15 Top Credit Cards in 2021

(Image Source: Chase)

An Overall Top Credit Card Option

(Image Source: Chase)

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Pricing and Fees

• Purchase Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 0% for the first 15 months – 14.99% to 23.74% afterward (variable)
• Balance Transfer APR: 0% for first 15 months – 14.99% to 23.74% afterward (variable)
• Cash Advance APR: 24.99% (variable)
• Minimum Interest Charge: None
• Annual Membership Fee: None
• Balance Transfers: $5 or 3% of the amount for each transfer within 60 days of account opening – $5 or 5% of the amount for each transfer afterward
• Cash Advances: $10 or 5% of the amount for each transaction
• Foreign Transactions: 3% of the amount of every transaction in US dollars
• Late Payment: Up to $39
• Over-the-Credit-Limit: None
• Return Payment: Up to $39
• Return Check: None

Support

Customers can contact support or schedule a meeting with a banker.

Our Verdict

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Visa-branded card is one of the top rated credit cards. There is no annual fee, and the rewards system is simple: 1.5% cash back on all purchases. There is also a decent sign-up bonus and a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months.

The downsides are the foreign transaction fee and the potentially high ongoing APR, depending on your creditworthiness.

(Image Source: Bank of America)

Top Credit Card for Rewards

Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases: 0% for the first 15 statement closing dates following the opening of your account – 13.99% to 23.99% afterward (variable)
• APR for Balance Transfers: 0% for the first 15 statement closing dates following the opening of your account for transactions made within 60 days of opening your account – 13.99% to 23.99% afterward (variable)
• APR for Cash Advances: 16.99% to 26.99%, based on your creditworthiness when you open your account, for direct deposit and check cash advances, and 27.24% for bank cash advances
• Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
• Minimum Interest Charge: $1.50
• Annual Fee: None
• Purchase Fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction
• Balance Transfer: $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction
• Direct Deposit and Check Cash Advances: $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction
• ATM, Over-the-Counter, Same-Day Online, and Cash Equivalent Cash Advances: $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction
• Overdraft Protection Cash Advance (if enrolled): $12 for each transaction
• Foreign Transaction fee: 3% of the US dollar amount of every transaction either in a foreign currency or in US dollars if it was made or processed outside of the USA. This is in addition to any other charges that may apply.
• Late Payment: Up to $40
• Returned Payment : Up to $29

Support

You have the option to schedule an appointment with a credit card specialist. You can also contact a credit card customer service representative 24/7.

Our Verdict

Bank of America® Cash Rewards users have the option to get 3% cash back in the category of their choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings. Frequent online shoppers can take advantage of this offer and earn their 3% cash back. This makes the Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card one of the top rewards credit cards for shoppers.

Another perk for online shoppers is the paperless credit card statement option, and to top it all off — online and mobile banking.

What we didn’t like about this card is the high penalty APR of up to 29.99%, as well as the late payment fee and the returned payment fee.

Nonetheless, if you are a responsible credit card holder, this is one of the top cash back credit cards for online shopping.

One of the Best Credit Cards for Students

(Image Source: Discover Card)

Discover it® Student Cash Back Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases: 0% for 6 months – 12.99% to 21.99% afterward (variable)
• APR for balance transfers: 10.99% for 6 months from the date of first transfer – 12.99% to 21.99% afterward (variable)
• APR for cash advances: 24.99%
• Penalty APR: None
• Minimum interest charge: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $0.50
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer: a fee of 3% with the 10.99% intro APR balance transfer – 5% afterward
• Cash Advance: $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance
• Late payment: None the first time you pay late – up to $40 afterward
• Returned payment: Up to $40
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Overlimit fee: None

Support

You can either call or chat with a Discover agent. They are available 24 hours a day. We tried contacting support via chat and received a reply within a few minutes.

Our Verdict

The Discover it® Student Cash Back is one of those top credit cards for students, but only for — American students.

What we liked about this card are the $0 annual fee and the good grades reward. Another big plus is that students can earn cash back.

What we didn’t like is the quarterly rotation of the Discover card bonus categories. Users also need to activate the cash back each quarter. Another downside is that a social security number is required to apply, so this isn’t the right card for international students. The cards also aren’t as accepted worldwide as Visa and Mastercard.

