An excellent all-around (general spending) cash back card for most people, due to its 1.5% cash back rate, $200 signup bonus, and no annual fee.
$444/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Chase
Chase
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Through March 2022: 5% cash back on Lyft rides.
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase.
- 3% cash back on restaurants and drugstores.
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- For the first year: Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all categories of spending (for up to $20,000 spent). (In other words: 6.5% instead of 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 4.5% instead of 3% cash back on restaurants and drugstores, and 3% instead of 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.)
- No annual fee.
- 0% intro APR.
Cons
- There are some other no-annual-fee cash back cards that offer higher cash back rates on specific spending categories.
- And if you're willing to pay an annual fee, there are even better rewards rates out there for spending categories such as travel (e.g., Chase Sapphire Reserve).
Rewards & Perks
- $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Through March 2022: 5% cash back on Lyft rides.
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase.
- 3% cash back on restaurants and drugstores.
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- For the first year: Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all categories of spending (for up to $20,000 spent). (In other words: 6.5% instead of 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 4.5% instead of 3% cash back on restaurants and drugstores, and 3% instead of 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.)
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR on purchases: 14.99-23.74% (0% for the first 15 months).
- APR on balance transfers: 14.99-23.74%.
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,221
A great 2% cash back card, with a $200 signup bonus and no annual fee.
$436/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- $200 cash bonus after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months.
- 2% cash back on all purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% intro APR.
Rewards & Perks
- $200 cash bonus after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months.
- 2% cash back on all purchases.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR on purchases: 14.99-24.99%. (0% for first 15 months.)
- APR on balance transfers: 14.99-24.99%. (0% for first 15 months on balance transfers posted to your account within the first 120 days.)
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,180
A decent points card for spending on hotels and car rentals (5x points) and restaurants (3x), with a 30K points signup bonus, but also an $85 annual fee.
$420/yr
total value to you
Issuer
US Bank
US Bank
Network
American Express
American Express
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- Earn 30,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in the first 4 months.
- 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals (when booked directly in the FlexPerks Rewards Center).
- 3x points at restaurants.
- 2x points at airlines and gas stations.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- $85 annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- 30,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in the first 4 months.
- 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals (when booked directly in the FlexPerks Rewards Center).
- 3x points at restaurants.
- 2x points at airlines and gas stations.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $85.
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 14.49-24.49%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,101
A good card for people who are frequent Hilton guests (7x points on Hilton) or who spend on dining, groceries, and gas (5x), which has a welcome bonus of 80K points (after spending $1K w/in 3 months), and no annual fee.
$417/yr
total value to you
Issuer
American Express
American Express
Network
American Express
American Express
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 7x points at Hilton hotels. 5x points at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. 3x points on everything else.
- Welcome bonus of 80K points (after spending $1,000 w/in 3 months).
- Plus an additional 50K points if you spend a total of $5,000 w/in 6 months.
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Status.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Each point is worth just 0.5 cents on average, which is low compared to other credit cards.
Rewards & Perks
- 7x points at Hilton properties.
- 5x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
- 3x points everywhere else.
- Welcome bonus of 80K points (after spending $1,000 w/in 3 months).
- Plus an additional 50K points if you spend a total of $5,000 w/in 6 months.
- Hilton Honors Silver status: Includes 15% points bonus, fifth night free on award stays, and two complimentary bottles of water per stay.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR on purchases: 15.74-24.74%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,084
A mediocre airline rewards card (1.25 miles per dollar), with a 20K miles early spend bonus and no annual fee.
$406/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Capital One
Capital One
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 20,000 Bonus Miles: One-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 1.25 miles for every dollar you spend on purchases.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 0% intro APR.
Cons
- The miles earn rate is pretty mediocre.
- If you're willing to pay an annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards card offers even better rewards.
Rewards & Perks
- 20,000 Bonus Miles: One-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 1.25 miles per dollar for all purchases.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR for purchases: 15.49-25.49% (0% for the first year).
- APR for balance transfers: 15.49-25.49%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,031
A decent credit card offering cash back on dining and entertainment, a $200 early spend bonus, and no annual fee.
$395/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Capital One
Capital One
Network
Mastercard
Mastercard
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 3% cash back on groceries, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 0% intro APR.
Cons
- If most of your purchases will be on things outside of the 3% cash back categories, then the 1% cash back rate isn't as good as cards that offer 1.5% cash back on all spending.
- If you're willing to pay an annual fee, the Capital One Savor Rewards card offers even better rewards.
Rewards & Perks
- $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 3% cash back on groceries, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR for purchases: 15.49-25.49% (0% for the first 15 months).
- APR for balance transfers: 15.49-25.49%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,977
A no annual fee card, which offers 5x points on gas, 3x at supermarkets, restaurants, TV/cable/radio, and streaming, 1x on everything else, plus a signup bonus of 15,000 points (if you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days).
