Our experts answer readers’ credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
If you have a credit score in the high 600s or low 700s, your credit rating is considered “good” — but not necessarily great. Having good credit typically means you can qualify for a credit card and for various loan products, but you may not receive the very best rates and terms, and you may not qualify for all the best rewards credit cards.
Best flat-rate cash-back credit card
Citi® Double Cash Card
$0
Annual Fee
Intro offer
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.99% – 28.99% variable APR
Rewards
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.99% – 28.99% variable APR
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
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Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
18.99% – 28.99% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
Pros & Cons
Pros
No annual fee
Simple earning structure without confusing bonus categories
Cons
Some cards earn higher rates of cash back on rotating categories
While it has an introductory APR offer, that’s only on balance transfers, not purchases, so you can’t use it to fund a major expense without interest
Highlights
More Information
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Additional Reading
Read our review
Best Credit Cards for Good Credit
Chase Freedom Flex℠
: Best credit card for rotating bonus categories
Citi® Double Cash Card: Best flat-rate cash-back credit card
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best small-business credit card
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards for Good Credit
: Best credit card for grocery stores
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
: Best credit card for gas stations
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best choose-your-own spending category credit card
Here are the cards you should have in the interim while building your good credit into excellent credit.
Compare Credit Cards for Good Credit
Best credit card for rotating bonus categories
Chase Freedom Flex℠
4.4/5
$0
Annual Fee
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Read review
Best credit card for rotating bonus categories
Chase Freedom Flex℠
4.4/5
$0
Annual Fee
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a great pick if you want a no-annual-fee card with big earning potential and impressive benefits. It’s an even better choice if you already collect Ultimate Rewards points with other Chase cards, because you can combine your points and potentially get even more value.
Details
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.74% – 28.49% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
Editor’s Rating
4.4/5
4.4 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
No annual fee
Generous bonus cash-back categories
Great welcome bonus
Cons
Booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal can restrict outside earning potential
Varying percentages and rotating calendar categories require extra attention
3% foreign transaction fees
Highlights
More Information
The information related to the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 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, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% – 28.49%.
No annual fee- You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Additional Reading
Read our review
Best flat-rate cash-back credit card
Citi® Double Cash Card
3.65/5
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
$0
Annual Fee
Intro offer
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.99% – 28.99% variable APR
Rewards
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.99% – 28.99% variable APR
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
18.99% – 28.99% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
Editor’s Rating
3.65/5
3.65 out of
5 Stars
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
No annual fee
Simple earning structure without confusing bonus categories
Cons
Some cards earn higher rates of cash back on rotating categories
While it has an introductory APR offer, that’s only on balance transfers, not purchases, so you can’t use it to fund a major expense without interest
Highlights
More Information
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Additional Reading
Read our review
Best small-business credit card
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
4.55/5
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
$0
Annual Fee
Intro offer
$750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
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 purchases.
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
$0
Annual Fee
Intro offer
$750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
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 purchases.
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 purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
$750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.99% – 23.99% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months
Editor’s Rating
4.55/5
4.55 out of
5 Stars
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Broad 5% and 2% cash-back categories (you can earn bonus cash back at office supply stores and at gas stations and restaurants)
Intro APR offer for purchases
No annual fee
You can pair this card with a card that earns Ultimate Rewards to redeem your cash back for travel
Cons
Annual cap on bonus categories
Highlights
More Information
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
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 purchases
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
No Annual Fee
Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Member FDIC
Additional Reading
Read our review
Best credit card for grocery stores
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards for Good Credit
3.55/5
$0
Annual Fee
Intro offer
N/A
Rewards
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
Good
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
29.99% Variable
Editor’s Rating
3.55/5
3.55 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
3% cash back earning in popular everyday spending categories like dining, entertainment, eligible streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
You can qualify with less than excellent credit
Cons
No welcome bonus or 0% APR offer
High APR if you need to carry a balance
Highlights
More Information
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
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
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards
Cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
No foreign transaction fee
No annual fee
You’re covered by $0 Fraud Liability if your card is ever lost or stolen
Additional Reading
Read our review
Best credit card for gas stations:
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
3.9/5
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
Intro offer
50,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center. Earn 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations. Earn 2X points on streaming services, plus, a $30 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more. Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, and dining. Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
50,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center. Earn 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations. Earn 2X points on streaming services, plus, a $30 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more. Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, and dining. Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center. Earn 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations. Earn 2X points on streaming services, plus, a $30 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more. Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, and dining. Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Intro offer
50,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days from account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent/Good
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.24% – 28.24% Variable
Editor’s Rating
3.9/5
3.9 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Great earning rate on travel and at gas stations (4x points = 4% back)
Bonus points on streaming services plus $30 yearly streaming credit can save you money
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit is worth up to $100
Cons
Annual fee after the first year
No airline or hotel transfer partners
Highlights
More Information
The information related to the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center.
Earn 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations.
Earn 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $30 credit for annual streaming purchases (like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max)
Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, and dining.
Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Receive up to $100 in statement credits every four years for your TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® application fee
Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay(™) Plan.
