You may be using an unsupported or superseded browser. For the most productive experience imaginable, use the latest edition of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website.
No credit card is the most productive option for each and every family, each and every purchase, or any and all budget. Forbes Advisor has selected the most productive credit cards of 2024 to be the most useful for the largest number of readers. When deciding on the “maximum productivity credit card” and rating the following fifteen options, we have highlighted the maximum productivity credit card for various situations.
Our editors are committed to providing you with unbiased reviews and information. Our editorial content is influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to compare monetary products and companies, so that they are all measured in the same way. You can learn more about our editorial rules and credit card method for reviews below.
Offering a rare mix of high rewards rates and redemption flexibility, this card is a dream for frequent spenders on travel & dining – while charging a modest annual fee.
Capital One’s most premium travel card is packed with extras that put it firmly in competition with other upscale credit cards, but at an annual fee that leaves the others far behind.
This card offers higher issuance earning rates if you spend on travel and dining. The $300 travel credits justify a large portion of the annual payment and issue redemption for travel in Chase Ultimate Rewards.
With its generous rewards on travel, transit, and meal purchases, the relaunched American Express® Green Card is an attractive option. That said, the annual payout is a bit high, the benefits limited, and the lack of Gold or Platinum prestige.
The Platinum Card is destined for frequent travelers who intend to fully leverage the rich set of luxury travel benefits and Platinum Concierge service. In the right hands, the classic status card’s staggering annual fee is well justified.
Since U. S. Bank’s Visa Signature® Cash ® Card has no annual fee, it offers impressive cashback potential. A word of caution: Be sure to opt for your favorite bonus categories each quarter, or you’ll stick with the 1% base rate.
Those who prefer a balance movement card will likely appreciate that the Wells Fargo Reflect card offers a generous introductory era of TAP on eligible purchases and balance movements. However, the card doesn’t offer rewards or other notable perks, so pass it up if you don’t want a long APR publishing era.
This card has the features to satisfy almost all your credit card spending desires without an excessively inflated price. The card has a $0 annual fee, but it comes with an inflated earnings design that covers a wide diversity of expenses, adding travel, pharmacies, and meals, as well as rotating quarterly bonus categories in spaces that many families will likely find appealing.
For moderate spenders who are willing to activate the 5% revolving categories and meet the quarterly spending limit, this no-year-old payment card can offer great rewards on top of its existing 1% win rate.
For existing Prime members who frequently shop at Amazon and Whole Foods, the 5% rewards rate is stellar. To further sweeten the deal, the Prime Visa card offers a 2% rewards category plus Visa Signature benefits.
Big Spenders in U. S. Supermarkets U. S. travelers spending at U. S. gas stations or public transportation are not eligible for the U. S. U. S. taxis such as taxis, rideshares, or public transportation can rack up impressive cashback rewards.
Earning 3 points per dollar spent on a wide range of spending—including restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit and popular streaming services—for no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph is a powerhouse.
United’s premium card ups its game with four-mile earnings consistent with the dollar on United purchases. A suite of benefits make the card even better, and the United Club alone is worth more than the annual fee.
The Aeroplan® credit card’s high praise potential makes it a great choice for unwavering Air Canada passengers who also spend on food and travel.
If you’re loyal to Marriott or thinking about switching over, this mid-tier card is a handy companion to have in your wallet. Along with bonus points for Marriott stays, you can do well with the ongoing benefits, like automatic Marriott Gold Elite status, a free award night upon spending $15,000 per year and built-in purchase protections. Because many of the perks are Marriott-focused, it’s best for those committed to Marriott stays.
The IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card is a must-have for road warriors shelling out big bucks on IHG properties. The complimentary Platinum status boosts the rewards on IHG purchases to stratospheric heights, and the free night and other perks easily justify the annual fee. For those who aren’t IHG fans, we suggest looking elsewhere.
This is wonderful for scholars with average or limited credit scores to gain credit control experience. No annual fee, no APR penalty, plus up to 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to a quarterly limit with enrollment, 1% cash back on other purchases) earn this card an “A” in our book.
This card gets an “A” for academics who want to offer an introductory APR and no annual fee, while getting impressive cash back.
Citi Custom Cash is a wonderful option for other people to maximize their money’s back without having to worry about activating or deciding bonus categories.
The undeniable cashback design of the Citi Double Cash card and the long-term balance movement offered by the APR make Citi Double Cash a favorite among those who need to set it up and offer a counterfeit cashback rate at all. purchases and a 0% introductory APR on balance movements, all with no annual fees.
In terms of secured credit, the Discover it® secured credit card stands out from the competition. With an unlimited 1% cashback rate on all purchases, plus 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases. With no APR penalty or annual fee, we love this card for those who want to rebuild their credits. The corresponding refund at the end of the first year is a great advantage.
Those with not-so-good credit may need a card that inspires them to adopt guilty credit habits. The Upgrade Visa card offers cash back, decent and acquisition protection, and slightly lower interest rates than similar cards for other people with bad credit. Use it as a safety net as you build your credit history.
If you need to get started with transferable points but are put off by the annual payment of top-tier cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the place to start.