$391/yr
total value to you
Issuer
PenFed Credit Union
PenFed Credit Union
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 5x points on gas.
- 3x points at supermarkets (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV/radio/cable, and streaming services.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- 15,000 points signup bonus (after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days).
- No annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- 5x points on gas.
- 3x points at supermarkets (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV/radio/cable, and streaming services.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- 15,000 points signup bonus (after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days).
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $0
- Purchase APR: 14.49-17.99% (variable)
Total savings over 5 years: $1,955
Official Card Description (from card issuer):
- Get Rewarded on Everyday Purchases
- 5x Points** on gas paid at the pump and EV charging stations
- 3x Points** at the supermarket (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV, radio, cable, streaming services
- 1x Points** on all other purchases
- 15,000 Bonus Pointsƚ when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days
- 0% Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval.
- Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval. On transfers made from now until September 30, 2022. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be 17.99%. A 3% balance transfer fee applies to each transfer. This transaction is subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Purchase Variable APR*: 14.49% to 17.99%
- Refer to PenFed.org for Terms/Conditions
A good travel rewards card, which offers 3-4x points on travel (4x if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Members, or 3x if not), 1.5x on everything else, and a 50K points signup bonus (if you spend $3K in the first 90 days), for an annual fee of $95 (or $0, if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member).
$381/yr
total value to you
Issuer
PenFed Credit Union
PenFed Credit Union
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 4x points on travel purchases if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member. (If you're not, then it's 3x points on travel purchases.)
- 1.5x points on all other purchases.
- 50,000 points signup bonus (when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days).
- Complimentary Priority Pass Airport Lounge Annual Membership.
Cons
- Annual fee of $95 (or $0, if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member).
Rewards & Perks
- 4x points on travel purchases if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member. (If you're not, then it's 3x points on travel purchases.)
- 1.5x points on all other purchases.
- 50,000 points signup bonus (when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days).
- Complimentary Priority Pass Airport Lounge Annual Membership.
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $95 (but $0 if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member)
- Purchase APR: 15.99-17.99% (variable)
Total savings over 5 years: $1,906
Official Card Description (from card issuer):
- Earn more everywhere you go!
- 50,000 Bonus Pointsƚ when you spend $3000 in the first 90 days
- Up to $799^ total Travel value
- 4X Points** on all Travel categories for PenFed Honors Advantage Membersƚƚ
- 3X Points** on all Travel categories
- 1.5X Points** on all other purchases
- 0% Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval.
- Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval. On transfers made from now until September 30, 2022. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be 17.99%. A 3% balance transfer fee applies to each transfer. This transaction is subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
- Annual Fee: $95 (waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Membersƚƚ)***
- Purchase Variable APR*: 15.99% to 17.99%
- Refer to PenFed.org for Terms/Conditions
A good card for frequent Delta flyers, with a welcome bonus (after spending $2K within 3 months) of 50K miles plus 5K MQMs (Medallion® Qualification Miles) and an ongoing 3x miles on Delta and hotels, but a $250 annual fee.
$365/yr
total value to you
Issuer
American Express
American Express
Network
American Express
American Express
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- A welcome bonus (after spending $2K within 3 months) of 50K miles plus 5K MQMs (Medallion® Qualification Miles). (Offer expires 11/10/2021.)
- 3x miles on Delta purchases (Delta flights and Delta Vacations) and hotel purchases. 2x miles at restaurants and supermarkets. 1x miles on everything else.
- Other travel benefits such as first checked bag free, priority boarding, and an annual companion certificate.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Annual fee: $250.
Rewards & Perks
- A welcome bonus (after spending $2K within 3 months) of 50K miles plus 5K MQMs (Medallion® Qualification Miles). (Offer expires 11/10/2021.)
- 3x miles on Delta purchases (Delta flights and Delta Vacations) and hotel purchases. 2x miles at restaurants and supermarkets. 1x miles on everything else.
- Status Boost: Earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times. (Note: MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights.)
- Additional MQMs: Earn an additional 2,500 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) each time you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Platinum Card (up to 2 times).
- Free checked bag: First checked bag is free.
- Annual companion airplane ticket: One round-trip airplane ticket per year for a travelling companion.
- $39 Delta Sky Club Access: Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Priority boarding: Priority boarding allows you to board the plane sooner, stow your bag and settle in your seat before takeoff.
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $250.
- APR on purchases: 15.74-24.74%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,826
A good card for Southwest frequent flyers (2x on SWA purchases, 40K points signup bonus), but has a $69 annual fee.
$365/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Chase
Chase
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- For the first year: 3x points on dining purchases at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services).
- 2x points on Southwest purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Receive 3,000 bonus points each year (on your card member anniversary date).
- $0 1st & 2nd checked bags.
Cons
- $69 annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- For the first year: 3x points on dining purchases at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services).
- 2x points on Southwest purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- 3,000 bonus points each year (on your card member anniversary date).
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $69.
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 15.99-22.99%.
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,827