Best credit cards of January 2025
Our top credit cards list recognizes the most exceptional cards on the market, as determined by both our expert editors and real cardholders. Each year, our team meticulously evaluates cards across various categories, crowning a winner for each. To ensure a well-rounded assessment, we’ve also conducted extensive surveys with hundreds of cardholders, providing valuable insights into their experiences.
While our editors and cardholders often align in their choices, there are instances where their preferences diverge. This reflects the diverse needs and preferences of cardholders, underscoring the importance of personalized selection. While cardholder feedback is a crucial factor, our editors also consider other key metrics to ensure the best credit cards are represented.
OUR FEATURED CARD LIST
CardRatings’ top picks for the best credit cards
Our team of credit card experts regularly analyzes the wide range of credit card offerings to ensure this list accurately reflects the best credit card offers available. We consider various factors including reward programs, annual fees, interest rates and additional card benefits and perks. By carefully analyzing these factors, we’ve selected top credit cards that offer exceptional value and benefits tailored to various consumer needs.
Why we like it
This no-annual-fee card is a simple card to earn rewards with, and it encourages responsible financial habits to boot! Cardholders earn rewards both when making a purchase as well as when paying for those purchases on time. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
This no-annual-fee card is a simple card to earn rewards with, and it encourages responsible financial habits to boot! Cardholders earn rewards both when making a purchase as well as when paying for those purchases on time. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
- Some balance transfer credit cards don't offer ongoing rewards, so earning cash rewards on purchases, and no annual fee, is a great offering.
- Similarly, a 0% intro period on eligible balance transfers is generally the "bonus" with balance transfer credit cards. This card, however, takes things a step further with a cash rewards bonus for new cardholders.
- Savvy shoppers willing to employ a little more strategy might prefer cards with rotating bonus categories.
Why we like it
Cardholders have the power here. You choose where you can earn the most cash back from among a list of popular categories. That makes this an incredibly flexible (and possibly lucrative!) card for a wide range of card users.
Cardholders have the power here. You choose where you can earn the most cash back from among a list of popular categories. That makes this an incredibly flexible (and possibly lucrative!) card for a wide range of card users.
- The freedom to choose the category in which to earn the highest rewards makes this customizable card an excellent option for many people's spending habits.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards client, you can earn even more: 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase.
- Take advantage of intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration, and balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then, reg_apr,reg_apr_type). Keep in mind though that balance transfer fees apply: balance_transfer_fees.
- The cash-back opportunities are good, but they're great for Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients. If that's not you, you might want to look elsewhere for higher cash-back earning.
- Be aware that this card charges foreign transaction fees, so you'll want to carry another option along when you travel abroad or when you shop in foreign currency from home.
- You can only adjust your 3% cash-back earning category once per calendar month. If an unexpected expense arises in a different category after you've already made your choice, you're out of luck for the 3% on that purchase until the following month rolls around.
Why we like it
A lucrative signup bonus, excellent ongoing rewards and flexibility with redemptions make this an excellent starter card for people who want to start racking up travel rewards.
A lucrative signup bonus, excellent ongoing rewards and flexibility with redemptions make this an excellent starter card for people who want to start racking up travel rewards.
- This card's welcome bonus has the potential to go a really long way thanks to the boost in the value of points when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
- Points earned with this card stand to be even more valuable when transferred to one of Chase's numerous travel partners.
- This card is an excellent complement to other Ultimate Rewards-earning cards, such as card_name or even business cards like the card_name. Combine all your points into a single pot and, depending on which card you group them under, they may be worth even more. Learn more in our Guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
- This card's rewards earning works well for a certain type of spender, but not everyone. Remember you'll only earn bonus rewards in select categories. If these categories aren't among your regular spending categories, you'd likely be better off with a different card.
- There is the $95 annual fee to consider, so make sure you'll earn (and redeem!) enough rewards to more than offset the fee.
Why we like it
This card marks Capital One's entrance to the premium travel rewards card market – and it doesn't disappoint. With an excellent welcome offer, solid ongoing rewards, a lower-than-typical annual fee for this level of card and an array of additional perks, this card is definitely worth checking out.
This card marks Capital One's entrance to the premium travel rewards card market – and it doesn't disappoint. With an excellent welcome offer, solid ongoing rewards, a lower-than-typical annual fee for this level of card and an array of additional perks, this card is definitely worth checking out.
- It's nice to be appreciated – with this card, your loyalty is rewarded each anniversary year with 10,000 bonus miles.
- The card's welcome bonus and numerous ongoing perks will more than offset your annual fee for the first year.