Rewards: Earn five emissions per dollar on purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3 emissions per dollar on meals, choose streaming facilities and online grocery shopping (excludes Walmart, Target, and gyms®). wholesale), 2 issues consistent with the dollar in the rest of the purchases. and 1 point consistent with the dollar on all other purchases.
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus issues after spending $4000 on purchases within the first 3 months after account opening.
Annual Fee: $95
Other benefits and drawbacks: Chase Ultimate Rewards® are both flexible and valuable, which is why the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card makes our list. You have the ability to transfer Ultimate Rewards to a variety of airline frequent flyer programs and hotel chains, such as United Airlines and Hyatt or make reservations without restrictions at a rate of 1.25 cents per point in the Chase travel portal. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also offers comprehensive travel protections, though they’re not quite as good as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®’s coverage. To learn more about the myriad of benefits of this card, see our list of Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits.
Read more: Is Chase Sapphire preferred?
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (terms apply, see rates & fees), offers benefits similar to other premium travel rewards cards with a lower annual fee—making this card a lucrative option for even the occasional traveler.
Rewards: Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, five miles per dollar on flights booked with Capital One Travel, and 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when you book Capital One Travel.
Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4000 on purchases during the first 3 months after opening the account.
Annual Fee: $395
Other pros and cons: In addition to the ability to earn counterfeit rewards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card returns $300 in cash per year in the form of credits for bookings through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles on the card’s anniversary.
Cardholders get a Priority Pass Lounge, Capital One Lounges, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application payment credits after making the application payment with the card.
Read more: Is The Capital One Venture X Worth It?
In addition to providing the opportunity to earn valuable Ultimate Rewards points, Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides best-in-class protections, adding trip cancellation and interruption insurance for covered situations, trip delay insurance, lost and delayed baggage insurance, prime car rental. . insurance and more.
Rewards: Earn five dollar bonuses on flights and 10 dollar bonuses on hotels and car rentals when you shop through Chase Ultimate Rewards® without delay after you spend the first $300 on purchases each year. Earn 3 dollar issues on other and food and 1 point consistent with the dollar spent on all other purchases.
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus issues after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $550
Other benefits and drawbacks: The high annual fee of this premium rewards card comes with up to $300 in travel credits that are applied automatically when you make qualifying purchases and the ability to enroll in a complimentary Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are transferable to a large number of travel partners, including United Airline MileagePlus and World of Hyatt. Points are redeemable on Chase’s travel portal where they’re worth 1.5 cents each. Read our guide on Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits to learn more.
Read more: Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card?
For beneficial rates and everyday shopping choices, check out the American Express® Green Card*. You’ll temporarily earn Membership Rewards issues, some of the most valuable and versatile credit cards available.
Rewards: Earn 3 emissions consistent with transit dollars, adding flights, hotels, taxis, rideshare services, trains, parking, and more, 3 consistent emissions with qualifying purchases at restaurants around the world, adding takeout and delivery in the U. S. 1 point consistent with the dollar on qualifying purchases at restaurants around the world, adding takeout and delivery in the United States.
Welcome Offer: Earn 40 000 issues after spending $3000 on purchases for the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $150
Other pros and cons: While there is an annual payment, some opportunities to earn credit can help justify this cost. Cardholders can earn up to $100 per year in credits when they use their card to pay for LoungeBuddy airport lounge visits and an additional $189 per year if they qualify for a CLEAR® Plus club payment on their card. Access to the exclusive Amex Offers program is another great perk.
If you’re looking for a luxury experience, the American Express Platinum Card (American Express Platinum Card) applies to the American Express Platinum Card®. Check Rates & Rates) is a fantastic option. Access to airport lounges, elite prestige in hotels and rental cars, and first-class discounts are just a few of the perks.
Rewards: Earn five Membership Rewards issues per dollar for flights booked with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 per calendar year, five issues per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases on the card in the first 6 months of card membership.
Annual Fee: $695
Other pros and cons: Cardholders also get up to $200 in incidental credits from the eligible airline of their choice each year (enrollment required), $200 for select hotel reservations with Amex Travel, and other credits and discounts on systems that can decorate their trip. experience, adding TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR® Plus, and Uber. There are also a lot of dollars in potential credits from other lifestyle brands for spouses.
Read More: Is Amex Platinum The Annual Fee?
The introductory APR offered on the U. S. Bank Cash® Visa Signature® card stands out as it applies to new purchases and balance transfers. Decent (albeit tricky) rewards and a welcome bonus are other smart reasons for this card.
APR Introductory Offer: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance movements for 15 billing cycles, then a popular APR of 19. 49% – 29. 74% variable APR applies. A balance movement payment of 3% (minimum $5) applies and the balances moved will need to be finalized within 60 days of account opening.
Rewards: Get 5% cash back on prepaid flight, hotel, and car bookings booked directly through the Rewards Center, 5% cash back on your first $2,000 on eligible quarterly purchases combined in two choice categories, 2% cash back on a daily category like fuel stations, grocery stores or restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: $0
Other benefits and drawbacks: The ability to earn up to 5% cash back on your choice of categories can be a great way to maximize—and customize—rewards, though cardholders will need to be cognizant of quarterly earning caps. You’ll also need to remember to enroll each quarter with your chosen categories to get the elevated earnings rate. If you’re organized, though, the Cash+ can be very potentially rewarding.
