By country · fees in USD · 60 cards ranked

Best Credit Cards in the United States 2026

Every US card we rank — cash back, travel, premium, balance transfer, student, secured, business and store — with the issuer rules (5/24, once-per-lifetime bonuses) that shape the order you should apply in.

See the ranking Read the guide
Typical purchase APR20% – 29%
Welcome bonusesLargest in the world
Score most rewards cards wantFICO 700+
RegulatorCFPB
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Advertiser disclosure: we may earn a commission when you apply through links on this page. Rankings are editorial and not influenced by compensation. How we make money · How we rank

Ranked 1–10 at a glance

RankCardAnnual feeRewardsWelcome offerForeign feeWho qualifiesScore
1
Capital One Venture X RewardsTravelers who want premium perks at a lower fee
 $395/yr 10x hotels & cars via Capital One Travel, 5x flights via portal, 2x everything e… Large miles welcome offer None Excellent (740+) 4.8
2
Chase Sapphire Preferred CardTravelers who want flexible points without a huge annual fee
 $95/yr 5x travel (Chase Travel), 3x dining & streaming, 2x other travel, 1x everything… 60,000+ bonus points after meeting the minimum spend None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.8
3
Chase Freedom UnlimitedEveryday spenders who want simple cash back and pair it with Chase points
 None 5% travel via Chase, 3% dining & drugstores, 1.5% all other purchases Extra cash back in the first year on bonus spend 3% Good (690+) 4.7
4
Chase Sapphire ReserveFrequent travelers who value lounge access and premium protections
 $550/yr 10x hotels & cars via Chase Travel, 5x flights, 3x dining, 1x other Large points bonus after the minimum spend None Excellent (740+) 4.7
5
Prime Visa (Amazon)Amazon Prime members and frequent online shoppers
 None 5% at Amazon, Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh & Chase Travel (with Prime), 2% gas/dini… Amazon gift card on approval None Good (690+) 4.7
6
The Platinum Card from American ExpressFrequent flyers who maximize lounge access and travel credits
 $695/yr 5x flights booked with Amex Travel or airlines, 5x prepaid hotels via Amex Trave… Large Membership Rewards welcome offer None Excellent (740+) 4.7
7
American Express Gold CardHeavy spenders on dining and groceries
 $325/yr 4x at restaurants worldwide, 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to cap), 3x flights, 1x… Membership Rewards points after the minimum spend None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.6
8
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American ExpressFamilies with high grocery and streaming spend
 $95/yr 6% U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/yr), 6% select U.S. streaming, 3% transit & U.S.… Statement-credit welcome offer 2.7% Good to Excellent (700+) 4.6
9
Capital One Venture RewardsTravelers who want flat-rate miles with no category tracking
 $95/yr 5x hotels & cars via portal, 2x miles on all other purchases Miles welcome offer after minimum spend None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.6
10
Chase Freedom FlexPeople who can track and activate rotating 5% categories
 None 5% rotating quarterly categories (activation required), 5% travel via Chase, 3%… Cash bonus after the minimum spend 3% Good (690+) 4.6

The full list: 60 cards

Ranked by editorial score. Scroll the table on smaller screens.

