With the right strategy and responsible spending, credit cards can help you build credit, earn rewards, and more. Learn how credit cards work, what interest rates they charge, and how to use your cards in smart and effective ways.

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Investopedia / Alice Morgan

Finding the right credit card is an important personal decision, and one size does not fit all. Whether you're a frequent shopper, savvy saver, strategic traveler, a student just getting started, or a small business owner growing a brand, Investopedia has identified the best credit cards to help you pick the one that fits your individual financial needs while earning rewards. After collecting over 50 data points across more than 300 credit cards, these are the best credit cards for different lifestyles, consumer spending categories, and credit scores.

Best Credit Cards

  • Best Overall: Capital One Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • Best for Cash Back: Capital One Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • Best for Travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve
  • Best for Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve
  • Best Airline Card: United℠ Explorer
  • Best Hotel Card: World of Hyatt Credit Card
  • Best Balance Transfer Card: Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card
  • Best Card for Students: Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
  • Best Business Card: Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card
  • Best for Groceries: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • Best for Online Shopping: Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • Best Secured Card: Capital One Platinum Secured

Read about all of the best credit cards before deciding which is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How Do I Apply for a Credit Card?

    You can complete a credit card application in several ways: online, on a paper application, or on the phone. Applying for a credit card online is convenient and you can get a decision almost immediately. Be prepared with personal details like your date of birth and social security number; details on income and housing costs; and information on any authorized users you want to add to the account.

  • How Long Does it Take to Get a Credit Card?

    Credit card approval can often be obtained instantly online but getting the plastic in your hands is another matter. If you are in a particular hurry many issuers can ship your card for overnight delivery, but at a significant cost. Otherwise it generally takes 3 - 10 business days to get your new credit card through the U.S. mail.

  • How are Credit Limits Determined?

    Credit card issuers determine each cardholder’s credit limit based on many factors, the most important of which is the customer’s credit score. Other factors typically include employment status, income level and debt to income ratio. Whether credit limits are a set dollar amount or are dynamic, i.e. not pre-set, the creditworthiness of the borrower is the most important consideration for lenders in determining how much credit to extend.

  • Is it Possible to Get Interest Rates Lowered on Credit Cards?

    Very often it is quite possible to lower the interest rate on your credit card account if you contact your card issuer’s customer service department with the request.  Your account must be in good standing to be eligible for an interest rate adjustment, however, which means you have not been late with previous payments or exceeded your credit limit.

  • What Should You Do if You Want to Dispute a Charge on Your Credit Card Statement?

    Credit card disputes typically arise when consumers unsuccessfully attempt to get a refund from a merchant for unwanted or defective merchandise or they notice an unauthorized charge on their credit card statement.  In these cases the customer should contact their card issuer to dispute a charge either online or by calling the toll-free number on the back of their card.

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