The Wells Fargo Reflect® card has a $0 annual fee, and new cardholders get a wonderful introductory period to pay off their balances. Please note that you have 120 days from the time the account is opened to complete the transaction before a higher balance movement. The APR goes into effect.
Annual Fee: $0
Balance Transfer Offer: 0% introductory APR for 21 months from account opening on eligible purchases and balance movements. Thereafter, a variable APR of 18. 24%, 24. 74%, or 29. 99% applies. Balance movements made within 120 days are eligible for the introductory APR and a 5% balance movement fee applies, minimum $5.
Balance Fee: 5%, Minimum: $5.
Other pros and cons: The card also offers up to $600 in mobile phone coverage when you pay your monthly bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible) and roadside dispatch.
When paired with another Chase Ultimate Rewards®-earning card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, the Chase Freedom Flex℠* can earn powerful points. Even as a standalone cash-back card, it’s tough to beat, considering it also has no annual fee.
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that replace quarterly (activation required), 5% cash back on purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on restaurants, and pharmacies, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. ®.
Welcome offer: Earn $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
Annual Fee: $0
Other pros and cons: Chase Freedom Flex℠* packs a punch for a card with no annual fee. The biggest disadvantage of this card? Don’t forget to turn on quarterly bonus categories and keep track of how much you’ve spent, as revolving categories are capped at $1,500, at least if you plan to optimize your spending. This card charges foreign transaction fees, so it’s not a smart choice if you’re making plans to travel abroad. Learn more from our advisor about the benefits of Chase Freedom Flex.
You can earn big cash-back rewards on rotating quarterly categories, making the Discover it® Cash Back a valuable option for anyone willing to keep a mental note of featured options.
Rewards: Get 5% cash back on your purchases elsewhere each quarter, up to a quarterly maximum of $1,500 in spending once activated. Plus, get unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases, automatically.
Welcome Offer: Discover will refund all money earned at the end of the first year as a cardholder. There are no minimum prizes or maximum rewards.
Annual Fee: $0
Other pros and cons: Discover’s 5% categories are replaced every three months, but they almost overlap with regular customer purchases like fuel or groceries. However, there are some important points to remember. You’ll want to activate the bonus each and every quarter, and the rewards will peak after a $1,500 spend. Since it’s a no-year-old payment card with a respectable welcome bonus, this juice is worth it.
Prime Visa has long been a smart card, but Amazon’s current reliance on daily desires makes it a wonderful card. If you spend most of your budget on Amazon or other companies in the Amazon ecosystem, you could also be rewarded. .
Rewards: Earn 5% back on purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and 1% back on other purchases.
Welcome Offer: Earn a $100 Amazon card by being approved with an eligible Prime membership.
Annual Fee: $0
Other benefits and drawbacks: If you’re not a regular Amazon or Whole Foods shopper, this card probably doesn’t make sense for you. The $139 cost of Prime membership effectively acts as an annual fee. If you’re already spending it, then the card has no additional cost to carry. You can redeem rewards as an Amazon credit with no minimum. However, you can also redeem your cash back as a statement credit or direct deposit to an eligible checking or savings account.
If you have a giant grocery bill, the American Express Blue Cash Preferred® car (Conditions apply. It is one of the highest reward cars on the market, as long as it does not exceed the spending limit. It is also rewarding for car travelers and car travelers as it offers maximum cash back at gas stations.
Rewards: Get 6% cashback on your money in U. S. markets. Get in the U. S. for up to $6,000 per year on purchases (then 1%), a 6% cashback on select U. S. streaming subscriptions. In the U. S. , a 3% cashback rebate at U. S. fuel stations. Pay 1% back on other eligible purchases, U. S. and public transportation (including taxis/rideshares, parking lots, tolls, trains, buses, and more) and 1% cashback on other eligible purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of reward dollars that can be redeemed as credit.
Welcome Offer: Get $250 credits after spending $3000 on purchases for the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $0 introductory yearly for the first year, then $95
Other benefits and drawbacks: In addition to amped-up earnings on groceries, you get access to Amex Offers. The offer savings could add up quickly as long as you remember to activate and use them. Cardholders also can earn statement credits by using their card to pay for The Disney Bundle streaming package and Equinox+ memberships. Learn more about Amex Blue Cash Preferred Benefits in our guide.
Gas (and spending on EV charging or public transit, if your speed is maxed out) wins at a maximum rate on the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ card, making it a winner no matter how you get around.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $0
Other pros and cons: While there’s nothing glamorous about this card, it’s still an attractive selection thanks to its rewards in spending categories with no annual fees attached. A welcome offer, an introductory APR offer, and mobile phone insurance (subject to deductible and other conditions) may also make you think twice about this simple option.
The United Club℠ Infinite Card doesn’t make sense for everyone, but it spoils United travelers, especially those who need United Club lounges when they travel.
Rewards: Earn 4 miles per dollar on United® purchases, 2 miles per dollar on all other travel, on dining including eligible delivery services and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Welcome Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months after account opening.