- This card offers stellar flexibility when it comes to redeeming your miles. Just cash them in to cover travel purchases charged to your card. The list of loyalty program partners is also growing, so you can explore whether there's good value for you in that redemption path as well. Learn more in our Guide to Capital One miles.
- While the $300 annual travel credit is generous, it is only available for purchases made through Capital One Travel, so it's a bit restrictive.
- It's lower than other cards in its class, but there is a annual_fees annual fee to consider. Ensure you'll earn and redeem enough rewards to make the fee worth your while.
- Capital One's travel loyalty partners aren't the most popular or wide-reaching out there. It's nice to have the options, but they may not be be the most useful to you depending on your travel habits.
Why we like it
Bonus points earned at restaurants worldwide as well as dining credits for eligible purchases make this a great option for those who frequently dine out or grab take out. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.
Bonus points earned at restaurants worldwide as well as dining credits for eligible purchases make this a great option for those who frequently dine out or grab take out. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.
- This card is tailor made for folks who prefer to let others do the cooking. Cardholders can earn 4X points for every dollar spent on dining (on up to $50,000), then 1X point for the rest of the year.
- Another tasty perk comes in the form of an annual $120 ($10 a month) dining credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with your card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required).
- If you do happen to like cooking for yourself, you can also earn 4X points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 per year, then 1X point for the rest of the year.
- Membership has its privileges but they come with a price tag. The annual fee is substantial if you don't plan to make regular use of the card.
- As you may know, American Express encourages its members to pay off their balance every month. You do also have the option of "paying over time."
Why we like it
This is the only card we know of that offers 6% back (up to $6,000 spent annually) in a category that just about every family spends in with some regularity: U.S. supermarkets.
This is the only card we know of that offers 6% back (up to $6,000 spent annually) in a category that just about every family spends in with some regularity: U.S. supermarkets.
- This is among the highest reward rates out there for U.S. supermarket purchases, meaning it could be a very lucrative card for someone who regularly spends there.
- Low intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for intro_apr_duration from the date of account opening, then reg_apr,reg_apr_type. Balance transfer fee applies: balance_transfer_fees
- We love this card for families since it rewards purchases with U.S. supermarkets (6% cash back up to $6,000 spent in a year, then 1%), on select U.S. streaming subscriptions (6% cash back), at U.S. gas stations (3% cash back), and on transit (3% cash back); all categories that many families find themselves spending in with some frequency.
- As an American Express card, it isn't as widely accepted as cards issued by Visa or Mastercard, but the American Express network is ever-expanding both in the U.S. and abroad.
- Speaking of using this card while abroad, that's not the best idea as it charges foreign transaction fees, something you can avoid with many cards.
- There's also the annual fee to consider; you'll want to go through your budget carefully to determine whether you'll earn enough rewards to more than offset the annual fee.
Why we like it
Thanks to no annual fee and strong rewards rates for popular everyday categories, this card is great for both gas and routine purchases alike! If you like the sound of its sister card_name, but aren't interested in paying an annual fee, this may be the card for you.
Thanks to no annual fee and strong rewards rates for popular everyday categories, this card is great for both gas and routine purchases alike! If you like the sound of its sister card_name, but aren't interested in paying an annual fee, this may be the card for you.
- This card could be considered a winner in so many categories. It's great for gas purchases, yes, but it's also good for U.S. supermarket purchases, online retail purchases, and more.
- Need extra time to pay off a new purchase, or have an existing balance you'd like to transfer? Good news. This card offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for intro_apr_duration from the date of account opening. After that, reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR applies.
- This card is comparable to its sister card_name. It comes with many similar perks, but all for no annual fee.
- There's no annual fee, but there is a cap on the amount of rewards you can earn in bonus categories each year. If you think you'll spend beyond that rewards cap, it might be worth considering another option that has a higher, or no cap. Even if it has an annual fee, if you're spending heavily with the card, there's a good chance you might offset it.
- If you think you can offset the annual fee, you stand to earn more with the sister card_name. It still has a cap on rewards, but the rewards rates are higher.
Why we like it
The categories in which you can earn the highest amounts of cash back run the gamut from fairly typical to pretty unusual and the spending cap is high enough to make this a reasonable card choice for many small businesses. Plus, mobile phone protection is a nice added perk that could save just about any business some money.
The categories in which you can earn the highest amounts of cash back run the gamut from fairly typical to pretty unusual and the spending cap is high enough to make this a reasonable card choice for many small businesses. Plus, mobile phone protection is a nice added perk that could save just about any business some money.
