Credit Card Reviews by NerdWallet’s Experts

NerdWallet’s credit cards experts have reviewed nearly all of the major cards on the market, as well as noteworthy products from smaller issuers. Follow the links below for reviews of more than 230 credit cards in all categories.

Cash-back cards provide fast savings and easy-to-redeem rewards. Some pay a flat rate on all purchases, while others shell out higher rewards in certain categories, such as gas, groceries, restaurants, or online shopping.

• Apple Card. It’s not the game-changer it was often hyped as, but it does offer some intriguing features. Here’s how to know if it’s right for you.

• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. You’ll earn 6% back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 a year in spending, plus 6% back on select U.S. streaming services and 3% back at U.S. gas stations and eligible transit. (Terms apply.) The catch? A sizable annual fee.

• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. Food and entertainment rewards are the centerpiece of this card, which pays an unlimited 3% cash back at restaurants and grocery stores, but also on streaming and more. No annual fee.

• Chase Freedom Flex℠. It’s the best of two worlds: 5% rotating categories, plus fixed bonus categories like dining and some travel.

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Start with a lucrative bonus, add 3% back on restaurants, 1.5% back outside of bonus categories and flexible redemption options, and you have a winner.

• Citi Custom Cash℠ Card. The card earns 5% cash back (up to a spending cap) in your top spending category each billing cycle. Everything else earns an unlimited 1% back.

• Discover it® Cash Back. This card offers a high rewards rate in rotating categories, a good 0% APR offer and an unusual bonus that could become a windfall.

• PayPal Cashback Mastercard®. The card’s high rewards rate on all purchases is among the best you’ll find and a great choice if you don’t mind associating with the PayPal payment service.

• Venmo Credit Card. The card offers 3% and 2% bonus categories that can change automatically each month depending on where you spend the most.

• Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card. The card features unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, a sign-up bonus and a 0% intro APR promotion. Taken together, that’s a value proposition that’s difficult if not impossible to find on other cards in its class.

Travel credit cards fall into two broad categories. “Co-branded” travel cards carry the name of an airline, hotel, cruise operator or other travel provider. The rewards you earn are generally redeemable only with that provider. “General-purpose” travel cards offer more flexible rewards that you can redeem for a wide array of travel, without being locked into a particular airline or hotel brand.

• American Express® Green Card. This card earns bonus rewards on travel and restaurants worldwide, and points can be transferred to other loyalty programs. It also comes with potentially valuable travel credits.

• American Express® Gold Card. This card features rich benefits for foodies, including high ongoing rewards at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets and an annual dining credit, among other perks.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express. For a steep price, the original premium card gives you 5X points on certain flights and hotel stays, hundreds of dollars a year in credit for travel and shopping, and a suite of perks for high-end lifestyles.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on everything. Redeem miles (at 1 cent apiece) for credit on your statement against any travel purchase, with none of the restrictions of airline cards.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. You get bonus points for spending on travel, dining and some everyday purchases. Points are worth more when used to book through Chase.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®. The card earns bonus points for travel and dining-related spending, which can be redeemed for more value through Chase. It piles on the perks, too, but they come at a price.

• Discover it® Miles. You get 1.5 miles per dollar spent on everything. Miles can be redeemed for travel or converted to cash back at the same penny-per-mile rate. Annual fee: $0.

• U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. For fee-averse foodies, this card’s huge rewards rate on dining makes it essentially best in class. It also earns 2X back at grocery stores, gas stations and on eligible streaming services.

If you fly regularly on a particular airline, carrying its branded credit card can earn you miles and unlock loyalty perks — not least of which is a free checked bag for you and possibly others traveling with you. Major airlines typically offer a suite of cards — the higher the fee you’re willing to pay, the more perks you’ll enjoy.

With a branded credit card from your preferred hotel group, you can earn points toward your next stay with every dollar you spend. The better cards can give you free nights every year, room upgrades, loyalty status and other perks.

• Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard. It earns decent rewards for Amtrak regulars, but its biggest selling point may be its lucrative perks — including a companion coupon — that can deliver big savings.

• Carnival Cruises World Mastercard. The card is generous with sign-up incentives, but far less so with ongoing rewards. A general travel card will be more flexible and less complex.

