How many credit cards should I have?

The number of credit cards you should have depends on your goals. For example, you’ll probably want to carry multiple cards if you’re looking to maximize rewards on a broader range of expenses or wield perks specific to your favorite stores, airlines or hotels. However, you may want to stick to one card if you prioritize building credit or a streamlined rewards experience. Having several cards is fine as long as they deliver benefits that you take full advantage of (miles, cash back, perks and so on). Just beware of burdening yourself with annual fees and temporarily bruising your credit score from multiple card applications in a short period. For reference, statistics show that 77 percent of U.S. adults have at least one credit card, with the average American holding three to four credit cards.

Does applying for a credit card hurt your credit score?

A credit card application could have a negative (but temporary and relatively small) effect on your credit score. Getting approved for a credit card or other type of credit account requires some scrutiny of your track record as a borrower. The process can involve two types of credit checks: A “hard” inquiry is when the lender pulls your credit report to make a decision about whether to lend to you. A “soft” inquiry is when the lender checks your credit as part of a preliminary screening. Pre-qualified credit card offers involve soft credit inquiries, so keep an eye out for cards that offer pre-qualification. A hard inquiry can subtract a few points from your credit score temporarily, while a soft inquiry usually has no effect. You’ll want to limit the number of hard inquiries on your credit report, so be as selective as possible about which credit cards you apply for and try to get preapproved first.

How old do I have to be to get a credit card?

Generally, you must be at least 18 years old to be the primary cardholder of a credit card. However, there are considerably more strict requirements to hold a credit card if you’re below the age of 21. You must be able to prove that you can independently pay your credit card bill or you can elect to have a cosigner, who is financially responsible for your bills if you cannot pay. There is also the option to become an authorized user on a parent or guardian’s credit card. With this option, you can have access to a credit line before the age of 18, though age restrictions will depend on the issuer.

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Best starter travel card

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

$1500

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program, showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

1x - 5x

Rewards rate

5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. 2x on all other travel purchases. 1x on all other purchases.

Annual fee

Regular APR

- 5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
- 3x 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
- 2x 2x on all other travel purchases.
- 1x 1x on all other purchases.
What we love: Occasional travelers who value flexibility can enjoy this card’s excellent rewards on both travel and everyday spending, stellar travel protections and other lucrative benefits. It already delivers top-notch long-term value with its remarkable redemption options, perks and transfer partners. Plus, the hefty welcome offer makes the short-term rewards value exceptional as well.

Learn more: Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits guide

Alternatives: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an option similar to the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Consider this alternative if its list of benefits and credits — some of which are missing on the Chase card — appeal to you.
Pros

Its annual hotel statement credits and anniversary points bonus can carry enough value to easily justify the annual fee.

Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most valuable rewards available and redeeming points for travel with Chase comes with a 25 percent value boost.

Cons

It doesn’t have flight-focused travel perks like airport lounge access or free checked bags.

The card's grocery rewards rate only applies to eligible online grocery purchases, which could limit its appeal as a standalone option for everyday rewards.

Best for dining and entertainment

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

5.0

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

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Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

1% - 8%

Rewards rate

8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) 1% Cash Back on all other purchases

Annual fee

Regular APR

- 8% 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 5% 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
- 3% 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- 1% 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
What we love: This is one of the most well-rounded options with no annual fee for people who want a standalone rewards card. It earns a competitive, unlimited rewards rate in some of the most common spending categories, including restaurants, grocery stores and the often-overlooked entertainment category.

Learn more: Why we love the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card

Alternatives: You might also want to consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, another flexible no-annual-fee card that earns bonus rewards on dining and a flat rate on general purchases. It’s an especially good pick if you already have a Chase travel card to pool rewards with.
Pros

It offers some of the best spending category coverage and unlimited rewards potential available on one card.

The intro APR and reward bonus offers provide solid introductory value for a card in its class.

Cons

This card is missing a handful of rewards categories that may make rival cards more rewarding based on your budget, including gas, general travel and transit.

It doesn’t have as many perks or benefits as other rewards credit cards.

