5.0
★★★★★ 5/5
No one credit card perfectly fits the spending habits, budget constraints, or familial finances of everyone. Working Capital has meticulously selected an array of leading credit cards for the year 2024, designed to meet the varied requirements of a wide readership. We have steered away from simply nominating one ‘ultimate credit card’ followed by subordinate options. Instead, we spotlight the prime credit card options tailored to an assortment of distinct circumstances.
This list is strictly comprised of personal credit cards. For those seeking a credit card tailored to business needs, we recommend perusing our carefully compiled list of the finest business credit card selections.
Editor, Working Capital Staff
Editor’s note: At WorkingCapital, our revenue is partly generated through commissions earned from affiliate links. It’s important to clarify that these commissions have no impact on the views or evaluations made by our editorial team.
Our editorial integrity is paramount. We offer unbiased evaluations and insights, unaffected by advertisers. Our method is based on a data-driven approach, guaranteeing uniform and equitable evaluation of all financial entities and products. To gain insight into our editorial principles and the particular criteria employed in our reviews, please consult our Evaluation Method.
Best 0% APR Credit Card
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Welcome Bonus
$200 Cash Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR
Credit Score
Excellent, Good (700 - 749)
BEST FLAT-RATE TRANSFERABLE POINTS
On Capital One's Website
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
75,000 miles
$95
19.99% to 29.99%
Excellent
BEST STUDENT CARD WITH INTRODUCTORY APR
On Bank of America's Website
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (6 categories available)*; Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs*; Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. *Bonus earning is limited to the first $2,500 in combined choice category/ grocery store/ wholesale club purchases per quarter, then 1% cash back thereafter
$200 bonus
$0
18.24% to 28.24%
Excellent
BEST FOR GAS CREDIT CARD
On Wells Fargo's Website
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
30,000 bonus points
$0
20.24% to 25.24%, or 29.99%
Excellent
BEST CREDIT UNION CARD FOR BAD CREDIT
On Navy FCU's Website
Earn 1X points per dollar spent
N/A
$0
18.00% to
Bad
BEST BALANCE TRANSFER CREDIT CARD FOR CASH BACK
On Citi's Website
First, you earn 1% unlimited cash back on every purchase you make. Then, as you pay for those purchases, you earn an additional 1% cash back on those credit card payments
Earn $200 cash back
$0
19.24% to 29.24%
Excellent
BEST MARRIOTT CARD
On Chase's Website
6 points for every $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points for every $1 spent each year (up to $6,000) on combined grocery stores, gas stations and dining purchases and 2 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Earn 3 Free Night Awards
$95
21.49% to 28.49%
Excellent
BEST ROTATING CATEGORY BONUS CASH-BACK CARD
On Discover's Website
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
Cashback Match™
$0
17.24% to 28.24%
Excellent
BEST PREMIUM HOTEL CARD
On IHG's Website
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts; 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants; 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Earn 140,000 bonus points
$99
21.49% to 28.49%
Excellent
BEST SECURED CARD
On Discover's Website
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Cashback Match™
$0
28.24% to
Rebuilding
BEST FOR GROCERIES
On American Express's Website
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; Earn 3% cash back on transit (e.g., taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and at U.S. gas stations; Earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Earn $250
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
19.24% to 29.99%
Excellent
BEST FOR AMAZON
On Amazon's Website
Earn 5% back 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% on all other purchases.
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card
$0
19.49% to 27.49%
Excellent
BEST STUDENT CARD
On Discover's Website
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Cashback Match™
$0
18.24% to 27.24%
Fair
BEST CASH-BACK REWARDS CARD
On Chase's Website
Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1% on all other purchases
$200 bonus + 5% on Gas and Grocery (excluding Target and Walmart)
$0
20.49% to 29.24%
Excellent
BEST AIRLINE CARD FOR REWARDS
On Chase's Website
Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services, and Air Canada directly; Earn 1x points for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
Earn up to 100,000 points
$95
21.74% to 28.74%
Excellent
BEST AIRLINE CARD
On United's Website
Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases; Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and on dining, including eligible delivery services; and earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Earn 80,000 bonus miles
$525
21.74% to 28.74%
Excellent
BEST TRAVEL CREDIT CARD FOR LOUNGE ACCESS
On American Express's Website
Earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directly with airlines or AMEX travel. The airline benefit is limited to the first $500K in purchases per calendar year. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other eligible purchases.
