5 Best Credit Cards in the US [2024]

According to Economic Well-Being of US Households, 82% of adults in the US had a credit card in 2022. Furthermore, between 2024 and 2029, the total number of credit cards in use in the United States is projected to steadily rise by 25 million cards. 

This high usage rate underscores how integral credit cards have become for everyday spending and personal finances. As usage continues to rise across the country, choosing cards that maximize your rewards and savings becomes crucial.

In this guide, we include a list of the top 5 credit cards for 2024, outlining their features, main fees, and what each card is best suited for.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Credit Card

Before looking into the list, it's essential to understand that selecting a credit card involves weighing several factors that can influence your financial health. Let's examine some important considerations.

Your Credits Scores 

Your credit score directly influences the cards you can qualify for, with higher scores granting access to cards with lower interest rates and better offerings. In other words, the score helps you narrow down or broaden your choices.

While credit card issuers may not always reveal the exact score needed, they often give a range like "good" or "excellent" credit, giving applicants an idea of what's required.

Credit scores in the United States commonly fall within the 300 to 850 range, categorized as follows:

• Poor: Below 580
• Fair: 580 - 669
• Good: 670 - 739
• Very Good: 740 - 799
• Excellent: 800 and above

There may be slight variations in this range depending on the credit scoring model utilized, such as FICO or VantageScore, although FICO is predominantly used.

In the US, you can request a copy of your credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only website endorsed by the US federal government to provide free annual credit reports retrieved from the three Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs.) 

Alternatively, call 1-877-322-8228 (TTY: 1-800-821-7232) or complete the Annual Credit Report request form and mail it to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
PO Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Type of Credit Cards

Once you're aware of your credit score, the next consideration is the type of credit card that suits you. 

There are two primary types of cards to consider

• Secured Credit Cards: These cards require an initial cash deposit as collateral. The deposit amount sets your credit limit. Secured cards are commonly used by individuals with poor credit or beginners with no credit history to establish or improve their credit. It aids in building credit since the issuer can report your usage to the three primary credit bureaus.
• Unsecured Credit Cards: These cards don't require a security deposit. Instead, your credit limit is evaluated based on your credit history and score. Unsecured cards are more prevalent and generally require average to excellent credit scores.

For those with good credit but struggling to manage credit card debt, a type of unsecured card called a balance transfer credit card can offer a practical solution. The card can help consolidate and reduce high-interest credit card debt by allowing individuals to transfer existing balances to a card with lower interest rates.

💡 Tip: Unsecured cards often offer more benefits. Some secured cards provide options to upgrade to unsecured cards.

Your Requirements

The most suitable credit card for you is one that provides rewards tailored to your lifestyle at the most reasonable cost. 

Consider if you want to improve your credit score, earn rewards on everyday purchases, or secure a low-interest rate for balance transfers. 

For instance, an airline or hotel co-branded card with perks like generous miles and airport lounge access is advantageous if you frequently travel. Conversely, if you have to carry a balance month-to-month, a card with a low ongoing APR may save you more money. 

💡 Tip: One effective strategy is to analyze your spending records. If you already have a credit or debit card, review your highest spending categories on that card.

The Card’s Offers

When assessing credit card offers, consider not only the rewards rate and cashback rates but also the bonus categories, partner benefits, promotions, purchase protection, and the ease of earning and redeeming rewards. 

Look for sign-up bonuses, promotional interest rates, or special rewards categories for a limited time. 

Some cards offer unlimited points. Others may impose restrictions or caps on the rewards you can earn. Additionally, some cards allow you to redeem rewards for statement credits, gift cards, or even charity donations.

Lastly, be aware of whether credit card points expire. 

💡 Tip: There are credit cards customized for specific user demographics, with offers tailored to their needs, such as business credit cards, small business credit cards, student credit cards, and more.

The Card’s Eligibility

Eligibility criteria typically include age, income, residency, and credit score. It's essential to confirm if you meet these requirements before applying for a credit card because the application process can temporarily impact your credit scores.

When you apply for a new credit card, the lenders perform a hard inquiry on your credit report to evaluate your creditworthiness. This inquiry may cause a temporary decrease in your credit score by a few points. While this impact is usually minor and lasts only around a year, the inquiry remains on your report for two years. 

Therefore, understanding the eligibility beforehand can increase your chances of approval and maintain your credit health.

🔍 Tip: Many providers offer a precheck or pre-approval process, enabling you to complete a survey to ascertain approval without affecting your credit score.

Fees and Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

Common credit fees include annual fees, late payment fees, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees. The fee often corresponds to features, such as higher fees for more benefits or a higher spending limit. However, a steep annual fee won’t be worthwhile if you don't plan to maximize its benefits.

