The best credit cards of December 2024

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

With so many credit cards on the market, it can be hard to choose the best one. There's no one-size-fits-all credit card, but options for different types of people — whether you're a foodie, road warrior, traveler, student or someone looking to build credit. A little research can help you find a card specifically designed for your lifestyle.

Below, CNBC Select rounded up the best credit cards of December 2024 that can help you build credit, save on interest and earn rewards. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards.)

Who's this for? If you want to save on credit card interest, the Citi Simplicity® Card offers one of the longest intro-APR periods for balance transfers and purchases.

Standout benefits: When you open a new Citi Simplicity Card, you'll receive an intro 0% APR on balance transfers for 21 months from the date of the first transfer (after that, a 18.49% - 29.24% variable APR applies). Balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening. The intro balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum) within four months of opening the account (after that, the balance transfer fee increases to 5% of the amount transferred with a $5 minimum).

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Who's this for? You should consider the American Express® Gold Card if food is a major expense for you and you enjoy traveling.

Standout benefits: You can receive an annual dining credit of up to $120 (up to $10 in statement credits a month) at participating partners, including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. (Terms apply; enrollment required). You also receive up to $120 in Uber Cash each year (up to $10 a month) after you download the latest version of the Uber App and add your eligible American Express® Gold Card to your Uber account, which you can use for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders (benefit may only be used in the U.S). Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.

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Who's this for? The Citi Double Cash® Card is a great option if you want to start saving on purchases right away because it has no annual fee and earns a flat 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you make a purchase and an additional 1% when you pay your credit card bill).

Standout benefits: This card is also a good choice for debt consolidation. There's a 0% intro APR for the first 18 months for balance transfers (after that, a 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR applies, based on your creditworthiness). There's an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first four months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

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Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is ideal if you want a robust cash-back card with no annual fee.

Standout benefits: When you open the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you receive an intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, after that, a 19.99% - 28.74% variable APR applies. For the first 60 days, there's an intro transfer fee of 3% of the amount you transfer (or $5, whichever is greater), which increases to 5% of the amount you transfer (or $5 minimum, whichever is greater) after the intro transfer fee period.

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Who's this for? If you want to earn rewards you can use for your next vacation, you will appreciate the Discover it® Miles card's generous rewards program and $0 annual fee.

Standout benefits: With the Discover it® Miles you'll earn an unlimited 1.5X miles on all purchases. The welcome offer is also hard to beat because Discover will match all the miles you earn the first year (for new card members in their first year only).

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Who's this for? The Platinum Card® from American Express is for those who want a luxury card. It provides access to more airport lounges than comparable cards and has a lengthy list of other benefits.

Standout benefits: With the Amex Platinum Card, you'll have unlimited free visits to these airport lounges when you enroll into Priority Pass Select:

• American Express Centurion lounges
• Delta Sky Club lounges (limited to 10 visits per year starting Feb. 1, 2025)
• Escape Lounges
• Priority Pass lounges
• Plaza Premium lounges
• Lufthansa lounges

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Who's this for? The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a great option if you're looking for a secured credit card as it can not only help you build credit but also earn rewards.

Standout benefits: You'll earn a competitive 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

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Who's this for? If you want to get a lot of value right off the bat, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The welcome bonus gets you 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That's worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel.

Standout benefits: The Sapphire Preferred has strong earning categories for those who spend on travel and dining. It earns 5X on travel purchased through Chase Travelâ„ , 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2X points on all other travel purchases and 1X points on all other purchases.

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Who's this for? College students will love the Discover it® Student Cash Back because you can earn lots of cashback and take advantage of 0% intro APR financing.

Standout benefits: With a new Discover it Student Cash Back card, you'll receive an introductory 0% APR for six months on new purchases — perfect for financing dorm room essentials or textbooks. After the intro period, there's an 17.74% - 26.74% variable APR. After you graduate, your Discover it Student card becomes a regular credit card.

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Who's this for? The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express can help you save on groceries because it earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).

Standout benefits: This card has valuable statement credit benefits you can take advantage of. You can receive up to $84 in Disney bundle credit ($7 back a month after spending at least $9.99, enrollment required. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.).

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Who's this for? The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers loads of perks designed with travelers in mind. If you want valuable rewards and useful benefits, this card is a good fit.

