What’s the best credit card to choose right now?
While on the one hand, it’s exciting that there are now so many credit cards to choose from, it’s also become a tedious process to actually evaluate all of the best credit cards and choose the one that’s perfect for your needs.
Should you go with the credit card that offers the most travel rewards? How about the most cash back on purchases? Maybe one with the lowest overall APR rate?
In this side-by-side comparison guide, we’re going to break down all of the best credit cards and highlight exactly what each of these credit cards will do for you.
What are the Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards?
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® is exceedingly popular amid the travelers, and rightly so. Cardholders can expect a wide array of benefits and offers, including a huge bonus upon registration, premium rewards for traveling, and some great travel programs.
Annual Fee: $95
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 18.24% – 25.24% variable
The Bonus: Spend $4000 on purchases in the first three months of your card membership and you can earn up to 60,000 bonus points. The bonus points can account for up to $750 in travel and can be redeemed through the Chase travel portal.
Rewards Rate: You get to earn two points for every dollar that you spend on travel and dining worldwide and one point for every other purchase. Redeem your points for travel through your Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal and get 25% more money on your current points.
Other Benefits
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- No fees on foreign transactions
- Trip delay reimbursement on overnight stays
- Swift and reliable travel emergency assistance services
- Rental damage fee waiver
2. Capital One Venture Miles Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture® is a great option if you are looking to receive excellent travel records. Earn redeemable miles to credit your travel expenses.
Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, and $95 after that
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
Regular APR: 17.99% – 25.24% variable
Bonus: Enjoy a bonus of 50,000 miles (worth up to $500 in travel) upon spending $3,000 within the first three months of card membership.
Rewards Rate: Earn two miles for each $1 you spend on all your travel expenses and other purchases. Cardholders paying for hotels via Hotels.com/Venture will earn 10X the miles for each $1 spent.
Other Benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Insurance in case of travel accident(s)
- 24-hour travel assistance services
- Transfers your miles with flexibility
- Rental damage fee waiver
3. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
Not many credit cards offer points as high and in as varied categories as Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card. From dining to gas and travel, it offers whopping 3X points.
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
Regular APR: 16.24% – 27.24% variable
The Bonus: Spend $3000 within the first three months of opening your account and enjoy a bonus of 30,000 points (worth up to $300 in cash).
Rewards Rate: Earn 3 points for each $1 you spend on dining, whether you are eating out or ordering in. You also get 3 points on your gas station, rideshares, transit purchases, hotels, rentals, and all the other travel purchases.
💥 Earn one point per $1 on every other purchase.
Other Benefits
- 0% APR for the initial year on purchases and balance transfers.
- Your points won’t expire as long as your account remains open
- No blackout dates on air travel
- Cell phone protection services to protect your landline service and home phone service.
4. AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®
While AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® offers all the perks you’d expect from a credit card for travel rewards, it also provides you with all the attractive offers beyond travel purchases.
Annual Fee: $0 for the initial month, $99 after that
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
Regular APR: 18.24% to 26.24% variable
The Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first three months.
Rewards Rate: Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 you spend in dining, American airline purchases, and at gas stations. Earn one point per $1 on every other purchase.
You also get a chance to earn $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 within a year.
Other Benefits
- 25% off on all food items and beverages in your flight
- First checked bag will be free
- No foreign transaction fees
What are the Best Credit Cards for Hotel Rewards?
5. Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card
If you frequent Hilton hotels, then Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card is one of the best credit cards for you.
Annual Fee: $95
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
Regular APR: 17.99% to 26.99% variable
The Bonus: Spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card within three months and earn 125,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points.
Rewards Rate: Earn 12 Hilton Honors points for each $1 you spend at any of the Hilton properties. Earn six points for each $1of expenditure at all the US restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
💥 Earn 1 point per $1 on all the other purchases.
Other Benefits
- Complimentary gold status with the card
- Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases through your Hilton Honors Ascend Card and earn Hilton Honors Diamond status
- Weekend night reward after spending $15,000 on purchases within a year.
6. IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card has a wide range of travel perks, especially If you stay at the IHG® Hotels & Resorts.
Annual Fee: $89
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
Regular APR: 0% APR for the first year
The Bonus: Spend $2,000 in purchases on the card within the initial three months and earn 80,000 Bonus Points.
Rewards Rate: You get to earn 25 points for every $1 spent at any IHG® Hotels & Resorts. Earn 10 bonus points per $1 that you spend with the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card during the day.