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BEST OVERALL

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

4.3

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

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Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

2%

Rewards rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Annual fee

Regular APR

- 2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Why it’s the best overall: "This card has been a vital part of my credit card journey. It not only offers generous cash rewards on purchases, but also fits seamlessly with my financial goals thanks to its user-friendly features and transparent terms. It’s an indispensable tool in my credit card arsenal.” — Re’Dreyona Walker, Editor, Credit Cards

What we love: People who prefer a simple, flexible card find this flat rewards rate a step up from many competing cards. And it’s one of the only 2 percent cash rewards cards that has a welcome offer and an intro APR offer on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

Learn more: Wells Fargo Active Cash benefits guide

Alternatives: While technically not a flat-rate cash back card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns 1.5 percent back on general purchases and has various other unlimited bonus categories. Depending on your spending habits, you could out-earn the Wells Fargo Active Cash with the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Pros

Paying your cellphone bill each month with this card gets you cellphone protection against damage or theft (limit of two up to $600 claims per year, subject to a $25 deductible) — a handy but relatively uncommon perk that will be useful to many cardholders.

The Active Cash is one of the only 2 percent cash rewards cards that doesn’t weigh down your rewards with spending caps or minimum redemption requirements.

Cons

Your reward redemption options are limited to cash rewards; you can’t transfer rewards to travel partners.

It charges a 3 percent foreign currency conversion fee, which will be disappointing to people who enjoy traveling abroad.

Best cash back on everyday spending

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

4.6

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

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See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

1% - 3%

Rewards rate

3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.

Annual fee

APR

- 3% 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 1% 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
What we love: Its high cash back rate on several crucial everyday categories can make this one of the most lucrative cards for any household’s day-to-day spending. And its U.S. online retailer category is especially rewarding for online shoppers since few cards have an online shopping category.

Learn more: Is the Amex Blue Cash Everyday worth it?

Alternatives: Thanks to its unparalleled rewards rate at U.S. supermarkets, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express could rack up more cash back for big grocery spenders and commuters compared to the Blue Cash Everyday.
Pros

It’s one of the only no-annual-fee cards with benefits as valuable as its monthly credits for eligible home meal kits and Disney Bundle streaming subscriptions.

Its intro APR is competitive and includes both purchases and balance transfers, which gives new cardholders breathing room with interest charges.

Cons

Wholesale clubs and stores like Target and Walmart don’t count in the U.S. supermarkets category.

You’ll only earn 3 percent cash back on up to $6,000 of annual spending in each select category before the rate drops to 1 percent, which could be a low ceiling for some spenders.

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Best for long intro APR

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

4.3

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

Bankrate review

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Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

N/A

Intro offer

Intro offer is not available for this Wells Fargo credit card.

N/A

Rewards rate

Rewards rate is not available for this credit card.

Annual fee

N/A
What we love: Its chart-topping intro APR offer extends to both purchases and qualifying balance transfers, offering maximum flexibility if you want to minimize interest charges. Plus, this card’s benefits sprinkle on a little more value with perks like some of the best cellphone protection available (subject to a deductible).

Learn more: Is the Wells Fargo Reflect Card worth it?

Alternatives: The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card* is a no-frills, low-interest card and may be a great fit if you need to carry a balance after your intro APR ends. Its U.S. Bank ExtendPay® feature may also help you save on interest when you divide eligible purchases into equal installment payments with a monthly fee.
Pros

Unlike most competitors, this card offers the same length of intro APR period on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

The card comes with cell phone protection against damage or theft (up to $600, subject to a $25 deductible, when you pay your monthly phone bill with the card).

Cons

The card's balance transfer fee is relatively high. A lower-fee card could save you more overall, even if it carries a shorter intro APR period.

There’s no rewards program, so the card has limited long-term value.

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Best for travel card beginners

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

4.1

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

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Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

Rewards rate

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

Annual fee

- 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 1.25 Miles 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
What we love: It’s a great starter card for occasional travelers, as it has no annual fee, a flat rewards rate on general purchases and an even higher rewards rate on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Budding reward strategists may also enjoy redeeming miles through transfer partners — a valuable option no-annual-fee travel cards typically don’t provide.

Learn more: 7 reasons to get the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card

Alternatives: If you want to boost your travel reward earnings, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card could be a good fit for a higher flat rate on all purchases, or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card for the chance to get valuable travel perks.
Pros

Its easy-to-earn welcome bonus could be one of the most valuable upfront offers for a card in its class.

Unlike many travel rewards cards, it comes with solid intro APR offers.