Standout benefits: In addition to earning valuable Capital One miles, every four years you'll receive a credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application, up to $120. Keep in mind that if you're approved for Global Entry, you'll also receive TSA PreCheck's expedited security benefits.

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Who's this for? The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is great if you're seeking a highly generous intro APR for both purchases and balance transfers.

Standout rewards: With this card, you can take advantage of a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for a full 21 months (17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter). For a balance transfer to qualify for the intro APR, it must be made within 120 days from account opening, and a balance transfer fee of 5% of the amount transferred applies ($5 minimum).

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Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is geared toward foodies and frequent travelers looking for luxurious perks. If you want airport lounge access, top-tier travel insurance and a robust rewards program, this card may be for you.

Standout benefits: The points you earn with this card offer a combination of value and simplicity. With this card, all points are worth 50% more (1.5 cents each) when redeemed toward travel via Chase Travelâ„ . Alternatively, you can transfer your points to over a dozen airline and hotel transfer partners.

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Who's this for? You will love the Bilt Mastercard® if you rent your home as it is the only card that lets you earn transferrable travel rewards on rent payments with no transaction fees.

Standout benefits: The points you earn with the Bilt Mastercard have lots of uses and can be extremely valuable. Perhaps the best way to redeem Bilt points is by transferring to one of its travel partners, which include programs such as World of Hyatt, Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus and Alaska Mileage Plan.

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Who's this for? The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is worth looking into if you want a premium travel card but don't want to pay an ultra-high annual fee. It has a lower annual fee than other high-end cards with similar features and simple benefits that can easily offset its cost.

Standout benefits: With the Capital One Venture X card, you'll receive up to $300 in credits each year for bookings you make through Capital One Travel. You'll also get a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth at least $100 for travel), making it easy to recoup the $395 annual fee.

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Who's this for? Sports fans, movie buffs and adventure seekers all have a reason to like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, thanks to its generous cash-back rates for things like entertainment and dining.

Standout benefits: With the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card, you'll earn an unlimited 3% cash back on entertainment, dining and eligible streaming services. So this card has you covered when you're out with friends or relaxing at home with the family.

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Who's this for? The Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit Card, is ideal if you're trying to improve your credit because it's easier to get approved. Instead of approving you based entirely on credit history, your bank statements and other data, such as your debt-to-income ratio, can factor into your eligibility.

Standout benefits: The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card has no annual fee, no late payment fee, no returned payment fee and no foreign transaction fees. And it stands out for consumers trying to build credit because there's no security deposit required.

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Who's this for? The Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card from Andrews Federal Credit Union stands out for offering low interest rates, rewards, no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee. This makes it a great alternative to cards with high APRs.

Standout benefits: This card offers a variable APR of 14.74% to 18.00% on purchases, balance transfers and cash advances. If you carry a balance, and can't qualify for a 0%-APR offer, you can benefit from the low interest this card offers. Keep in mind, balance transfers incur a fee of $10.00 or 2.00% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.

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Who's this for? The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card is great if you drive a lot and want to supercharge the rewards you earn at the pump.

Standout benefits: You'll pay no annual fee to keep this card. This makes its 5X points on gas at the pump and EV charging stations more valuable since you won't have to offset a yearly fee.

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The Citi Simplicity® Card may not earn rewards, but it can still save you money due to its amazing intro-APR offers.

Rewards

None

Welcome bonus

None

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

After you're approved for the Citi Simplicity Card, you'll have two intro-APR offers you can utilize. You'll receive an intro 0% APR for 12 months on purchases. You can also receive a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from the date of account opening. After both intro APRs expire, a variable 18.49% - 29.24% APR applies.

This is nearly two years to pay off debt, which can be helpful if you have a large balance or if your cash flow doesn't allow you to pay off the debt within the 6-, 12- or 15-month time periods of other balance transfer cards. This card has no annual fee and comes with an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5). This can be worthwhile if you're paying high interest charges.

New cardholders have four months to complete their balance transfer (longer than the typical 60 to 90 days). While you have more time to complete a transfer, the intro APR period starts at account opening, so try to make the transfer as soon as possible to get the most benefit of the interest-free period.

This card also never charges late fees (though we always recommend you pay your balance on time and in full).

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The American Express Gold Card is great for dining out and grocery shopping and earns Amex Membership Rewards points — some of the most valuable travel points.