Other Benefits
- Enjoy Platinum Elite status with your Premier card membership
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit of up to $100 every 4 years
- You can redeem IHG bonus points at other hotels as well, including InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
What are the Best Cash Back Credit Cards?
7. Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card offers excellent value on all your spending, especially when it comes to dining experiences.
Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year; $95 after that
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
APR: 16.74% – 25.74% variable APR; No Transfer Fee
Bonus: Earn a $300 cash-back bonus after you spend $3,000 within the first three months of opening your account.
Rewards Rate: Earn 4% cash back on dining and all the entertainment purchases, 2% cashback at grocery stores, and 1% cashback on all your other purchases.
Other Benefits
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Complimentary Concierge Service
- Get your card replaced or a cash advance in case of emergency
- Insurance in case of travel accidents
- Get notified every time a purchase is approved from your account
8. Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back has a legion of fans, thanks to its several unique benefits. Discover releases a full category list at the start of the year so that the users can check whether the card aligns with their spendings or not.
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
APR: 14.24% – 25.24% Variable, 0% intro APR offer
Bonus: Get double cashback during your first year as a Discover it® Cash Back cardholder. For example, you will get $400 on the total cashback of $200 by the end of the year.
Rewards Rate: Earn 5% cash back after spending up to $1,500 in different categories that change each quarter.
Categories for the year are as follows:
- January-March: grocery stores
- April-June: gas stations, Uber and Lyft
- July-September: restaurants and PayPal
- October-December: Amazon.com, Target, and Walmart.com
Other Benefits
- No lower limit on redemptions. You can redeem your rewards in amounts as little as $0.1
- Earn true FICO® Score for free
- Unlimited cashback of 1% on every purchase
9. Chase Freedom®
Although Chase Freedom® is focused on cash-back rewards credit card; however, as it happens, you can redeem your rewards for travel and even avail airlines and hotel loyalty programs.
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in US dollars
APR: 14.24% – 25.24% Variable, 0% intro APR offer
Bonus: Spend $500 within the first three months of opening your account and earn a bonus of $150
Rewards Rate: Get 5% cashback on the first $1500 that you spend in different categories that change every quarter.
Other Benefits
- 0 percent intro APR on purchases for 15 months
- You are not liable in case of unauthorized transactions made with your card
- Unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Extended warranty protection
10. Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Updated details coming soon!
What Are the Best Small Business Credit Cards?
11. The Business Platinum® Card from American Express
This credit card comes with plenty of amazing offers, including a welcome bonus worth more than $1000, travel perks, and benefits on other purchases.
Annual Fee: $595
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
APR: 0% intro APR offer
Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 and another 25,000 bonus points after spending an additional $10,000 within the first three months of account opening.
Rewards Rate: Book hotels and flights via amextravel.com and get a benefit of five Membership Rewards® points for each $1 spent. Earn 1.5 for each $1 for every purchase of more than $5000. Earn one point for each $1 on every other purchase.
Other Benefits
- Get a credit of up to $200 a calendar year for baggage fees
- Get access to over 300 premium workspaces I over 75 cities
- Over 1200 airport lounge options across 130 countries worldwide
12. Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
Spark® Miles from Capital One® is one of the best credit cards for small business owners. It provides simple reward-winning opportunities, which come in handy for busy business owners.
Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
APR: 19.24% variable APR
The Bonus: Earn cash bonus of $500 upon spending $4500 through your new card within the first three months of account opening.
Rewards Rate: Earn 2% cashback on every purchase that you make. There is no maximum limit on the amount of cashback you can earn.
Other Benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel and emergency assistance services
- Unlimited 2X bonus points on every purchase
- Earn up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA Pre
- Extended warranty protection, for up to 90 days of purchase
13. Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card
This credit card has a legion of fans, mostly small business owners. With a high enough spending cap and a wide range of categories for cash back, Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card is a reasonable choice for small businesses.
Annual Fee: $95
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, 15.49% – 21.49% Variable
The Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points, worth $5,000 cashback, after you spend $3,000 within the first three months from account opening.
Rewards Rate: Receive three points per $1 spent on a combined amount of over $150,000 annually on travel expenses, including the Internet, cable, home phone services, advertising purchases made with or for social media analytics tools, social media scheduling tools, and social media growth tools, social media sites and search engines. Once you reach the maximum spending cap, you will earn one point for each $1 spent on all your purchases.
Other Benefits
- Amazing 5X bonus points categories
- Covers business car rental
- Purchase protection for the first 120 days
- Trip cancelation and interruption coverage, of up to $5,000 per trip
- Extended warranty protection, for up to a year on eligible purchases
What are the Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards?