- This card has one of the most lucrative sign-up bonuses on the market and has an incredible value when redeemed through Chase Travel.
- The spending cap in the bonus categories is high at $150,000, so it can meet the needs of a just-getting-started business as well as an already-on-the-move business.
- Pay your cellular bill on your card and you'll receive cellular phone insurance for the primary line as well as other phones on the account.
- There is an annual fee to consider, so make sure the rewards categories truly fit your businesses needs or else the fee might not be worth it.
- Remember that there is a spending cap in the bonus categories, so if you spend well above a combined $150,000 a year on travel and the other select business categories, you'll only earn 1% back on the additional spending.
- Frequent travelers are likely to get the most value out of this card, so if travel isn't a big part of your business' spending, you might want to consider another option as your small business credit card.
Why we like it
This is a solid card if you want to transfer existing debt thanks to a lengthy intro period – nearly two years – during which you can pay down the debt without paying interest (after the intro offer, regular reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR applies). Plus, the card features no late fees, no penalty rate, and no annual fee – all things we like to see in a card designed to help people help get their debt under control!
This is a solid card if you want to transfer existing debt thanks to a lengthy intro period – nearly two years – during which you can pay down the debt without paying interest (after the intro offer, regular reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR applies). Plus, the card features no late fees, no penalty rate, and no annual fee – all things we like to see in a card designed to help people help get their debt under control!
- This card has one of the longest balance transfer offers on the market. Enjoy 0% intro APR for balance_transfer_duration_months from date of first transfer and 0% intro APR for intro_apr_duration from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be reg_apr,reg_apr_type, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening.
- Keep track of your credit with free access to your FICO® score online.
- Citi advertised no late fees, no penalty rate, and no annual fee – ever! These are all things we like to see in a card designed to help people help get their debt under control!
- This card is exclusively for those on the higher end of the credit spectrum.
- This card isn’t a rewards card so if you want a lengthy 0% intro offer AND rewards you might want to consider another option.
- Intro 0% APR for balance_transfer_duration_months is one of the longest on the market, but don’t be blindsided by the APR after the intro offer. Depending on your creditworthiness the APR can shoot up significantly.
Why we like it
If you're paying this much of an annual fee, it better be worth it. And, trust us, this card is worth it in perks alone – and that's before you even talk about the rewards.
If you're paying this much of an annual fee, it better be worth it. And, trust us, this card is worth it in perks alone – and that's before you even talk about the rewards.
- As a luxury card, this is another good travel option packed with useful benefits. Some of our favorites include: a $200 airline fee credit (with one pre-selected airline); Uber VIP status and up to $15 each month, plus a bonus in December, in Uber Cash for your rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S.; a credit of $120 or $85 for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, respectively, application fee; access to the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounge locations around the world; no foreign transaction fees; and car rental loss and damage insurance.
- This card also offers a hefty welcome bonus to get card membership started off on the right foot.
- With 5X Membership Rewards points earned on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express travel, this card makes it easy to rack up rewards quickly.
- Terms apply. Enrollment required for select benefits.
- The annual_fees annual fee this card charges can’t be overlooked. It is a luxury card, however, and there are plenty of beneficial perks to help offset this cost.
- With that said, many of the perks of this card are travel related; if you don’t travel often, you’ll likely have trouble offsetting the annual fee and making the most of the card’s rewards.
- If you anticipate needing to carry a balance you’ll likely want to consider another option. Unlike typical credit cards, this card allows you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all.
Why we like it
College is already tough enough to navigate; students don't need another thing on their plate to worry about. This card makes earning simple with 1.5% cash back earned on all purchases made. No caps, no spend categories; just simple and easy-to-earn rewards.
College is already tough enough to navigate; students don't need another thing on their plate to worry about. This card makes earning simple with 1.5% cash back earned on all purchases made. No caps, no spend categories; just simple and easy-to-earn rewards.
- This card has no annual fee making it an excellent starter option for those just diving into the world of credit cards.
- What college student doesn't want a little extra cash in their pocket? This card offers a nice welcome bonus that can be earned by new cardcholers; a perk not always found with student credit cards.
- The rewards earning is nice, but isn't sky high. There are student cards out there that offer higher rewards-earning opportunities if you're willing to be strategic with your spending.
- The high APR of reg_apr,reg_apr_type can be alarming if you don't stay on top of paying your balance in full and on time.
Why we like it
This is the rare secured credit card that offers cardholders the chance to earn rewards. Racking up some cash back while you rebuild your credit is a nice option to have, though it shouldn't be the primary goal if you're looking at secured credit cards; that should be building your credit score and a positive credit history.
