely, and there are several great cards in the no-annual-fee category, but it could be worth paying a modest annual fee of $95 to $99 for a travel or cash-back card that earns you higher rewards. Also, decide whether you want to earn cash back or travel rewards. Keep in mind that redeeming rewards for travel is more work than simply getting cash back in your account – the payoff can be big, but focus on what is the best option for you.
How many credit cards should you have?
There's no one answer to how many credit cards you should have — it's possible to have more than 20 cards and maintain an excellent credit score, but this would probably entail several annual fees. Go slowly, space out your applications, and never bite off more than you can chew. Make sure you're able to pay off your balances in full each month, because earning rewards is never worth going into debt.
What do you need to apply for a credit card?
Nowadays, there are lots of different ways to apply for a credit card, including online, by phone, by mail, through the bank's app, or in person at a bank branch.
Regardless of how you choose to apply, you should have an idea of your credit score before you open a new card to be sure you have a chance of qualifying. In your application, you'll be asked for personal details like your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number, and income.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Credit Cards
Our list of the best credit cards is the result of an in-depth comparison between credit cards in each sub-category. We looked at America's largest credit card issuers, as well as cards frequently recommended by blogs, forums, and travel communities.
The values we prioritized when coming up with this list were:
Simplicity — not everyone wants to invest lots of time and energy into maximizing their credit cards, so we focused on cards that make things as straightforward as possible
Affordability — while there's a case to be made for paying a high annual fee when you're getting high value in return, most credit card users aren't looking for a card that costs $450 or more
Value — whether we're talking about a credit card with or without an annual fee, it's important that the benefits and features are worth it
The best credit card for you very much depends on your financial situation, spending habits, and how you like to redeem rewards. For example, if you're just getting started with credit, a student credit card or a card that doesn't require a high credit score is an ideal pick. If you're looking to earn travel rewards, on the other hand, you'll want to look at cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Jasmin Baron was an editor at Insider, responsible for credit card coverage on Personal Finance Insider. Before joining the Insider team, she was a senior editor at The Points Guy and Million Mile Secrets, covering credit cards, points and miles, and loyalty programs.Her expertise in maximizing travel rewards grew from over two decades of experience in the aviation industry, including 18 years working as a pilot and flight instructor in her native Canada.Learn more about how Personal Finance Insider chooses, rates, and covers financial products and services »
Angela Fung is the marketing compliance manager at Personal Finance Insider, overseeing a team that ensures content accuracy and editorial independence so readers are always getting up-to-date and objective financial advice. She is the primary contact for credit cards compliance and has experience managing content and partnerships for the banking, loans, and investment verticals as well. The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by making sure language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
**Enrollment required.
***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of Discover it® Secured Credit Card, please click here.
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