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Top 11 Credit Card Companies

author
Laura McCarthy
Last Updated:
  • 230
    Hours of Research
  • 31+
    Sources Used
  • 19
    Companies Vetted
  • 18
    Features Reviewed
  • 11
    Top Picks

Credit cards come in handy. They help the holder pay for significant unexpected expenses such as vehicle repair, medical bills, and utility bills after losing a job. Some cardholders take a savvy approach to credit cards. They leverage $0 APR offers to pay for goods on credit and skip incurring the interest rate fees.

Frequent and business travelers benefit from credit cards. They accrue points that net them attractive upgrades, free flights, and free nights at hotels. A credit card exists for every circumstance. To lure Americans from one card to the next, banks and companies offer rewards and attractive features based on spending habits.

Credit Card Providers

1.

Wells Fargo Active Cash

  • Best for:

    Customer Satisfaction

    Wells Fargo Active Cash

  • Best for Customer Satisfaction

    1
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    • Good to Excellent Credit Score

    • $0 Annual Fee

    • 0% APR for first 15 months

    Introduced in October 2021, the Wells Fargo Active CashSM Card received rave reviews from the toughest industry insiders. It was introduced in a suite of new offers from the banking giant.

    This card focuses on rewarding the holders. It features 2% unlimited cash back rewards on purchases without needing to select categories or activating the reward every quarter

    For the first 15 months, cardholders enjoy an introductory offer of 0%. Thereafter it switches to 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99%, determined by the applicant's credit history and other factors. The card allows holders to transfer balances and qualify for the introductory rate.

    Those who apply and receive approval during the promotional period can earn a $200 rewards bonus. Pay for $1,000 worth of purchases with the card in the first three months to earn it.

    In addition to the cash rewards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash SM Card offers several protections.

    Zero Liability Protection. If you lose your card or someone uses the information to complete unauthorized purchases, the holder is not liable. Spot them promptly and report the unauthorized charges for best results.

    Security. When you sign into the account, set up a 2-step verification or Voice Verification for an added layer of security.

    Cell Phone Protection. Pay your cell phone bill with the card and receive $600 in damage protection for the device after a $25 deductible.

    Wells Fargo Mobile App. Manage your account and card with the Wells Fargo mobile app.

    Contactless Payment. Enjoy the built-in contactless payment feature. Just tap on compatible payment processors in-store.

    Visa Signature Privileges. Receive access to Visa Signature Concierge and Visa Signature Hotel Collections.

    Easily Redeem Rewards. Once you earn your rewards, redeem them on purchases of $1 or more. Rewards don't expire and you can earn an unlimited amount.

    Pros

    • Unlimited cash back

    • Visa Signature privileges

    • Easily redeem rewards

    Cons

    • Fees on foreign transactions

    • High balance transfer fee

    • Possible high APR

    Wells Fargo Active Cash

    2.

    Chase Sapphire Preferred

  • Best for:

    Quality Support

    Chase Sapphire Preferred

  • Best for Quality Support

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    • Best Travel Rewards

    • Earn 60,000 points on qualified purchases

    • Several ways to earn rewards

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card released in 2009. In 2016, it received praise for becoming the perfect credit card for those who collect them. This product wins in the travel rewards category. There is no shortage of opportunities to earn high value rewards and redeem them.

    This card's current introductory offer earns the newcomer a whopping 60,000 points. The points equal $750 if the card holder redeems them through the Chase Ultimate Rewards.

    To qualify for the introductory promotion, spend $4,000 in the first three months.

    Now there are more ways to earn rewards with this card including $50 in statement credits and 5x the rewards for anniversary hotel stays. In addition, cardholders receive 3x the rewards on qualified dining purchases including delivery, take out, and on-site, 3x rewards on qualified streaming services and will receive 1 point on all other purchases.

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card faces competition from other travel rewards credit cards. It's not the shiny new toy anymore, so Chase continues to bump up the card's value for all cardholders.