Understanding the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is also essential for preventing credit card debt. It indicates the yearly cost of borrowing funds, which includes interest charges.  

Credit card companies typically waive purchase interest if the full balance is paid by the due date.  However, carrying a balance accrues interest from the transaction date, which is added to your monthly balance.

💡 Tip: Credit cards typically don't offer 0% interest, but you can find cards that provide 0% intro APR periods for several months.

Now that we've covered the considerations, let's look at the best credit cards in the US and who they are best for.

5 Best Credit Cards in the US

📌 Note: Variable APRs provided are contingent on your creditworthiness and may vary based on the Prime Rate. Information is subject to change, and the provider reserves the right to modify terms and conditions. Please verify with each credit card provider for the most current information.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card 

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card is provided by Chase, a respected division of JPMorgan Chase & Co. known for its global presence and a wide array of credit card options. 

Tailored for travelers, the card offers a blend of travel rewards, dining perks, and additional benefits, often accompanied by welcome bonus points that fluctuate with each promotional period.

The Sapphire Preferred card operates within the Visa processing network and is one of Chase's Sapphire® premium travel and dining cards, along with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Key Benefits

• Earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel (excluding hotel purchases eligible for the USD 50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit).
• Earn 3x points on dining out, eligible delivery services, and takeout.
• Earn 2x points on other travel expenses.
• Earn 3x points on online grocery shopping (except at Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs).
• Earn 3x points on eligible streaming services.
• Earn one point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
• Enjoy partner benefits worth over USD 150, including DoorDash, Instacart, Peloton, and Lyft.
• Enjoy 1:1 point transfers to top frequent travel programs like British Airways Executive Club, Emirates Skywards, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and more.
• Eligible cardholders can opt to split purchases of USD 100 or more into interest-free monthly payments with My Chase Plan®, with a monthly fee of up to 1.72% of the selected payment amount.
• No foreign transaction fees for purchases made outside the United States.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Is Suitable For

✅ Frequent travelers

✅ Consumers seeking a balance of travel and dining rewards

✅ Cardholders making frequent international purchases

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Major Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Eligibility

• The applicant must be 18 years old or 19 years old in Alabama and Nebraska or 21 years old in Puerto Rico.
• The applicant must have a valid permanent US address (within the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands) or US military address.
• Existing Chase cardholders may be ineligible for a second card in the same Rewards Program.
• Chase cardholders currently benefiting from promotional pricing or those with a history of solely utilizing cards for promotional pricing offers may not qualify for a second card with promotional pricing.

Please be aware that additional eligibility criteria may apply. For comprehensive details, kindly refer to the terms and conditions page for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card.

2. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards credit card, provided by Capital One Financial Corporation, the 12th largest bank in the United States, offers travel rewards and other versatile perks with flexible redemption options. 

It's especially ideal for budget-conscious individuals, with no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards credit card belongs to Capital One’s Travel and Miles Rewards Credit Cards category, which also includes three other cards: Capital One Venture X Rewards, VentureOne Rewards for Good Credit, and Venture Rewards.

Capital One collaborates with both the Visa and Mastercard® networks to issue cards.

H3: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card Key Benefits

• Earn unlimited 1.25 miles for every dollar spent on all purchases.
• Earn unlimited 5 miles for every dollar spent on hotels and rental cars reserved through Capital One Travel.
• Use miles through Capital One Travel to book trips or get reimbursed for previous travel purchases made elsewhere.
• Redeem miles as a statement credit towards travel expenses (within 90 days of the travel purchase).
• Rewards do not expire for the duration of the account.
• Transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs like Emirates Skywards, British Airways, Asia Miles, Accor Live Limitless, and more.
• Redeem rewards with PayPal for eligible purchases at millions of online stores or use them to pay for Amazon.com purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees when making purchases outside the United States.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card Is Suitable For

✅ Budget-conscious travelers

✅ Those seeking travel rewards without an annual fee

✅ Those looking for a simple, flexible rewards program

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card Major Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Eligibility

• The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• The applicant must have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
• The applicant must reside in the 50 United States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, or a U.S. military location.
• The applicant's monthly income should exceed their monthly mortgage payment by at least USD 425.
• The applicant’s Capital One credit card account is not past due, over the credit line, or charged off within the past year.
• The applicant has not been granted a new card member bonus for this product within the past 48 months.
• No unresolved bankruptcies

Kindly note that there might be further eligibility requirements. For complete details, please consult the terms and conditions page for the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card.