Annual Fee: $525
Other benefits and drawbacks: The main benefit of the United Club℠ Infinite Card is access to United Club airport lounges when flying United or another Star Alliance carrier. While the annual fee on this card is steep, it costs less than a standalone United Club membership. You’ll also get your first and second bags checked for free when flying United, Premier Access, 25% savings on in-flight purchases and premier upgrades on award tickets.
The Aeroplan® credit card may seem like an option for U. S. -based travelers. But the card doesn’t just offer benefits to Air Canada travellers: its Aeroplan issues can be used to book United award flights and other Star Alliance flights. Its revenue stream categories are among the most productive in elegance in terms of day-to-day spending.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible meals, takeout, delivery and groceries, and every $1 spent directly with Air Canada, adding vacations and cruises, and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.
Annual fee: $95
Other pros and cons: The Aeroplan car provides the Air Canada benefits you’d expect from an airline car, such as a loose first checked bag, but adds access to low-fare award redemptions, meaning you can extend your miles and accumulate your earnings. It also offers a comprehensive insurance package, rental car coverage, and acquisition protection.
If you’re looking for benefits when you fly with Marriott, as well as the ability to earn emissions on every purchase, our favorite edition of the Marriott Card is the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card*.
Rewards: Earn 6 dollar-consistent emissions on eligible Marriott purchases, four dollar-consistent emissions on the first $15,000 spent on combined annual grocery and restaurant purchases, and 2 dollar-consistent emissions on all purchases.
Welcome Offer: Earn 85,000 bonus issues after spending $4000 on purchases within the first 3 months after opening your account.
Annual Fee: $250
Other pros and cons: Get this card for its automatic Marriott Gold status, bonus issues with each stay, and choose free travel insurance. Cardholders are also rewarded for normal card use and club renewal: you can earn a night off after spending $15,000 Redemptions are valid for households of up to 50,000 copies per night; Hotel rates may apply.
The annual evening accolades are a compelling explanation for why you should get the IHG One Rewards Premier credit card, even if it’s just the beginning of the included benefits.
Rewards: Earn up to 26 issues consistent with the dollar spent when you’re at IHG Hotels
Welcome Offer: Earn 140,000 bonus issues after spending $3000 on purchases during the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee: $99
Other pros and cons: Sure, you’ll get IHG One Rewards issues on every purchase with this card, but it’s really more about perks. The card automatically grants Platinum Elite prestige and all the benefits that come with it. But cardholders also have access to a fantastic reduction when booking award stays: the fourth night in a row is free if you pay with emissions for the first 3 nights. Cardholders also get a $100 bonus credit and 10,000 bonus issues when they spend $20,000 on their card in a calendar year.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back offers a unique combination of strong earning rates and a welcome bonus not typically seen in student cards. If leveraged properly, cardholders can earn some serious cash back.
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and more, up to the quarterly maximum once activated. Plus, automatically earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome Offer: Get Unlimited Match Cashback™: Discover will cover all the money earned at the end of the first year. There are no minimum or maximum rewards.
Annual Fee: $0
Other pros and cons: Discover is rarely as widely accepted as Mastercard, Visa, or even American Express, so keep that in mind if you plan to use this card abroad. This can be especially inconvenient for academics traveling or reading abroad. Quarterly bonus categories may or may not fit your expenses, which means you may not maximize your earning chances every quarter and want to activate the bonus every quarter.
Other benefits and drawbacks: Though we love the rewards structure of this card, there are other benefits as well. For one thing, there’s an introductory APR offer, making it a solid option if you have one-time expenses and need extra time to pay it off. Be careful, though: The credit you build (or destroy) as a student will stick with you for years. Pay 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, after that a variable APR of 18.24% – 28.24% applies. Balance transfer must be completed within 60 days of opening account. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
You don’t want a significant amount of credits going toward Citi Custom Cash® card approval, which offers rewards that would appeal to just about anyone with no annual fee.
Rewards: Get 5% back on purchases in the billing cycle of the highest eligible spending category, up to the first $500 in monthly spending, and 1% back on all other purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. The bonus points come in the form of 20,000 ThankYou® Points that can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual Fee: $0
Other pros and cons: The 5% accolades in Custom Cash are automatic and don’t require registration or activation. This increases your potential for praise as there is no room for human error. Unfortunately, those accolades are capped at just $500 in spending according to billing cycle. New cardholders make up for this shortfall with a welcome bonus and an introductory APR offer: 0% introductory APR for 15 months from the date the account is opened for purchases and from the date of the first movement for balance movements made within four months of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be from 19. 24% to 29. 24%, depending on creditworthiness. There is also a balance transfer payment of 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Make your life less difficult with a flat-rate cashback card. The Citi Double Cash® card gets a generous rate compared to the maximum cards available to fair credit users.
Rewards: Get 2% cashback on all purchases: 1% when purchases are made and another 1% when paid.
Welcome Offer: Earn $200 cashback after spending $1,500 on purchases during the first 6 months of account opening, in the form of 20,000 ThankYou® points.