    This card provides holders with 25% more value in rewards.

    Anniversary Rewards. On the account's anniversary, the cardholder receives 10% of their previous year's purchases in points.

    Pay Yourself Back SM. Points increase 25% in value when the holder redeems them in purchases from specific categories for statement credits.

    My Chase Plan. Qualified cardholders can break up purchases into fixed monthly payments for a fee instead of an interest rate charge.

    Pros

    • Attractive introductory offer

    • Several opportunities to earn rewards

    • Access to My Chase Plan

    Cons

    • High annual fee

    • Requires a stellar credit score

    • Possible high APR

    Chase Sapphire Preferred

    3.

    Citi Diamond Preferred

  • Best for:

    Best Balance Transfer

    Citi Diamond Preferred

  • Best for Best Balance Transfer

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    • 0% Intro APR first 12 months

    • 0% Balance Transfer APR first 21 months

    • Convenience and Protection

    The Citi Diamond Preferred Card outranks others when it comes to transferring balances. Savvy credit card holders leverage balance transfer offers in their favor. It allows them an opportunity to skip paying interest on outstanding balances.

    Those who take advantage of the introductory offer receive an introductory rate of 0% for the first 12 months and 0% on balance transfers for the first 21 months.

    A $5 fee or 5% charge will be applied on the total balance transfer, and after the introductory period, an APR of 13.74% to 23.74% will take effect.

    The Citi Diamond Preferred Card takes pride in offering more categories of benefits, including convenience, protection and "other."

    Convenience. Cardholders enjoy 24/7 customer service access, automatic account alerts, digital wallets, and contactless pay with tap. In addition, pick your due date.

    Protection. Citi® Identity Theft Solutions protects cardholders against identity theft. Plus, they receive $0 liability protection against unauthorized charges.

    Other. The Citi Entertainment® feature gives cardholders access to ticket purchases including presale and exclusive experiences. It's a great way to access hard-to-get tickets to sporting events, concerts, and dining experiences.

    Pros

    • Allows four months to transfer balances

    • Good credit scores qualify too

    • Provides access to in-demand events

    Cons

    • Doesn't earn rewards

    • Foreign transaction fees

    • Possible high APR

    Citi Diamond Preferred

    4.

    American Express Blue

  • Best for:

    Business Credit Card

    American Express Blue

  • Best for Business Credit Card

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    • $0 Annual Fee

    • 15,000 Membership Rewards Points after qualifying purchases

    • Expense Management tools

    American Express launched its first charge card in 1958. In 1966, AMEX launched its corporate program. Since then, the company has maintained a focus on its business and frequent traveler customers.

    The American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card continues to rank among the best business credit cards.

    This one features an introductory period of 0% for 12 months. Then the APR shifts between 13.24% to 19.24% variable.

    Attractive additional features include earning opportunities for members, expanded buying power, and expense management tools.

    Earn Membership Rewards. Cardholders earn 2x the points on the first $50,000 spent. They earn 1x the points after reaching the threshold.

    Expand Your Buying Power. Companies require sudden infusions of capital. The American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card allows cardholders to spend above the stated limit. Algorithms allow the card to adjust with the purchasing needs of the cardholder. If the member remains in good standing, pays their bill on time and a significant amount each time, the card works with the holder.

    Attractive Expense Management Tools. This AMEX card connects to QuickBooks, provides online statements and a year-end statement. It allows access to the American Express® Business App and account manager.

    Business credit cards differ from consumer cards. The business type helps business owners separate their personal and company finances. In addition, they offer higher spending limits, separate lines of credit, and perks.

    Pros

    • Opportunities to earn rewards

    • Expanded buying power

    Cons

    • Foreign transaction fees

    • Possible high APR

    American Express Blue

    5.