RankCardAnnual feeRewardsWelcome offerForeign feeWho qualifiesScore
11
Citi Double Cash CardFlat-rate maximizers and debt payoff
 None 1% when you buy + 1% when you pay = up to 2% on all purchases Cash back welcome offer 3% Good (690+) 4.6
12
Discover it Cash BackFirst-year value seekers and category optimizers
 None 5% rotating categories on up to $1,500/quarter (activation), 1% other; all cash… Unlimited Cashback Match for the entire first year None Good (670+) 4.6
13
Discover it Secured Credit CardBuilding or rebuilding credit while earning rewards
 None 2% at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each q… Cashback Match doubles all cash back earned at the end of th… None New / rebuilding credit 4.6
14
Ink Business Preferred Credit CardSmall businesses with travel and advertising spend
 $95/yr 3x on travel, shipping, internet/cable/phone and advertising on social media & s… Large Ultimate Rewards points bonus after the minimum spend None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.6
15
Ink Business Unlimited Credit CardBusinesses wanting simple flat-rate cash back
 None Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all business purchases Cash back bonus after meeting the minimum spend 3% Good to Excellent (700+) 4.6
16
Wells Fargo Active Cash CardSimple 2% on everything with cell phone protection
 None 2% unlimited cash rewards on all purchases Cash rewards welcome offer 3% Good (690+) 4.6
17
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardDining, streaming and entertainment spenders with no annual fee
 None 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores, 8… $200+ cash bonus after meeting the minimum spend None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.5
18
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit CardEveryday dining, grocery and streaming with no annual fee
 None 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores, 8… $200+ cash bonus after meeting the minimum spend None Good (690+) 4.5
19
Citi Custom Cash CardPeople with one dominant spending category
 None 5% on your highest eligible category each cycle (up to $500), 1% after Cash bonus after minimum spend 3% Good (690+) 4.5
20
Citi Strata Premier CardEveryday spenders who want broad 3x travel and grocery rewards
 $95/yr 10x hotels, car rentals & attractions via Citi Travel, 3x air travel, restaurant… 70,000+ bonus ThankYou Points after meeting the minimum spen… None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.5
21
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by CitiCostco members with high fuel spend
 None 4% on eligible gas (up to $7k/yr), 3% dining & travel, 2% at Costco, 1% other None None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.5
22
Discover it Student Cash BackCollege students building credit while earning rewards
 None 5% on rotating quarterly categories (activation required, up to the quarterly ma… Cashback Match doubles all cash back earned at the end of th… None Fair to Good (limited credit OK) 4.5
23
Ink Business Cash Credit CardBusinesses with office supply and telecom spending
 None 5% at office supply stores and on internet/cable/phone (first $25,000/yr combine… Cash back bonus after meeting the minimum spend 3% Good to Excellent (700+) 4.5
24
The Business Platinum Card from American ExpressBusiness owners who travel frequently and value lounge access
 $695/yr 5x on flights and prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 1.5x on eligible purchases of… Large Membership Rewards welcome offer after the minimum spe… None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.5
25
American Express Business Gold CardBusinesses with concentrated, variable spending
 $375/yr 4x Membership Rewards on the 2 categories where you spend the most each billing… Large Membership Rewards welcome offer after the minimum spe… None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.4
26
Apple CardiPhone users who want simple, fee-free cash back
 None 3% at Apple & select partners, 2% with Apple Pay, 1% with the titanium card Occasional Daily Cash promos None Fair to Good (660+) 4.4
27
Bank of America Customized Cash RewardsBank of America customers who can earn Preferred Rewards boosts
 None 3% in a chosen category, 2% groceries & wholesale clubs (up to $2,500/quarter co… Online cash rewards bonus 3% Good (690+) 4.4
28
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit CardBank of America customers who travel and dine out
 $95/yr 2 points per $1 on travel and dining, 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases (… 50,000+ bonus points after meeting the minimum spend None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.4
29
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American ExpressFamilies wanting grocery and online shopping cash back with no fee
 None 3% at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail and U.S. gas stations (each on the f… Cash back welcome offer after meeting the minimum spend 2.7% Good to Excellent (700+) 4.4
30
Capital One Quicksilver Cash RewardsAnyone who wants simple flat-rate cash back with no fee
 None 1.5% on all purchases, 5% on hotels & cars via Capital One Travel One-time cash bonus after minimum spend None Good (690+) 4.4
31
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature CardFoodies who want strong dining rewards without a fee
 None 4x on dining and takeout, 2x at grocery stores, gas/EV charging and streaming, 1… 20,000+ bonus points after meeting the minimum spend None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.4
32
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa InfiniteMobile-wallet users who want premium perks
 $400/yr 3x on travel and mobile-wallet purchases, 1x other; points worth 1.5¢ toward tra… Points after the minimum spend None Excellent (740+) 4.4
33
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature CardPeople who want to customize their 5% cash back
 None 5% on two chosen categories (first $2,000 combined per quarter), 2% on one every… Cash back bonus after meeting the minimum spend 3% Good to Excellent (700+) 4.4
34
Wells Fargo Autograph CardNo-fee 3x rewards across many everyday categories
 None 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming servi… 20,000+ bonus points after meeting the minimum spend None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.4
35
