Credit card ledger
| Who it's for | Key number to check | Compare |
|---|---|---|
| First card or building credit Approval needs and annual fee | Approval needs and annual fee | Compare |
| Pulse pick Everyday cashback Flat rate vs rotating categories | Flat rate vs rotating categories | Compare |
| Carrying a balance 0% intro APR length and transfer fee | 0% intro APR length and transfer fee | Compare |
| Travel and miles Foreign transaction fee and bonus spend | Foreign transaction fee and bonus spend | Compare |
| Students No annual fee and credit-building tools | No annual fee and credit-building tools | Compare |
Discover · secured
Best for: This card is best for individuals looking to establish or improve their credit score while earning cash back on daily expenses.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a solid choice for those looking to build or rebuild their credit while earning cash back on everyday purchases.
View cardBest for: Military members and families wanting low ongoing interest
Excellent low ongoing APR for USAA members. One of the lowest variable rates available.
View cardvisa · cashback
Best for: Walmart.com shoppers who frequently use online ordering or pickup/delivery
Solid for Walmart online shoppers getting 5% back, but the in-store rate of 2% is average.
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Visa · cashback
Best for: This card is best suited for individuals looking to build their credit history while earning cash back on everyday purchases.
The Chase Freedom Rise® is a solid choice for those new to credit, offering cash back without an annual fee. However, its high APR may be daunting for some users.
View cardMastercard · unsecured
Best for: Consumers with less-than-perfect credit who prefer an unsecured credit card and value monthly reporting to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
The FIT Platinum Mastercard may be an option for consumers with less-than-perfect credit who specifically need an unsecured card, but its high APR and multiple fees make lower-cost credit-building cards worth comparing first.
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Visa · student
Best for: Best for students seeking to establish credit with a low-cost option.
The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card offers a solid entry point for students looking to build credit while earning cash back on purchases.
View cardVisa · cashback
Best for: Bank of America customers who can take advantage of Preferred Rewards to boost cash back rates
A straightforward cash back card that shines for Bank of America customers. Preferred Rewards members can boost the base 1.5% rate up to 2.62%, making it competitive with or better than most flat-rate cards. The 0% intro APR adds flexibility for large purchases.
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Visa · travel
Best for: Frequent travelers and foodies with good to excellent credit who spend significantly on travel and dining.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who value high rewards rates, especially on travel and dining. However, the high APR can be a drawback for those who carry a balance.
View cardVisa · secured
Best for: Consumers building or rebuilding credit who are comfortable funding a refundable security deposit and want to apply without a credit check.
The OpenSky Secured Visa may make sense for consumers building or rebuilding credit who want to avoid a credit check during the application process and can provide the required security deposit. Its $35 annual fee and other transaction costs make comparison with no-annual-fee secured cards worthwhile.
View cardBest for: Students and young adults with absolutely no credit history who want their first credit card without needing a cosigner or security deposit.
Petal 1 is one of the few cards specifically built for people with zero credit history. Instead of relying solely on credit scores, it analyzes your banking data to determine eligibility. Ideal for students who have a bank account but no credit file yet.
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Amex · cashback
Best for: Ideal for frequent travelers who can maximize rewards and benefits, particularly those who value luxury travel experiences.
The Platinum Card® offers exceptional travel rewards and benefits, but comes with a high annual fee that may not suit everyone.
View cardMastercard
Best for: People who want to passively build credit using subscriptions they already pay for, without taking on traditional credit card risk.
Grow Credit takes a unique approach — rather than traditional spending, it pays your existing subscription bills (Netflix, Spotify, etc.) and reports those payments to all three credit bureaus. The free tier covers one subscription, and paid tiers cover more. It's a passive way to build credit without changing your spending habits.
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Mastercard · cashback
Best for: Ideal for regular Target shoppers who want to maximize their savings and enjoy benefits like free shipping.
The Target Circle™ Card offers solid savings for frequent Target shoppers, but it may not be the best option for those seeking extensive rewards beyond Target purchases.
View cardMastercard · student
Best for: Students with bad credit denied by other issuers
Last-resort student card with high fees. Only consider if denied everywhere else.
View cardVisa · unsecured
Best for: Consumers rebuilding credit who want an unsecured Visa card and can benefit from cash back on select everyday spending categories.
The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit may fit consumers seeking an unsecured credit-building card with limited cash back rewards, but the high variable APR and $75 first-year annual fee, increasing to $99 thereafter, make it important to compare costs with other credit-building options.
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Amex · cashback
Best for: Best for those who frequently fly Delta and dine out often, as the rewards structure favors these spending categories.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers solid rewards for Delta travelers, but the annual fee may not be justifiable for occasional flyers.
View cardBest for: People wanting forced savings alongside credit building
Unique combo of credit building and forced savings. Requires an active Self credit-builder loan account.
View cardBest for: Military-connected individuals wanting the lowest possible rates
Some of the lowest ongoing rates in the industry. Great for anyone who qualifies for Navy Federal membership.
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Amex · cashback
Best for: This card is ideal for individuals who dine out frequently and shop at U.S. supermarkets, maximizing rewards on everyday spending.
The American Express® Gold Card is a rewarding choice for foodies and frequent travelers, offering robust points on dining and groceries.
View cardMastercard
Best for: People with fair credit scores who want an unsecured credit card without tying up money in a security deposit.
Avant offers an unsecured card to people with fair credit who may not qualify for mainstream cards. No deposit is required, which is a significant advantage over secured cards. The card reports to all three bureaus, making it a legitimate credit-building tool.
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