Annual fee: $0
Other pros and cons: Since the praise is doubled with Double Cash: when you buy and when you pay, you will necessarily be praised for making the invoices responsibly. Not only does this double your praise potential, but it’s also an added incentive to use the card responsibly and build more credit. While it’s advertised as a cash-back card, you also have the option to use Citi ThankYou issues for travel, gift cards, and more.
If you’re new to credit or have made credit mistakes in the past, you may want a secured card to build or rebuild your creditssss. In exchange for a security deposit, Discover will provide you with an equivalent line of creditssss if your application is approved. Most secured credit cards do this, however, the Discover it® secured credit card adds rewards to the mix.
Rewards: Get 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants with up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter. Plus, get unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases.
Welcome Offer: Earn Unlimited Match Cashback™: Discover will cover all the money won at the end of the first year.
Annual Fee: $0
Other pros and cons: The Discover it secured credit card is one of the few secured cards that allow you to get money back on purchases, making it a great choice for building credits and earning rewards. You can have a maximum credit limit of $2,500 through a $2,500 deposit. Discover will review your account to upgrade it to an unsecured card and refund your security deposit for seven months.
Like any secured card, the Discover it® secured credit card falls under the jurisdiction of the three major credit reporting agencies.
The Upgrade Visa® Card* can be used like a credit card but is paid off like a personal loan, meaning higher payments but lower interest costs. That saves you money in the long run while getting your credit score back on track.
Rewards: This card does not offer rewards.
Welcome Offer: Earn $200 after opening a new Rewards checking account and making purchases.
Annual Fee: $0
Other pros and cons: Cash back and no annual fees or overdue fees can earn you cash compared to the cards you’ve been using lately. Keep in mind that your rewards are earned from invoices and not fees, incentivizing you to pay off your balance accordingly. Another feature of the Upgrade card is that the lines of credit can be higher than what you would get with a traditional secured card. Make sure you don’t use this as an excuse to overspend.
Forbes Advisor evaluated over a hundred credit cards in 2024 in their respective categories, adding cash back credit cards, cards, flexible rewards cards, business credit cards, student cards, and cards with 0% APR offers.
For cards, we accumulated data that prospective cardholders would use in their decision-making process, including:
These points allowed us to compare the cards objectively. Important features were weighted more than features that only certain cardholders would possibly use to extend a score between 1 and five, where a score of five is the most productive. These scores allowed us to rank them based on their terms and characteristics and the most productive action cards of 2024 for this list.
Read more: How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards
If you’re in the market for a new credit card this week, you may need to know which credit cards are offering the highest welcome bonuses lately. This week, those cards will offer the best credit card deals in the entire category. Keep in mind that annual fees and other benefits vary significantly, so weigh the pros and cons of a specific card beyond the bonus before applying.
Effective as of January 2, 2024.
The most productive credit card offers for the week of January 2, 2024, were selected based on the price of the welcome bonus, taking into account Forbes Advisor issues and mileage ratings for airline and hotel programs. Do your research before deciding which cards will be most productive. You succeed in your monetary goals.
A credit card can be used to purchase goods or facilities in-house or online. When you apply for and get approved for a credit card, get a line of credit based on your credit score and other points like your income.
One of the potential advantages of using a credit card instead of a credit or debit card payment is that a credit card works like a short-term loan. When using a credit card, you have until the end of the credit card billing period (also known as the grace period) to pay the amount you charged to the card. You can also get cashback or travel rewards with certain types of cards, as well as extras like food purchases and travel protections. The problem is that if you don’t pay the full amount you’ve charged to your card, you’ll accrue interest on your purchases, which can get costly over time.
When you make a purchase on a rewards credit card, you’ll earn a percentage back on your spending as either cash back, points or miles depending on the type of card and what type of rewards it’s offering. Airline credit cards, for example, typically earn miles, cash-back cards earn cash that can be used as statement credits or direct deposits and general purpose rewards cards may earn points that can be used for a variety of redemptions including travel, merchandise or other options.
Some praise credit cards will get the same fixed rate of cashback on all expenses, such as a card that gets 2% cashback on every purchase. Others offer tiered praise where a certain type of purchase, such as fuel or groceries, can get a higher praise rate than other types of purchases. Before opting for a praise card, consider your spending behavior and the type of praise you get the most perks, then compare it to other features you have at your disposal.
Maximizing credit card rewards can be done both while earning and redeeming.
To maximize the number of credit card rewards you earn, choose a credit card that gives you significant gains on the types of purchases you make the most. Cards with category bonuses on groceries, gas, or gas can earn you 3% or more on eligible purchases. . If your purchases are everywhere, you might be better off with a landline card with 2% cashback.
You can also maximize the price of your credit card rewards when you redeem them. Most importantly, you want to focus on rewards that align with your goals, whether it’s airline miles, flex points, cash back, or other rewards. Then, compare Buy Features to see if any are worth more. The most productive trades yield at least 1 cent per point.
Most credit cards calculate interest using the average daily balance method, which means that your interest is compounded and accrued each day, based on your daily interest rate. In other words, each day, your finance fees are based on the previous day’s interest rate. balance.