Additional Reading
Read our review
Best choose-your-own spending category credit card
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
4/5
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
$0
Annual Fee
Intro offer
$200 cash back, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Best choose-your-own spending category credit card
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
4/5
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
$0
Annual Fee
Intro offer
$200 cash back, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Best choose-your-own spending category credit card
Details
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
$200 cash back, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
18.99% – 28.99% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months
Editor’s Rating
4/5
4 out of
5 Stars
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Flexibility to customize rewards by earning 5% cash back on up to $500 per billing cycle in your top spending category (from a list)
Generous welcome offer for a no-annual-fee card
No rotating bonus categories to sign up for or track
Earn valuable Citi ThankYou points which you can redeem for cash back, travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more
Cons
Only earns 1% back outside of $500 in top spending category each billing cycle
Foreign transaction fee of 3%
Highlights
More Information
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
No Annual Fee
Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
Additional Reading
Read our review
Compare the best cards for good credit
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Citi® Double Cash Card
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards for Good Credit
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.74% – 28.49% Variable
Rewards
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
18.99% – 28.99% Variable
Rewards
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 purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.99% – 23.99% Variable
Rewards
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
29.99% Variable
Rewards
Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center. Earn 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations. Earn 2X points on streaming services, plus, a $30 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more. Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, and dining. Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.24% – 28.24% Variable
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Credit Cards for Good Credit Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good credit score?
FICO defines a good credit score as between 670 and 739. However, you may find different definitions based on the credit issuer to which you’re applying. For example, Capital One defines good credit as the following:
Capital One has its own definition of good credit.
Capital One
What credit card is good for a 600 credit score?
A secured credit card or a student credit card is good for a 600 credit score. If you’re rebuilding your credit, it’s best not to focus on rewards credit cards until you’ve solved the issues leading to a score that hovers around 600.
How can you improve your credit score from good to excellent?
You can improve your credit score from good to excellent by focusing on consistently having a low credit utilization ratio (a good rule of thumb is to be using 3% of your total available credit), a diverse and lengthy credit history, and never making a late payment. Pay off your balances so you’re not using a big chunk of your available credit, abstain from opening and closing credit lines frequently, and always pay on time, even if it’s the minimum payment.
How do you check your credit score?
You can check your credit score by utilizing a free credit report service like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame — though these scores are often higher than your actual FICO score. Checking your credit score is always a good idea before opening a credit card. That way you’ll have a better understanding of your chances for approval.
How long does it take to increase your credit score?
The amount of time it’ll take for you to build up your credit score from good to excellent will depend on your current credit standing. If you’ve recently missed payments, maxed out your card, or had other financial setbacks it may take longer to build up your credit. Building credit takes time and diligence so remember to be patient.
That said, there are some simple adjustments, like reporting your rent and utility payments to a data reporting service and increasing your credit limit, that can give you a boost. Doing one or both of these things can help, but the most reliable way of increasing credit is by paying off debt regularly and on time.
Should I pay off my credit card in full or leave a small balance?
You should pay off your balance in full each billing cycle. This will prevent you from accruing interest on your balance.
Best Credit Card for Rotating Bonus Categories
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Why the Chase Freedom Flex is worth it: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points in rotating bonus categories, as well as a great welcome bonus, for no annual fee.
Welcome bonus: Earn $200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is one of the highest-earning no-annual-fee cards on the market.
Here’s what you’ll get:
5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter (then 1%) in rotating bonus categories when you activate
3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases
1% cash back on everything else
Rotating bonus categories often include common purchases like supermarkets, gas stations, and even Amazon purchases. You should have no trouble maximizing these categories each quarter to earn $300 back each year.
While the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is marketed as a cash-back credit card, it technically earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. For example, 5% cash back translates to 5 points per dollar. You can cash out these points at a rate of 1 cent each, or you can save them until you’ve got the credit you need to open one of the following cards:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
If you hold any of these cards, you can transfer the rewards you earn on the Chase Freedom Flex℠ to valuable airline and hotel partners like Hyatt, United Airlines, Southwest, and more.
Collecting points with this card is a great way to build your stash of travel rewards even before you have a proper travel rewards credit card.
Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card Review
Best Flat-Rate Cash-Back Credit Card
Citi® Double Cash Card
Why the Citi Double Cash is worth it: The Citi® Double Cash Card earns flat-rate rewards on all purchases, with a $0 annual fee. Moreover, the card earns valuable Citi ThankYou points. It does not currently offer new cardholders a welcome bonus.
The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the simplest cards to use thanks to its consistent return rate: 1 point per dollar (1% back) after you make a purchase, and another 1 point per dollar (1% back) after you pay off your purchase. In other words, you’ll effectively earn 2x points (2% cash back) on everything with this card, with no rotating categories or merchant bonuses to worry about.
Thanks to its 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, followed by a 18.99% – 28.99% Variable APR, this is the best 2% cash back card for balance transfers.
You can redeem Citi ThankYou points from the Citi® Double Cash Card for cash back, gift cards, and travel booked through the Citi Travel Portal at a rate of 1 cent per point. You can also transfer rewards to a handful of partners, but if you also have the Citi Premier® Card or Citi Prestige® Card
(not available to new applicants), you can access all of Citi’s airline and hotel partners and potentially get more value from your Citi points.