This is the rare secured credit card that offers cardholders the chance to earn rewards. Racking up some cash back while you rebuild your credit is a nice option to have, though it shouldn't be the primary goal if you're looking at secured credit cards; that should be building your credit score and a positive credit history.
- This is a unique secured credit card in that it offers cash-back rewards.
- Not only is this a secured credit card that offers ongoing rewards, but it also offers a nice welcome bonus – another unique feature to secured credit cards. Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year as a cardholder. So say you earn $100 cash back in your first year, you’ll actually pocket $200 that year.
- After seven months, Discover will automatically review your account monthly to determine whether you’re eligible to be transitioned to an unsecured credit card.
- Though there’s no annual fee, the minimum security deposit amount could be a stretch for some people at $200. If you can’t see yourself coming up with that deposit, there are other secured credit cards with lower security deposit requirements.
- Although the cash-back rewards associated with this card may entice potential users, the downside is that not every applicant will be approved. Approval depends on credit history and other financial variables. If you’re uncertain that you will be approved and don’t want a hard credit inquiry on your report, a different secured credit card might be a better fit for you.
Compare cards by perks and features
Want to see how our picks for the best credit cards stack up against each other? Our comparison tool makes it easy to compare up to threetwo cards at a time. Simply select the cards you’re interested in and we’ll automatically display their key perks and features side-by-side. With a quick glance, you can easily identify the card that best suits your needs and preferences.
Select up to 23 cards to compare side-by-side:
VS
Compare cards by user ratings
By analyzing real-world user experiences, we have developed a robust rating system that reflects the performance and value of various credit cards based on consumer insights. This chart allows you to easily compare these ratings side-by-side, enabling informed decision-making based on the feedback of actual cardholders.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
COST EFFECTIVENESS
REWARDS SATISFACTION
CUSTOMER SERVICE
WEBSITE/APP USABILITY
LIKELIHOOD OF CONTINUING TO USE
RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND/COLLEAGUE
Survey results by card
Select a card below to see the results for each card.
Survey methodology: CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. CardRatings’ website analytics from Jan. 1, 2024-Oct. 31, 2024 were used to determine a selection of the most popular cards. Responses to 10 questions were given on a scale of 1-10. For nine of these questions, respondents’ scores were averaged under broad topics. The overall rating represents an average of respondents’ responses to their overall rating of each card. “Cardholder favorite” cards are those scored in the top 10 overall.
Ask CardRatings’ experts
What is the best type of credit card according to you and why?
Flexible travel credit cards are the most versatile and valuable overall, mostly because you can redeem points in so many different ways. For example, points in the Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards programs can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise or travel through a portal. Flexible points also transfer to a range of airline and hotel programs, which gives them even more flexibility.
In my opinion, cash back credit cards are a no-brainer for anyone who wants to earn rewards from their credit card spending. The rewards are easy to understand, easy to redeem and cash is the most flexible reward of all.
Points-earning credit cards are best, in my opinion, as they provide considerable flexibility when you want to redeem rewards. Miles and cash-back cards are good, but they often limit you. Points-earning cards provide the flexibility of cashing out rewards, redeeming gift cards, or transferring points to a travel partner to enjoy reduced travel costs.
What is the best way to maximize credit card rewards?
Use your card for as many bills and discretionary expenses as you can, and you'll earn considerably more in rewards over time. You can also maximize rewards by pairing different cards with different bonus categories to increase your point haul throughout the year. I do this by pairing a flat-rate cash back credit card with several cards that offer bonus rewards, then strategically using them for purchases and bills throughout the month.
The best way to maximize credit card rewards is to pick the points program and redemption option that you will use the most. I tend to travel several times a year so I’m partial to travel credit cards with programs that allow me to transfer my earnings to multiple airline and hotel partners.
In my experience using them, the best way to maximize rewards is to have a plan. You want to choose the right card and charge everything while paying off the balance monthly. I like to use multiple cards and take advantage of bonus categories to quickly amplify earning opportunities.
Our CardFinder tool is also a great way to find the right card for you!
Tired of searching for the right credit card? CardFinder makes it quick and easy. Simply tell us your preferences and we’ll do the heavy lifting. Our three-step process saves you time and effort, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the rewards. Get started today!
Frequently asked questions
How do credit cards work?
Credit cards are like loans. You can borrow up to a certain limit, but you must pay it back. If you don't pay it back on time, you'll be charged interest. A card's interest rate, or annual percentage rate (APR), is determined by an applicant's credit score and credit history.