(Image Source: American Express)

Top Credit Cards for Cash Back Purposes

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases: 0% for the first 12 months – 12.99% to 23.99% afterward (variable)
• APR for balance transfers: 0% for the first 12 months on balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening – 12.99% to 23.99% afterward (variable)
• APR for cash advances: 25.24% (variable)
• Penalty APR: 29.24% (variable)
• Plan Fee (Fixed Finance Charge): 0% fee on each purchase moved into a plan during the first 12 months – up to 1.17% of each purchase moved into a plan based on the plan duration. The APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase and other factors.
• Annual membership fee: $95
• Balance transfer: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer
• Cash advance: $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance
• Foreign transaction: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
• Late payment: Up to $40
• Returned payment: Up to $40
• Overlimit: None

Support

We contacted the support team via chat and received an answer immediately. The customer service team is available 24/7 via phone or chat.

Our Verdict

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the best credit cards for cash back.

Users get 6% cash back from supermarket purchases in the US. While there is a $6,000 annual cap, you still get 1% cash back after that. Then there is the 3% cash back on gas and transit, such as ride-sharing. And let’s not forget the cash sign-up bonus.

The only downsides are the annual fee and late payment fee, however, if you use the card frequently, the annual fee will be offset.

If you are part of a family of four, then this is one of the best credit cards to have for shopping groceries.

(Image Source: Wells Fargo)

One of the Best Credit Cards for Travel

(Image Source: Wells Fargo)

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on purchases: 0.00% for 12 months – 13.99% to 25.99% afterward (variable)
• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on balance transfers: 0.00% for 12 months – 13.99% to 25.99% afterward (variable)
• APR for Cash Advances and Overdraft Protection Advances: 23.99% to 25.99% (variable)
• Minimum Interest Charge: $1
• Annual Fee: None
• Balance Transfers: $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer for 120 days from account opening – up to 5% for each balance transfer afterward, with a minimum of $5
• Cash Advances: $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance
• Overdraft Protection Advances: $12.50 if the total of overdraft protection advances for the day is $50 or less; $20 if the total of overdraft protection advances for the day is greater than $50
• Foreign Currency Conversion Fee: None
• Late payment: Up to $37
• Returned Check or Returned Payment: Up to $37

Support

Customer support can be contacted 24/7.

Our Verdict

The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® has some top credit card offers, with no annual fee and a good rewards system. It is one of the best looking cards too, on account of its vibrant colors.

Cardholders can earn 3x points on gas stations, as well as on other categories such as eating out and ordering in, rideshares, and transit. So, besides being a good card for gas rewards, it is also good for travelers and is perhaps the best credit card in the world for restaurants.

What we didn’t like were the high fees, such as the 5% for each balance transfer. And Amex cards are not as accepted as Visa and Mastercard.

(Image Source: Capital One)

Best Credit Cards to Get for Shopping at Walmart

(Image Source: Capital One)

Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases and Quick Cash: 17.99%, 23.24% or 26.99% (variable)
• APR for Transfers: 17.99%, 23.24% or 26.99% (variable)
• APR for Cash Advances: 26.99% (variable)
• Annual Fee: None
• Transfer fee: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.
• Cash Advance: $10 or 3% of the amount of each advance
• Penalty Fee: Up to $39

Support

Cardholders have access to 24/7 support.

Our Verdict

With a reward earning rate of 1% to 5%, the Capital One® Walmart Rewards Mastercard is one of the best credit cards for in-store buying.

It is also a Mastercard branded card, which means it can be used at all merchants accepting Mastercard and not just in Walmart.

The card offers 5% cash back if you order groceries online and 2% cash back if you shop in the store.

What we didn’t like is the high ARP and the fact that there is no intro APR. Nevertheless, it is still one of the best credit card deals right now for grocery shopping.

(Image Source: Citi)

Top Balance Transfer Credit Card

(Image Source: Citi)

Citi Simplicity® Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases: 0% for 12 months from the date of account opening – 14.74% to 24.74% afterward (variable)
• APR for Balance Transfers: 0% for 21 months from the date of first transfer when transfers are completed within 4 months from the date of account opening – 14.74% to 24.74% afterward (variable)
• APR for Cash Advances: 25.24% (variable)
• Minimum Interest Charge: $0.50
• Annual Fee: None
• Balance Transfer: $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer
• Cash Advance: $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance
• Foreign Purchase Transaction: 3% of each purchase transaction after its conversion into US dollars
• Returned Payment: Up to $40

Support

Cardholders have access to 24/7 customer support service by phone.

Our Verdict

The 0% introductory APR promotions make it one of the top credit cards for balance transfers. This makes Citi Simplicity the perfect card for those who want to consolidate their debt.

What we didn’t like was the high balance transfer fee of 5% and the high ongoing APR. After the intro ends, you should either avoid carrying a balance altogether or switch to a different card if you have the chance.

While the no cash back option is a definite downside, it’s maybe a good thing that it doesn’t give cardholders the incentive to spend more. Since this is a card intended to help people pay off their debt, it is placed among the top balance transfer credit cards out there.