The daily interest rate is decided by dividing your card’s APR by 365 to locate the daily interest rate and then multiplying that number by your balance. For example, to calculate the average daily balance on a card with a balance of $10,000 on the first day of the billing cycle and an APR of 17%, you would divide 17 by 365, which equates to a daily rate of 0. 0466%. This means that the next day, your card will have a balance of $10,004. 66, which you get when you multiply the $10,000 balance by 1. 000466.
Since the average daily balance is compounded, each day’s credit card interest calculation gets a little more expensive.
APR vs. APY vs. Interest
It’s important to understand the difference between APR and APY.
APR stands for annual percentage rate and refers to the amount of interest you would pay on the balance of a credit card or other line of credit in a year. On the other hand, APY stands for annual percentage yield and is used to define the amount of interest. Earn in a bank account or other savings vehicle during the year.
In other words, APR is used when you’re paying interest and APY is used when you’re earning interest.
In general, there are several steps to applying for a card:
Many issuers will allow you to check if you are pre-qualified for one of their cards before officially applying. Keep in mind that prequalification does not guarantee approval, and instead consider it a more productive estimate.
Checking whether you’re pre-qualified is often as easy as entering your name and address on the card issuer’s website and then perusing offers, if any, that are available to you. This will not impact your credit score. These preapproved credit cards make it easy to check if you’re likely to be approved in advance.
There are several steps you can take to improve your credit score. First, check your credit report to make sure there are no errors that could have a negative effect. Paying your expenses on time, every time, will have the biggest advantage. an effect on your score. After payment history, the most important moment in your credit score is the amount of your debt. Since credit reporting agenciesss don’t have data on your income, they use what’s called credit utilization instead of debt. relationship between income and expenses.
Credit utilization is the amount of your debt relative to the amount of your credits. So if you have a $3,000 balance on a card with a $10,000 limit, you use 30% of your credits. Total credit usage is based on the total amount of all your lines of credit, whether what you owe and how much you have. It is sometimes recommended that the goal be 30% usage or less.
Credit Cards for Good Credit
What is considered a smart credit score can vary between lenders, and you typically aren’t told what a specific lender’s exact threshold is between a smart credit score and a bad one. However, FICO, the most well-known credit scoring model, stores useful information. which you can use as a guide. Typical top scores range from three hundred to 850. On this scale, a credit score between 670 and 739 is considered “smart. “
You can check out Forbes Advisor’s list of the best cards for smart credit in 2024 to see what works in your specific situation.
Credit Cards for Fair Credit
The definition of a fair credit score varies between lenders, and you are typically not told what a specific lender’s exact threshold is between a smart credit score and a fair credit score. However, FICO, the most well-known credit scoring model, is useful data that you can use as a guide. Non-unusual maximum FICO scores are on a scale of 300 to 850. On this scale, a credit score between 580 and 669 is considered fair.
You can check out Forbes Advisor’s list of the most productive cards for fair credit in 2024 to see which one is right for your specific situation.
Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Although there is no precise number that constitutes the threshold between “bad” and “good” credit, a FICO score below 580 is considered poor.
The lower your credit scoresss, the more limited the features of your credit card will be. A user with bad credit will only be able to get approved for a secured card or a card with the highest interest rates and other additional fees. Check out Forbes Advisor’s list of the Most Productive Bad Credit Cards of 2024 to see what some of the features are if your ssss credits are rarely very good.
There are 3 credit reporting agencies in the United States:
Each of these bureaus may use a slightly different approach to evaluating your credit history. So, it’s not unusual to have a slightly different credit score at each agency. All three companies perform the same function: analyzing your credit historysss to generate a 3-digit credit scoresss is used to calculate your creditworthiness, and therefore rates are presented on loans such as a credit cardsss or a mortgage.
Although all credit cards can be used to make purchases, there are several different types of credit cards, each designed for a different goal.
A rewards credit card is a card that allows you to earn back a percentage of your spending, in the form of cash back, points, or miles. The exact amount recovered can vary greatly depending on the card, and some have the same fixed amount. rate on all your spending and others that provide tiered rewards, with some purchasing categories enjoying higher rates than other categories. Check out our list of the top-performing rewards credit cards of 2024.
A balance move card is a card that offers a low or 0% APR for moves made to the card during an introductory period. After this introductory period, the card’s popular variable APR will sometimes apply. There would possibly be a balance movement fee to move the debt to a balance transfer card, commonly 3 to 5% of the amount transferred. Check out our list of the most productive balance transfer cards of 2024.
A 0% APR credit card is a card that offers 0% down interest on new purchases, balance transfers from other cards, or both. Think of a 0% APR offered as an interest-free loan with a maturity date. If used responsibly, it gives you time to pay off what you owe without racking up more finance charges. But the era of the 0 interest rate doesn’t last forever. When your balance expires, you’ll earn interest at the card’s popular variable rate. Check out our list of 0% APR credit cards for 2024.
A low-interest credit card is one that has a consistently low interest rate, usually well below the industry average APR on other cards. For those who have a balance on their card, this would arguably be a more advantageous option than a limited credit card. Time card 0% as the discounted rate will not expire after a few months.
Credit cards for college students are really different from other credit cards. They are simply advertised to academics or others with poor credit reports who might otherwise have difficulty getting approved for a credit card.