Citi Double Cash Card Review
Best Small-Business Credit Card
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Why the Ink Business Cash is worth it: The no-annual-fee Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has a strong welcome bonus, high rewards-earning rates, and excellent perks.
Welcome bonus: The card earns $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card are offering identical welcome bonuses. If you can manage that spending requirement, this business credit card is a winner. Just note that you must have a business to be eligible. Whether you run a coffee shop, drive for DoorDash or Uber, babysit, or do freelance work, you may qualify for this card.
Here’s what this no-annual-fee card earns for spending:
5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services*
2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants*
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
*On up to $25,000 in combined purchases each year, then 1% cash back.
This card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, not cash.
But similar to the Chase Freedom Flex℠, you’ll need one of the following cards to unlock the full potential of your rewards. Plus, the most valuable way to use your welcome points is to transfer them to one of these cards for better redemption options:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
One excellent and very useful perk that’s rare to see among no-annual-fee credit cards is primary car rental insurance (when renting for business purposes). When you waive the in-house rental agency’s CDW, you’ll be covered for damage or theft to the car, and you don’t even have to tell your personal insurance provider about it.
Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card Review
Best Credit Card for Grocery Stores
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards for Good Credit
Why the SavorOne Cash Rewards for Good Credit is worth it: The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards for Good Credit has high earning rates in popular bonus categories and the potential to convert rewards to valuable Capital One miles, for no annual fee.
Welcome bonus: N/A
The no-annual-fee Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards for Good Creditdoes not currently offer a welcome bonus. However, its strong return rates can make it enticing enough to open anyway:
10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases through November 14, 2024
8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel
3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
1% back on all other purchases
You can redeem your cash back as either a check or a statement credit, and there’s no minimum redemption amount. But just like the cards before it, you can turn this cash back into significantly more valuable Capital One miles if you have one of the following cards:
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business
So while you’re biding your time and fostering your credit score, you can earn points for your travels (if that’s of interest to you).
With that, Savor and SavorOne cardholders also get a complimentary Uber One membership (through November 14, 2024).
Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Good Credit Card Review
Best Credit Card for Gas Stations
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
Why the US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is worth it: The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card has strong reward rates on travel and everyday spending categories and a large welcome bonus.
Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days from account opening
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is great for road warriors, as it’s got one of the highest returns at gas stations and EV charging stations of any card available — albeit for an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95. Here’s what you’ll get:
5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
4x points on travel and at gas stations (including EV charging stations)
2x points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services
1x point on all other eligible purchases
These points are worth 1 cent each, meaning you’ll effectively earn 4% back at gas stations. In addition, cardholders receive solid perks, including annual streaming credits, Priority Pass airport lounge access with four free visits per year, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, and SmartDelay coverage that offers airport lounge access when your flight is delayed.
US Bank Altitude Connect Card Review
Best Choose-Your-Own Spending Category Card
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Why the Citi Custom Cash is worth it: The no-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card earns you 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle. Plus, you can earn a great welcome bonus and long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Welcome bonus: Earn $200 cash back, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is unique in that it’s one of the few cards that bonuses your spending based on your usage. You’ll receive 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (then 1%). And you’ll get 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Eligible spending categories include:
Restaurants
Gas stations
Grocery stores
Select travel
Select transit
Select streaming services
Drugstores
Home improvement stores
Fitness clubs
Live entertainment
Whichever category you spend the most in, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card will automatically give you 5% back (again, up to $500 in spending) each billing cycle. If you were to max out this bonus each billing cycle, you’d receive $300 per year.
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card has a 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months (then a 18.99% – 28.99% Variable APR).
This card’s rewards operate the same as the Citi® Double Cash Card. If you hold the Citi Premier® Card or Citi Prestige® Card (not available to new applicants), you can unlock more redemption opportunities by transferring rewards to the full range of Citi airline and hotel partners.
This is another strong earner for a $0 annual fee card.
Citi Custom Cash Card Review
Joseph Hostetler, CEPF
Credit cards reporter
Joseph Hostetler is a credit cards reporter for Insider who also covers helpful miles and points tricks. He is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF). Joseph has more than six years of experience writing professionally about credit cards, previously authoring and editing for The Points Guy and Million Mile Secrets. You can reach Joseph at jhostetler@insider.com. Learn more about how Personal Finance Insider chooses, rates, and covers financial products and services »
Tessa Campbell
Junior Investing Reporter
Tessa Campbell is a Junior Investing Reporter for Personal Finance Insider. She writes investing and retirement related content. She orginally joined the PFI team as a Personal Finance Reviews Fellow in 2022.
Her love of books, research, crochet, and coffee enriches her day-to-day life.
Angela Fung
Marketing Compliance Manager
Angela Fung is the marketing compliance manager at Personal Finance Insider, overseeing a team that ensures content accuracy and editorial independence so readers are always getting up-to-date and objective financial advice. She is the primary contact for credit cards compliance and has experience managing content and partnerships for the banking, loans, and investment verticals as well. The compliance team’s mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by making sure language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.
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