(Image Source: Citi)

Top Credit Cards for Cash Back

(Image Source: Citi)

Citi® Double Cash Card Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases: 13.99% to 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness (variable)
• APR for Balance Transfers: 0% for 18 months from the date of first transfer when transfers are completed within 4 months from the date of account opening – 13.99% to 23.99% afterward (variable)
• APR for cash advances: 25.24%
• Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%. This APR may be applied to your account if you make a late payment or a payment that is returned.
• Minimum Interest Charge: $0.50
• Annual Fee: None
• Balance Transfer: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer
• Cash Advance: $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance
• Foreign Purchase Transaction: 3% of each purchase transaction in U.S. dollars
• Late Payment: None for the first late payment; up to $40 after that
• Returned Payment: Up to $40

Support

Cardholders have access to 24/7 customer service.

Our Verdict

The Citi® Double Cash Card is among the best credit cards in USA for those who value simplicity and don’t want to bother with figuring out which purchases bring the most rewards.

This card makes it simple, offering a flat earnings rate.

On the flip side, a flat-rate cash back card means a lack of a sign-up bonus or high rewards.

Best Credit Card Offers for Building/Rebuilding Credit

(Image Source: Discover Card)

Discover it® Secured Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases: 22.99% (variable)
• APR for Balance Transfers: 10.99% for the first 6 months – 22.99% afterward (variable)
• APR for Cash Advances: 24.99%
• Penalty APR: None
• Minimum Interest Charge: $0.50
• Annual Fee: None
• Balance Transfer: 3% (with 10.99% intro APR) – 5% afterward
• Cash Advance: $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance
• Late Payment: None the first time you pay late – up to $40 afterward
• Returned Payment: Up to $40
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Support

You can either call a Discover agent or chat with one. They are available 24 hours a day.

We tried contacting support via chat and received a reply within a few minutes.

Our Verdict

The Discover It Secured Card is definitely one of the best credit cards to build credit.

What we liked most about this card is that it has no annual fee and the fact that it is one of the few secured cards that offer cash back.

After you have had the card for 8 months, Discover will regularly report to the three major credit bureaus. This also makes it one of the finest cards for short credit history.

What we didn’t like was the Discover card interest rate. Even though Discover has other top credit card offers, if you are someone that will only be making the minimum payment, we suggest looking into low-interest credit cards.

Another thing we didn’t like is the fact that after you apply, Discover will place an inquiry on your credit file. And if you don’t have good credit, this can further hurt your score.

Factors that can prevent your application from being approved are: income, bankruptcy, debt or recent delinquency, and not providing a security deposit.

Top Secured Credit Cards for People With Debt

Wells Fargo Platinum Visa Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases: 0.00% for 18 months – 15.49% to 24.99% afterward (variable)
• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Balance Transfers: 0.00% for 18 months – 15.49% to 24.99% afterward (variable)
• APR for Cash Advances and Overdraft Protection Advances: 23.99% to 25.99% (variable)
• Minimum Interest Charge: $1.00
• Balance Transfers: $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer for 120 days from account opening – up to 5% for each balance transfer afterward, with a minimum of $5
• Cash Advances: $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance
• Overdraft Protection Advances: $12.50 if the total of overdraft protection advances for the day is $50 or less; $20 if the total of overdraft protection advances for the day is greater than $50
• Foreign Currency Conversion Fee: 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars
• Late payment: Up to $37
• Returned Check or Returned Payment: Up to $37

Support

Customer support is available via phone and email. You also have the option to make an appointment with a banker.

Our Verdict

With an intro period of 18 months, the Wells Fargo Platinum card is among the top 10 best credit cards with 0% interest rates. If you have some debt to pay out, then you can take advantage of the lengthy 0% APR period and $0 annual fee.

Wells Fargo cardholders also have access to some additional features, such as cell phone protection, travel accident insurance, etc.

What we didn’t like is that the card offers no rewards. There is also a balance transfer fee of 3%.

After the promo period ends and you have paid out your loans and debt, there is no incentive to use the card. You can then look at some other credit card offers and pick the best credit card for your current needs.

Top Travel Credit Cards

(Image Source: Chase)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Pricing and Fees

• Purchase Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 15.99% to 22.99% (variable)
• Balance Transfer APR: 15.99% to 22.99% (variable)
• Cash Advance APR: 24.99% (variable)
• Minimum Interest Charge: None
• Annual Membership Fee: $95
• Balance Transfers: $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer
• Cash Advances: $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• Late Payment: Up to $39
• Return Payment: Up to $39
• Return Check: None

(Image Source: Chase)

Support

Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card users have access to a customer service specialist 24/7.