Rewards

• 4X points at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year
• 4X points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X points for the rest of the year
• 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
•  2X points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• 1X point on all other eligible purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Annual fee

$325 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

This card has a $325 annual fee (see rates and fees), but it can be largely offset if you take advantage of the up to $120 in dining credits each year (up to $10 in statement credits monthly) when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required) and up to $120 in Uber Cash each year (up to $10 monthly) when you add your Card to your Uber account (may only be used in the U.S.; enrollment required). If you max out those two benefits, it's not hard for the card's other perks to make the Amex Gold's annual fee worth it.

Gold Card members can also participate in Amex Offers, where you can earn statement credits or bonus Membership Rewards® points at select retailers when you enroll. These limited-time offers are targeted and additional terms apply.

One of the best aspects of this card is the American Express Membership Rewards points you can earn. The value of Membership Rewards points varies depending on how you redeem them. You can use them in various ways, from paying with points at checkout on sites like Amazon to redeeming for gift cards or a statement credit to booking travel.

However, these options tend to yield less value than utilizing Amex's transfer partners. You can transfer Membership Rewards points to a long list of airline or hotel partners, including Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Emirates Skywards, Marriott Bonvoy, Choice Privileges and more.

You are also protected by a handful of purchase and travel insurance* perks:

• Baggage insurance (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
• Extended warranty (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
• Purchase protection (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
• Trip delay insurance (Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG company.)
• Car rental loss and damage insurance (secondary) (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)

* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

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The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the best no-annual-fee cash-back cards thanks to its straightforward rewards structure.

Rewards

• 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travelâ„  portal through 12/31/25.

Welcome bonus

Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

With the Citi Double Cash Card, you'll receive an intro 0% APR for the first 18 months on balance transfers you complete within four months of opening the account. Once the intro-APR expires, a variable 18.49% - 28.49% APR applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount you transfer with a $5 minimum for transfers completed in the first four months. After that, the balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum).

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The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no annual fee card that earns generous cash-back on everyday purchases.

Rewards

• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travelâ„ 
• 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
• 3% back at drugstores
• 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
• 1.5% on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on every purchase on up to $20,000 spent in the first year.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

You can benefit from a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months from account opening on new purchases and balance transfers (after that, a 19.99% - 28.74% variable APR applies). The intro balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum) on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, it's either 5% of the amount of each transfer with a $5 minimum.

This card also offers a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership for three months with 50% off for the next nine months. Simply activate by December 31, 2024. You'll also have access to rental car collision damage insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

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The Discover it® Miles has a generous rewards structure and no annual fee.

Rewards

• 1.5X miles per dollar on every purchase

Welcome bonus

Discover will match the miles you've earned at the end of your first year.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

You can receive an introductory 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, an 18.74% - 27.74% variable APR applies. There's a 3% intro balance transfer fee and up to 5% balance transfer fee on future transfers, see terms).

You can easily redeem miles as a statement credit for travel, restaurant or gas station purchases, as well as a deposit to your bank account. The best part is, the miles you earn never expire — even if your account is closed.

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The Platinum Card from American Express sets the standard when it comes to benefits with statement credits, airport lounge access and much more.

Rewards

• 5X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
• 5X points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Annual fee

$695 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

Although best known for its travel perks, this card also offers some everyday benefits, so you don't need to be a road warrior to benefit from it.

You can enjoy over a dozen premium travel and lifestyle benefits, including:

• Up to $200 back in statement credits each year on select prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel using the Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
• Up to $200 annual airline fee credit (enrollment required)
• Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year for U.S. eligible Equinox memberships (enrollment required)
• Up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit (enrollment required)
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit (enrollment required)
• Up to $155 annual Walmart+ credit (Subject to auto-renewal. Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.)
• Worldwide airport lounge access, including Delta SkyClubs and Amex Centurion Lounges
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash each year, up to $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus of up to $20 in December. (Enrollment required. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.)
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost
• Automatic gold elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy (Enrollment required)
• Comprehensive travel insurance*
• Cell phone protection*
• Return protection*
• Purchase protection*
• Extended warranty coverage*
• Terms apply

* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

The American Express Membership Rewards points you earn with this card can be redeemed to offset purchases, get gift cards and directly book travel through Amex Travel. However, the highest value option is typically to transfer points to one of Amex's many travel partners, including Avianca LifeMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan, Delta SkyMiles and many more.