• Expedia credit cards. If you’re not loyal to one airline or hotel chain, an Expedia credit card may fit you. But point values are low, so casual Expedia users have better options.

• Norwegian Cruise Line Credit Card. The card offers reasonable rewards, but a general-purpose cash-back or travel card might be better if you don’t cruise frequently with Norwegian.

• Princess Cruises Rewards Visa® Card. Frequent cruisers may find some benefit, but the card’s redemption rules are complex and its rewards rates are bested by other travel credit cards.

• Royal Caribbean Visa Signature. Those who spend big with the cruise line brand may get some value out of the card. But a general travel card will prove more flexible and rewarding for most.

These rewards cards might not fit neatly into either the “cash back” or “travel” category. Some offer versatile points. Some advertise “cash back” but require you to deposit it in a specific account to get the best rate. Some are designed to benefit charity. And some issuers are getting into the cryptocurrency game.

• Amex EveryDay® Credit Card. You can earn 2X rewards at U.S. supermarkets, and you can score a 20% bonus if you use the card enough (maybe even … every day).

• Citi Rewards+® Card. This unique card may be a fit for low spenders who make a lot of small purchases. But other cards will offer more long-term value, flexibility and simplicity.

• Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card. The card advertises 2% cash back, but to get that rate, you must deposit rewards into an eligible Fidelity account. Not really a cash-back card, then, but it still might be a great fit.

• SoFi Credit Card. The card’s high rewards rate applies only when you redeem into a SoFi Money or Invest account or put it toward the balance on a SoFi loan. But if you want a statement credit instead, rewards are worth only half as much.

• NFL Extra Points Credit Card. Superfans may get some kicks out of this card’s perks and rewards, but casual fans seeking an option for everyday purchases will probably want to punt.

Save big on interest charges by moving debt to a card with a 0% introductory APR or by putting major purchases on a 0% card.

• BankAmericard® credit card. You won’t get ongoing rewards or perks, but it’s a decent option for paying down debt or financing a large purchase. Plus, there’s a sign-up bonus.

• CareCredit Card. This specialty card for health care expenses offers deferred interest rather than a true 0% period (learn the difference here). You can get time to pay off a medical bill, but it could end up costing you a lot.

• Chase Slate Edge℠. The card features a 0% intro APR period, and comes with a small cash bonus. Cardholders also have the opportunity to lower their ongoing interest rate and increase their credit limits.

• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card. It can help make a dent in your debt, but because the card doesn’t earn rewards, it may not earn a long-term place in your wallet.

• Citi Simplicity® Card. The card’s defining features include a lengthy 0% intro APR period on balance transfers, plus a forgiving nature when it comes to late payments.

• Discover it® Balance Transfer. You expect a balance transfer card to offer a lengthy introductory APR period. But this card also gives you cash back — and a reason to hold on to it long-term.

• SunTrust Prime Rewards Credit Card. The introductory APR isn’t 0%, but it’s really, really low (the prime rate) and it lasts a really, really long time. Plus, you can earn rewards and a bonus.

• U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card. The card offers a generous introductory interest-free window. But if you want rewards, bonuses and other spoils, look elsewhere.

Some store- and retailer-branded cards give you big rewards or deep discounts at the places you shop the most. Some let you turn all of your spending — everywhere — into rewards you can use in the store. Some let you do both.

• Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card. Earning 5% back at both Amazon (which basically sells everything) and Whole Foods makes this perhaps the ultimate store card, but you can’t get it without an Amazon Prime membership.

• Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. Costco members can turn their everyday spending on gas, travel and dining out into rich rewards at the wholesale club, but you won’t get big discounts at the store itself.

• Disney credit cards. The cards offer some fan perks, but a general-purpose cash-back or travel card will likely be a better choice in terms of financing a Disney vacation.

• Lowe’s Advantage Card. You get an automatic 5% discount on almost everything in the store. There’s no annual fee.

• Sam’s Club® Mastercard®. It offers rich rewards on gas and dining, and Sam’s Club “Plus” members can also earn a high rate on shopping with the wholesale club. But the card is less appealing for basic Sam’s Club members.

• Target REDcard™ Credit Card. For Target devotees, this card hits the bull’s-eye. You won’t earn traditional rewards, but you’ll get upfront savings. Just make sure you pay in full each month.