Cons

Its 1.25X-mile flat rate is lower than other starter travel cards’ flat rates, even those with no annual fees.

Its travel incentives aren't very noteworthy when compared to other travel rewards cards.

BEST FOR LONG-TERM VALUE

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

1.5% - 5%

Rewards rate

Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service 1.5% on all other purchases

Annual fee

- 5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
- 3% 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
- 1.5% 1.5% on all other purchases
What we love: If you’re looking for a card that will earn its keep long after you finish financing new purchases or paying off debt, this is one of the best options out there thanks to its generous base and bonus rewards rates, pairing potential and impressive redemption flexibility.
Learn more: Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited worth it?
Alternatives: If you like the Chase Freedom Unlimited's flat rate, then the Citi Double Cash® Card might be a better choice since it earns 1 percent cash back when you make purchases and another 1 percent when you pay them off.
Pros

You can redeem rewards for travel, cash back and more at the same 1-cent-per-point value, giving this card terrific flexibility.

It could offer much better long-term value than the typical no-annual fee rewards card, especially for frequent travelers: Points are worth 25 to 50 percent more when you pair the Freedom Unlimited with a premium Chase travel or business card.

Cons

A few other cards offer a higher flat cash back rate (2 percent or more back on all purchases), so they could prove more lucrative if you don’t spend much on travel or dining.

Instead of offering a lump sum of rewards when you meet a spending threshold, this card’s welcome bonus gives you extra cash back on top of your regular rate. While that could prove very lucrative in the end, maximizing it could require a ton of spending.

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Best starter rewards card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

3.8

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

Bankrate review

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Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

1.5% - 5%

Rewards rate

Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

Annual fee

Regular APR

- 5% Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- 1.5% Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
What we love: Although its flat 1.5 percent cash back rate doesn’t set it apart from the crowd, the Quicksilver offers streamlined features and a nice mix of redemption options (including the option to automatically redeem rewards), making it a fantastic first rewards card if you’re learning the ropes and value simplicity.

Learn more: Why the Capital One Quicksilver is a great starter card

Alternatives: Unless you’re set on a card with automatic cash back redemption, the Chase Freedom Unlimited outperforms the Quicksilver, mainly for its additional 3 percent cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants. However, a 2 percent flat-rate card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card or Citi Double Cash® Card will be more rewarding if you mostly spend outside those categories.
Pros

Its cost-effective terms make it excellent for both everyday and international spending.

Features an automatic cash back redemption option, making it one of the simplest rewards card experiences available.

Cons

The Quicksilver card’s benefits are barebones compared to a few of its rival cards.

There are other cards on the market that offer a higher unlimited cash back rate.

BEST FOR GAS AND TRANSIT

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

4.1

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

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Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

$200

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program, showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

1X - 3X

Rewards rate

Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Earn 1X points on other purchases

Annual fee

Regular APR

- 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.
- 1X Earn 1X points on other purchases
What we love: This card not only has one of the best ongoing rewards rates on everyday travel purchases but it also covers various other popular categories like restaurants, airfare and hotels. It’s tough to earn bonus points in that many categories with a single card, making this a great standalone rewards card for commuters and families on the go.

Learn more: Is the Wells Fargo Autograph worth it?

Alternatives: While the Autograph card covers many popular spending categories, it’s missing arguably the most important everyday bonus category: groceries. If you spend more on staples like groceries, gas and online shopping than extras like dining out and air travel, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a solid alternative.
Pros

Offers terrific category variety for a no-annual-fee rewards card, earning unlimited rewards in several of the most popular everyday spending categories.

You can redeem rewards for statement credits or travel without sacrificing point value.

Cons

The additional benefits and intro APR offer on purchases are weaker than competing cards’ features, especially compared to travel cards.

You can’t transfer rewards to airline or hotel loyalty programs and your points are only worth 1 cent apiece — a lower point value than what many competing travel rewards programs offer.

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BEST FOR NO-FRILLS BENEFITS

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

5.0

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

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Excellent (740 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

$1275

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program, showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

2 Miles - 10 Miles

Rewards rate

10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

Annual fee

Regular APR

- 10 Miles 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- 2 Miles 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
What we love: Frequent travelers wanting to strike the balance with top-notch rewards, elite travel benefits and affordability will find this card is a unique middle-ground option. Instead of stuffing its perk roster to the gills with niche features, the Venture X includes practical benefits like airport lounge access and yearly travel credits and bonus miles.