💡Tip: Avoid applying for a Capital One credit card multiple times within 30 days 

3. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Discover It® Secured Credit Card is offered by Discover, a prominent American financial services firm overseeing Discover Bank, Discover and Pulse networks, and Diners Club International, which stands as one of the top five largest credit card brands in the United States.

Upon application, you can provide a refundable security deposit starting from USD 200. Your credit limit will match the amount of your deposit. After 7 months, automatic monthly account reviews are conducted to determine eligibility for an unsecured card and deposit refund. Responsible card usage may improve your credit standing. 

Discover it® Secured Credit Card Key Benefits

• Get a 2% Cashback Bonus® on purchases made at gas stations and restaurants, up to USD 1,000 in combined spending each quarter.
• Unlimited 1% cash back on other purchases.
• Enjoy an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned at the end of your first year.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card Is Suitable For

✅ Those who have poor or bad credit or are rebuilding credit

✅ Those who want rewards while building credit

✅ Those who are new to credit 

✅ Those looking for a secured card with a pathway to unsecured credit card                                                                                

Discover it® Secured Credit Card Fees

Discover it® Secured Credit Card Eligibility

• The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• The applicant must have a Social Security number.
• The applicant must have a U.S. address.
• The applicant must hold a U.S. bank account.

Please note that there could be additional criteria for eligibility. For full details, please visit the Discover it® Secured Credit Card’s important information page.

4. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is issued by American Express (Amex), a prominent American bank holding company and multinational financial services corporation known for its expertise in payment cards. Amex serves as both a card issuer and a payment network. 

The card is designed for everyday essentials and falls under the cash back card category with a buy now pay later introductory offer, alongside two other Amex cards: Blue Cash Preferred® Card and Cash Magnet® Card.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card Key Benefits

• Earn 3% cash back with eligible US grocery stores, supermarkets, online retail, and gas stations up to USD 6,000 annually. After that, earn 1%.
• Get 1% cash back on other purchases.
• Cashback is received in the form of Reward Dollars, redeemable as a statement credit.
• Access shopping and entertainment perks through partners like Disney Bundle, Home Chef, ShopRunner, and Amex Experiences
• Buy Now Pay Later welcome offer (Terms apply)
• Split purchases of USD 100 or more into monthly installments with a flat-rate fee 
• Browse and add eligible Amex Offers for more savings

Blue Cash Everyday® Card Is Suitable For

✅ Individuals seeking rewards on common household spending

✅ Those who prioritize cash-back everyday rewards over travel perks

✅ Those who spend a few hundred dollars or less on their card each month   

Blue Cash Everyday® Card Fees

Blue Cash Everyday® Card Eligibility

• The applicant must be 18 years old or older.
• The applicant must be a US resident.

Please note that there may be additional eligibility criteria. For details, please refer to the Blue Cash Everyday® Card terms and conditions page.

5. Citi Rewards+® Card

Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is provided by Citibank, a leading U.S. banking subsidiary of the multinational Citigroup. The card is ideal for everyday use and comes with unique features such as points rounding and a points rebate.

The Citi Rewards+® Card operates within the Mastercard® processing network.

Citi Rewards+® Card Key Benefits

• Get 5 ThankYou® Points for every dollar spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com until 31 December 2025
• Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for every dollar spent at supermarkets and gas stations, up to USD 6,000 a year
• Earn 1 ThankYou® Point for all other purchases
• Round up to the nearest 10 points on each purchase
• Receive 10% Points Back when redeeming up to the first 100,000 points annually
• ThankYou® Points never expire, and there's no cap on how many you can earn
• Redeem points for gift cards, online shopping at Amazon.com or BestBuy.com, or for travel expenses
• Use points to cover recent purchases with a statement credit

Citi Rewards+® Card Is Suitable For

✅ Those aiming to maximize rewards on everyday spending through points pooling

✅ Those seeking rewards on domestic spending with occasional travel perks                                                   

Citi Rewards+® Card Fees

Citi Rewards+® Card Eligibility

• Offer valid for new accounts only
• The applicant must be at least 18 years of age or 21 years old in Puerto Rico.
• The applicant must reside in the United States and its territories.

Please be advised that there could be additional eligibility requirements. Kindly review the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card terms and conditions page for more information.

Final Note

Credit cards offer various benefits, including earning travel rewards, cash back, and managing expenses. Choosing the right card can impact your financial health and lifestyle. When uncertain, consider your goals, spending habits, credit score, the perks and fees of potential cards, and read the card reviews from real customers. 

To maximize your benefits while maintaining your financial well-being, stay informed about the terms and conditions of your credit card, as issuers may update policies.