When approved for a new credit card you'll be given a credit limit, which is the maximum amount you can borrow. If you try to spend more, you might be charged a fee. Cash advances (getting cash from your card) usually have a lower limit, and often charge interest immediately.
Credit cards have revolving debt. This means the amount you owe goes up and down as you spend and pay. It's different from a car loan or mortgage, which has a fixed amount. Your purchases and payments are shown on your monthly statement. It's best to pay your balance in full by the due date each month in order to avoid interest charges. Otherwise, you can pay at least the minimum balance due, but interest charges will apply.
Learn more about how credit cards work, and see answers to some of the most commonly asked credit card questions.
How to apply for a credit card
Here are the general steps when applying for a credit card:
- Determine your credit profile and needs. What is your credit score and history like? What is your budget and where do you spend your money? Why do you want a credit card? Can you afford an annual fee? Do you need a 0% introductory period? These are the questions you want to ask before you even begin researching the card to apply for.
- Research your options. Don't accept the first offer that arrives in the mail and don't let a flashy celebrity endorsement draw you in. Match your existing budget, lifestyle, needs and goals to the card rather than trying to adjust your life to fit the card. Of course, also take a look at the card's welcome offer, rewards and fee structure before making your decision.
- Name and contact information
- Social security number (or EIN if you're applying for a small business card)
- Income info, including your source of income and annual income amount (if you're over the age of 21, you can include your spouse or partners income that you reasonably expect to have access to)
- Apply for the card. Fill out the application materials honestly and submit your application. Applications can easily be accessed by clicking the "apply now" button next to your card choice for any of the cards above.
Learn more about how to apply for a credit card.
How does credit card interest work?
Credit card interest is a fee charged by the card issuer when you carry a balance from one billing cycle to the next. This means you're effectively borrowing money from the issuer, and they charge interest on that loan. The interest rate can vary depending on the card's terms and your creditworthiness.
Typically, there's a grace period between when you make a purchase and when the payment is due. If you pay the full balance within this grace period, you won't be charged interest. However, if you only pay the minimum payment, interest will accrue on the remaining balance.
Credit card interest is often calculated using the average daily balance method. This means the issuer calculates the average balance on your account each day during the billing cycle. The interest rate is then applied to this average balance to determine the total interest charge.
It's important to note that interest rates can vary widely among different credit cards. Factors like your credit score, the type of card, and the issuer's promotions can influence the rate you'll be charged. To minimize interest charges, it's advisable to pay your balance in full each month whenever possible.
What is a good APR for a credit card?
A competitive APR for a credit card depends on your creditworthiness. The average credit card interest rate regularly fluctuates, depending on recent Fed decisions and other financial trends, but generally speaking, individuals with excellent credit scores may qualify for APRs as low as 15% or less; those with good credit may find APRs in the range of 15-20% to be favorable; and for those with fair credit, APRs typically land above 20%. It's important to keep in mind that APRs can vary significantly among issuers. Comparing offers from multiple lenders can help you secure the most advantageous terms.
Does applying for a credit card hurt your credit score?
Yes, applying for a credit card can have a minor impact on your credit score. This is because new credit card applications require a credit check, triggering a hard inquiry into your credit history. While hard inquiries can lower your score slightly, the effect is typically minimal, especially if you have a strong credit history. However, multiple inquiries within a short period can have a more significant impact. It's generally recommended to limit credit card applications to one or two at a time to minimize the potential damage to your credit score. Learn more about why credit checks hurt your credit score.
How long does it take to get a credit card?
When applying for a credit card online, you'll typically receive an immediate approval or denial. However, sometimes, your application may be pending. In such cases, credit card issuers are obligated to provide a decision within 30 days. While this is the legal requirement, many issuers will communicate their decision within seven to 14 days. Once you are approved for an account, you should receive your new card in the mail within seven to 10 days. You can also contact the issuer and request that they expedite your new card. If your request is approved, you could receive your new card as quickly as one to two days.
Meet the editorial team
Rating methodology: CardRatings experts review the fine print, details, perks, rewards and features of hundreds of cards and compare them side-by-side with similar cards. A card that makes an excellent balance transfer card may not make a great cash-back rewards card even though it offers those rewards. While the Best of the Year list is announced annually, that list – and all other “best of” lists on CardRatings – are regularly reviewed and updated as issuers change the terms and features of each card often.
For rates and fees for American Express cards mentioned in this post, please see the following links: CardName (See Rates and Fees); CardName (See Rates and Fees); CardName (See Rates and Fees); card_name (See Rates and Fees)
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.
This content is not provided by any company mentioned in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any such company. CardRatings.com does not review every company or every offer available on the market.