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey CardTravelers wanting transferable points and an airline credit
 $95/yr 5x on hotels, 4x on airlines, 3x on other travel and dining, 1x on everything el… Large points bonus after meeting the minimum spend None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.4
36
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit CardSimple travel rewards with no annual or foreign fee
 None Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases (up to 2.6x with top Preferred Rewa… 25,000+ online bonus points after meeting the minimum spend None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.3
37
Capital One Platinum SecuredPeople building or rebuilding credit
 None No rewards — focused on credit building None None Limited / Rebuilding 4.3
38
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MastercardAmerican Airlines flyers who want a free checked bag
 $99/yr 2x miles on American Airlines, gas & restaurants, 1x on everything else 50,000+ AAdvantage bonus miles after meeting the minimum spe… None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.3
39
Target RedCard Credit CardRegular Target shoppers
 None 5% off at Target & Target.com, plus free 2-day shipping and extended returns Discount for new cardholders N/A Fair to Good (640+) 4.3
40
U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature CardU.S. Bank customers wanting a high flat cash back rate
 None 2% cash back on all purchases, boosted up to 4% when you hold qualifying U.S. Ba… Cash back bonus after meeting the minimum spend for new card… None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.3
41
Citi Rewards+ CardSmall everyday purchases thanks to the round-up feature
 None 2x at supermarkets & gas stations (first $6,000/yr, then 1x), 1x on all other pu… 20,000+ bonus ThankYou Points after meeting the minimum spen… 3% Good (690+) 4.2
42
JetBlue Plus CardJetBlue flyers who check bags
 $99/yr 6x points on JetBlue purchases, 2x at restaurants and grocery stores, 1x on ever… Large TrueBlue points bonus after meeting the minimum spend None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.2
43
Sam's Club MastercardSam's Club members who buy a lot of gas
 None 5% back on gas (on the first $6,000/yr, then 1%), 3% on dining and takeout, 3% o… Statement credit after a qualifying purchase soon after open… None Good (690+) 4.2
44
Wells Fargo Reflect CardPaying off a large purchase or transferred balance over time
 None No rewards program; focused on a long interest-free period None 3% Good to Excellent (700+) 4.2
45
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite MastercardAmerican Airlines flyers wanting an easy welcome bonus
 $99/yr 2x AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, 1x on everything el… AAdvantage miles bonus after making a single purchase and pa… None Good to Excellent (700+) 4.1
46
OnePay (Walmart) Cash Back CardRegular Walmart shoppers
 None Elevated cash back on Walmart purchases (in store, online & fuel) plus a base ra… Promotional cash back for new members Varies Fair to Good (640+) 4.1
47
PayPal Cashback MastercardHeavy PayPal users wanting simple cash back
 None 3% cash back on purchases made through PayPal, 1.5% cash back on all other purch… Cash back bonus after meeting the minimum spend for new card… None Good (690+) 4.1
48
REI Co-op MastercardOutdoor gear buyers and REI co-op members
 None 5% back on REI purchases (in addition to the annual member dividend), 2% on dini… REI gift card bonus for new cardholders after a qualifying p… None Good (690+) 4.1
49
Lowe's Advantage CardHomeowners doing renovation projects at Lowe's
 None 5% off eligible in-store & online purchases, or special financing on big project… Discount on first purchase N/A Fair to Good (640+) 4.0
50
My Best Buy Visa CardFrequent Best Buy shoppers and electronics buyers
 None Up to 5% back in rewards at Best Buy, plus elevated rewards on gas, dining and g… Bonus reward certificate for new cardholders None Good (690+) 4.0
51
Verizon Visa CardVerizon customers who want to offset their phone bill
 None 4% on grocery and gas, 3% on dining, 2% on Verizon purchases, 1% on everything e… Verizon Dollars bonus for new cardholders after meeting the… None Good (690+) 4.0
52
Gap Good Rewards Visa Credit CardShoppers loyal to Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta
 None 5 points per $1 at Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 1 point per $… Bonus points or discount on your first purchase as a new car… None Fair to Good (640+) 3.9
53
Macy's American Express CardRegular Macy's shoppers who want everyday rewards too
 None Up to 5% back in Star Money at Macy's (varies by loyalty tier), plus cash back o… Extra savings on your first Macy's purchase as a new cardhol… None Fair to Good (640+) 3.9
54
Nordstrom Credit CardNordstrom loyalists who value early sale access
 None 3 points per $1 at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack; the Visa version also earns 2x… Bonus Nordstrom Notes for new cardholders after first purcha… None Good (690+) 3.9
55
Synchrony HOME Credit CardFurnishing or renovating a home across many retailers
 None 2% cash back on eligible purchases under $299 at participating retailers, or pro… None N/A (network of home retai… Fair to Good (640+) 3.9
56
Kohl's CardFrequent Kohl's shoppers who chase coupons and Kohl's Cash
 None No flat rewards rate; benefits come from exclusive cardholder discount offers an… Percentage off your first Kohl's purchase as a new cardholde… N/A (store card) Fair (640+) 3.8
57
Old Navy Credit CardFrequent Old Navy and Gap-family shoppers
 None 5 points per $1 at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta; the Visa version… Discount on your first purchase as a new cardholder None Fair to Good (640+) 3.8
58
American Express Business Gold (2026 Refresh)Businesses watching for an updated Amex Gold for Business
 None Expected to keep adaptive bonus categories for businesses; exact rates not yet a… To be announced None Good to Excellent (700+) —
59
New Fintech Rewards Card (Reported / Coming Soon)Readers tracking new card launches
 None To be announced To be announced To be announced To be announced —
60
U.S. Bank Cash+ (2026 Category Refresh)Cash+ fans watching for updated category options
 None Expected to keep choose-your-own 5% categories with possible list and cap change… To be announced 3% Good to Excellent (700+) —