A student credit card, which is a first credit card for many, will typically have more forgiving underwriting standards than a card designed for those with good credit. This means you’re likely to qualify with a lower credit score than the standard version of the card would require. Some college credit cards even offer some perks like rewards and cash bonuses for good grades. See our list of the best student credit cards of 2024.
When you’re just getting started with creditsssss or you’re looking to triumph over credit mistakesss, there are sss credit cards that are meant to help you develop a guilty payment habit and, as a result, your credit profilesss. The most productive initial credit card will offer a balance between benefits, such as informing the credit reporting agenciesss and helping to increase your credit scoress, and the prices that will be incurred, adding annual fees or any other maintenance fees.
A business credit card can be a great way to separate your personal expenses from your work ones, even if it’s just a part-time gig. When you apply for a small business credit card, your approval will be based on your personal credit score. It also means you’ll be personally liable for any debts accrued on the card even if they’re from your business and that business fails. The issuer will also take other factors into consideration when reviewing your application, including your business income and credit history. See our list of the best business credit cards of 2024.
There is no specific number of credit cards you must have. This is because each person’s monetary profile and goals are tailored to their specific situation. Having credit cards can be a blessing or a failure depending on how you obtain and use the cards.
Read more: How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?
You may have more than one credit card for several reasons:
There are some disadvantages of having credit cards:
Different types of credit card users will get the most benefits from other types of credit cards. Here are some tips to help you determine which credit card is most productive for you.
Value shoppers will likely get the most out of cashback cards that offer rewards on everyday purchases. These cardholders will need to minimize the annual payout and may not care about rewards or high-level benefits. Check out the most productive maps for buying groceries and the maximum productive maps for groceries to be more informed.
The best travel credit card of 2024 will vary based on the kind of traveler you are. If you like to play license plate ABC, check out our best cards for road trips. If you prefer your travels at 35,000 feet, check out the best airline credit cards of 2024.
When you start, it may seem like a dead end. You want smart credits to get a credit card, but you want a credit card to create smart credits. Fortunately, there are cards that are suitable for both those just starting out and those who want to get back on track. Check Check out our best first credit cards and best credit replacement cards of 2024 lists for more information.
Students have a multitude of credit card features at their disposal, as banks perceive the price of a lifetime visitor. Many of those cards act as little sisters to their rewards card counterparts, giving students the opportunity to earn rewards without needing as much credit history. Check out the most productive credit cards for academics.
Whether it’s a roadside booth or an Etsy shop, small businesses have unique credit needs. Business credit cards offer business-friendly benefits and allow you to separate private and business expenses. If you’re just starting out, one of our most productive startup cards of 2024 could be the solution. If you have an established business, even if it’s a side hustle, check out our list of the most productive business credit cards to learn more about your options.
If you only stay at Hyatt or only shop at Pottery Barn, it may make sense for you to pick up a co-branded credit card for that store, airline or hotel chain. By doing so, you’ll earn points and perks within that specific ecosystem, which you can then use to further your love of the brand.
Cardholders could also opt for an express card issuer to continue operating with a monetary establishment they prefer or have other accounts with. This can also be a clever way to get some sort of express praise points. If you prefer a certain credit card brand, you can narrow your card search accordingly:
Choosing the most productive credit cards for your specific situation is based on a combination of factors, including your credit score, your tolerance for annual fees, the benefits you might be looking for, and how the rewards fit into your spending behavior.
Not all credit cards charge an annual fee, however, many of those that do offer rewards and other benefits in return.
Depending on your goals for getting a new credit card, be mindful of any other payments related to owning a specific card. For example, if you’re looking for a card to transfer a balance to, be sure to include it in the balance entry. Those with less-than-savvy credit will possibly find that some features available to them qualify as an account opening payment or a restricted credit application payment in addition to the annual payment. Avoid them, if possible.
For those who think they can carry a balance, even if only occasionally, consider the APR of any card you’re considering. Having a balance for a certain period of time on a credit card is expensive and not necessary. You don’t need to end up with a balance that increases over time.
If a car offers rewards for your spending, make sure the spaces where it offers the most productive rewards fit your spending habits. A user without a car is unlikely to enjoy the best rewards in terms of gasoline, for example. Rarely dining out or ordering takeout will probably do better with a car that offers better rewards on groceries than food.
Many credit cards offer perks and benefits beyond the ability to earn rewards. Premium cards can offer exclusive access to airport lounges, loose checked baggage, and airline contingency credits. Many cards on the market are offering other benefits such as extended warranty protections and other protections and insurance. Even cards with no annual payment can offer several financial benefits.
Cards tend to help you bolster your credit profile, like secured cards, they work by reporting your on-time payment habit to the credit reporting agencies so that over time your score can improve through a positive payment history. There are many cards on the market aimed at those looking to spice up their logo. The most productive ones charge little or no annual payment and do not incur other unnecessary payments. There are also unsecured cards, which tend not to be available to other people who have recently filed for bankruptcy.
Credit cards offer everything from customer coverage to valuable benefits and really ample earning potential, but when used correctly. Here’s how to get the most out of your cards.
