Credit cards have become an indispensable part of modern-day financial management, offering consumers convenience, flexibility, and a host of benefits. With a plethora of options available in the market, choosing the right credit card can be overwhelming. To help you navigate through the sea of choices, we’ve curated a list of the 25 best credit cards in the USA, each offering unique features and rewards tailored to different lifestyles and spending habits.
Best Credit Cards for You
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Highlights: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Additional Benefits: 2x points on travel and dining purchases worldwide, 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Highlights: Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, with the flexibility to redeem miles for any travel expense.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Additional Benefits: Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, no foreign transaction fees.
3. American Express® Gold Card
- Highlights: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $250
- Additional Benefits: 4x points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), $120 dining credit annually.
4. Citi® Double Cash Card
- Highlights: Earn 2% cash back on every purchase – 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: No category restrictions, no caps on cash back earnings, and no annual fee.
5. Discover it® Cash Back
- Highlights: Earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter) and 1% on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: Cashback Match™ program doubles cash back earned in the first year, no annual fee.
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6. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
- Highlights: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Additional Benefits: Up to $100 credit for airline incidentals, $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, flexible redemption options for points.
7. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
- Highlights: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: 3x points on dining, gas stations, transit, flights, hotels, and popular streaming services, no annual fee.
8. Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Highlights: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases.
9. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Highlights: Earn $300 back after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Additional Benefits: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and gas stations, and 1% cash back on other purchases.
10. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
- Highlights: Enjoy 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months from the date of the first transfer.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: No annual fee, access to Citi Entertainment® for special events and experiences.
11. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Highlights: Earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0 (requires an Amazon Prime membership)
- Additional Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, travel and purchase protections, and Visa Signature benefits.
12. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
- Highlights: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: 4x points on dining, takeout, and food delivery, 2x points on streaming services, grocery stores, and gas stations, 1x points on other eligible purchases.
13. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- Highlights: Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas for the first $7,000 per year (then 1% thereafter), 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, 2% cash back on Costco purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0 (requires a Costco membership)
- Additional Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, damage and theft purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage.
14. The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Highlights: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $695
- Additional Benefits: Access to airport lounges worldwide, up to $200 airline fee credit annually, up to $200 Uber credits, and complimentary benefits at Fine Hotels + Resorts.
15. Apple Card
- Highlights: Earn unlimited Daily Cash back on every purchase – 3% on purchases from Apple, 2% on Apple Pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: No fees, daily cashback deposited to your Apple Cash card, financial management tools integrated into the Apple Wallet app.
16. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card
- Highlights: Earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Additional Benefits: Automatic Silver Elite Status, 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year, 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, and 2x points on all other purchases.
17. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Highlights: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Additional Benefits: Weekend Night Reward after spending $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year, complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status, and 12x points at Hilton properties.
18. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Highlights: Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: Choose your 3% cash back category (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings), 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
19. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Highlights: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstores.
20. Discover it® Miles
- Highlights: Unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar spent on purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: Miles can be redeemed for travel statement credits, no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees.
21. American Express Cash Magnet® Card
- Highlights: Earn a $150 statement credit after you spend $1,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, flexible redemption options, access to American Express benefits and services.
22. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
- Highlights: Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases, with the potential to increase to 1.5% after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: No fees, no security deposit required, credit-building tools and resources.
23. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
- Highlights: Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 20 billing cycles.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: No annual fee, cell phone protection, online banking and account management tools.
24. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Highlights: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, cashback rewards don’t expire for the life of the account.
25. TD Cash Credit Card
- Highlights: Earn $150 cash back when you spend $500 within the first 90 days.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: 3% cash back on dining, 2% cash back at grocery stores, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
With an array of credit cards tailored to various preferences and spending habits, consumers can find the perfect match to maximize rewards, enjoy perks, and manage their finances effectively. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a savvy shopper, or someone looking to build credit, there’s a credit card on this list to suit your needs. Remember to compare the features, benefits, and terms of each card carefully before making your decision. Happy card hunting and here’s to unlocking financial freedom with the best credit cards in the USA!
If your credit card is lost or stolen, it’s essential to act quickly to minimize the risk of unauthorized charges. Contact your card issuer immediately to report the loss or theft and request a replacement card. Most card issuers offer 24/7 customer service and fraud protection, so they can deactivate your card, investigate any fraudulent activity, and issue a new card with a new account number.
You can improve your credit score with a credit card by using it responsibly and making timely payments. Paying your credit card bill in full and on time each month demonstrates responsible credit management and helps build a positive credit history. Additionally, keeping your credit utilization ratio low (the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total available credit) can positively impact your credit score. Avoid maxing out your credit cards and aim to keep your balances well below your credit limits.
Yes, it’s possible to negotiate lower interest rates or fees with your credit card issuer, especially if you have a good payment history and a strong credit score. Contact your card issuer and inquire about any available options for lowering your interest rate or waiving certain fees. Be prepared to explain your request and provide evidence of your creditworthiness, such as your payment history and credit score. While not guaranteed, many card issuers are willing to work with cardholders to find mutually beneficial solutions.
If you’re struggling to pay your credit card bills, it’s crucial to communicate with your card issuer as soon as possible. Contact them to explain your situation and discuss potential options for assistance, such as setting up a payment plan, temporarily lowering your interest rate, or waiving late fees. Additionally, consider seeking assistance from a reputable credit counseling agency that can provide personalized financial guidance and help you develop a plan to manage your debts effectively.
To protect yourself from credit card fraud and identity theft, be vigilant about monitoring your credit card statements and account activity for any unauthorized charges or suspicious transactions. Sign up for transaction alerts and notifications from your card issuer to receive real-time updates on account activity. Additionally, use strong, unique passwords for online accounts, avoid sharing sensitive information over unsecured networks, and consider using additional security measures such as two-factor authentication or biometric authentication where available. If you suspect fraudulent activity or identity theft, contact your card issuer immediately to report the incident and take steps to safeguard your accounts and personal information.