Learn more: Is the Capital One Venture X worth it?

Alternatives: Occasional travelers who aren’t concerned with premium travel perks may get more value with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Pros

It offers practical, high-value perks that can help you easily offset the annual fee.

You can redeem miles for travel-related purchases on your statement from the past 90 days.

Cons

Capital One doesn’t have as many useful, U.S.-based travel partners as other issuers have.

You must book through Capital One Travel to earn rewards in key travel categories.

BEST FOR Flexible travel redemption

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

4.9

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

Bankrate review

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Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

$1275

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program, showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

2 Miles - 5 Miles

Rewards rate

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

Annual fee

Regular APR

- 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2 Miles 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
What we love: This card offers frequent travelers easy-to-earn, flat-rate rewards and some of the most flexible travel redemption options. It provides the unique ability to redeem miles toward travel-related purchases on your statement from the past 90 days. Plus, savvy flyers can transfer miles to one of Capital One’s 15+ travel hotel and airline partners, potentially at a higher redemption value.

Learn more: Why we love the Capital One Venture Rewards Card

Alternatives: Considering the Venture card’s perks are relatively weak, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card could be more cost-effective for more modest travelers.
Pros

It’s one of the only travel cards that allows you to redeem rewards toward vacation rentals like Airbnb and VRBO stays.

Its perks and fees make it a good companion abroad.

Cons

Unlike with several competing cards, you can’t offset the annual fee with annual credits or similar perks.

Capital One’s transfer partners don’t include a major U.S. airline.

Best Business Credit Card Offers

Best Business Credit Cards of 2024

Recent Offer Change

Best business card with no annual fee

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

$750

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program, showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

1% - 5%

Rewards Rate

Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn

Annual fee

Regular APR

- 5% Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- 2% Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
- 1% Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
What we love: Small-business owners who spend heavily on office supplies and internet, cable and phone services could enjoy some of the best rewards potential of any no-annual-fee business card — especially those who plan to pair the Ink Business Cash with a higher-tier Ultimate Rewards card.

Learn more: How the Ink Business Cash can rack up rewards on your business needs

Alternatives: If you’d rather not juggle multiple cards to ensure you’re earning bonus rewards on all your business spending, you may prefer the simplicity that comes with the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. However, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card may be a more lucrative option if you’re looking to maximize your rewards’ value.
Pros

The card’s sign-up bonus offer is one of the best available on a no-annual-fee business card, so it’s a good option if you have a large business expense on the horizon.

Its intro APR period is on the longer side for a business rewards card, so it could be a great fit if you want to finance business purchases.

Cons

You can’t transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs or get more than 1 cent per point in redemption value unless you pool points with one of the Chase Sapphire cards or the Ink Business Preferred card.

Depending on how much you spend in this card’s bonus categories, you may earn more with a flat-rate rewards card — even if that means paying an annual fee.

Best flat-rate cash back business card

Excellent (740 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

$1,200 cash back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months

$1200

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program, showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

2% - 5%

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions

Annual fee

Regular APR

- 5% Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2% Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
What we love: It earns a flat, unlimited 2 percent cash back rate on everyday purchases, plus a boosted rate on Capital One Travel purchases. Big spenders can get exceptional value with this card since Capital One could refund the $150 annual fee as a statement credit every year you spend at least $150,000 with the card.

Learn more: Is the Capital One Spark Cash Plus worth the annual fee?

Alternatives: Small-business owners with more modest budgets may want a no-annual-fee business card with a decent cash back rate, like The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card.
Pros

It’s a charge card, so business owners don’t have to worry about credit limits or interest costs.

The cash back rate can make it easy to offset the annual fee and rack up rewards, regardless of your biggest spending categories.

Cons

The annual fee — and spending requirement to have it refunded — might be too high for businesses with modest budgets.

Capital One recommends excellent credit for applicants, which can put the card out of reach for some business owners.

Best Airlines Card Offers

Best Airlines Cards of 2024

Best starter airline card

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

$750

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program, showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

1X - 2X

Rewards rate

Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

Annual fee

Regular APR

- 2X Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
- 2X Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
- 2X Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
- 2X Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
- 1X Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
What we love: Occasional travelers who mostly fly domestically and don’t need luxury perks should consider this entry-level airline card since it carries key air travel benefits, rewards and intro bonus rewards similar to those of higher-tier Southwest credit cards but for a low annual fee.