Getting any kind of reward is more than anything, however, to get the most out of your credit card, you need to make sure that you get as many rewards as possible on the types of purchases you make most often. It’s also vital to balance this with a type of rewards that you price and that are easy to redeem (cashback, miles, or points).
Most credit cards offer additional benefits, such as acquisition protection, extended warranties, purchase credits, and discounts or benefits. Whenever you get a new card or are approaching your card’s renewal anniversary, familiarize yourself with your existing benefits to make sure you know which benefits you are eligible for or would like to enroll in.
Credit cards are convenient, but if you don’t make bills with the balance due, you may rack up overdue maximum charges. Make sure you make minimum invoices on time each month to avoid overdue charges. Ideally, pay off your balance in full to avoid interest charges as well. Not only will you save on fees, but you’ll also keep your credits in smart shape for card approvals and long-term loans at wonderful rates.
A credit card issuer is the bank that issues or approves the card you are applying for. Some credit cards have the name of the issuing bank in their denomination, such as Chase or Citibank. Others paint the scenes as a bank issuing credit cards that might not possibly be a component of a classic monetary institution, such as Chime or Upgrade.
Card networks process the payments between the buyer and the merchant. There are four major credit card networks: Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover. American Express and Discover are unique in that they are also card issuing companies in addition to owning a card network.
A co-branded credit card is a card issued in partnership with a certain store or service provider. Popular brands like JetBlue, Hyatt, and Disney have partnered with credit card corporations to offer reward-earning cards in their loyalty systems and will be offering brand-specific benefits. Typically, a co-branded credit card will offer rewards and/or other in-brand benefits.
Visa and Mastercard are payment processing networks, and as a consumer, your card selection doesn’t matter to you when it comes to making a payment. But both cards offer benefits, and the benefits are expressed in their logo and in the type of card within the logo. However, you don’t decide on a card based on the sending network. Instead, think of the extras offered through payment networks as bonuses, focusing on the key features of the card itself.
For example, a traditional Visa or Visa Platinum card may offer roadside dispatch services and lost card replacement assistance. A Visa Signature card may offer these benefits plus travel insurances and protections. Each individual Visa card will come with different benefits based on the type of Visa and the perks selected by the issuing bank to include.
The same goes for Mastercard: there are other types of Mastercard with other advantages and benefits depending on the type of Mastercard. The most notable feature that some Mastercards offer that some Visas don’t offer is cell phone coverage.
If you don’t already have a preference for an express credit card company, you may be interested in rating the most sensible credit card corporations across the country. J. D. Power conducts an annual visitor satisfaction survey with major card issuers. In 2023, American Express comes out. in the most sensible:
Cash back has been the preferred form of credit card rewards, according to Forbes Advisor surveys. However, this popularity has recently reached new heights. In a survey conducted through OnePoll on behalf of Forbes Advisor, 80% of respondents indicated that they prefer their money back. about other common forms of credit card rewards, such as airline miles or gift card and merchandise issues.
As of December 2023, Americans with rewards-eligible credit cards:
There’s no shortage of cashback credit cards if you need to enroll in this group. A variety of options, from lump sum cards, where each of the purchased cards earns at the same easy-to-understand rate, to cards that offer other money-back percentages. depending on the purchase category and can help you maximize your profits with a little more effort.
Another wonderful merit of cashback cards is that many of them don’t come with an annual fee. This allows every penny you earn to be earned as genuine praise and implemented flexibly.
Cards with transferable issues, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or Capital One Rewards, offer the most productive in cashback and travel rewards. They can reap benefits from generous welcome offers, as well as the opportunity to earn flexible issues that can then be redeemed for cash or travel (or a combination) so that each cardholder can decide which exchange is most productive for them, even as their lives and plans evolve.
The most productive credit card is the one that rewards your private spending habits. Look for cards that offer bonus issues in categories where you spend a lot, such as food, gas, or groceries. Next, make sure that the type of rewards you earn match the redemption options you like. Travel rewards are popular, but the money back would possibly make more sense for many customers.
While this is a personal decision, certain cards stand out as the best credit cards of 2024. For example, the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is unique because it earns rewards on rent. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is also popular thanks to a wide assortment of travel benefits built into the card. And the Chase Freedom Flex℠* comes with a welcome bonus, rewards on purchases at up to 5 points per dollar, an introductory APR offer and no annual fee.
Secured credit cards are often the easiest to approve and are designed for others who have no credit or bad credit. For anyone with average or higher credit, you may also be approved for classic unsecured credit cards. Typically, cards with little to no rewards have less stringent application requirements. You may want to look for pre-approved offers that are customized to your chances.
When it comes to private finance, find that the most productive solution for you is just that: private. However, there are several card issuers that consistently make the list of the most productive credit cards. Favorites such as American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi will offer a wide variety of rewards cards as well as packages of customer protections and benefits for cardholders.
The best credit card for you requires you to consider and evaluate your own financial needs. Start by honestly assessing your credit score and history so you understand which types of cards you may be approved for. Then, within those cards, look at annual fees, reward rates and other benefits to determine which ones best fit your lifestyle.
(0 – 649)
(650 – 699)
(700 – 749)
(750 – 850)