• Verizon Visa® Card. Get 4% back on groceries and gas, 3% at restaurants and 2% at Verizon. Use your rewards to pay your bill or buy a new phone — or even toward travel or gift cards.

• Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard®. If you shop online, the rewards are among the best in its class. Get 5% cash back on purchases at Walmart.com and through the retailer’s app, plus 2% at Walmart stores, at restaurants and on travel.

Those looking to build or rebuild their credit with a credit card have an increasing number of options. Secured credit cards require a cash deposit and are easier for people with low scores to get approved for. Other cards don’t require a deposit but may charge high fees and interest. Some cards use alternative risk-assessment models that make approval easier for people with no credit history.

• Citi® Secured Mastercard®. This card is designed for those with no credit or limited credit, rather than folks with bad credit. There’s no annual fee, but you must put down a deposit.

• GO2bank Secured. You can apply for the card without a credit check, and the required security deposit is relatively low. But it lacks a way to move up to a better card.

• DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card. A low interest rate and lack of fees are great upsides for people with bad credit, but you’ll need to jump through a few hoops to take advantage of this secured card.

• Discover it® Secured Credit Card. It’s nice to find a secured credit card with a $0 annual fee. Even better is one that offers a path to upgrade to a regular card. This one does both — and it gives you rewards, too.

• First Progress secured credit cards. They can be options for those looking to build credit, but you’ll have to pay an annual fee (which goes up as the APR goes down) and deal with less-than-robust customer service.

• OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. You can qualify for this secured card with no credit check and no bank account. However, there’s an annual fee, and the card doesn’t give you a way to upgrade to a regular unsecured card.

• PCB Secured Visa®. It’s a relatively affordable and flexible card for its class, but there are restrictions on eligibility, and it doesn’t come with an upgrade path.

• AvantCard Credit Card. This card’s issuing bank will consider factors aside from credit scores to determine eligibility, but other alternative cards and even some secured cards could be a better fit.

• Blaze Mastercard. The Blaze Mastercard offers a chance to work on your credit score without having to pay excessive fees.

• Capital One Platinum Credit Card. A straightforward card for folks on the way up: It charges no annual fee and offers the opportunity to boost your credit limit with responsible behavior.

• Opportun Visa Credit Card. The card stands out as an option for credit beginners that doesn’t require a Social Security number or bank account.

• Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card. This card can offer a path to credit — and even rewards — for people with a less-than-ideal cash flow or credit history. The issuer can look beyond just credit scores to determine eligibility.

• Surge Mastercard. The Surge card offers some qualities that may appeal to those seeking a second chance at building credit, but its fees far outweigh its benefits.

• Upgrade Visa® Card with Cash Rewards. Make charges to your card or borrow against your credit line. Either way, you can pay off the balance in equal monthly installments at a fixed rate. It earns rewards, but it lacks certain other incentives.

• Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®. Earn 3% cash back on home, auto and health purchases. Plus, a carried balance or loan against your credit limit becomes a fixed-rate loan with equal monthly payments.

• Grow Credit Mastercard. This card can help you build credit with qualifying subscriptions or bill payments. It doesn’t charge fees or interest. Plus, it skips the credit check.

• Tomo Credit Card. With no credit check, fees or interest, the Tomo Card can help you build credit and stay out of debt — though you’ll have to link a bank account to get it.

• Journey Student Rewards from Capital One. Earn 1% cash back on all spending, plus another 0.25% back for any month when you pay on time; pay on time your first five months, and you might get a higher credit line.

• Chase Freedom® Student credit card. It earns 1% cash back on purchases. And with responsible use, you may also qualify for “Good Standing” rewards, a potential credit limit increase and, perhaps eventually, access to a higher-tier Chase card.

• Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. Students can qualify with no credit history. A Social Security number isn’t required for international students.

• Discover it® Student chrome. This student card earns 2% cash back on up to $1,000 per quarter in combined spending on gas and at restaurants, plus 1% on everything else.

• Sallie Mae Cards. Sallie Mae’s no-annual-fee cards — the Ignite, Accelerate and Evolve — are for students and young adults, but they underwhelm in terms of rewards and fees.

It’s just the nature of the business: Credit cards come and go. The cards in this section have either been pulled off the market permanently, or they have stopped accepting new applications. Interested in what they used to offer? Take a look. Where applicable, we’ve identified a successor card.