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The Discover it Secured Credit Card has no annual fee, no credit score requirement and still earns cash back.

Rewards

• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The Discover it Secured credit card requires a minimum $200 security deposit, which is fairly standard for secured credit cards. It stands out from the crowd because it gives users a clear path to upgrading to an unsecured card (and getting their deposit back). Starting seven months from account opening, Discover will automatically review your credit card account to see if they can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit. This takes the guesswork out of wondering when you'll qualify for an unsecured credit card.

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.

Rewards

• 5X points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travelâ„ 
• 5X points per dollar on Lyft rides through Mar. 31, 2025
• 3X points per dollar on dining
• 3X points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
• 3X points per dollar on select streaming services
• 2X points per dollar on all other travel purchases
• 1X points per dollar on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 

Annual fee

$95

Notable perks

The Chase Ultimate Rewards® points you earn with this card have a lot of uses and a high potential value. You can typically redeem points for things like cash back and gift cards at a rate of one cent per point. When you use Ultimate Rewards points to pay for travel you book through Chase Travel℠, the value increases by 25% to 1.25 cents per point.

Chase also partners with a range of useful hotel and airline loyalty programs. You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to programs such as United Airlines MileagePlus, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, Air Canada Aeroplan, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and more. This allows you to book luxury hotels and international flights at a dramatically increased value per point.

The Sapphire Preferred is a strong option if you want a card with many insurance benefits. It has primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage, trip delay reimbursement, travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside dispatch, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.

Every year, you're able to earn a hotel credit of up to $50 for reservations you make through Chase Travelâ„ . On top of that, you'll also receive a 10% points boost for every card anniversary based on your purchases for the previous year. If you spent $10,000 in purchases on your card, you'd receive 1,000 bonus points.

If you love treating yourself to takeout or delivery, you'll want to take advantage of this card's complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.

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The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a student credit card with valuable rotating bonus categories (activation required).

Rewards

• 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating quarterly categories, then 1% back (activation required)
• 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Discover will match the cash back you earn in the first year of card membership.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

This is a well-rounded card that's available to you if you're enrolled in a two- or four-year college. You must be over 18 and a U.S. citizen to apply. It also has no foreign transaction fees, making it useful when studying abroad.

After you open a new account, you'll receive an intro 0% APR on purchases for six months from account opening. After the intro APR ends, a variable 17.74% - 26.74% APR applies.

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The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits.

Rewards

• 6% back on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%)
• 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3% back on transit
• 3% back at U.S. gas stations
• 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of account opening.

Annual fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

When approved for an Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card, you'll receive an intro 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date you open the account. After that, a variable 19.24% to 29.99% APR applies. There is a balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum). (See rates and fees).

It's not hard to justify this card's annual fee because of the statement credit offers. You can also receive up to $84 in Disney bundle credit (spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7, enrollment required).

This card has *rental car coverage, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and return protection.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has just about everything you could want in a mid-tier travel credit card, including useful rewards and a reasonable annual fee.

Rewards

• 5X miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

Welcome bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee

$95

Notable perks

In addition to the Capital One Venture Rewards card's Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, you'll have several other perks at your fingertips. This card has no foreign transaction fees and comes with a bunch of additional perks, such as travel accident insurance, rental car coverage and extended warranty protection.

You'll also have access to special events through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment. If you rent cars frequently, you'll appreciate the Hertz Five Star® status you'll get just for having this card.

The Capital One miles you earn have several uses, and the simplest redemption option is often to use miles to offset travel purchases. When you take advantage of this redemption option, you'll get a value of one cent per point. You can also transfer Capital One miles to a long list of hotel and airline loyalty programs, including Wyndham Rewards, Emirates Skywards, Avianca LifeMiles and Virgin Red.

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The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is hard to beat if you want to pay less interest and pay down credit card debt faster.

Rewards

None

Welcome bonus

None

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

This card's intro 0% APR offer applies to purchases as well as balance transfers. So for the first 21 months, you'll get 0% APR on purchases, then a variable 17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% APR applies. For a balance transfer to qualify for the intro APR, it must be made within 120 days from account opening, and a balance transfer fee of 5% of the amount transferred applies ($5 minimum).

If you pay your monthly cell phone bill with this card, you can qualify for cell phone protection. This coverage has a $25 deductible and covers up to $600 per claim, with a maximum of two claims per year.