Learn more: Why we love the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

Alternatives: Despite its $99 annual fee, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card may offer better value overall thanks to its stronger annual bonus and perks.
Pros

Its anniversary points bonus can help offset part of the annual fee.

Comes with basic perks like free checked bags and early check-ins.

Cons

It lacks the luxury perks you can find on other mid-tier airline rewards cards.

Its bonus categories aren’t the most popular or practical, so you may not earn a ton of points on everyday spending.

Best for companion certificate

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

$660

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program, showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

1 mile - 3 miles

Rewards rate

Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Annual fee

Regular APR

- 3 miles Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.
- 2 miles Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases.
- 1 mile Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
What we love: This card shines thanks to its companion fare perk, which lets you book an Alaska Airlines ticket for a travel companion at a steep discount after you spend $6,000 or more within the prior anniversary year. Other airline companion passes usually have much steeper spending requirements.

Alternatives: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card may be a better fit for frequent travel duos. Southwest cards give you a chance at the coveted (but harder-to-earn) Southwest Companion Pass, which you can use the year you earn it and throughout the following year.
Pros

The welcome bonus is easily one of the most valuable available on a mid-tier airline card since it comes with both a companion pass and a windfall of miles.

It earns miles in some everyday categories like gas, streaming services and cable.

Cons

Although Alaska Airlines has several travel partners, this card is mainly for West Coast flyers since the airline’s routes are quite limited.

The annual fee may be tough to cover for some occasional travelers.

Best Hotels Credit Card Offers

Best Cards for Hotels of 2024

Best no-annual-fee hotel card

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.

$480

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program, showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

3X - 7X

Rewards rate

Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

Annual fee

APR

- 7X Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
- 5X Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
- 3X Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
What we love: This card is easy to justify for Hilton loyalists who want some status perks and hotel card benefits, but don’t need an ultra-luxury experience to enjoy their stay. It doesn’t have an annual fee but it’s packed with features that would normally warrant a fee, including boosted rewards in popular everyday spending categories and automatic Hilton Honors™ Silver Elite status to fast-track you to higher-tier benefits.

Learn more: Why we love the Hilton Honors American Express Card

Alternatives: If you’re a frequent Hilton guest, then you can certainly squeeze more than enough value out of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and its stronger rewards, automatic Hilton Honors™ Gold status and travel perks to justify its annual fee.
Pros

It doesn’t have an annual fee, so it’s a good option if you only travel occasionally or are searching for your first hotel card.

Guests who stay for four consecutive nights and pay with points can get a valuable fifth night free on award stays (must book five consecutive nights).

Cons

It lacks many of the perks you can find on higher-tier hotel rewards cards, like free breakfast and room upgrades.

Other Hilton cards earn more on Hilton hotel bookings, which could make them more lucrative — even with annual fees.

Best Card Offer for Excellent Credit

Best Cards for Excellent Credit of 2024

Best for luxury perks

The Platinum Card® from American Express

4.8

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

Bankrate review

Apply now

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

$1600

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program, showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

5X - 5X

Rewards rate

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Annual fee

APR

- 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
What we love: If you’re a frequent traveler looking for top-tier perks, this card may be worth the price of admission. It boasts an unrivaled set of cardmember benefits, including perhaps the most extensive lounge access and credits for expedited security screening, airline incidentals, Uber, digital entertainment and much more.

Learn more: Amex Platinum Card benefits guide

Alternatives: If you think the Amex Platinum’s list of perks is impractical, consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card instead. Another premium travel card, the Venture X is more cost-effective while still offering a terrific flat rewards rate and valuable perks like annual travel credits and bonus miles.
Pros

There’s around $1,700 of yearly value in ongoing credits, which is perhaps unrivaled in the rewards card market.

Earns one of the highest travel rewards rates of any American Express card.

Cons

Not all of the card’s niche perks and credits are practical for the average person, so the card may end up costing more than it’s worth.

It earns just 1X points on all non-travel spending, so it won’t make much sense if you want a standalone rewards card to cover everyday spending.

Best Credit Cards of May 2024

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