The Best Credit Cards of 2021
- Citi® Double Cash Card: Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Card.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best Entry-Level Travel Card.
- Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best Cash Back Card.
- American Express® Gold Card: Best Card for Dining.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best Flexible Travel Rewards Card.
What should you look for when choosing a credit card?
Here’s a checklist of some things to look at when you choose a credit card:
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR). This is the cost of borrowing on the card, if you don’t pay the whole balance off each month.
- minimum repayment.
- annual fee.
- charges.
- introductory interest rates.
- loyalty points or rewards.
- cash back.
How can I choose the right credit card?
Before you choose a credit card, get the answers to a few key questions. The answers to most of these questions can be found in the disclosure included with the credit card application. There are many different types of credit cards to choose from: regular credit cards, rewards credit cards, and student credit cards, to name a few.
Which is the best way to check your credit score?
👉 For more insights, check out this resource.
The better your score, the greater your chance of being approved for cards with better perks. Among ways to check your score: NerdWallet offers free access to credit scores. Many credit card issuers give cardholders free FICO scores.
Which is the best type of credit card to get?
👉 Discover more in this in-depth guide.
Credit cards can be separated into three main types: rewards, 0% APR and building credit. Below we list which consumer each type of credit card is best for. If you have no debt and have already established good credit, rewards credit cards can help you offset the cost of purchases and pay for upcoming travel (by redeeming points or miles).
Table of ContentsWhat should my credit score be to get a rewards card?
Generally, a score of 700 or higher will allow you to get a rewards card with a sign-up bonus or a promotional interest rate (and a relatively low regular APR). There are many ways to check your credit score, but not all of them are free.