14. Discover it® Balance Transfer
Discover it® Balance Transfer card offers a perfect combination of small interest rates, including an introductory zero-interest period of up to 18 months, and plenty of amazing rewards.
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Regular APR: 14.24% – 25.24% Variable
The Bonus: Get double cashback during your first year as a Discover it® Balance Transfer cardholder. For example, you will get $400 on the total cashback of $200 by the end of the year.
Rewards Rate: Spend up to $1,500 and earn a cashback of 5% in categories that rotate each quarter. You can also redeem 1% cashback on every other purchase.
Other Benefits
- Discover it® Balance Transfer card offers low rate interest, which can help repay dues with one monthly payment.
- Low-interest rate leads to more savings
- The Discover transfer card is highly flexible and helps transfer different types of debt, including credit and store cards, student loans, medical bills, gas cards, and auto loans, online.
15. BankAmericard® Credit Card
If you want to spend a large amount, buy something big, and transfer a lot of debt, then BankAmerica® Credit Card is the perfect card for you.
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%
APR: 0% intro APR, 15.24%-25.24%(variable APR)
The Bonus: BankAmerica doesn’t offer any conventional bonus but the fact that paying late won’t raise your APR serves as a big reward.
Rewards Rate: Again, there are no conventional rewards, however, 18 months free APR period saves you a lot of interest.
Other Benefits
- The low-interest-rate with an introductory $0 balance transfer fee within 60 days of your account opening
- 0% introductory APR (for 18 billing cycles)
- Easy and free access to your FICO® Score
- No annual fee
What Are the Best Luxury Credit Cards?
16. The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is specifically designed for the frequent traveler who loves to travel in style.
Annual Fee: $550
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
APR: 0% intro APR, 27.49%
The Bonus: Earn a bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards® points if you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Rewards Rate: You can earn up to five Membership Rewards® points on each $1 spent on flights booked directly with the airlines or through American Express Travel.
Other Benefits
- Platinum concierge service
- Up to $200 in Uber savings
- Over 1,200 lounge options across 130 countries
- Claim 3X membership rewards when you spend overseas
- Earn up to $100 annually for purchase at Saks Fifth Avenue.
- Get additional benefits and discount offers in more than 1000 hotels worldwide
- Book your tickets with platinum travel services and redeem exclusive benefits with the airline partner program.
17. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
From travel to fine dining and from airfare and hotels, Chase Sapphire Reserve Card covers everything and offers exceptional rewards and benefits.
Annual Fee: $450
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
APR: 19.24%–26.24% variable APR.
The Bonus: Redeem up to 50,000 bonus points (worth up to $750 in travel) upon spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Reward Rate: Earn three points for each $1 spent on travel and dining. Get one point for each $1 spent on all other purchases.
Other Benefits
- Receive up to $300 annual travel credit
- Access to over 1000 airport lounges worldwide
- Additional benefits at the Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
- 3X Points on Dining at all Restaurants Worldwide
- Pay for your travels through chase ultimate rewards and get 50% more value
What is the Best Low-Interest Credit Card?
18. Simmons Visa®
Are you looking for low ongoing interest rates, then Simmons Visa® card has you covered. It also has amazing travel rewards, insurance offers, and more.
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of the transaction value
APR: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 12 Months, 10.50% (Variable APR)
The Bonus: Simmons Visa® is not a rewards card, which is why there is no traditional bonus offer. However, amazingly low-interest rates serve as a great bonus.
Reward Rate: Cardholders can redeem up to 1.25 points per net dollar spent on their visa signature credit card.
Other Benefits
- Offers low-interest rate
- Low revert rate and no balance transfer fees
- Claim up to $1 million in travel accident insurance and free car rental coverage
- 24-hour customer service
19. PenFed Gold Visa® Card
PenFed Gold Visa® Card offers one of the lowest APRs in the market. However, you must qualify to be a member of the Pentagon Federal Credit Union to get this card.
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
APR: 0% For 12 months, 9.24-17.99% (variable)
The Bonus: Again, since it is not a reward card, there is no traditional bonus. But considering that you save a lot of money on low-interest rates, the bonus part is pretty much covered.
Rewards Rate: Earn statement credit worth $100 upon spending $1500 in the first 90 days.
Other Benefits
- Stringent security due to EMV chip
- Exceptional balance transfer offers
- The lowest rate card, an average low-interest credit card charges 13.42% whereas PenFed charges 9.24%
What Are the Best Credit Card for Gas Rewards?
20. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card not only offers a great card for gas rewards but it is also exceptional when it comes to rewards on other purchases.
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%
APR: 17.49% – 27.49% (Variable APR)
The Bonus: You won’t get any traditional bonus with this card
Rewards Rate: Spend the first $7,000 at a pump annually and earn 4% cashback; 3% cash back at restaurants and on travel, earn 2% on Costco.com purchases; and 1% on all other purchases.
Other Benefits
- Cardholders can cover for any repair and damages on purchases made with Citi card
- Insurance and protection in case of Damage and theft
- Offers extended manufacturer’s warranty on purchases
- Worldwide car rental insurance
- Worldwide travel accident insurance
- 24×7 travel and emergency assistance
21. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
It is one of the best credit cards when it comes to gas rewards. Plus, there is a wide array of other perks you can benefit from. However, you must qualify to be a member of the Pentagon Federal Credit Union to apply for this card.
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
APR: 11.99% to 17.99% (Variable APR)
The Bonus: Earn $100 statement credit upon spending $1500 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Rewards Rate: For each $1 you spend at a gas station, you can earn up to five points and three points per $1 spent at supermarkets.
Other Benefits
- APR as low as 11.99% on purchases and cash advances • 24×7 concierge service
- Automatic enrollment into the premium rewards program
- 0% promotional balance transfer rate for the first 12 months
How Do I Choose the Best Credit Card?
Though the requirements and financial status vary in each individual, the above mentioned are some of the best credit cards in their respective domains. But choosing the best card that aligns with your requirements and expectations can be very tedious, especially when you have a wide range of options available.
But fret not, you just need to consider a couple of questions to make the final decision, such as:
1. How is your credit history? And what credit score do you have?
These two questions are deeply interlinked and should be the first thing to cross your mind before you even think of applying for a new credit card. They are a great deciding factor for the banks to determine whether to approve your credit card request or not.
Naturally, banks tend to grant credit cards to individuals with either good or excellent credit score. That said, if someone with a bad credit score shows a solid history of stable income, then their application is likely to be considered over someone with great credit score but unstable income.
2. What type of credit card user are you?
The motive behind this question is to determine how frequently are you going to use your credit card and for what purpose do you plan to use it for. Do you plan to use it for travel and emergency purposes? Or are you someone who wants to make every single purchase through a credit card and collect numerous rewards?
3. What type of rewards would you like to receive?
As you can see, different cards offer different kinds of rewards. Some offer cash-back rewards mostly, while some offer travel rewards and points. You need to determine what kind of rewards will be most useful for you. This is solely dependent on your lifestyle and day to day needs and requirements.
4. Can you balance out the annual fee with the rewards?
Most of the reward credit cards come with an annual fee, which makes one wonder whether there is a way to offset this annual fee. It is indeed possible to balance out your annual fee with all the bonus points, rewards, and benefits that you get offered by the card. So make sure that the number of benefits that you are earning should be more than the amount you spend.
5. Does the credit card offer bonus points and would it be possible for you to meet the spending threshold required to earn it?
Most of the credit cards offer a generous bonus point offers to new credit cardholders. However, almost all of them have a term that requires you to spend a certain amount within a limited time period in order to access that bonus.
If you think that right now you are on a budget and won’t be able to meet the spending threshold, then it is probably not the right time for you to apply for a new credit card. However, if you are gearing to spend a lot of money in the upcoming months, then you will be able to redeem your bonus points easily by reaching the threshold spend.
6. Is there an introductory APR period?
Look out for the credit cards that offer introductory 0% APR periods on purchases and/or balance transfers. It is imperative to identify whether the card you are applying for has similar options. And it is particularly useful when you plan to spend a lot in the upcoming months.
Summary: The Best Credit Card to Choose in 2020
Choosing the right credit card is not as difficult and confusing as it sounds.
In the end, it all boils down to all the requirements you have and the type of lifestyle that you lead.
Apart from your own preference, it also comes in handy to do extensive research or take help from professionals. Browse through the internet, read online reviews, analyze what experts have to say about all the cards you are considering to apply for.
Don’t get bogged down by all the noise and varied options. Once you are done with answering the lifestyle questions above here, choose a couple of cards that seem to be the right fit for you and your unique needs.
Compare each credit card, examine their benefits, rewards and other features—and then make a decision.
Don’t get bogged down by all the noise and an overwhelming number of options.
If the credit card you choose doesn’t end up being the best for your lifestyle after a few months (or years), it’s never too late to change course.
Just be sure you’re using a credit card that gets you the most back for what you spend.