Our Verdict

Due to its numerous travel perks, we consider Chase Sapphire Preferred® to be among the top credit cards for travel.

You earn points on airfare, hotels, dining, and cafes. It also has one of the best sign-up bonuses — 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.

And every traveler can agree that a $0 foreign transaction fee is what you should look for in a card.

The only downside is the annual fee of $95 and the high credit score requirements on all Chase credit cards. It is recommended that applicants have a very good or excellent credit score.

(Image Source: Capital One)

Top Credit Cards for First-Timers

(Image Source: Capital One)

Capital One® Platinum Credit Card Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases and Transfers: 26.99% (variable)
• APR for Cash Advances: 26.99% (variable)
• Annual Fee: None
• Transfer Fee: None
• Cash Advance: $10 or 3% of the amount of each advance
• Late Payment: Up to $39

Support

Capital One credit card holders have access to 24/7 customer service.

Our Verdict

The Platinum Credit Card from Capital One is among the best credit cards to get if you’re just starting out, as well as one of the best cards for fair credit.

For starters, you can check if you are prequalified without any impact on your credit score. There is no annual fee, and you will also automatically be considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months.

The downside is that there is no cash back and the APR is high.

That said, if you pay your balance on time and avoid overspending, you will be able to build your credit in no time. It is probably the best credit card to get with bad or fair credit. You will also be able to take advantage of all of the benefits offered to users of Capital One credit cards, such as fraud coverage, travel accident insurance, autopay, etc.

(Image Source: Chase)

Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards

UnitedSM Explorer Card Pricing and Fees

• Purchase Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 16.49% to 23.49% (variable)
• Balance Transfer APR: 16.49% to 23.49% (variable)
• Cash Advance APR: 24.99% (variable)
• Minimum Interest Charge: None
• Annual Membership Fee: $0 Intro fee for the first year – $95 afterward
• Balance Transfers: $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer
• Cash Advances: $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction
• Foreign Transactions: None
• Late Payment: Up to $39
• Return Payment: Up to $39
• Return Check: None

(Image Source: The Explorer Card)

Support

Customer support can be contacted via phone.

Our Verdict

The United Explorer card has some of the finest and top airline credit card offers for frequent flyers. You have the option to get 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after your account is open. And there is no annual fee during the first year. That’s what we call a warm welcome.

While this is one of the greatest cards for frequent flyers, the miles earned can only be used on flights from United Airlines and its partners. If you aren’t flying frequently with United, you should probably check out some other top airline credit cards for flyers.

(Image Source: Open Sky)

Capital Bank is the Best Bank to get a Credit Card for Those with Bad Credit

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases: 18.89% (variable)
• APR for Cash Advances: 18.89% (variable)
• Minimum Interest Charge: $1.00
• Annual Fee: $35
• Cash Advance: $6 or 5% of the amount of each advance
• Foreign Transaction: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
• Late Payment: Up to $38
• Returned Payment: Up to $25

Support

As stated on the official website, OpenSky can be contacted by mail or by phone.

Our Verdict

OpenSky has one of the top secured credit cards to build credit with. They don’t check your credit when you apply, which means you can do it even with a bad credit profile, and your credit score won’t be affected. While the minimum refundable deposit is $200, you can request a line of credit increase.

The only downsides are the annual fee and the lack of an intro APR offer. However, if you pay your balance on time and never miss a monthly payment, you will be able to improve your credit score. That is what makes the OpenSky® Secured Visa® one of the top credit card companies to have if you are trying to rebuild your credit.

(Image Source: Citi Cards)

Top Business Credit Cards

(Image Source: Citi)

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Pricing and Fees

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases: 15.99% to 24.99% (variable)
• APR for Cash Advances: 25.24% (variable)
• Penalty APR and When it Applies: Up to 29.99% (variable). This APR may be applied to your account if you make a late payment or make a payment that is returned.
• Minimum Interest Charge: $0.50
• Annual Fee: $99. It, however, is waived for the first 12-month period.
• Cash Advance: $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance
• Foreign Purchase Transaction: None
• Late Payment: $39
• Returned Payment: $39

Support

Citi business credit cardholders can contact Customer Support via phone.

Our Verdict

The Citi credit card is one of the top 5 credit cards for business professionals that travel domestically frequently.

This company’s offers are mostly geared towards professionals that go on business trips. Cardholders get preferred boarding and 25% savings on in-flight purchases. They can also earn miles on American Airlines, gas, and rental cars, etc.
The drawbacks are that cardholders need to fly frequently with American Airlines to get the advantage of the miles earned.

If you do fly with American Airlines regularly, it is one of the finest cards to have.