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 |
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 cardVisa · student
Best for: Students who bank with Bank of America
A reliable student card from a major bank with an intro APR offer. Good for building a banking relationship with BofA.
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.
View cardBest for: People wanting a no-fee secured card outside major banks
A no-annual-fee secured card with reasonable APR. Lesser-known but solid option.
View cardBest for: People with large purchases to finance interest-free
One of the longest 0% intro periods available. No rewards but built purely for saving on interest.
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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 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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Visa · cashback
Best for: This card is best for travelers looking to maximize rewards on purchases, especially those who frequently book through Capital One Travel.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers solid travel rewards with a straightforward earning structure, making it appealing for frequent travelers.
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.
View cardMastercard · student
Best for: International students building US credit
One of the few cards that accepts international students without SSN. Rewards are modest but accessibility is the draw.
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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.
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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.
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Visa · balance_transfer
Best for: Individuals with a credit score of 670 or higher looking to pay off existing debt interest-free for an extended period.
This card is excellent for those looking to manage debt with its long introductory 0% APR. However, high ongoing rates after the intro period may deter long-term users.
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Amex · travel
Best for: This card is best for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties and want to earn bonus points on everyday purchases.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a solid choice for frequent Hilton guests, offering generous rewards and no annual fee.
View cardVisa · cashback
Best for: This card is best for individuals looking for straightforward cash back rewards without annual fees, especially military personnel.
The PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers solid cash back rewards with no annual fee, making it an attractive option for everyday spending.
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.
View cardMastercard · unsecured
Best for: U.S. consumers who are establishing or rebuilding credit and want an unsecured credit card without a security deposit.
The Destiny Mastercard may make sense for someone focused on establishing or rebuilding credit who specifically wants an unsecured card without a deposit, but its high APR and fee structure warrant careful comparison with lower-cost credit-building alternatives.
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 cardMastercard
Best for: People wanting to build credit within the Citi ecosystem
Solid secured card from a major issuer. No annual fee and a clear path to graduating to an unsecured Citi card.
View cardBest for: Regions Bank customers wanting low interest
Solid regional bank low-rate option. Good for existing Regions customers.
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