Updated: 1 day ago
Best Credit Cards of 2026
Compare the top credit cards for cash back, travel rewards, balance transfers, and building credit. All cards reviewed by our experts.
50+
Cards Reviewed
200K
Max Bonus Points
5%
Top Cash Back Rate
What type of card are you looking for?
Top Credit Card Picks
Showing 4 cards1
Editor's Choice
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover
5%
Rotating Categories
1%
All Other Purchases
$0
Annual Fee
0%
Intro APR 15 mo.
🎉 Cashback Match
Discover matches ALL the cash back you earn at the end of your first year. Plus $100 after first purchase.
Key Benefits
5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories
0% intro APR on purchases & balance transfers for 15 months
No annual fee - ever
Free FICO credit score on monthly statements
2
Cash Back
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase
5%
Travel via Chase
3%
Dining & Drugstores
1.5%
Everything Else
$0
Annual Fee
🎁 $200 Welcome Bonus
Earn $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months. Plus 0% intro APR for 15 months.
Key Benefits
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel
3% on dining and drugstore purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases
3
Best for Travel
The Platinum Card®
American Express
5X
Points on Flights
5X
Prepaid Hotels
$895
Annual Fee
175K
Bonus Points
✈️ Up to 175,000 Bonus Points
Earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
Key Benefits
5X points on flights booked directly with airlines
$200 hotel credit, $200 airline fee credit
Airport lounge access (Centurion, Priority Pass)
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
4
Business Travel
Business Platinum Card®
American Express
5X
Flights & Hotels
1.5X
$5K+ Purchases
$895
Annual Fee
200K
Bonus Points
🚀 200,000 Bonus Points
Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
Key Benefits
5X points on flights and prepaid hotels via Amex Travel
1.5X points on purchases of $5,000+ (up to 1M points/year)
35% points rebate when using Pay with Points for flights
Centurion Lounge access + $200 airline fee credit
Quick Comparison
| Card | Best For | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee | APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Cash Back | Overall / Cash Back | Cashback Match | $0 | 16.24% - 27.24% |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Everyday Spending | $200 | $0 | 20.49% - 29.24% |
| Amex Platinum | Travel Rewards | 175,000 pts | $895 | 21.99% - 29.99% |
| Amex Business Platinum | Business Travel | 200,000 pts | $895 | 21.99% - 29.99% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right credit card?
Consider your spending habits and goals. If you want cash back on everyday purchases, the Discover it® Cash Back is our top pick. If you travel frequently, the Amex Platinum offers incredible value with lounge access and travel credits. For business owners, check out the Business Platinum Card.
What credit score do I need to get approved?
Most premium cards like the Amex Platinum require good to excellent credit (670+). However, the Discover it® Cash Back is more accessible and great for building credit, as it reports to all three bureaus.
Is the annual fee worth it?
It depends on how you use the card. For example, the Amex Platinum has a $895 annual fee, but offers over $1,400 in annual credits and perks. If you travel frequently and use the lounge access, hotel credits, and airline fee credits, the value far exceeds the cost. If you prefer no annual fee, the Discover it® Cash Back has $0 annual fee forever.
How do 0% APR balance transfers work?
A 0% APR balance transfer lets you move existing credit card debt to a new card with no interest for a promotional period. The Discover it® Cash Back offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, helping you pay down debt faster since 100% of your payment goes to principal instead of interest.
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