Earn 80,000 points
$695
to
Excellent
BEST TRAVEL CREDIT CARD FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
On Chase's Website
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1x points on all other purchases
60,000 bonus points
$550
22.49% to 29.49%
Excellent
BEST MID-TIER FLEXIBLE REWARDS CARD
On creditcards.com's Website
Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
60,000 bonus points
$95
21.49% to 28.49%
Excellent
| Credit Card | Best For | Credit Score | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Best flat-rate transferable points | Excellent | $95 | 75,000 miles |
 Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students | Best student card with introductory apr | Excellent | $0 | $200 bonus |
 Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | Best for gas credit card | Excellent | $0 | 30,000 bonus points |
 Navy FCU nRewards® Secured Credit Card | Best credit union card for bad credit | Bad | $0 | N/A |
 Citi® Double Cash Card | Best balance transfer credit card for cash back | Excellent | $0 | Earn $200 cash back |
 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | Best marriott card | Excellent | $95 | Earn 3 Free Night Awards |
 Discover it® Cash Back | Best rotating category bonus cash-back card | Excellent | $0 | Cashback Match™ |
 IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | Best premium hotel card | Excellent | $99 | Earn 140,000 bonus points |
 Discover it® Secured Credit Card | Best secured card | Rebuilding | $0 | Cashback Match™ |
 Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Best for groceries | Excellent | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 | Earn $250 |
 Prime Visa | Best for amazon | Excellent | $0 | Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card |
 Discover it® Student Cash Back | Best student card | Fair | $0 | Cashback Match™ |
 Chase Freedom Flex℠ | Best cash-back rewards card | Excellent | $0 | $200 bonus + 5% on Gas and Grocery (excluding Target and Walmart) |
 Aeroplan® Credit Card | Best airline card for rewards | Excellent | $95 | Earn up to 100,000 points |
 United Club℠ Infinite Card | Best airline card | Excellent | $525 | Earn 80,000 bonus miles |
 The Platinum Card® from American Express | Best travel credit card for lounge access | Excellent | $695 | Earn 80,000 points |
 Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Best travel credit card for international travel | Excellent | $550 | 60,000 bonus points |
 Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Best mid-tier flexible rewards card | Excellent | $95 | 60,000 bonus points |
For those looking to delve into the world of transferable points without being put off by the high annual fees of some elite cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent starting point.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery shopping (excluding purchases from Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on other travel expenses, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Introductory Bonus: Acquire 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.
Annual Fee: The card has an annual fee of $95.
Additional Perks and Considerations: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is noted for its versatile and valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards®, which can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, like United Airlines and Hyatt, or used for unrestricted bookings through the Chase travel portal at a rate of 1.25 cents per point. The card also offers extensive travel protection, though slightly less comprehensive than that of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. For a comprehensive review of the card’s benefits, check out our Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits guide.
Learn More: Assessing the Value of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an ideal choice for those new to credit or looking to repair their credit history. It operates on a secured credit basis, where your credit line is equivalent to your security deposit. Unique among many secured cards, it also offers a rewards program.
Rewards: Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, and enjoy unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Introductory Bonus: Experience the Unlimited Cashback Match™ feature, where Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Annual Fee: This card does not have an annual fee.
Additional Perks and Considerations:
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a standout among secured cards, offering cash back on purchases, a feature that’s rare in this category. It allows for a maximum credit limit of $2,500 with a corresponding deposit. Starting at seven months, Discover begins evaluating your account for a potential upgrade to an unsecured card and the return of your security deposit.
Importantly, like any effective secured card, it reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build or rebuild your credit profile.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is exceptionally rewarding for those with substantial grocery expenses, provided that the spending cap is not exceeded. It’s also a lucrative option for individuals who frequently use their car for commuting or road trips, offering increased cash back at gas stations.
Rewards: Enjoy 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more), and 1% back on other eligible purchases. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable as a statement credit.
Introductory Bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: There is no annual fee for the first year, followed by a $95 annual fee thereafter.