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium card with loads of benefits that can make the annual fee worth it.

Rewards

• 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through the Chase Travelâ„  site
• 10X points on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
• 10X points on Chase Dining purchases
• 10X points on eligible Peloton purchases ( up to 50,000 points through Mar. 31, 2025)
• 5X points on flights purchased through the Chase Travelâ„  site
• 3X points on travel
• 3X points on dining
• 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee

$550

Notable perks

If you're looking to understand the full value of this card, one of the easiest things to overlook is the massive number of protections you'll get, including:

• Return protection
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage insurance
• Rental car coverage
• Roadside assistance
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Emergency evacuation and transportation
• Emergency medical and dental
• Travel and emergency assistance services

The Sapphire Reserve also provides you with a $300 travel credit every year, just make eligible travel purchases and you'll automatically be reimbursed. You can also receive an application fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry once every four years. These perks are on top of unlimited access to Priority Pass airport lounges.

Having this card also increases the value of your points by 50% when you redeem for travel through the Chase Travelâ„  site. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruise reservations when you redeem through Chase Travelâ„ . This is a good way to boost the value of your Chase points, which are typically worth one cent each for things like gift cards and cash back.

You'll also have full access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners. This includes 1:1 transfers to United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and more.

The value doesn't stop there. You can enroll to receive two years of free Lyft Pink All Access (worth $199 a year) when you activate by Dec. 31, 2024. You're also get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.

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You'll normally be stuck with hefty fees when paying rent with a credit card, but the Bilt Mastercard allows you to turn this expense into travel rewards.

Rewards

Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points at the following rates:

• Up to 1X points per dollar on rent payments without the transaction fee (up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
• 3X points per dollar on dining
• 2X points per dollar on travel
• 1X point per dollar on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

None

Annual fee

$0 See rates and fees

Notable perks

Having the option to turn one of your biggest expenses — rent — into rewards is a lucrative perk. If you're concerned about maxing out your card, the BiltProtect feature allows you to earn points without using up your credit limit by linking a bank account.

Other benefits include cell phone protection, purchase security, trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption protection and rental car collision coverage. You can also earn $5 in Lyft credit each month (after taking three rides that month; available through Sept. 30, 2025) and there are no foreign transaction fees.

Bilt Rewards points are extremely flexible. They can be redeemed for travel by transferring them to airline and hotel partners or booking through the Bilt Travel Portal at a fixed rate of 1.25 cents per point. Other redemption options include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.

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The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has just about everything you could want in a luxury travel credit card and a lower annual cost compared to its peers.

Rewards

• 10X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
• 5X miles per dollar on flights booked via Capital One Travel
• 2X miles on all other eligible purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee

$395

Notable perks

Capital One miles can be transferred to airline and hotel partners, such as Accor Live Limitless, Air Canada Aeroplan, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest and more. You can also redeem rewards toward travel through Capital One Travel, cash-back, gift cards, experiences and more.

On top of that, the Venture X card offers up to $120 in statement credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, *complimentary cell phone insurance, special perks on hotel stays booked through the Premier Collection and access to Capital One Lounges as well as the extensive network of Priority Pass and Plaza Premium airport lounges worldwide.

Every year, you'll also receive up to $300 back in statement credits for bookings made through Capital One Travel, including hotels, rental cars and flights. Plus, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary (worth at least $100 for travel).

This card has no foreign transaction fees and you can add up to four authorized users for no additional fee.

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.

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The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding options for earning cash back in categories such as entertainment and dining.

Rewards

• 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases
• 3% back on dining
• 3% back on entertainment
• 3% back on eligible streaming services
• 3% back at grocery stores
• 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

For a limited time, earn a $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

Cardholders can also benefit from access to exclusive events and experiences through Capital One Entertainment and Capital One Dining.

Plus, you can enjoy an Uber One membership through Nov. 14, 2024, which gets you $0 delivery fees and up to 10% off eligible Uber Eats orders. It also has no foreign transaction fees.

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The Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card is affordable and easier to get, which makes it a good fit if you want to build, or rebuild, your credit.

Rewards

• 1% cash back on eligible purchases (up to 1.5% cash back after you make 12 on-time monthly payments)
• 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants

Welcome bonus

None

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The Petal 2 card is ideal to get your credit back on track because you can earn cash back without fees. You'll pay no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no late payment fee and no returned payment fee.