    Chase Freedom Unltd

  • Best for:

    Buying Groceries

    Chase Freedom Unltd

  • Best for Buying Groceries

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    • $0 Annual Fee

    • $200 Bonus after spending $500

    • Earn rewards

    Some people open a credit card and stash it away. The card's sole purpose is availability in case of an emergency. They don't require high limits or excessive points earning potential. If you are interested in building your credit, having a card for emergencies, and buying your groceries with a card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card ranks among the best.

    This card offers an introductory offer that includes a $200 bonus if you spend $500 in the first three months. If the cardholder spends up to $6,000 in the first year at gas stations, they receive 5% cash back.

    Additional cash back opportunities include 5% earned on travel purchases, 3% on dining, takeout and delivery, 3% on drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases.

    Bonus: Cash back rewards do not expire. There is no minimum to redeem rewards either.

    Cardholders also enjoy contactless pay with tap, partner benefits, access tools & resources, and additional security.

    Pros

    • Rewards do not expire

    • Plenty of opportunities to earn rewards

    • No minimum to redeem rewards

    Cons

    • Foreign transaction fees

    • Balance transfer fee

    • Possible high APR

    Chase Freedom Unltd

    6.

    Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa

  • Best for:

    Unsecured Card

    Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa

  • Best for Unsecured Card

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    • Easy application and approval process

    • $200 bonus on your Upgrade Card after opening a Rewards Checking account and making 3 debit card transactions

    • No annual fee and unlimited 1.5% cashback

    The $0-annual-fee Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® is the ideal credit card for people with low credit scores or those who need to finance large purchases. With an unlimited 1.5% cashback on payments, easy application, and a credit line for loans, it's easy to benefit from the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® card.

    • Use it as a credit card: Make purchases and convert the costs into installment loans at a fixed interest rate. If you carry a balance beyond the due date, you can repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period. The card is issued by Sutton Bank.
    • Use it as a personal loan: Tap into your credit limit and request that funds be sent directly to your bank account. Again, you can pay back the loan in equal monthly installments over a set period and fixed interest rate. Personal loans are made by Upgrade's lending partners. Note: you cannot use the card at an ATM to withdraw cash.

    Using the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® makes budgeting a lot easier because it works differently than most credit cards, with unique flexibility and capabilities. The card earns a solid 1.5% cash back on all purchases after paid back, which wil be applied to your statement balance. Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 14.99% - 29.99% and line amounts ranging $500 - $50,000.

    Pros

    • Lower APRs compared to competitors

    • No annual fee and easy application process

    • Multiple credit card perks: Cashback, loan capabilities, opening bonus

    Cons

    • Doesn't offer a signup bonus without a checking account

    • No cash loyalty bonus

    • There isn't an intro APR offer for balance transfers

    Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa

    7.

    Capital One SavorOne

  • Best for:

    Travel and Dining

    Capital One SavorOne

  • Best for Travel and Dining

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    • $0 Annual Fee

    • $200 Bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months

    • Rewards on Travel and Dining

    Some individuals are foodies. They also travel frequently. The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards card offers the potential to earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and streaming services. The holder also earns 3% on grocery store purchases.

    Thereafter, cardholders receive advantages in four categories, including Benefits, Access, Protection, and Management.

    Benefits. The traveler who obtains this card won't incur foreign transaction fees. It provides complimentary concierge service, 24-hour travel assistance, and travel accidental insurance.

    Eligible items purchased with the card receive an extended warranty. Plus, purchase notifications are instant. Redeem rewards through Paypal or shop with them at Amazon or Capital One Shopping.

    Access. This card gives the holder access to anticipated sporting events, music events, and premier culinary experiences.

    Protection. The card protects the holder against unauthorized purchases with $0 liability. If you lose it, lock it through the app. Receive security alerts and use Eno to make virtual card number purchases. Creditwise is also at your disposal.

    Management. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards card provides access to 24/7 customer service, the Capital One Mobile App, and autopay. Transfer your balances to the card, chat with Eno, and compile shopping reports. If needed, add an authorized user to the account.