Premium & Luxury in USA

Full ranking

Travel Rewards in USA

Full ranking

Cash Back in USA

Full ranking

Store & Retail in USA

Full ranking

Dining & Groceries in USA

Full ranking

Secured & Credit Building in USA

Full ranking

Business in USA

Full ranking

Student in USA

Full ranking

Points & Rewards in USA

Full ranking

Airline in USA

Full ranking

Balance Transfer in USA

Full ranking
The guide

How to choose: Credit Cards in the United States

The US card market is the richest anywhere — 60,000-point bonuses, 5% categories, 21-month 0% offers — and the most competitive, with Chase, American Express, Capital One, Citi, Discover, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and U.S. Bank all fighting for the same customers. Our rankings split it by category and by credit score so the right card surfaces for you.

The rules that decide the order you apply in

  • Chase 5/24 — five or more new cards in 24 months and Chase declines you. Apply for Chase first.
  • Amex once per lifetime — each Amex card's bonus is paid once, ever. Choose deliberately.
  • Capital One 1/6, Citi 1/8 and 2/65 — spacing rules that punish rapid applications.
  • Hard inquiries — two or three a year is fine; a dozen is not.

Where the value is by tier

Under 640: secured and fair-credit cards. 640–699: no-fee cash back (Freedom Unlimited, Quicksilver, Double Cash). 700+: transferable-points travel (Sapphire Preferred, Venture, Strata Premier) and category earners (Amex Gold, Blue Cash Preferred). 740+: premium (Sapphire Reserve, Platinum, Venture X) if you travel enough to use the perks.

Protections every US card carries

$0 fraud liability on all major networks, Fair Credit Billing Act dispute rights, CARD Act limits on rate increases and a 21-day minimum between statement and due date. Complaints go to the CFPB.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best credit card in the US?

For most people who pay in full, a no-fee 2% card plus the Chase Sapphire Preferred for travel. Carrying a balance? A 0% intro APR card such as the Wells Fargo Reflect. The category rankings above show the current leaders.

Which bank has the best credit cards?

Chase for transferable points and no-fee cash back, American Express for premium perks and dining, Capital One for simplicity and fair-credit options, Citi for flat cash back and balance transfers. The best bank is the one whose cards fit your spending.

How many credit cards does the average American have?

Around four. Two to three well-chosen cards capture most of the available value for a typical household.