Additional Perks and Considerations: Beyond the substantial rewards on groceries, this card provides access to Amex Offers, which can lead to significant savings if you remember to activate and use them. Cardholders can also earn statement credits by using their card to pay for the Disney Bundle streaming package and an Equinox+ auto-renewing subscription. For a comprehensive overview of the card’s benefits, you can explore our guide on Amex Blue Cash Preferred Benefits.
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has always been a solid choice, but its value has significantly increased in light of the growing reliance on Amazon for everyday needs. This card is particularly beneficial for those who frequently shop with Amazon or within the Amazon ecosystem.
Rewards: Earn 5% back on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership. Additionally, get 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting, including rideshares, and 1% back on all other purchases.
Introductory Bonus: Receive a $100 or more Amazon gift card instantly upon approval with an eligible Prime membership.
Annual Fee: There is no annual fee for the card.
Additional Perks and Considerations: This card is most advantageous for regular Amazon or Whole Foods customers. While there is no direct annual fee for the card, the $139 cost of an Amazon Prime membership effectively serves as an indirect fee. If you’re already investing in Prime, the card incurs no extra cost. Rewards can be redeemed as Amazon credits without a minimum requirement, but they can also be redeemed as statement credits or direct deposits to eligible checking or savings accounts, offering flexibility in how you use your cash back.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card stands out in the realm of student credit cards, offering a compelling mix of high earning rates and a unique welcome bonus that’s rare in cards targeted at students. With strategic use, this card can yield considerable cash back.
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in various rotating categories each quarter, like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to a quarterly maximum upon activation. Additionally, automatically receive an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Introductory Bonus: Experience the Unlimited Cashback Match™ feature – Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, with no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
Annual Fee: This card comes with no annual fee.
Pros and Cons: A notable limitation of the Discover it® Student Cash Back card is its lower acceptance rate compared to Mastercard, Visa, or American Express, particularly for international use. This could be a significant drawback for students who travel or study abroad. Additionally, the card’s quarterly bonus categories might not always align with your spending habits, potentially limiting your earning potential in some quarters. Remembering to activate the bonus each quarter is also essential to maximize rewards.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ card, when combined with a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards®-earning card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, amplifies its points-earning potential. Even as a standalone option, it’s a formidable cash-back card, especially notable for having no annual fee.
Rewards: Enjoy 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that change every quarter (activation required), 5% back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases.
Introductory Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening. Plus, get 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: This card comes with no annual fee.
Additional Perks and Considerations: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ stands out for a no-annual-fee card, offering substantial cash-back benefits. The primary drawback is the need to actively remember to activate and track the quarterly bonus categories due to their $1,500 spending cap, which is crucial for maximizing earnings. Also, the card incurs foreign transaction fees, making it less suitable for international travel. For a more detailed look at its features, refer to our Chase Freedom Flex Benefits guide.
The Aeroplan® Credit Card might initially seem unconventional for flyers based in the U.S., yet it extends notable advantages not only to Air Canada patrons but also to United Airlines customers, as Aeroplan points are redeemable for United and other Star Alliance award flights. Its reward categories are particularly advantageous for everyday expenditures.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar on dining, takeout, eligible delivery services, groceries, and direct purchases with Air Canada, including vacations and cruises. All other eligible purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
Introductory Bonus: Gain 75,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. Additionally, earn 25,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months.
Annual Fee: The card has a $95 annual fee.
Additional Perks and Considerations: Additional Perks and Considerations: Beyond the typical airline card benefits like a complimentary first checked bag, the Aeroplan card offers access to reduced fee award redemptions, enhancing the value of your miles. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive suite of travel insurances, auto rental coverage, and purchase protection, rounding out its offerings for frequent travelers.
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium choice particularly for frequent United flyers, offering exclusive access to United Club lounges, which is a major draw for those who value comfort and amenities during their travels.
Rewards: Accumulate 4 miles for every dollar spent on United® purchases, 2 miles per dollar on all other travel expenses and dining, including eligible delivery services, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Introductory Bonus: Obtain 90,000 bonus miles by spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening the account.
Annual Fee: The card has a $525 annual fee.
Additional Perks and Considerations: The primary advantage of the United Club℠ Infinite Card is the access it grants to United Club airport lounges when flying with United or another Star Alliance airline. Despite its high annual fee, it remains more cost-effective than a standalone United Club membership. Additional perks include complimentary first and second checked bags on United flights, Premier Access, a 25% discount on in-flight purchases, and priority upgrades on award tickets.