    Pros

    • Opportunities to earn rewards on dining and travel

    Cons

    • High ongoing APR

    Capital One SavorOne

    8.

    Discover IT Student

  • Best for:

    Students

    Discover IT Student

  • Best for Students

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    • $0 Annual Fee

    • 0% APR for 6 months on purchases

    • Rewards for Good Grades

    The best time to start building credit is during the late high school and college years. Students receive favorable rates, terms, and payment options. Credit card companies work with students in an effort to develop lifelong customers. In return, the student obtains many benefits and a lesson in personal finance management.

    The Discover IT Student Cash Back goes above and beyond to attract students. For example, the card offers students cash back earning opportunities on the things that they enjoy. Just for fun, students can pick their card design too.

    Every year the student cardholder earns a GPA of over 3.0, Discover gives them a $20 statement credit. Plus, students receive 5% cashback on everyday purchases and Cashback Match.

    They say that the young set the trends. What's trendy right now is shopping at Amazon and using PayPal. This Discover card captures those trends and turns them into rewards.

    5% Cash Back. Earn 5% on everyday purchases during the school year including at grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations. All other purchases earn 1%.

    Cashback Match. During the first year, Discover matches all cash back earned by the cardholder automatically.

    In addition, look out for quarterly cash back earning opportunities. Plus manage the account on the app. Track and redeem rewards, contact customer service, monitor your credit report, and freeze the card if you misplace it from the app.

    Pros

    • Great starter credit card for students

    • Cashback match program

    Cons

    • Earning rewards is complicated

    • Possible high APR

    Discover IT Student

    9.

    Capital One Quicksilver

  • Best for:

    Average Credit

    Capital One Quicksilver

  • Best for Average Credit

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    • $0 Annual Fee

    • Great for Building Credit

    • Earn Rewards

    The Capital One Quicksilver credit card states that they prefer individuals with excellent credit histories. However, individuals with good credit scores can qualify too. Those who have not declared bankruptcy in the last five years and have not been more than 30 days late on any debt payment might qualify.

    This is an attractive credit card because it offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases. New cardholders enjoy the $200 cash bonus if they spend $500 with the card in the first three months.

    This is an attractive credit card because it offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases. New cardholders enjoy the $200 cash bonus if they spend $500 with the card in the first three months.

    Rewards don't expire, and there is no minimum redemption amount. You can request your rewards as a cash payment, use them for future purchases, or purchase gift cards.

    Capital One Quicksilver card holders receive the same stellar service as other Capital One customers, including Benefits, Access, Protection, and Management.

    Benefits. If you travel and use the card, you incur no foreign transaction fees. You do receive 24-hour travel assistance, concierge service, travel accident insurance, and instant purchase notifications.

    Access. The card gives members access to anticipated sporting events, music events, and premier culinary experiences.

    Protection. If you lose your card, you can freeze it through the app. Use Creditwise to monitor your credit report and use Eno. Eno makes online shopping safer with virtual card numbers. It also sends the card holder alerts.

    Management. Cardholders receive access to the Capital One Mobile App, 24/7 customer service, and Eno chat.

    Pros

    • Great card for building credit history

    • Opportunities to earn rewards

    Cons

    • Requires stellar credit

    • No bonus categories

    Capital One Quicksilver

    10.

    Discover IT Secured

  • Best for:

    Rebuilding Credit

    Discover IT Secured

  • Best for Rebuilding Credit

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    • $0 Annual Fee

    • Helps to rebuild credit score

    • Access to credit despite history

    In 2015, 45 million Americans had no credit score. A different study in 2016 found that 68 million Americans had a credit score under 601. It's tough to measure the credit landscape in 2021 due to recent events that shook up the economy. However, it's safe to say that millions benefit from rebuilding their credit score.

    By many accounts, the Discover IT Secured Credit Card ranks among the best.

