Best Credit Cards of 2026

Find the perfect card for your spending habits and financial goals

Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Simple, straightforward rewards with no category limitations

Editor's Choice

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Flat-Rate Cash Back Card

Cash Back Rate 2% Unlimited On all purchases, no categories to track
Annual Fee: $0
Sign-up Bonus: $200 cash rewards after $500 spend in 3 months
APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable

Key Features

  • Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
  • $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months
  • No annual fee
  • Cell phone protection up to $600 with $25 deductible
  • Redeem cash rewards with no minimum amount
  • Earn unlimited rewards with no caps or expiration

Pros

  • Generous 2% on everything
  • Low spending requirement for bonus
  • Long 0% APR intro period
  • No annual fee ever
  • Cell phone protection included
  • No minimum redemption amount

Cons

  • Requires Wells Fargo checking/savings to redeem via ATM
  • No bonus categories for higher earning
  • Limited additional perks compared to premium cards
Learn More at Wells Fargo →
Most Popular

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Flexible Cash Back Card

Cash Back Rate 1.5% - 6.5% Plus bonus categories and introductory offers
Annual Fee: $0
Sign-up Bonus: $200 after $500 spend in first 3 months
APR: 20.49% - 29.24% Variable

Key Features

  • 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (after first year, 5%)
  • 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining (after first year, 3%)
  • 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
  • Earn $200 bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
  • No annual fee
  • Points can be combined with other Chase Ultimate Rewards® cards
  • Complimentary DashPass membership from DoorDash for 1 year

Pros

  • Enhanced cash back in key categories
  • Great intro APR for new purchases
  • Easy $200 sign-up bonus
  • Points transfer to Chase travel partners if you have Sapphire
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • DoorDash DashPass benefit

Cons

  • Highest rewards require using Chase Travel portal
  • Bonus categories drop after first year
  • Best value when paired with other Chase cards
Learn More at Chase →
Simple & Effective

Citi Double Cash® Card

True 2% Cash Back Card

Cash Back Rate 2% Total 1% when you buy + 1% as you pay
Annual Fee: $0
Sign-up Bonus: None
APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable

Key Features

  • Earn 2% on every purchase: 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay it off
  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then variable APR
  • No annual fee
  • Unlimited cash back with no caps or rotating categories
  • Redeem rewards for statement credit, checks, gift cards, or shop with points on Amazon
  • Citi Entertainment℠ access to presales and special events
  • No minimum redemption amount

Pros

  • Straightforward 2% on everything
  • No categories to track or activate
  • No annual fee
  • Excellent for balance transfers (18 months 0% APR)
  • Flexible redemption options
  • No expiration on cash back

Cons

  • No sign-up bonus
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Must pay balance to earn second 1%
  • Fewer premium benefits than travel cards
Learn More at Citi →
Best for Amazon

Amazon Prime Visa

Amazon-Focused Rewards Card

Cash Back Rate 5% on Amazon Plus rewards on travel, dining, and more
Annual Fee: $0 (Prime membership required)
Sign-up Bonus: $200 Amazon.com Gift Card upon approval
APR: 21.49% - 29.74% Variable

Key Features

  • 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases
  • 5% back on Chase Travel purchases
  • 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and local transit
  • 1% back on all other purchases
  • $200 Amazon.com Gift Card instantly upon approval
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Extended warranty protection and purchase protection
  • Travel accident insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver

Pros

  • Unbeatable 5% back on Amazon purchases
  • Instant $200 gift card upon approval
  • No annual fee for the card itself
  • Strong bonus categories (travel, dining, gas)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Metal card design

Cons

  • Requires Amazon Prime membership ($139/year)
  • Best for heavy Amazon shoppers only
  • Limited value outside bonus categories
  • Rewards locked to Amazon ecosystem
Learn More at Amazon →
Best for Investors

Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Investment-Focused Cash Back Card

Cash Back Rate 2% Unlimited Automatically deposited into eligible Fidelity accounts
Annual Fee: $0
Sign-up Bonus: None
APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable

Key Features

  • Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
  • Cash back automatically deposited into eligible Fidelity accounts
  • No annual fee
  • No caps, limits, or expiration on rewards
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Can deposit rewards into brokerage, IRA, 529, or HSA accounts
  • Contactless payments available
  • Travel and purchase protections included

Pros

  • True 2% back on everything
  • Rewards automatically invested in your future
  • Great for building wealth passively
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Simple, no-nonsense structure

Cons

  • Requires Fidelity account to redeem
  • No sign-up bonus
  • Limited redemption flexibility
  • Fewer perks than travel-focused cards
Learn More at Fidelity →

Best Travel Credit Cards

Maximize rewards on travel, earn airline miles, and enjoy premium perks

Editor's Choice

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Premium Travel Rewards Card

Sign-up Bonus 60,000 Points After $4,000 spend in first 3 months
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards Rate: 5X on travel through Chase, 3X dining, 2X other travel
APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Key Features

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in first 3 months ($750 value)
  • 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services)
  • 3X points on select streaming services
  • 2X points on all other travel purchases
  • 1X points on all other purchases
  • 25% more value when redeeming for travel through Chase Travel℠
  • $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Transfer points 1:1 to 14+ airline and hotel partners
  • Travel and purchase protections included

Pros

  • Excellent sign-up bonus
  • Points worth 25% more through Chase Travel
  • Flexible point transfer options
  • Strong dining and travel rewards
  • $50 annual hotel credit
  • Comprehensive travel insurance

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • High spending requirement for bonus
  • Best value requires using Chase ecosystem
  • Limited lounge access (Priority Pass not included)
Learn More at Chase →
Premium Travel

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Luxury Travel Card

Sign-up Bonus 75,000 Miles After $4,000 spend in first 3 months
Annual Fee: $395
Rewards Rate: 10X on hotels/rentals through Capital One, 5X on flights, 2X everything else
APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Key Features

  • 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in first 3 months
  • 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit (automatic statement credit)
  • 10,000 anniversary bonus miles each year ($100 value)
  • Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access for you and 2 guests
  • Capital One Lounge access
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit (up to $120)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Transfer miles 1:1 to 15+ airline partners
  • Hertz President's Circle status

Pros

  • Massive sign-up bonus
  • $300 annual travel credit offsets fee
  • Excellent lounge access (Priority Pass + Capital One)
  • Strong earning rates on travel
  • 10,000 anniversary miles
  • Premium travel protections

Cons

  • High $395 annual fee
  • Best rewards require booking through Capital One Travel
  • No multipliers on everyday spending categories
  • Requires excellent credit
Learn More at Capital One →
Ultra Premium

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Luxury Lifestyle & Travel Card

Sign-up Bonus 80,000 Points After $8,000 spend in first 6 months
Annual Fee: $695
Rewards Rate: 5X on flights/hotels, 1X everything else
APR: See Pay Over Time feature

Key Features

  • 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after $8,000 spend in 6 months
  • 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel
  • 5X points on prepaid hotels on Amex Travel
  • $200 annual hotel credit
  • $200 annual airline fee credit
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus credit
  • $155 Walmart+ credit ($12.95/month)
  • $240 digital entertainment credit ($20/month)
  • Access to 1,400+ airport lounges including Centurion Lounges
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • Fine Hotels & Resorts program benefits
  • Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors
  • No foreign transaction fees

Pros

  • Over $1,400 in annual credits
  • Best-in-class lounge access worldwide
  • Exceptional travel protections and insurance
  • Premium hotel benefits and status
  • Strong earning on flights and hotels
  • Prestigious metal card

Cons

  • Very high $695 annual fee
  • Credits require specific spending (not flexible cash)
  • Limited everyday earning (1X on most purchases)
  • High spending requirement for bonus
  • Not accepted everywhere (Amex acceptance varies)
Learn More at American Express →
Budget Traveler

Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®

Budget Airline Co-Branded Card

Sign-up Bonus 25,000 Miles After $1,000 spend in first 3 months
Annual Fee: $82.95
Rewards Rate: 2X on Spirit purchases, 1X everywhere else
APR: 21.24% - 29.99% Variable