For those seeking a premium travel experience, The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent choice, offering a range of luxurious perks such as airport lounge access, elite statuses with hotels and car rentals, and exclusive discounts on first-class travel.
Rewards: Earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked via American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Introductory Bonus: Receive 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of card membership.
Annual Fee: The card has a $695 annual fee.
Additional Perks and Considerations: This card includes up to $200 in annual airline incidental statement credits with a selected airline (enrollment required), $200 credit for certain hotel bookings with Amex Travel (minimum two-night stay for the Hotel Collection), and additional credits and discounts for services like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR® Plus, and Uber. Cardholders can also enjoy substantial statement credits with various lifestyle brand partners. For a detailed understanding of the card’s features, explore our Amex Platinum Benefits guide.
Learn More: Assessing the Value of The Amex Platinum Card’s Annual Fee.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands out not just for its ability to accrue valuable Ultimate Rewards points on purchases, but also for its comprehensive suite of travel protections, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, lost baggage and baggage delay insurance, and primary rental car insurance. These top-tier protections contribute to its ranking as one of the best travel rewards credit cards.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights and 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals when booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 spent on travel purchases annually. Additionally, receive 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining expenses, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Introductory Bonus: Secure 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.
Annual Fee: The card carries a $550 annual fee.
Additional Perks and Considerations: This premium card’s high annual fee is offset by up to $300 in automatic travel credits for qualifying purchases and the option for a complimentary Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership. Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to numerous travel partners, like United Airline MileagePlus and World of Hyatt, and are valued at 1.5 cents each when redeemed through the Chase travel portal. For more details on the card’s advantages, refer to our Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits guide.
Learn More: Evaluating the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card’s Value.
For those looking to delve into the world of transferable points without being put off by the high annual fees of some elite cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent starting point.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery shopping (excluding purchases from Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on other travel expenses, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Introductory Bonus: Acquire 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.
Annual Fee: The card has an annual fee of $95.
Additional Perks and Considerations: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is noted for its versatile and valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards®, which can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, like United Airlines and Hyatt, or used for unrestricted bookings through the Chase travel portal at a rate of 1.25 cents per point. The card also offers extensive travel protection, though slightly less comprehensive than that of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. For a comprehensive review of the card’s benefits, check out our Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits guide.
Learn More: Assessing the Value of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
In 2023, WorkingCapital conducted a comprehensive analysis of over 50 credit cards, focusing on various categories such as cash-back, travel, flexible rewards, business, student, and 0% APR offer credit cards.
Our assessment involved collecting key data points relevant to potential users. These included:
This data enabled us to perform an objective comparison of the cards. We prioritized essential attributes more significantly than those less commonly utilized, forming a rating system ranging from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest. These ratings facilitated a ranking based on terms and features, helping us identify the standout cards for 2023.
Each card’s star rating, as mentioned, reflects its performance in its specific category. A comprehensive global rating is available in the individual card review.
For a deeper understanding of our rating methodology and editorial process, please refer to our guide, How WorkingCapital Rates Credit Cards.
WorkingCapital is not a lender or a broker. Working Capital does not offer loans, credit lines, credit cards or any type of consumer or business financing whatsoever. Rather, Working Capital provides a platform to connect borrowers with potential lenders, which may result in borrower obtaining a loan or other type of financing. The loan approval process, qualifying criteria, as well as but not limited to the terms of any financing and the terms thereof.
Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
© 2023 Working Capital, LLC
WorkingCapital is not a lender or a broker. Working Capital does not offer loans, credit lines, credit cards or any type of consumer or business financing whatsoever. Rather, Working Capital provides a platform to connect borrowers with potential lenders, which may result in borrower obtaining a loan or other type of financing. The loan approval process, qualifying criteria, as well as but not limited to the terms of any financing and the terms thereof.
Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
WorkingCapital is not a lender or a broker. Working Capital does not offer loans, credit lines, credit cards or any type of consumer or business financing whatsoever. Rather, Working Capital provides a platform to connect borrowers with potential lenders, which may result in borrower obtaining a loan or other type of financing. The loan approval process, qualifying criteria, as well as but not limited to the terms of any financing and the terms thereof.
Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.