    The card requires no credit score to apply. After receiving an approval, the applicant receives a credit card and no annual fee. Discover reports your progress to the three credit bureaus. Thus you rebuild your history. The card's credit line depends on the amount you deposit with a minimum of $200.

    Since you can only spend what you deposit, you build healthy personal finance habits. With the Discover IT Secured Credit Card, you put yourself in a position to qualify for an unsecured credit card.

    After eight months, the company runs automatic checks on the card's activity and your credit report. Individuals who qualify, receive their deposit back. The card is automatically converted.

    Even though this is an unsecured card to start, the holder will earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, 1% cash back on all other purchases, with all cash back being qualified for Cashback Match.

    Pros

    • Opportunity to rebuild credit

    • Opportunity to roll over card into an unsecured version

    Cons

    • High APR

    • Potential annual fee

    Discover IT Secured

    11.

    Capital One Platinum

  • Best for:

    Less Than Steller Credit

    Capital One Platinum

  • Best for Less Than Steller Credit

    11
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    • $0 Annual Fee

    • Rebuild your credit

    • Designed for less than stellar credit

    The Capital One Platinum Secured is a favorite for individuals that have no credit history. This card is set aside for individuals interested in rebuilding their credit history or starting one. To see if you qualify, fill out the online application. It doesn't affect your credit score.

    To obtain a Capital One Platinum Secured card, put down the required deposit of $49, $99, or $200.

    Then enjoy the card's refundable deposit, zero hidden fees, automatic credit line reviews, and flexible due dates.

    Refundable Deposit. Credit card companies have evolved their policies and practices. They give individuals opportunities to return to a credit worthy state again. Those who obtain a secured credit card put down a deposit. If they maintain a positive payment history, they receive their deposit back. Then the issuer converts the card into an unsecured version.

    No Hidden Fees. There are several unsecured credit cards on the market. This one has no hidden fees. You incur no foreign transaction fees, replacement card fees, or unauthorized charges fees.

    Automatic Credit Line Reviews. Capital One starts conducting automatic credit line reviews after a few months. It's possible for the company to convert the card to an unsecured version in as little as six months.

    Flexible Due Dates. The credit card companies are well aware that Americans are experiencing an economic upheaval. To help them, some credit card issuers allow customers to pick their due date. Keep in mind that the interest rate clock doesn't stop. It is divided by the number of days in the months and added to the following due date.

    Pros

    • Opportunity to build credit history

    • Opportunity to roll card into an unsecured version

    Cons

    • No rewards

    • High APR

    Capital One Platinum

    Compare Best Credit Card Services 1. Wells Fargo Active CashWells Fargo Active Cash Customer Satisfaction View Plans 2. Chase Sapphire PreferredChase Sapphire Preferred Quality Support View Plans 3. Citi Diamond PreferredCiti Diamond Preferred Best Balance Transfer View Plans 4. American Express BlueAmerican Express Blue Business Credit Card View Plans 5. Chase Freedom UnltdChase Freedom Unltd Buying Groceries View Plans 6. Upgrade Cash Rewards VisaUpgrade Cash Rewards Visa Unsecured Card View Plans 7. Capital One SavorOneCapital One SavorOne Travel and Dining View Plans 8. Discover IT StudentDiscover IT Student Students View Plans 9. Capital One QuicksilverCapital One Quicksilver Average Credit View Plans 10. Discover IT SecuredDiscover IT Secured Rebuilding Credit View Plans 11. Capital One PlatinumCapital One Platinum Less Than Steller Credit View Plans
    Reviews 684 reviews 851 reviews 596 reviews 478 reviews 912 reviews 756 reviews 545 reviews 489 reviews 823 reviews 611 reviews 933 reviews
    Online Quote Process Easy Easy Easy Easy Medium Difficulty Easy Medium Difficulty Medium Difficulty Medium Difficulty Medium Difficulty Medium Difficulty
    Customer Support Above Average Above Average Average Average Above Average Average Average Average Average Average Average

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