Key Features

  • Earn 25,000 bonus miles after $1,000 spend in first 3 months
  • Free Checked Bag on every Spirit Airlines flight (save up to $130 per roundtrip)
  • Shortcut Boarding® access (priority boarding)
  • 2X miles on Spirit Airlines purchases
  • 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Annual 5,000 bonus miles
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Access to special cardholder deals

Pros

  • Free checked bag saves big on Spirit flights
  • Priority boarding included
  • Low spending requirement for bonus
  • Annual bonus miles
  • Great for frequent Spirit flyers
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Only valuable if you fly Spirit regularly
  • Limited earning rate outside Spirit
  • Spirit's limited route network
  • Annual fee not waived first year
  • Miles only redeemable on Spirit
Learn More at Spirit Airlines →
Delta Flyers

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Airline Co-Branded Card

Sign-up Bonus 60,000 Miles After $2,000 spend in first 6 months
Annual Fee: $150 (waived first year)
Rewards Rate: 2X on Delta, restaurants, groceries; 1X everything else
APR: 21.24% - 29.99% Variable

Key Features

  • Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in first 6 months
  • First year annual fee waived ($150 value)
  • 2X miles on Delta purchases
  • 2X miles at restaurants worldwide
  • 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets
  • 1X mile on all other purchases
  • First checked bag free on Delta flights (save $70+ per roundtrip)
  • Priority boarding on Delta flights
  • 20% back on inflight purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Earn miles toward Medallion® Status

Pros

  • Generous 60,000 mile sign-up bonus
  • First year annual fee waived
  • Free checked bag saves money
  • Priority boarding included
  • Strong bonus categories (dining, groceries)
  • Can help earn elite status

Cons

  • $150 annual fee after first year
  • Best for frequent Delta flyers only
  • Miles limited to Delta and partners
  • SkyMiles don't expire but devalue frequently
  • Limited Amex acceptance internationally
Learn More at Delta/AMEX →
Southwest Flyers

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Airline Co-Branded Card

Sign-up Bonus 50,000 Points After $1,000 spend in first 3 months
Annual Fee: $99
Rewards Rate: 2X on Southwest, 1X everything else
APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Key Features

  • Earn 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 spend in first 3 months
  • 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases
  • 2X points on local transit and commuting (rideshare, trains, parking, tolls)
  • 2X points on internet, cable, phone services
  • 2X points on select streaming
  • 1X point on all other purchases
  • 6,000 anniversary bonus points each year
  • $75 Southwest annual travel credit
  • 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Earn toward A-List and Companion Pass status

Pros

  • Easy-to-earn 50,000 point bonus
  • $75 annual Southwest credit
  • 6,000 anniversary points
  • Upgraded boarding opportunities
  • Can earn Companion Pass (fly with someone free)
  • No blackout dates on award flights

Cons

  • $99 annual fee
  • Only valuable for Southwest flyers
  • Points worth less than premium travel cards
  • Limited earning outside bonus categories
  • Southwest's limited international routes
Learn More at Southwest/Chase →

How to Choose the Right Credit Card

1. Know Your Spending Habits

Review your past 3 months of spending. Do you spend more on dining, travel, or Amazon? Choose a card that rewards your biggest categories. If spending is evenly distributed, a flat-rate 2% cash back card is often best.

2. Calculate Total Value

Don't just look at rewards rates. Factor in annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and benefits. A $95 annual fee card that earns $400+ in rewards is better than a free card earning $200. Use the first year as a test run.

3. Match Your Travel Style

Fly one airline frequently? Get their co-branded card for free bags and priority boarding. Travel flexibility more important? Choose transferable points cards like Chase Sapphire or Capital One Venture that work with multiple airlines.

4. Consider Your Credit Score

Premium rewards cards typically require good to excellent credit (670+). If you're building credit, start with secured cards or student cards. Check your credit score before applying to avoid hard inquiries that lower your score.

5. Pay Attention to Intro Offers

0% APR promotions can save hundreds in interest on large purchases or balance transfers. Look for 12-18 month offers. Just make sure you can pay off the balance before the intro period ends to avoid high interest charges.

6. Read the Fine Print

Understand foreign transaction fees, balance transfer terms, and redemption restrictions. Some points expire, others don't. Some cards have minimum redemption amounts. Know what you're signing up for before you apply.