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The Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card from Andrews Federal Credit Union stands out for its low interest rates, strong rewards program and no foreign transaction fees — all at no annual fee.

Rewards

• 3X points on gas paid at the pump
• 3X points on groceries
• 1.5X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 10,000 points after spending at least $1,500 within the first 90 days.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

If you carry a balance, you can benefit from the low interest this card offers compared to other cards. It also has extended warranty coverage, travel and emergency assistance services, rental car collision damage waiver and travel accident insurance.

To open this card, you need to join Andrews Federal Credit Union, but anyone can join. If you don't meet the qualification requirements, you can opt to join the American Consumer Council (ACC).

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The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card is a top-tier credit union credit card that earns generous returns on common everyday purchases.

Rewards

• 5X points on gas purchases at the pump and electrical vehicle charging stations
• 3X points on supermarket purchases (including most Target and Walmart locations)
• 3X points at restaurants
• 3X points on TV, radio, cable and streaming services
• 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 15,000 points when you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

This card has no annual fee, and you can also take advantage of an intro-APR offer after opening an account. You'll receive an intro 0% APR on balance transfers made in the first 90 days of account opening for 12 months. After that, the APR is a non-variable rate of 17.99%. There is a 3% balance transfer fee.

This card also comes with cell phone protection, travel accident coverage, no foreign transaction fees and access to Visa Signature Concierge services.

PenFed is a credit union, so membership is required to open the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card. Anyone can join by completing a few extra steps: You need to apply, open a savings account with a $5 deposit and maintain a $5 account balance.

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Having a credit card is essential for building credit, but there are also other benefits. Credit cards typically have built-in fraud protection and offer the convenience and safety of not having to carry lots of cash around. On top of that, you earn rewards for your spending.

The flip side of credit cards is that it can be easy to overspend and if you carry a balance, the interest rates are often exceptionally high. Most credit cards also have fees, like annual fees, late payment fees and foreign transaction fees.

Having a credit card is an important piece of your financial profile, but with so many options available, it can be hard to find the best one for your needs. Here are some common questions to ask yourself to decide what the best credit card is for you.

Do you want to earn rewards?

There are hundreds of rewards credit cards out there, where you can earn cash back, points or miles on every purchase you make.

And if you want to earn rewards, what specific categories are most important to you?

Rewards credit cards come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to maximize rewards in specific categories, check out cards offering bonus rewards on gas, groceries, restaurants, entertainment, travel and more. Or keep it simple and opt for a flat-rate cash-back card.

Are you looking to get out of debt?

If you're carrying a balance on a high-interest credit card, consider transferring it to a balance transfer credit card offering no interest for up to 21 months. There are even cards with no balance transfer fees.

Do you want to build credit?

Experts agree the sooner you build credit, the better. Credit cards are a great way to do that. Check out secured cards for credit newbies or other cards for building or rebuilding credit.

Do you travel abroad?

A credit card with no foreign transaction fees is essential to save you the typical 3% fee per purchase made outside the U.S. Also, it can be a good idea to consider cards that waive Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

When you apply for a credit card, the bank or lender will review your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus. It will also typically check your FICO credit score, the top credit cards usually require a very good or excellent credit score.

This is how FICO credit scores are classified according to myFICO:

• Poor/bad credit: Less than 580
• Fair credit: 580-669
• Good credit: 670-739
• Very good credit: 740-799
• Exceptional/excellent credit: 800 or higher

Building and maintaining a healthy credit score helps your personal finances in all sorts of ways outside of increasing your chances of getting approved for a great sign-up bonus. Your FICO score is calculated based on the following factors and each is weighted differently:

• Payment history: 35%
• Total debt: 30%
• Length of credit history: 15%
• New credit: 10%
• Credit mix: 10%

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards.

To determine to the top cards, CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards issued through FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions that are widely available in the U.S.  

We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cash back). 
 
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.  

For the cards that offered a rewards program, we considered consumer spending data forecasts from location intelligence firm Esri to determine where U.S. consumers are spending the most money, like on dining and travel. We used this to help determine what bonus categories are most useful for consumers. Since the value of a point or mile varies based on what they can be redeemed for, we also considered things like transferability and the ability to redeem for cash-back. 

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click here.

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Student Cash Back, click here.

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Miles, click here.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

Petal 2 Visa Credit Card issued by WebBank.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.